Hi everyone,
My name is Shima Rajabalizadeh, and I’m from Iran, a land rich in culture, ancient history, and resilient people who persevere even through the toughest times. At 26, I left home for the first time to pursue a dream that had quietly grown inside me for years. Now, three years later, I can confidently say it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
During my time in Iran, I studied Medical Laboratory Sciences and worked in a clinical and diagnostic laboratory. While I enjoyed my work, there was always a quiet voice inside me saying that my story wasn’t meant to end there. I had always been curious and deeply passionate about scientific research. I knew I wanted to be part of something bigger, something that could truly make a difference. At the same time, I felt a strong desire to become independent, to live freely, and to explore new opportunities. But the limitations I faced in my country made it clear that I couldn’t reach my full potential if I stayed. So, I made the courageous decision to move.
Getting accepted into the Medical Biotechnology program in UPO was a turning point in my life. I was especially drawn to Curriculum C: Cell Therapy, Tissue Engineering, and Regenerative Medicine because it combined everything, I was passionate about. The courses exceeded my expectations; they were modern, research-driven, and deeply inspiring.
Beyond academics, life in Novara gave me more than I ever imagined. I had always dreamed of living in a peaceful town with a mild, humid climate, and that’s exactly what I found. Despite being a small city, Novara offers everything a student could need, all at a very reasonable cost of living. I even found a beautiful villa with a large garden and a pool, all at a fair price. It truly felt like I was living the life I had once only imagined. Even better, my landlords welcomed me like a member of their own family. Their kindness made me feel at home, even though I was far from my own.
One of the biggest highlights of my academic journey was my internship in Professor Isidoro’s lab. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to learn under his guidance. He wasn’t just a professor; he was a real mentor. He supported me, believed in me, and helped me grow in every possible way. During my time there, I learned many useful techniques, developed my skills, and successfully completed my thesis project, which felt like a major achievement.
I graduated with an excellent GPA and a thesis I was truly proud of. But the journey didn’t stop there. As I searched for a way to bridge clinical diagnostics with academic research, I joined the Immunomics Lab at CAAD, where I’m currently involved in an ongoing project developing a synovia-on-a-chip for rheumatoid arthritis.
Now, as I move forward, I feel more excited than ever. I know challenges are part of the path, but I also know I’m exactly where I should be learning, growing, and contributing to something that truly matters. I can’t wait to see what the future holds, and I hope that by sharing my story, I can encourage someone else to take a leap toward their dreams.
With all my heart,
Shima Rajabalizadeh
