The Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards celebrate the remarkable contributions of people who were born outside of Canada but have enriched the province through their leadership, innovation and community efforts. Among the 2024 honorees is Zainab Khan, a second-year PhD student in neuroscience at the University of Calgary. Khan received the Young Leader Award, which recognizes exceptional individuals aged 18 to 30 who are making a difference in Alberta. This prestigious award highlights Khan's dedication to advancing neuroscience research and her impactful community advocacy.
From curiosity to cutting-edge neuroscience
Khan's academic journey began with a passion for understanding how the brain works and finding ways to improve treatments for brain-related disorders. In 2019, she moved to Canada to further her studies, inspired by the groundbreaking work at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI) at the Cumming School of Medicine. At HBI, she focuses on how early life factors affect brain development and how these changes might lead to long-term learning and memory challenges. On another front, her work explores conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia, studying how these diseases develop and looking for better treatments.
Zainab Khan, Alberta Immigrant Impact Award winner. Photo Courtesy: Zainab Khan
Her research involves using advanced tools, including innovative brain-chip technologies developed by her supervisor, from the Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Dr. Naweed I. Syed, PhD. This work could revolutionize how we understand and treat complex brain conditions, paving the way for new therapies. Khan's efforts have earned her several scholarships, including the Alberta Innovates Award and the Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship, which have helped her dive deeper into neuro-innovation and bring her closer to her academic and professional goals.
"The recognition of Zainab's research and contribution to our province is incredibly important in showcasing the impact that our students have on the broader community, and what makes UCalgary a destination of choice for graduate students," says Dr. Tara Beattie, PhD, dean and vice-provost (Graduate Studies).
"This award is a well-deserved acknowledgement of the progressive work of students like Zainab, in their passion to develop elevated and innovative solutions to challenges that we may face in our society every day."
From local advocacy to global impact
At UCalgary, Khan has taken on a pivotal role in fostering inclusivity and diversity. As a member of the HBI's Diversity and Inclusion Subcommittee, she works to ensure graduate students feel supported and valued, creating an environment where diverse perspectives thrive.
In Alberta, Khan's contributions to community well-being became particularly impactful during the COVID-19 pandemic. She began by moderating mental health webinars aimed at raising awareness and providing support during a time of isolation. Drawing on her experience as a Project Manager at Maskan, a local women's shelter, she managed initiatives that amplified community concerns, leading to policy changes that contributed to Alberta's Anti-Racism Action Strategy. These efforts expanded into volunteering with nonprofits addressing mental health challenges, gender-based violence and systemic racism.
On a global scale, Khan co-founded Teach a Kid Make Individual Life; TAKMIL, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving access to education for children in Pakistan. Through TAKMIL, she has been instrumental in providing education to over 5,000 children, helping to break the cycle of poverty and inequality. Her leadership in this initiative underscores her belief in the transformative power of education, particularly for underserved communities. "TAKMIL isn't just about education; it's about hope and empowerment for children who might otherwise be left behind," she says.
An award that celebrates collective impact
Receiving the Alberta Immigrant Impact Award was a moment of gratitude for Khan. She shared that the award represents not only personal achievement but also recognition of the broader community efforts she has been part of. "While I was personally happy, the greatest joy came from knowing this award recognizes efforts to uplift the community," Khan reflects.
Khan credits her father's dedication to family and community as a key inspiration in her own journey, emphasizing the importance of meaningful contributions by immigrants in shaping a better future for Alberta. She highlights these sentiments in a video, where she reflects on the impact of the award and its role in encouraging others to continue making a difference.
The recognition adds to her growing list of honors, including the prestigious Women of Distinction Award in 2023. "This award is an encouragement for more people to contribute to building a healthier and more prosperous Alberta," she says.
Shaping a future of innovation and inclusion
Khan's vision for the future is both ambitious and inspiring. She aims to continue her groundbreaking research in neuroscience while expanding her advocacy work to support marginalized communities in education and health care. Her passion for addressing neurodevelopmental conditions stems from her personal experience as a caretaker for her older sister, who faced such challenges in a culture where these issues are often stigmatized.
"A person's legacy extends beyond their lifetime," she says. "As both a researcher and community member, I strive to make the world a better place." This deeply personal motivation drives her to integrate science with compassion, ensuring her work makes a tangible impact on people's lives.
The Faculty of Graduate Studies and the Cumming School of Medicine join the broader community in celebrating Khan's exceptional achievements. Her story reflects the resilience, determination and potential of Alberta's immigrant leaders.
