Moments of glory are moments when your work is being unanimously appreciated. After launching the Neuroscience cover competition we received your votes and we all waited eagerly for the results. Once again, we want to thank you, the people within our community for your engagement, and we are very pleased that you found the Neuroscience cover, Volume 469, issued August 10, 2021 to be your favorite.
And because a cover could not have existed without someone to create it, we would also like to present you all, with the person behind such an appreciated work. Therefore it is within our greatest joy to introduce you to a featured interview with Ms. Heba M. Mansour, the winner of the Neuroscience cover competition 2022.
What is your professional background?
I have a Master’s degree in pharmacology and toxicology from the Faculty of Pharmacy, at the Cairo University. At present I work at the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA).
What made you choose your career direction?
As an undergraduate, I was very interested in pharmacology lectures given by the leading course professor. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I was excited to further expand my knowledge in pharmacology and toxicology.
What do you consider to be your first scientific or career breakthrough?
I first realized I can develop a scientific career in 2020, when I was working on a project aimed at identifying the potential repositioning of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in Alzheimer’s disease. As the field of anti-cancer tyrosine kinase inhibitors for neurodegenerative disorders was emerging as a challenging area with potential to lead to disease-modifying therapies, I had the opportunity to co-author a complete multi-authored textbook in this research field. The book will be published by Elsevier in 2023.
What aspects of your work do you enjoy the most?
I am passionate about making science more accessible with my scientific illustrations. To me, scientific publications are a form of art. Data writing information synthesizes the scientific results that can enrich the quality of the research.
What is the ultimate, high-level goal of your research?
There is a quote that says, “As long as you’ve got passion, faith, and the willingness to work hard, you can do anything you want in this life.” The goals that exist in the field of research are endless; the key is to find a niche where you can make a difference. My focus is the research in drug repositioning, and I hope to find repurposed drugs that might reduce the time of developing new medication that can be used in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. This would greatly impact the lives of the people suffering from neurodegenerative diseases, since they could almost immediately benefit from these treatments. Therefore, I am pleased to take on any opportunity that I have, to share my research with others and provide education on this important topic.
Did you know IBRO and the two IBRO journals?
Yes, I am familiar with both IBRO’s Neuroscience and Neuroscience Reports, as well as with IBRO’s work and efforts towards supporting the neuroscience community.
What made you decide to publish your work in Neuroscience?
I feel that anyone in this field would like to have their research featured in such a reputable journal that publishes diverse aspects of the scientific study of the nervous system. I am deeply proud to have succeeded publishing my article in it and I am extremely thankful and grateful to Prof. Dr. Juan Lerma, Editor-in-chief of Neuroscience, and Prof. Dr. Carlos Dotti, Senior Editor of Neuroscience for giving me the privilege of contributing with my perspective article.
What is your first advice to a person who wishes to pursue a scientific career.
I believe that science is mesmerizing and this is a unique field, as it gives you the opportunity to embark on a journey of discoveries and before taking this journey you have to be equipped not only with knowledge and equipment, but also with determination. For anyone who wishes to pursue a scientific career my advice is that they strive to maintain a desire to learn and find their passions. Since when you find your passion, you found something that you can tackle with a certain level of intention and excitement that is contagious to those around you. Even though your interests may vary, I hope you too can be passionate enough to want to succeed and make a positive difference with your work.