|
Written by: Dr. Javed Iqbal Mirza
 |
|
Javed doing PCR
|
I was in the U.S. for 12 months during 1999-2000 as a Fulbright
Scholar. My research interests include developmental biology of
Arabidopsis thaliana. In my laboratory, we had previously isolated
a number of developmental mutants of Arabidopsis that were screened
on the basis of resistance to naphthalene acetic acid (an auxin),
benzyl adenine (a cytokinin) or spermine (a polyamine). All these
mutants have interesting developmental phenotypes.
My U.S. host, Professor Russell L. Malmberg, is one of the pioneer
scientists who initiated studies on polyamine metabolism in plants
and had recently isolated Arabidopsis mutants affected in polyamine
metabolism. The Fulbright award provided me an opportunity to
work in his laboratory.
 |
|
Javed, Russell and Glenn
|
During this period, I worked on several research projects concerning
Arabidopsis mutants. I was involved in molecular genetic mapping
of a polyamine mutant of the host laboratory and characterization
of some of the mutants isolated in my laboratory. In my host laboratory,
I was able to learn some new laboratory techniques, particularly
PCR reaction which is one of the most important methods in molecular
biology today.
In addition to the host laboratory, I was able to work in collaboration
with Dr. Glenn Galau (of the same department) on a strongly viviparous
mutant isolated in my laboratory. Dr. Galau had been working on
seed dormancy mechanisms and showed real interest toward this
collaboration.
The Fulbright agency also provided me funding to attend the 11th
International Conference on Arabidopsis Research, held in Madison,
Wisconsin (June 24-28, 2000). I presented two collaborative poster
papers in the conference and had fruitful discussions with other
scientists in my field.
 |
|
Family
|
I was accompanied by my wife, Shafqat, and two sons, Hassan and
Umair. Shafqat attended English language classes and worked at
a Big Kmart store and UGA food service. She enjoyed working with
nice people and made long-lasting friendships. Hassan and Umair
were admitted into Burney-Harris Lions School at 8th and 6th grades
respectively. They were very happy with the school system, especially
the friendly attitude of their teachers. They made many friends
and enjoyed school a lot.
They participated along with me in volunteer works arranged by
the University of Georgia International Students Organization.
Hassan was also selected for the school soccer team. My family
participated in cultural activities of several UGA and church
organizations.
The Fulbright grant was indeed a valuable experience for my family
and myself. Being a university professor, I pass this experience
to my colleagues, friends and students.
Please contact us
if you would like to submit your own story and/or photographs.
|
