Nimra Khalid is this month’s featured researcher and a Ph.D. student in the Eshraghi Lab. She’s tackling bacterial infections through innovative strategies that kill pathogens or block their ability to cause disease. Originally trained as a veterinarian in Pakistan, her clinical work sparked a deeper interest in drug-resistant infections. Her research on Francisella includes international collaboration to identify new therapeutic compounds. She encourages aspiring scientists to master data analysis and strong scientific writing.
Read the full interview here:
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your academic journey?
I’m originally from Pakistan, where I earned my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences. After graduation, I began working as a veterinarian at an animal hospital. I was excited to apply what I had learned and to help improve animal health and productivity.
However, during my clinical experience, I realized how challenging it can be to treat even common bacterial infections due to the rapid evolution of bacterial pathogens and their ability to develop drug resistance. That experience motivated me to pursue a Ph.D. and contribute to the search for new therapeutic solutions.
While exploring programs, I reached out to several professors, including Dr. Aria Eshraghi. After talking to him, I felt that our research interests aligned perfectly, and I knew the Eshraghi Lab was the right fit for me. In 2022, I began my Ph.D. journey at the University of Florida in the Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology.
What area of research are you currently involved in as part of your graduate studies?
My Ph.D. dissertation focuses on two main areas. The first involves identifying new drugs to combat bacterial infections using Francisella as our model organism. I have screened chemical libraries to find compounds that can inhibit or kill this bacterium using an untargeted approach.
The second aspect is more unique: instead of killing the bacteria, I aim to disarm them by targeting their virulence factors. This approach may reduce the risk of resistance development. Specifically, I focus on the Type VI secretion system in Francisella, a key component that allows the bacteria to cause disease. I’m working to identify drugs that can disrupt this system and render the bacteria avirulent.
Why is this research important, and what potential impact could it have in the field?
Bacterial infections are widespread and often life-threatening, especially when complicated by antibiotic resistance. Bacteria not only cause primary infections but can also contribute to secondary infections, which significantly increase morbidity and mortality.
According to recent data, around 700,000 people die annually from drug-resistant bacterial infections, a number that’s expected to rise if we don’t find effective alternatives to current antibiotics. My research addresses this global health threat by identifying novel compounds that either kill bacteria or neutralize their ability to cause disease. I’m proud to contribute to solving a real-world problem that affects millions of people.
Can you describe a current project you’re working on and your specific role within it?
When I joined the Eshraghi Lab, we identified a compound called Tolfenpyrad, previously used in agriculture as a pesticide. Our lab was the first to discover its antimicrobial properties. I decided to further investigate this compound, starting with assessing its toxicity in animal cells. I found that it could be toxic under certain cellular conditions.
To reduce toxicity, we collaborated with a research group in Australia who synthesized 262 analogs of Tolfenpyrad with various functional substitutions. I evaluated all of them and identified three promising candidates for potential drug development.Currently, I’m working to determine Tolfenpyrad’s exact molecular target. Preliminary results suggest it affects bacterial respiration in Francisella. I’m conducting follow-up experiments to confirm this and plan to share the findings in an upcoming research paper.
What research methods or techniques are you using, and how did you learn them?
In our lab, I use a range of molecular and biochemical techniques, including cell culture, cloning, gene mutation assays, immunoblotting, and various plate reader-based assays that measure absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence.
For some experiments, I use flow cytometry to analyze fluorescence-labeled samples. Recently, I developed and optimized a new assay to measure bacterial respiration using a Resipher platform from Lucid Scientific, commonly used in mammalian systems but not standardized for bacteria until now. I optimized its use in bacteria that allows us to assess bacterial respiration under different environmental and pharmacological stress conditions.
I learned all these techniques from Dr. Aria Eshraghi, who taught me so much of what I know. I first met him over a Zoom meeting when I was in Pakistan and his warm and welcoming nature made me even more excited to join his lab.
Are you collaborating with other students, faculty, or institutions? How have those collaborations shaped your experience?
Yes, collaborations have played a vital role in my research journey. As I mentioned, for the Tolfenpyrad project, we partnered with an Australian research group: the Jonathan Baell and Robin Gasser group at the University of Melbourne. They synthesized over 200 analogs of Tolfenpyrad, which we then evaluated in our lab. From those, I identified three promising compounds for further testing.
These collaborations have greatly enriched my experience by exposing me to new perspectives, resources, and expertise across institutions.
Have you received any awards, fellowships, or recognitions during your time as a graduate research assistant?
Before joining UF, I received the U.S.–Pakistan Knowledge Corridor Scholarship, which helps fund my studies. During my first year at UF, I was awarded the Grinter Fellowship. I’ve also received two travel awards. Notably, I won second place in the oral presentation competition at the Florida Branch of the American Society for Microbiology conference. More recently, I received the Excellence in Basic Research Award during Phi Zeta Research Day, hosted by UF’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
What do you enjoy doing outside of your research and academic responsibilities?
Outside the lab, I enjoy cooking, painting, and doing calligraphy. I especially love painting landscapes and creating mandala art. I also enjoy spending time with friends and staying connected with my family.
Where can people go to learn more about your work or connect with you?
Email: nimrakhalid@ufl.edu
Lab Number: (352) 294-4163
Eshraghi Lab Website: https://www.eshraghilab.org
What advice would you give to students interested in pursuing graduate research in infectious diseases and immunology?
Infectious diseases is an exciting and ever-evolving field. You’ll always encounter new questions and unexpected answers. Because bacteria evolve so quickly, it’s essential to stay up to date with the latest research and literature.
My biggest advice is to focus on mastering data analysis and scientific writing. These are foundational skills that will serve you in every aspect of your research career.
Interviewer: Julia Martin, UF Undergraduate
Interview with Nimra Khalid
Transcribed: 8/6/2025
