Nayiri Kalindjian (’26) | Molecular and Cell Biology
Nayiri (she/her) is a 2025 SURF L&S researcher majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology. For her SURF project this summer, Nayiri is researching the topic “Enhancing Thermogenesis by Targeting Actomyosin Contraction.”
How did you get interested in the topic of your project?
Obesity is a global health crisis. The recent rise of GLP-1R agonists, such as semaglutide, have offered a promising therapeutic approach for individuals affected by this disease and its many comorbidities. I became interested in my project after learning about the emerging side effects associated with widespread use of GLP-1R agonists for weight loss. This prompted me to explore alternative therapeutic targets that could offer improved specificity and fewer side effects. In our lab, we are investigating novel small molecules that modulate actomyosin contraction—an approach that has the potential for the development of highly targeted and effective clinical interventions.
How will the skills you develop through your research fellowship help you achieve your academic and/or professional goals?
During my research fellowship, I aim to strengthen my ability to design effective experiments and troubleshoot challenges as they arise in order to generate meaningful and reproducible data. The critical thinking and problem-solving skills I will gain through this experience will be invaluable in helping me reach my professional goals by teaching me how to navigate failures and approach scientific questions with resilience.
What are you almost excited about as you undertake your summer research?
I’m super excited to build on the preliminary data we’ve collected in the lab and to share my findings with the SURF cohort. I also look forward to learning about the diverse projects the other fellows are pursuing! Seeing how different labs tackle real-world problems is one of my favorite parts of being within the research community.