Elham Azizi is a trailblazing computational biologist—a field often dominated by men. Women make up only 20% of the computational biology workforce in the United States. Azizi is actively working to change that.

“I believe that creating an inclusive environment where diverse voices are valued is essential for fostering innovation. This involves actively mentoring and advocating for women and underrepresented groups, ensuring they receive the support and opportunities needed to thrive in their careers,” Azizi says. 

In 2016, Azizi co-founded the Workshop on Computational Biology at the International Conference on Machine Learning, and through fundraising efforts provided travel fellowships to enable underrepresented minorities in STEM to attend the conference each year. 

Creative Promise and a Unique Perspective

Elham Azizi is awarded the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science for her groundbreaking research that uses computational biology to push cancer science forward: She has developed models to understand and predict relationships between cancer subtypes, immune responses, and effective treatment strategies in melanoma, breast cancer, and leukemia.

There aren’t many people who can say that they won the “First Step to Nobel Prize in Physics” award in high school—but Elham Azizi can. She remembers being captivated by the complexity of natural and biological systems and their physical properties, including questioning whether leaves falling from a tree would take the same trajectory each time. The question sparked a two-year experiment, “An Experimental Study on the Motion of a Paper Ellipse,” which ultimately earned her the prestigious award. 

The whole experience left Azizi filled with even more curiosity. It’s what inspired her interest in the statistical modeling of natural phenomena—laying the groundwork for her future research in interdisciplinary science. While completing her PhD at Boston University, she merged systems-level modeling with machine learning to develop computational models addressing complex biological problems like tuberculosis latency. 

Being an Iranian-born woman working in STEM has given Azizi a unique perspective, making her acutely aware of the challenges marginalized people often face. That awareness is what drives her to create an environment where trainees from all backgrounds are supported and encouraged.

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Transforming Cancer Treatment

It’s safe to say that the work Azizi and her team have done has greatly improved our understanding of how cancer and immune cells interact in patients. They combine multidisciplinary sciences and studies to see how these cells influence cancer progression.

Using machine learning and artificial intelligence to explore how the immune system interacts with complex diseases is truly revolutionary. By decoding the interactions of immune responses, cancer cells, and phenotypes, scientists and doctors can better predict the potential progression of disease and what treatments are most likely to be successful.

“The ‘big picture’ impact of my work lies in its potential to transform cancer treatment strategies by providing a deeper understanding of a patient’s tumor microenvironment,” Azizi says. “The ultimate goal is to use this knowledge to help doctors create more personalized and effective cancer treatments for patients.”

Ultimately, Azizi’s remarkable journey highlights her dedication to advancing cancer research and fostering diversity in science. By combining groundbreaking techniques with her commitment to mentoring, she is paving the way for future generations. Azizi’s legacy is not only enhancing our understanding of cancer but also empowering women and immigrants in STEM.