Zehra Azim

Zehra Azim is an emerging translational neuroscientist and immunologist whose academic and research trajectory spans several of the UK's leading biomedical institutions. Currently a first-year DPhil student in Pharmacology at the University of Oxford, Zehra works in the Experimental Neuropathology Laboratory under Professor Daniel Anthony, where her research focuses on the molecular and immunological mechanisms underlying neuroinflammation following traumatic brain injury. Her project integrates in vivo modelling with molecular intervention strategies and advanced analytical approaches, reflecting the interdisciplinary foundation she has built throughout her earlier training.

Zehra completed her BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences at Queen Mary University of London in 2024, graduating with first class honours and receiving the Drapers’ Company Prize for Outstanding Academic Achievement. During her undergraduate studies, she developed a strong research foundation through her final year project at the William Harvey Research Institute, where she gained early exposure to translational immunology and inflammatory disease research.

She subsequently advanced her training through research experiences at both Imperial College London and University College London, working across projects focused on inflammatory signalling pathways, molecular immunology, and cell-based disease modelling. These experiences broadened her technical skillset and positioned her to enter Oxford’s MSc in Integrated Immunology. Zehra completed the MSc in 2025 and proceeded directly into her DPhil.

Across her research experiences, Zehra has developed a robust and diverse laboratory skillset, encompassing molecular biology, protein and nucleic acid analysis, mammalian cell culture, immunohistochemistry, cryosectioning, and data analysis in R. She also holds a UK Home Office Personal Licence (PIL) and is trained in key in vivo techniques, including stereotactic injections, intraperitoneal dosing, tissue collection, and Schedule 1 procedures.

Complementing her laboratory work, Zehra brings substantial experience from the digital health and biomedical innovation sector. As a Digital Health Innovation Intern with Tiny Medical Apps through the Barts HealthTech SME Programme, she contributed to the development of a pilot school programme for the Digital Health Passport using design-thinking frameworks. This work provided her with insight into user-centred health technology, public health communication, and digital tool evaluation.

Beyond academia, Zehra is deeply engaged in healthcare and community service. She serves as an Operational First Aider with St John Ambulance, volunteers within NHS trusts, and is a certified Mental Health First Aider, demonstrating a sustained commitment to patient-facing and public health initiatives. Her contributions extend into leadership and communication roles, including work as a medical writer, magazine editor, and student society leader.

Zehra’s profile reflects an integration of scientific training, technical capability, translational insight, and community engagement. Her research experiences, combined with her clinical volunteering and digital health work, position her as a versatile early-career researcher with significant potential in neuroscience, immunology, and health-technology–oriented research.