Neuro Global International Joint Graduate Program,
Tohoku University

Graduate School of Life Sciences
Sharmin Naher

I am Sharmin Naher, a doctoral graduate from the Department of Developmental Neuroscience at Tohoku University and an alumna of the Neuro Global Program (NGP). I would like to share my journey and how the NGP has enriched my academic and research experiences.

My academic journey began with an undergraduate degree in pharmacy, where I developed a keen interest in the molecular mechanisms underlying brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders.This passion led me to Japan, where I joined the Department of Developmental Neuroscience at Tohoku University under the supervision of Professor Noriko Osumi, first as a master’s student. In my second year, I was honored to be selected for the Neuro Global Program, which became an integral part of my academic and research training.

The NGP provided an excellent platform for international collaboration and advanced neuroscience education. Through its lectures and seminars, I gained access to the latest developments in the field and had the opportunity to learn from world-renowned experts, including Professors Jin-Wu Tsai, Pierre Vanderhaeghen, and Magdalena Götz. These experiences greatly deepened my understanding of brain development and expanded my academic network.

My doctoral research focused on how Kinesin family motor proteins regulate neural stem/progenitor cell (NSPC) division during embryonic neurogenesis. I discovered that two Kinesin proteins, uniquely expressed in NSPCs, play crucial roles in early cortical development—findings that provide new insights into brain development and disorders such as microcephaly. Support from the NGP, especially through mentorship from Professor Jin-Wu Tsai during the COVID-19 pandemic, helped me refine my work. This research was ultimately published as a cover article in The EMBO Journal.

The NGP also strengthened my scientific communication and academic English skills, and enhanced my ability to engage with the global neuroscience community. After completing my doctoral program, I am continuing my research as an assistant professor in the Department of Developmental Neuroscience at Tohoku University, while collaborating with international researchers I connected with during my time as an NGP student. I am truly grateful to the NGP for these opportunities and look forward to contributing further to international neuroscience research.