SPOTLIGHT: DR TASKEEN JANJUA KHAN

We recently caught up with an amazing researcher and a National Science Week Queensland Seed Grant recipient, Dr Taskeen Janjua Khan.

Q1. Hi Dr Kahn, it has been great to meet you, can you tell us a little about the important work you are doing around brain cancer research?

The brain is protected by the blood-brain barrier, which makes it difficult for many chemotherapy drugs to reach tumours effectively. My research focuses on developing advanced nanoparticle systems that can deliver these drugs directly to brain tumours, improving treatment outcomes while reducing side effects for patients.

Q2. What made you decide on a career in this field?

I am a pharmacist by training, and personal experiences with cancer in my family inspired me to focus on improving treatments. The challenge of overcoming the blood-brain barrier to deliver effective therapies for brain tumours felt like a critical problem where pharmaceutical science could make a real difference.

Q3. Do you have any advice for a career in science/STEM? Who are your role models?

Stay curious, persistent and open to collaboration.

I am inspired by Professor Maria Kavallaris, Founding Director of the Australian Centre for NanoMedicine at UNSW. She has made crucial discoveries on drug resistance and tumour aggressiveness in childhood cancer, applying nanotechnology to develop targeted treatments. Her personal experience with chemotherapy side effects gives her unique insight into the challenges patients face. I am also grateful for my mentor, Professor Amirali Popat, whose guidance and expertise in drug delivery systems have been invaluable in shaping my research and career.

Q4. A lot of us love to see inside labs and to meet real scientists, can you tell us a little bit about the public event you ran last National Science Week and what people can expect this year?

This National Science Week, I had the pleasure of hosting Science in Your Hands – The Pharmacy Lab Experience at UQ’s School of Pharmacy on 11 August! Over 70 students from local schools, including QASMT and BSSSC, joined us to explore pharmacy research firsthand.

Students got hands-on with 3D printing models, floating tablets and medicine bubbles, and took part in panel discussions exploring cutting-edge research and career paths in pharmacy. Excitement ran high with prizes for participants, including a 3D printer for first place and a microscope for second place. The interactive demonstrations, opportunity to meet real scientists, and connection to real-world research turned curiosity into discovery!

Q5. Anything else you would like to share?

I spoke at Soapbox Science Brisbane on 9 August. Soapbox Science is a public outreach event that promotes women scientists by giving them a platform to share their research in informal, accessible settings – like parks or busy streets. Scientists stand on a ‘soapbox’ and engage directly with the public, making science more approachable and inspiring more people, especially women, to consider STEM careers. It’s a great way to connect science with the community during National Science Week.

Thank you Dr Taskeen, we look forward to catching up with you for an update around your important research in the future!