From an early age, Mona was curious about how the world works, a teenager who kept asking questions and was eager to learn constantly about new things. Initially drawn to theoretical particles physics, she realised during her studies at RWTH Aachen and Forschungszentrum Juelich, Germany that it was life science experiments that truly excited her.
Her academic journey took her from studying DNA–gold nanoparticle networks for her bachelor's thesis to silver thin films for her master's project. She then pursued a PhD exploring the streptavidin-biotin interaction, which is the second strongest non-covalent binding in biology using CD (circular dichroism) spectroscopy, ITC (isothermal titration calorimetry), SAXS (small-angle X-ray scattering) and mainly QENS (quasi-elastic neutron scattering.
Mona joined ISIS in January 2020 as an Instrument Scientist in the molecular spectroscopy group. Her role at ISIS is as varied as the people she supports. Some users are seasoned neutron scientists who only need a brief refresher, while others are first-time visitors. For the latter, she often guides the project from start to finish, performing data analysis or helping PhD students. “Every user is different", Mona explains. Her role can shift at times acting as a guide for experienced researchers and at other times working more like a collaborator requiring detailed support. She finds this role especially fulfilling since she has always been supported in her project ideas or constructively advised on how to adapt them to make them work.
Mona has also contributed to new developments at the facility. One of her most rewarding projects has been leading the final stages of designing a sample stick. This collaborative project, involving ISIS's design, electronics, and cryogenics teams, allows DSC and QENS experiments to be carried out simultaneously. “It was my first chance to build something directly for the instrument," she recalls. “It benefits not just my research but the entire user community."
She recently collaborated on a study exploring how chemotherapy drugs interact with human serum albumin, the main protein in blood plasma, to understand how drugs behave once injected into the bloodstream. For Mona, one of the most exciting parts of research is how experiments can reveal the unexpected, opening new avenues of understanding.
As one of the Life Science Convenors at ISIS, she also helps shape the facility's broader research strategy, making sure the life sciences community is represented in future planning. She praises the culture at ISIS as collaborative and supportive. “It's a place where people treat each other well," she reflects. “Ideas are constructively challenged, and you're trusted to grow into your role."
For her, science is about curiosity, collaboration, and embracing the unexpected, She finds her job fulfilling and is grateful to call it her dream job and also allows her to give back to society.
