Tayyaba Hasan	Current Lab Members	Alumni

 

Dr. Tayyaba Hasan has established a collaborative group of scientists which she leads to further her award-winning work in photochemistry-based approaches (photodynamic therapy, or PDT) for the treatment and diagnosis of disease.  As a well known mentor and advocate for diverse and often-marginalized young scientists, Dr Hasan has advocated and guided many researchers to better hone their collaborative and scientific efforts for the betterment of all. As the proud recipient of 13 significant or lifetime achievement awards, as recognized by many leading international organizations, Dr Hasan is a well respected  leader in her field.

The overall scientific strategy of her lab is to develop molecular mechanisms and optical imaging-based combination treatment regimens where one treatment arm involves light activation of certain near-infrared-absorbing chemicals. This program identifies various cellular and molecular targets for specific diseases and designs constructs for optimal photochemical treatment effects. The targeting entities include photoactivatable nanoparticles and small molecules.

In cancer, the focus malignancies are ovarian, prostate, pancreas and head and neck cancers.

In infections and infectious diseases, efforts are targeted toward developing microbial-enzyme-specific photoactivatable molecules for use in PDT. We  target organisms like leishmaniasis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

In addition, optimal imaging strategies develop target specific molecular probes for in situ monitoring of cellular processes during treatment such as the up-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor.

 

Of special note, we lost a long-time Lab member and friend recently. Please see this page for more information: In memory of Zhiming Mai