Xhoela Bame is a PhD candidate in the molecular and cellular biology program. Xhoela was recently selected to participate in the prestigious Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting and has received numerous prestigious fellowships and awards.
Where do you consider your hometown, and how it has influenced your journey?
I was born and raised in Korçë, a beautiful and culture-rich town in southeastern Albania. I spent my foundational years there before moving to Istanbul Technical University, Türkiye, for my undergraduate studies.
My upbringing and later my career journey have taught me a lot about resilience, seeking opportunities, and creating them where there were none. It was not until I moved abroad that I learned more about the intricacies and practices of science, as this field was still developing in my hometown and pursuing it as a career was unconventional.
This influenced my goal of giving back to my home country, whether by contributing my scientific expertise and informing the general public, or inspiring the new generations to pursue a career in science.
Can you tell us about your current research? What inspired you to pursue this field?
I study the myelin-forming cells of the brain, which, among other functions, serve as insulators of the neural circuits and enable efficient communication between neurons. I have investigated how these cells are born, how they are maintained throughout life, how they change with age, and how they die. In particular, I have focused on the link between mitochondria, organelles that provide energy and regulate many aspects of cellular health, and all these processes.
I became inspired during a journal club in the first year of my PhD, which was themed on mitochondria and how they influence the actions of brain cells. It made me realize what a fascinating organelle they are, but also that the link between mitochondria and the other brain cells I study was largely missing.
I decided to explore this link, and I am grateful to my mentor for encouraging that path, which led to a new direction in the lab. This work has allowed me to ask important questions in the live brain, with implications for development, neurodegeneration, and aging.
You were recently selected to participate in the prestigious Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting. What does this opportunity mean to you, and what are you most looking forward to?
It is a rare opportunity to be in the presence of around 35 Nobel Laureates, and I feel privileged to have been selected for this meeting. I am excited to learn from their journeys, unceasing drive, and curiosity that led them to pursue the unthought-of and the unforeseen, which I hope will inspire my own path in the future.
This meeting will also introduce me to a broad network of talented peers, and I look forward to the kinds of conversations that could turn into collaborations and ideas that could grow into missions.
You have received multiple fellowships and awards, including funding from the American Heart Association and the John H. Copenhaver, Jr. and William H. Thomas, MD 1952 fellowship. How have these recognitions shaped your research and professional growth?
I am quite honored to have received these fellowships. I was awarded the American Heart Association (AHA) grant at a time when I was searching for funding opportunities but not many were available for international students, so it felt like a victory after a long search.
The Copenhaver Fellowship followed the completion of my AHA grant, and I am grateful for its recognition of my work and scientific contributions.
Both of these fellowships have not only supported my research but also served as a reminder of the purpose behind it, focused on advancing science and contributing to the betterment of the community.
Your research has been recognized nationally and internationally, with awards from NISBRE, the Society for Neuroscience, and Australia's largest mitochondrial conference. Can you share a key finding or insight from your work that you find particularly exciting?
It has been rewarding to see this work recognized across multiple disciplines and broadly contributing to different fields. One key discovery I made during my first project was determining the distinct mitochondrial patterns that mark the maturation stage of the cells I study.
These patterns can serve as a 'clock' to tell us how recently these new cells were formed in the brain. Understanding the mitochondrial link to the birth of these cells at a single-cell level has provided us with new spatial and temporal insights that we can leverage to promote their recovery and regeneration, especially during age-related pathologies and neurodegeneration.
In addition to research, you've been actively involved in STEM outreach, both locally and globally. Can you tell us about some of these initiatives and why they are important to you?
Coming from a place where STEM opportunities were scarce, I had to navigate my path with limited guidance or role models. That motivated me to help others face fewer barriers and be aware of the different STEM paths available.
I have worked with high schools and universities in my home country to reach young STEM aspirants and support them through webinars and one-on-one mentoring. The most rewarding part has been seeing them receive competitive scholarships and spearhead their journeys in STEM.
The more I have advanced in this path, the more I have had to give, so my commitment to being available for my peers and young mentees, both internationally and locally, has never ceased. Over time, I have also built my own group of mentors who have supported my journey, and this is a way to pay it forward.
Another passion, stemming from challenges I have faced firsthand, has been advocating for greater opportunities for international students at every chance I have gotten, including meetings with policymakers, to address some of the added barriers we face. To increase the scale of these initiatives, I have worked with groups committed to building a community and supporting STEM enthusiasts with diverse backgrounds.
Together with 100+ other global women leaders, I have completed the year-long Homeward Bound program, focused on empowering women in STEMM and encouraging joint efforts to promote the sustainability of our planet. Additionally, I have served on the Executive Board of New England Graduate Women in Science and Engineering, helping create a space for gathering and supporting women and gender minorities in STEM.
It has been exciting to witness this group's growth over time, especially with strong representation from Dartmouth. I was also selected among the 100 Leaders of Tomorrow by Global Biotech Revolution, a transformative experience that led me to serve as an ambassador to help expand its impact.
Overall, there is nothing more joyous than seeing others feel supported and encouraged to succeed, and I am lucky to be part of a community that makes this possible.
What drew you to Dartmouth for your PhD, and how has the research environment here helped you grow as a scientist?
What I appreciated most when enrolling in Dartmouth's molecular and cellular biology graduate program was the ability to do good science and receive strong training without having to compromise either.
The student-oriented environment and the multidisciplinarity of fields have been fundamental to my training and to shaping the multi-angled way I approach scientific problems.
I have been incredibly lucky to receive great mentorship and work with fantastic people who have encouraged me to ask important questions, learn from challenges, and maintain my drive to grow as a researcher. Being surrounded by such a kind community, focused on giving, supporting, and uplifting each other, has only made this experience multi-fold better.
Beyond your academic work, what hobbies or activities help you recharge?
I love hiking–I probably share this with almost everyone in the area. It's the perfect way to be out in nature, enjoy some great company, and have some added benefits of getting your muscles moving.
I run year-round too; I use it to channel my energy and process my thoughts. I also enjoy swimming and kayaking in summer, and I started to pick up snowboarding this winter.
What is your favorite place or most activity that you like best at Dartmouth or in the Upper Valley?
We are very fortunate to have such beautiful landscapes in the area, and whenever I get the chance, I like to explore something new, a hidden swimming pond, a hiking trail, or a nice spot along the river.
In Hanover, I enjoy visiting Nathan's Garden from time to time, especially to watch how it changes colors with the seasons. It's peaceful, beautiful, and makes a great reading spot.
