
Tayyaba Hasan, PhD
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Dr. Tayyaba Hasan has established a collaborative group of scientists which she leads to further her award-winning work in photochemistry-based approaches (photodynamic therapy, or PDT) for the treatment and diagnosis of disease.
As a well known mentor and advocate for diverse and often-marginalized young scientists, Dr Hasan has advocated and guided more than 350 researchers to better hone their collaborative and scientific efforts over her career, many of who have gone on to create their own labs and/or joined industry and commerical ventures. Dr Hasan is the proud recipient of 13 significant or lifetime achievement awards, and is recognized as a well respected leader by the leading international organizations in her field.
The overall scientific strategy of her lab is to develop molecular mechanisms and optical imaging-based combination treatment regimens where one treatment arm involves light activation of certain near-infrared-absorbing chemicals. This program identifies various cellular and molecular targets for specific diseases and designs constructs for optimal photochemical treatment effects. The targeting entities include photoactivatable nanoparticles and small molecules.
In cancer, the focus malignancies are ovarian, prostate, pancreas and head and neck cancers.
In infections and infectious diseases, efforts are targeted toward developing microbial-enzyme-specific photoactivatable molecules for use in PDT. She targets organisms like leishmaniasis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
In addition, optimal imaging strategies develop target specific molecular probes for in situ monitoring of cellular processes during treatment such as the up-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor.
For more information, please visit her lab website: THE HASAN LABORATORY
related links for Dr Hasan:
Tayyaba Hasan - Google Scholar
Tayyaba Hasan | Harvard Catalyst Profiles | Harvard Catalyst
Tayyaba Hasan | Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology
News
2025-02-11:
Dr Tayyaba Hasan PhD was recently awarded the prestigious PAESMEM Award by The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) in concert with the National Science Foundation (NSF). The specific award: Individual category: Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM). This achievement reflects the significant contributions she has made to the field of mentoring and her contributions in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Dr. Hasan is one of only 12 individual recipients for this year in the nation.
Established by Congress in 1995, this award honors the hard work and dedication mentors exhibit in broadening participation in STEM pathways. PAESMEM specifically honors individuals and organizations that have demonstrated excellence in mentoring individuals from groups that are underrepresented in STEM education and the workforce. Over the course of Dr. Hasan’s career, she has graciously mentored over 300 candidates who are successfully making huge impacts in their fields.