Dr. Nika Shakiba

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Nika Shakiba is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of British Columbia. Her research focuses on understanding the social lives of stem cells and includes a systems synthetic biology approach to engineering competitive interactions within developmental systems. Nika completed her PhD in the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto and was a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Biological Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She emphasizes outreach and mentorship in her work, believing in providing equitable access to resources and advice for students. Her lab develops synthetic genetic circuits to control key fitness genes in engineered stem cells, contributing to advancements in cell therapy manufacturing and enhancing the clinical efficacy of engineered tissues. Nika is committed to innovative engineering solutions in the stem cell domain.

Research Interests

Requirements for University of British Columbia

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:21
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Philosophy or related field 3 credits in formal logic 6 credits at the upper level in history of philosophy 3 credits at the upper level in ethics or value theory 6 credits at the upper level in metaphysics, epistemology, or philosophy of science
Application Checklist
  • Online application form
  • Application fee
  • Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Writing sample (15-20 pages)
  • Statement of intent
  • Evidence of English language proficiency
Specialization Notes

Offers course-only and thesis routes. Focus areas include philosophy of science, mind, ethics, and Asian philosophy.