Dr. Hawa Thiam

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Hawa Racine Thiam is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at Stanford University, with specific research interests in cellular biophysical mechanisms and the functions of innate immune cells. Her lab combines advanced techniques in microscopy and microfabrication alongside quantitative cell biology to explore the cellular biophysical mechanisms that immune cells employ to defend the host and maintain homeostasis. Current research focuses on NETosis, a process where neutrophils respond to danger signals by releasing chromatin into the extracellular environment to trap and neutralize pathogens, which can exacerbate inflammation. Hawa's long-term goal is to integrate insights from cellular biophysics with engineering principles to manipulate and redesign immune cells to improve human health. She obtained her B.S. and M.S. degrees in Physics from Paris Diderot University, followed by a Ph.D. in Biophysics from Institut Curie, where she investigated the role of branched actin networks in the nucleus during immune cell migration. Her postdoctoral work at the NIH contributed to understanding cellular mechanisms of NETosis, paving the way for new avenues in extreme cell behavior research.

Research Interests

Experience

Assistant Professor

— Present

Stanford University • Stanford, CA

Hawa Racine Thiam serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioengineering, focusing on research involving cellular biophysical mechanisms and innate immune cell functions.

Awards

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Gabilan Faculty Fellow

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Cell Press News 1000 Inspiring Black Scientists America

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Stanford.Berkeley.UCSF Generation Faculty Award

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Rising Stars in Biological Engineering

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ASCB Porter Prize Research Excellence

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Fellow Award for Research Excellence

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Lenfant Fellowship Award

Courses

BIOE 301D GENE 207 BIOE 42 BIOE 191 BIOE 392 BIOE 391 IMMUNOL 399 BIOE 299B

Requirements for Stanford University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:26
Reading
Required:26
Writing
Required:26
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:160
Quantitative
Required:165
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Overall
Required:4.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree from an accredited institution Strong background in mathematics and programming
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

The Computer Science department emphasizes research potential. GRE General is currently optional but recommended for some tracks.