With an inquisitive mind and endless questioning, he soon found himself studying medicine and fully understood what his father meant when he said the future of medicine depended on genetics , mathematics and computer science. Read our interview to find out how Tehmina ended up as vice president and head of target identification at Toronto-based TechBio, Deep Genomics.
Can you give us an overview of your work?.
I lead a multi-institutional team of mathematical and biological scientists, who are breaking new ground in R&D. My team focuses on using the company’s platform and AI/ML models to target drug discovery. In particular, we work at the intersection of AI and biological sciences and drug development, where everyone contributes a unique skill and perspective, which helps solve complex problems and innovate. As a result, we are adopting a new approach to TechBio that enables partners to move faster and more transparently.
When did you realize you were interested in science – as a young child, teenager, or older?.
As a child, I was fascinated by science and grew up in a family that discussed almost every decision. I learned to ask questions about outcomes and consequences and became fascinated with problem solving. I had an inquisitive mind and I was always wondering why things didn’t work or didn’t work.
Before my teenage years, my father, who was a physicist, gave me James Watson’s The Double Helix, and a computer. He said the future of medicine is genetics, mathematics and computer science. He encouraged me to study and learn those parts. Later, as I progressed through medical school, my interest in molecular biology and genetics grew, and I began to truly understand and appreciate what my father was doing. he said it.
Can you describe your journey that brought us to where you are now?.
I received my primary education in Pakistan where I went to medical school because almost everyone who knows my studies studied medicine. I spent a year as a resident after which I took a year off and went to China to study Mandarin. When I returned to Pakistan, I realized a few things. Firstly, that working in a clinic was not suitable for me, and secondly, the opportunities based in Pakistan in basic research were few. I didn’t know how to get into a program in the US or the UK, so I started teaching molecular biology at a medical school in Islamabad.
A friend was looking for a GRE study partner, and since taking exams is something I enjoy, I joined him for the job. After passing the GRE I received a Fulbright Scholarship to study human genetics at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where I received my PhD. In 2013, I met Dr. Samuel Aparicio, who pioneered work in single cell genomics and personalized cancer treatments at the BC Cancer Agency in Vancouver. I then moved to Vancouver to continue my postdoc studies. In 2019, I came across Deep Genomics. The company was looking for someone with a medical background who works in genomics and has wet and dry lab experience. It was all I wanted. A few weeks later, I moved to Toronto, and have been at Deep Genomics ever since.
What challenges have you faced – female or otherwise – along the way, and what’s the most important lesson you’ve learned?.
As a woman of color growing up in Pakistan, I had a dearth of visible role models and mentors. Few had similar backgrounds, which made it difficult to see success. I learned that adaptability is important. It is important to measure and accept risks in order to constantly strive for progress. Growth is often outside of your comfort zone. Embracing change and taking risks is essential to achieving personal and professional success.
Lessons that engage me today include perseverance, focus on doing your job well, adaptability, and adaptability. This includes changes to the new country, culture and system. It’s important to have this skill because it will not only help you thrive in your current environment, but it will also help you learn and adapt as major developments like AI become mainstream.
I also learned a lot from my PhD supervisor, Dr. JoAnn Sekiguchi. Although he had just started his lab, he always spent time with his students. He contributed to the importance of the scientific theory of architecture and the behavior of working. He is a truly inspiring scientist, and I still apply his insightful teachings to this day.
What fuels your passion in your current career?.
I learn something new almost every day. It is not just a job requirement; it’s culture. At Deep Genomics, the people are amazing, and I’m always inspired. From the first meeting at Deep Genomics, I understood and believed in the focus on multilingualism. For us, that means computational scientists think about how their work affects the ability to find targets and molecules, and biologists think about data collection and measurement. When team members understand each other, they not only create a culture of collaboration, but also encourage creativity.
What is your current career path?.
My current work style is about improving performance and reproducibility through sustainable processes, and pipelines that reduce human error and provide long-term value to the company.
I believe in starting with the end goal in mind, empowering individuals and groups to make early decisions that lay the foundation for long-term impact. An important part of my approach is to foster their growth into independent thinkers and leaders. I also focus on capturing and documenting institutional knowledge. If a team member is not available, the effort should continue without interruption.
Finally, the principles of my work are based on “monitored autonomy,” which means knowing what team members are working on, providing guidance and enabling autonomy. Hours and schedule are subject to change. It’s about productivity.
Can you share some advice for young women who are starting to become interested in science or want to pursue a career like yours?.
My advice is to pursue a field you love that allows you to keep learning, growing, and taking risks. Explore new opportunities and stay flexible about career paths, while keeping an eye on emerging trends. And, most importantly, never forget your abilities and strengths. Get rid of self-doubt and believe in yourself.
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