Maria Abou Chakra (she/her)

About me

I was born/grew up in: Born in Beirut, Lebanon and Grew up in Oshawa, Ontario

I now live in: Oshawa, Ontario

I completed my training/education at: Honors BSc. in Biology from McMaster University; PhD in Theoretical and Evolutionary Biology from McMaster University; Post-Doc in Theoretical Biology at Max Planck Institute in Plön Germany; Research Associate in Modeling Cell Development at University of Toronto, Bader Lab

What I do at work

I work in the area of computational biology. This means that I use computers to create models of how biological systems work. Then I develop experiments using computer models I have developed. We call this type of experiment an in-silico experiment. Each day, my tasks vary depending on the project I am working on. Some days, I spend my time reading research reports. I do this to get background information about the project. Other days are spent analyzing the results of experiments we have done using computer models.

At the beginning of a project, most of my time is spent programming the model. Once the model is ready, my focus shifts to testing hypotheses and answering our research questions. Running experiments using computer models is different from doing it in real life. Most of the setup occurs in the initialization phase. This is where I identify which things we can explore. This depends on what the model is developed to do. Based on this, I set what I expect to be able to do in the experiment. Then set the models to run the simulations. This is when the in-silico experiment takes place.

Once I've completed the simulations, I proceed to analyze the data. This step is like any experiment. It is always an incredible feeling when the results reveal a new pattern or change our current understanding. I use a lot of biology in my programming. I also use some math and physics. A big part of my work involves problem-solving. I enjoy linking experiments and ideas from different fields. It is like putting the pieces of a puzzle together without knowing the full picture.

Scientific research is rarely a straight line. Most of the time, I find myself learning and swerving between different fields. Creativity is very important! Creativity helps to bridge knowledge gaps. It may seem like I’m working on my computer most of the time. In fact, my projects are actually collaborative efforts with other experts. Talking with other scientists and engineers is my favorite part of research. I love brainstorming and discussing new ways to solve problems. I find problem solving is most successful when done with others.

My career path is

The position I hold today is the result of hard work. But it is also the result of the support I received along the way. In high school, I was unsure of my career goals. I liked many different subjects. My guidance counselor suggested engineering.

I stumbled into biology and found it fascinating. I wanted to learn more about the formation of living things. I wanted to understand the growth of plants and things like the development of shells. I wanted to understand how our bodies worked. This made me decide to learn everything I could about biology. My goal during my time in university was to excel in biology. I enrolled in biology courses that covered a variety of areas. I studied topics such as microbiology, plant biology, and ecology. I also studied human immunology, physiology, and genetics.

During my summer break, I also learned how to program Microsoft Excel and how automate some things. While working in a laboratory for my honors degree, I discovered my passion for research. This motivated me to pursue a master's degree. Here I found the opportunity to combine my biology background with my programming skills. My interest in research also sparked an interest in history. This pushed me to strive for new achievements.

After completing my Master’s degree, I was inspired to pursue a PhD in science. I studied Theoretical Biology. I was determined to become an expert in this field! I successfully completed my PhD and was offered a post-doctoral position in Game Theory. In that position, I worked on modeling climate change negotiations. Currently, I am undergoing training in modeling cell development and regeneration.

I am motivated by

I am driven to create meaningful models. I want them to accurately reflect biological systems. I also want them to help us answer important questions. The exciting and challenging part of model development is when I encounter gaps in my knowledge. Then I must be creative in order to accurately represent reality. This is where having a varied skill set comes in handy. I often need to gather information from multiple disciplines to fully understand a system. This can be difficult but leads to a stronger model.

How I affect peoples’ lives

Computer models are a powerful tool to help us predict and understand complex ideas. Computer models allow us to test ideas that are not possible in real life. The results we get from computer models can help us design other experiments. Computer models can take predictions to the next level. For example, models can be used to test therapies for diseases. This is the case in regenerative medicine. Regenerative medicine looks at how to get tissues in organs, such as the hear or kidney. to repair themselves. If organs can repair themselves, then you don’t need surgery or drugs. Using computer models, regenerative medicine researchers can test ideas before carrying out experiments in the lab.

Computer models may transform the way experiments are designed. Model-guided experiments may help reduce costs. For example, I am interested in discovering the factors that drive cells to change and make decisions. How does a single cell decide the number of brain cells or heart cells we need to form our bodies? There are many possible mechanisms and answers. However, our current experimental tools cannot isolate all of them. With available information and computational tools, our model can predict patterns. It can also offer possible solutions even before exploring them with other experimental tools.

Outside of work I

When not at work, I enjoy painting in my yard. I also like improving my golf swing at the driving range. I have two young children. They keep me busy with board games and various activities.

My advice to others

Take time to think. Science is about discovery and connecting ideas.