Sherwin Navaz, BS, a research laboratory technician in Dr. Jason Knight's Lab, began pursuing his undergraduate education at the University of Michigan in 2016. Sherwin graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology and a Minor in Music. Sherwin obtained a position in the Knight Lab in 2021, under the supervision of Yu (Ray) Zuo, MD, MSCS, where he researches antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and blood clotting mechanisms in COVID-19.
Learn more about Sherwin Navaz
Where are you from?
I am a native Michigander, having been born in Flint, Michigan. I grew up in the small suburban city of Fenton, Michigan and attended school in Flint.
What interests you about antiphospholipid syndrome?
APS continues to fascinate me because of its elusive nature, its numerous clinical manifestations, and how it alters the immune system to produce antibodies against its own self. At the Knight Laboratory, I have had the unique opportunity to observe APS at the bedside while simultaneously investigating the disease using scientific methodology in the laboratory. This “bedside-to-bench & bench-to-bedside” approach to research and treating APS has allowed me to better appreciate the bridge that inevitably connects clinical care and basic scientific research.
What do you see yourself doing in the future?
In the future, I hope to become a practicing physician or, if I am lucky, a physician-scientist. Moreover, because of my deep interest in medicine and upbringing in an aviation/aerospace environment, I aim to pursue my medical education through the United States Air Force in hopes of becoming a commissioned Air Force physician.
What is something you enjoy doing outside of work?
When I am not working, I thoroughly enjoy practicing the piano, studying music theory and composition, and listening to music. I also love weight-training, cardiovascular training, and sports (tennis in particular), and always strive toward challenging myself both physically and mentally. For relaxation, I love to sit down with a nice cup of coffee and watch perhaps the nerdiest show ever made, Star Trek.
