Beyond Cancer Spotlight: Adeela Syed

Adeela Syed, PhD (she/her/hers) is the Manager of the Optical Biology Core (OBC) shared resource. Read on to learn more about her story. 

1. What are your career/research interests?

I have been managing the Optical Biology Core (OBC) at UC Irvine for over 10 years. My passion lies in working with UCI researchers, training them in imaging and the latest imaging techniques, and sharing insights that advance their projects. I have had the privilege of teaching multiple courses in microscopy and co-organizing scientific meetings on Advanced Imaging Methods. My goal is to support UCI researchers in making our institution a hub for the latest in scientific discovery.

2. How did your early life experiences shape your education and career choices? 

Curiosity and a passion for sharing knowledge have always driven me. This drive is what pushed me into walking into my first research lab while an undergraduate and has kept me engaged during my academic and professional journey. I have continually sought opportunities where I can both learn and educate others. Managing the Optical Biology Core (OBC) has enabled me to maintain this drive, fostering an environment where I can continue learning while teaching and training the next generation of researchers.

3. What brought you to UCI?

I was born an Anteater! I spent my time as an undergraduate pursing my BS in both Biology and Chemistry. After my time at UCLA completing PhD, I was invited back in for my Postdoc studies and have continued to make UCI my second home.

4. How did you connect with others to build your own sense of community and belonging at work? 

The Optical Biology Core (OBC) serves as a shared resource across campus, attracting researchers from various disciplines—engineering, chemistry, biology, and medicine. This diversity has been instrumental in creating a collaborative and welcoming atmosphere that naturally fosters a sense of community. Whether it's engaging in discussions during imaging sessions, analyzing data together at our workstations, sharing my homemade treats (there's only so much one can eat alone!), or participating in educational workshops, we've cultivated a special environment at the OBC. It’s a place that not only brings researchers together but also celebrates the spirit of collaboration and learning.

5. What motivates you to serve your community and contribute to the CFCCC mission? 

My motivation to serve the local community and support the CFCCC mission is deeply personal, driven by my eagerness to share knowledge and a family history with cancer. As the Optical Biology Core (OBC) is a CFCCC shared resource, we provide researchers with the advanced imaging tools necessary for pivotal breakthroughs in their work.

6. What challenges have you experienced in your professional journey? 

One big hurdle in my career was stepping into managing the Optical Biology Core (OBC) without much background in microscopy. It meant I had to hit the ground running, learning everything from the basics up to the advanced and unique techniques of microscopy, and I’m still picking up new things all the time! On top of that, juggling training folks, looking after the equipment, handling the bills and schedules, and teaching has definitely kept me on my toes. And I love it!

7. What personal or professional accomplishment are you most proud of? 

The accomplishment that brings me the most pride, both in my personal and professional life, is achieving a healthy work-life balance. Juggling the responsibilities of managing the OBC along with being a mom to four very active kids (and one equally active granddaughter) fills my days with sweet challenges. A recent memory that stands out is all of us together in front of my beloved bakery in Soho—

8. What are your interests/hobbies outside of work? 

Outside of work, I'm either tackling a hike or enjoying a ski slope. Baking is another passion—my kitchen is my second lab, where I love experimenting with new recipes. Thankfully, my experiments are well-received by the researchers around me, who are always ready to indulge in fresh baked treats. Without them, I'd probably have to spend a lot more time climbing those mountains to work it all off!

9. What is a fun or random fact about you? 

A fun fact about me is although I'm an introvert at heart, my day is filled with conversations! But I would be equally happy with my day filled with books :)

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