Olka Missaghimamaghani

Olka Missaghimamaghani is a PhD student in Experimental Medicine at the University of British Columbia, studying epigenetic changes underlying lineage plasticity in prostate cancer, with a focus on enhancer regulation in neuroendocrine prostate cancer. She completed her master’s research at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Germany, investigating translational regulation in microglia during aging and Alzheimer’s disease. She earned her undergraduate degree in Molecular Biology and Genetics from Middle East Technical University as a top-ranked student. Alongside research, she works to bridge academia and industry and support graduate career development.

“I aim to uncover how epigenetic reprogramming drives neuroendocrine prostate cancer while developing a technique to measure enhancer activity at single-cell resolution. I want to translate these insights into therapies by bridging academia and industry, while advocating globally for equitable access to science education.”

Olka Missaghimamaghani is a part of the Falling Walls Female Science Talents Intensive Track 2026.