Nozima Fayzieva
Introduce yourself...
I am a second-year Master's student in Radiology. I am a doctor from Uzbekistan who was lucky enough to get the scholarship of the “El-yurt umidi” Foundation and be able to come to the University of Alberta for research. I wear different hats in life—I am a student, a doctor, a wife, a mom, a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a woman. I would love to think about myself as an open-minded, warm-hearted, and happy person with a great sense of humour.
What are you researching and what do you hope comes out of your research?
My research objective is to find out the association between early brain MRI changes in children from 1 to 60 months of age who had the first episode of febrile status epilepticus and subsequent development of epilepsy and/or antiepileptic drug resistance. The primary focus of the lab that I am a part of is on changes in T2 signal intensity of the hippocampus; however, we are looking at the changes in volume and shape of the hippocampus as well. Early identification of children in the higher risk group for developing complications would be useful in the determination of further follow-up and management strategies.
How did presenting a Three Minute Thesis (3MT) help explain your research to the public?
The 3MT gave me a great opportunity to look at my research from a different angle. It even challenged me to come up with a simple yet interesting analogy to be able to explain it to a broad audience while captivating their attention. 3MT helped me improve my public speaking skills—to engage my audience even if it's in a virtual format.
What inspires you to do research?
Research is the first step to change the world. I truly believe that research is the best starting point when you want to change something. It does not matter how big or small your first step is, the more important thing is that you took it. So, if I come across any issue, I know there is room for research there. The best inspiration is the ability to answer the question, solve the problem, and help someone through the research.
What are three keywords important to your 3MT?
febrile seizures, epilepsy, imaging
How has your research changed during COVID-19?
COVID-19 has impacted my plans and I had to make some arrangements. I did not have to work in a specific lab or with a big group of people, so I still managed to continue the research accordingly with the help of my supervisors.
If you had to dedicate your research to anyone from the past, present, or future—who would it be and why?
I would dedicate my research to my supervisors Dr. Bhargava and Dr. Kassiri, without the help of whom none of my research would be possible, also to the “El-yurt umidi” Foundation, the grant help cover all my expenses and made it possible for me to attend the University of Alberta. I would also like to dedicate my research to my mentors—past, present, and future. Lastly, I would like to acknowledge my loving husband and my son who could not accompany me in this journey, yet still, let me pursue my goals and waiting patiently for me to come back home when I finish my studies; also, to my mom and my second mom (in-law) who are taking care of my family on my behalf while I am away.