About Me!
My name is Nacef Guessaymi. Nice to meet you 馃憢!
I’m a Computational Biophysicist at the University of Pittsburgh/Carnegie Mellon University. I am currently working in the Durrant Lab at the University of Pittsburgh as a PhD candidate. Hop over to my Research section to learn more about my research.
This is a brief timeline of various events during my life and career.
Now
Pittsburgh, PA
Currently I am working on wrapping up my research to defend my thesis. I am on the job hunt for Quantitative Researcher roles.
Admission to Candidacy
Pittsburgh, PA
I proposed my thesis work to my comittee and was admitted to candidacy.
Moved to the Durrant Lab
Pittsburgh, PA
After some time in the Chamanzar lab, I realized our research interests did not align. I wanted to focus on computational modeling of biophysical systems (similar to my comprehensive exam proposal). I moved on to the Durrant Lab. My research focus is on computational drug design targeting functional amyloids and molecular dynamics simulations of these amyloids. We collaborate strongly with the Akbey Lab, where I rotated previously.
Passed My Comprehensive Exam
Pittsburgh, PA
My program requires us to propose a project unrelated to our research work in the format of an F31 research proposal. I defended this work in front of my comprehensive exam committee.
Began Rowing Again
Pittsburgh, PA
I joined the Carnegie Mellon Rowing Team. I raced in a couple of regattas. Usually sat bowseat again!
Came back to Grad School
Pittsburgh, PA
After some time working, it was time to come back to my program. After Dr. Dahl decided to move on to other ventures, I needed to a find a new lab and I ultimately joined the Chamanzar Lab in the Electrical Engineering Department at CMU. I worked on Optogenetic Stimulation using minimally invasive neural probes.
Began Working for Pharma
Gaithersburg, MD
Due to the COVID pandemic, I took a leave from my program and began working as a Bioassay Development Scientist II for a pharmaceutical company. I was contracted out by Eurofins PSS to a major pharmaceutical company in Gaithersburg where I worked on RSV immunologics, their COVID platform, and some cancer therapeutics.
Early Research Work
Pittsburgh, PA
I started working in the Dahl Lab in the Chemical Engineering Department at CMU. My early work was focused on the rheobiology of neural pluripotent starfish stem cells.
Started Graduate School
Pittsburgh, PA
Began my PhD in Molecular Biophysics and Structural Biology at the University of Pittsburgh/Carnegie Mellon University. Fun fact: At the time, our first year we were assigned randomly a school until we joined our labs. I was the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine student. Our degree ultimately comes from the host University of the lab we pick.
Graduated College
Philadelphia, PA
Completed my Bachelor's of Science in Biophysics at Temple University. My last two years were concentrated in the Physics department where I was taught by Dr. Tsankov, Dr. Burkhardt, Dr. Ruzsinszky, Dr. Newby, and Dr. Sparveris to name a few.
Began My Research Career
Philadelphia, PA
Started working as an undergraduate researcher at the Yang Lab. My focus was on imaging and modeling the selective barrier of the nuclear pore complex.
Started College
Philadelphia, PA
Began my college education at Temple University. Fun fact: I switched from a major in Biochemistry to Biophysics in the first day.
Graduated High School
Philadelphia, PA
Received my High School degree from the Academy at Palumbo. Won the Social Studies award at graduation.
Winner of the Math March Madness Competition
Philadelphia, PA
My friends and I competed in a local math competition where we won first place.
Started Rowing
Philadelphia, PA
Began rowing competitively for Philadelphia City Rowing. I raced in a couple of regattas. I was usually bowseat.
Started High School
Philadelphia, PA
Began my high school education at the Academy at Palumbo in Philadelphia.
Move
Philadelphia, PA
We moved from Montr茅al to Philadelphia.
Beginning
Montr茅al, QC
All good things must come to a start!