Neuroscientist from Kashmir bags $1.8 million fellowship in US

A Kashmiri professor teaching Biology at the University of New Mexico has received the prestigious CAREER award from the National Science Foundation. Mubarak Hussain Syed, a neuroscientist, will receive $1.8 million over five years for his project 'Mechanisms regulating neural identity, connectivity and function - From stem cells to circuits'.

Budgam:A Kashmiri professor, Mubarak Hussain Syed, teaching Biology at the University of New Mexico has received the prestigious CAREER award from the National Science Foundation.

The award will help him to pursue his passions of understanding brain development and function, mentoring students, and science outreach. "His project, 'Mechanisms regulating neural identity, connectivity and function - From stem cells to circuits' will receive $1.8 million over five years," a statement said.

Syed, a neuroscientist, was born and brought up in Budgam where he received his primary education. Syed studied B Pharmacy from Srinagar's SP College after which he completed his masters from the University of Kashmir in Biochemistry. He then moved to Germany to pursue his PhD in Neurobiology. Syed also completed his post-doctorate after this, according to his family members in Budgam.

Talking with ETV Bharat, Syed's family members said they are proud of his achievement and that he has done Kashmir proud. "We are extremely happy. It is a big achievement. He is inspiring all the youngsters in the family to work hard and pursue their dreams," said Syed's nephew Wilayat.

Syed's achievement has become a moment of pride not only for the family but his whole village in Budgam. The locals said that Syed's success will inspire other students to pursue their goals.