Dr. Zainab Saeed is a Philadelphia-based scientist and dedicated member of the Dawoodi Bohra community with a PhD from the University of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She shares how she navigated the challenges of academia, disability, and balancing her roles in family and community.
Ever feel like science is just for people in lab coats mixing mysterious chemicals? Think again. Zainab Saeed, of Philadelphia’s Dawoodi Bohra community, shows how a STEM mindset can be applied to everything—the arts, parenting, and even writing this article through research, structuring, and analytical thinking. As she puts it, "Science is about problem-solving and curiosity, and that applies to every field." So, if you’ve ever Googled why your cake sank in the oven or wondered how your car runs, congratulations—you, too, have dabbled in STEM.
February 11th marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrating women’s contributions to STEM and encouraging future generations.
Zainab’s path from Ahmedabad, India, to earning a PhD in chemistry is remarkable. Science, for her, was more than a curiosity—it was a calling. "Whenever someone asked me what I wanted to be, I never hesitated: a scientist."
What inspired you to pursue a PhD in Chemistry?
In India, after grade 10, students have to choose between general arts and science, and for me, it was a no-brainer—science was where the magic happened (well, technically chemistry, but close enough). I could spend hours lost in equations, fascinated in figuring out how things worked.
At first, I thought I’d become a doctor—but due to my physical disability, I pursued pharmaceutical and organic chemistry.
Following my spouse to the U.S., I found my niche in natural products chemistry, where I could study how plants, trees, and even bugs (yes, bugs) produce powerful pharmaceutical compounds.
My parents both had science backgrounds—my mother in physics and my father in civil engineering, who was involved in the building of dams throughout the state of Gujarat. Unfortunately, they passed away when I was young, but my grandfather, while raising me, would always remind me of their love for learning. Pursuing my PhD felt like continuing a family legacy—except with fewer blueprints and more beakers.
How did you overcome the challenges you faced in this field?
Lab work required dexterity in both arms, which I didn’t have, so I had to adapt techniques and modify instruments. My professors at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia were incredibly supportive. I initially hesitated to ask for help, but I soon learned that effort matters more than knowing all the answers upfront.
How have you been supported in your academic path?
My upbringing emphasized the importance of both faith and education. My grandparents always told me, “An educated woman is an asset to her family and community,” and that belief shaped how I approached my studies.
Both my husband and I had no immediate family in the U.S. From the very beginning, we found our support in the Dawoodi Bohra community in Philadelphia. Community members helped us get around, provided meals through the Faiz al-Mawaid al-Burhaniyah (FMB) community kitchen initiative, and helped us in various ways big and small. With no family nearby, having a community that truly has your back gives you the confidence to keep going, even when things get tough.
Why do you think STEM is important?
Many global issues require collective action, and science gives us the means to work for the greater good. For example, in food security, which is a huge issue, science plays a crucial role in finding solutions. Genetic modification (which often gets a bad rap) allows for crops that are more resistant to disease and climate variability, ensuring a stable food supply in regions that struggle to feed growing populations.
On a more individual level, STEM informs every aspect of our lives. Understanding science enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, and rational decision-making. Young women should pursue STEM fearlessly—it’s an ever-expanding field that welcomes diverse perspectives.
What advice would you give to women pursuing higher education?
When I was younger, I never thought about balancing education with family life. My focus was singular: study hard and build a career. Marriage and children felt like something far off—something that would just fit in when the time came. But when I actually got to that stage, I wasn’t prepared for the shift. I was deep in my PhD, and suddenly, family life wasn’t just a future possibility—it was my present reality.
For women considering higher studies, my advice is this: Pursue your ambitions fully, but also prepare for the different phases of life. When you're in college, throw yourself into your studies. Be excellent at what you do. But understand that if you choose to start a family, your priorities might shift for a while. That’s not failure—it’s just life.
What makes all the difference is having a strong support system. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, who will help you navigate the inevitable slowdowns and setbacks. Work will pause, responsibilities will shift, but when the time is right, you’ll find your way back.
