SILICON VALLEY BANGLADESHI WOMEN IN STEM: Protibimbo Prokash.

SILICON VALLEY BANGLADESHI WOMEN IN STEM: 

Sachi Ahmed, Scientist, IGM Biosciences:

Sachi Ahmed is a scientist leading the research antibody production team at IGM Biosciences, Inc. in Mountain View, CA. She is focused on novel approaches in cancer and Covid-19 therapeutics. With a background in chemical engineering, she has been a researcher in the field of cancer for 20 years and is a published author in scientific journals, including a publication in Nature magazine on nasal delivery of an IgM drug for SARS-CoV-2 variants. Sachi is also a key inventor on a US patent for glyco-engineered IgMs. She has previously worked for biotechnology companies such as Abbott, Abbvie, and Merck and has expertise in in-vitro glycoengineering and antibody production to support the development of innovative biologics.

Sachi is a founder of the PTPS (Peers Teaching Peers Science) program at the FAME Charter School in Fremont, CA, which aims to inspire children to gain confidence and interest in science and engineering. She is also an advocate for women’s empowerment, and founded the Women of IGM group. She is actively involved in Women in Bio, TechWomen, and the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub. Sachi obtained her Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Toronto, with a specialization in Biomedical Engineering, later studying and pursuing a career in Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences.

In addition to her work in science and technology, Sachi is also a trained singer of Polli/Lalon songs. During her 4-year stay in Bangladesh (grades KG-3) she appeared in various television programs including Notun Kuri Bangladeshi Idol, dramas, ads, musical shows, and other performances for which she was awarded the Vashani Award from the Bangladesh Prime Minister. Sachi grew up in Germany and Canada, and speaks 4 languages including French and Bengali.