Hana Babić Securing the Prestigious Amgen Scholarship
Journey to Excellence: Our Scholar's Path to the Prestigious Amgen Research Scholarship
The journey to earning the Amgen Research Scholarship is a considerable challenge, and it begins long before the actual application. For Hana Babić, it started during university courses. At the University of Sarajevo, Hana built a strong foundation in theoretical genetics but understood that to thrive in the fast-paced, evolving field of science, practical experience was necessary. What drew Hana to the field of genetics was the story it tells about life's evolution. This drive to learn through hands-on research propelled the search for opportunities that would allow for real-world application of classroom knowledge.
“As I progressed through my courses at university, I developed a deep appreciation for the complexity of the natural world. I learned a ton, but I quickly realized I wanted to do more than just sit in lectures. My limited lab work had given me a taste of research, but I understood that practical experience was crucial for my growth as a scientist.”
Realizing that hands-on experience was crucial to becoming a successful scientist, the Amgen Scholars Program stood out as the perfect opportunity. Offering two months of immersive lab work, culminating in a poster presentation at the University of Cambridge, the program provided a unique platform to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
“Genetics has been crucial in driving speciation and creating the vast diversity we see today. It’s a reminder of nature's creativity and unpredictability.”
The Role of Mentorship in Academic Success
With Kenan’s guidance, Hana began to achieve her goals, step by step. She believes everyone can benefit from having a mentor.
“Mentorship is incredibly important for students, especially when navigating academic and professional opportunities. Although I always had clear goals, I often struggled to find support. Spontaneous moments, too, are often driven by a deeper sense of purpose. Take my encounter with Kenan, for instance—I first came across him in a TV interview about his Fly Lab, which might seem like pure chance. But I believe my determination led me to that moment. After reaching out to him on LinkedIn, he generously offered his mentorship, and that simple step significantly changed the trajectory of my life.”
In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving academic landscape, the value of mentorship cannot be overstated.
“During my time with Prof. Ali Ertürk’s lab in Munich, we had an entire lab meeting devoted to the importance of mentorship. Even someone as accomplished as Prof. Ali has multiple mentors, each offering guidance in different aspects of his growth. Regularly sharing your goals and interests with someone you respect opens doors to new perspectives, allowing you to evolve throughout your career.”
Could you explain your research project at LMU on "Advanced imaging of cancer metastases in the whole mouse body"?
"The Ertürk Lab initially offered two projects, and I had actually ranked this one as my second choice. Still, I was so excited to be part of such a prestigious lab that in one of our first meetings, I blurted out that I’d even wash dishes just to be there! Thankfully, everyone found it more charming than embarrassing. Once I started, though, I quickly realized I was lucky to be placed on this project. My background ended up being a perfect match for the work. Under the guidance of my supervisor, Jennifer Modamio, the project evolved. While it stayed centered on cancer imaging, we began focusing more on optimizing a method in fluorescent microscopy. I found this shift even more exciting because it not only pushed the cancer research forward but also enhanced the lab’s overall imaging capabilities. Knowing that my work contributes to the bigger picture of the lab's efforts feels incredibly rewarding—especially as a student early in my career. It's gratifying to see how meaningful my contributions can be.”
A Collaborative Atmosphere in the Lab
Hana’s experience in the lab was nothing short of transformative, marked by an unexpected level of kindness and respect from everyone involved.
“I have never been treated so kindly and with such genuine respect. From the very first day, the entire lab welcomed my colleague Sofia and me with open arms, making us feel like valued members of the team. In fact, they were so excited about our participation that they even posted an article about us on their lab’s webpage. This level of recognition and inclusion was something I had never experienced before and made the whole experience feel almost surreal.”
“Coming from Sarajevo, where I was used to being assigned more routine or administrative tasks, I was pleasantly surprised to see so many students actively engaged in meaningful research. It was inspiring to witness the professor’s dedication to giving young scientists a real opportunity to make a difference, pushing us to contribute to significant projects from the start. Most of my time was spent under the supervision of Jennifer who was an incredible mentor. I couldn’t have asked for someone more patient, understanding, and dedicated. She recognized my lack of experience in the wet lab and was always there when I needed help. Many of the methods used in the lab are unique and rarely practiced elsewhere, so it often took me more than one explanation to fully understand certain protocols.”
“Jennifer never hesitated to take the extra time with me, and her encouragement helped me build confidence in my lab skills. If Jennifer wasn’t available, there was always someone willing to assist me. The collaborative and welcoming atmosphere at e-lab made me feel like I was part of a community that truly cared about my growth and development.”
Shaping the Future of Science
Hana learned a great deal about what lies ahead—not only the rigorous demands of research but also the importance of resilience and mental strength in this highly competitive field. Being part of a cohort of 12 talented and driven individuals reminded her that she was not alone on this journey. Despite coming from an underfunded country, she never felt like she was falling behind her peers—and that realization became her biggest lesson.
“This experience gave me just a glimpse of what my life could look like if I choose the academic route. Beyond learning new methods, protocols, and gaining practical skills, I also saw firsthand what it’s like to be a PhD and post-doc student, including the most important process of communicating your work. It’s not just about the science itself but about how well you can present it to others. I realized how much time and dedication science demands, and how adaptable you need to be for the challenges and unexpected changes that come with it.”
Word of Advice
Hana’s first advice is to start early. She says its good to work on your application a year and a half in advance. This gives the time to carefully research programs, prepare materials, and make sure everything was polished before submission. Furthermore, this also gives the flexibility to explore local opportunities first, which can strengthen your profile and make you more competitive when applying abroad.
“Equally important is finding a mentor. A good mentor can guide you and help you connect with others in your field. Don’t hesitate to network—share your aspirations, attend events, and reach out to professionals. One lesson I learned is that if you’re truly motivated, persistence is essential. Don’t be afraid to follow up with people, even if it feels a little uncomfortable. Sometimes you have to be a bit persistent or even pushy to get noticed or get the help you need.”
“Lastly, rejection is part of the process, and you shouldn’t let it discourage you. In fact, it can be one of your biggest motivators. I’ve faced my fair share of rejections, but I used them as fuel to push harder and improve. Now, looking back, I’m proud of myself for not giving up, and I encourage other students to adopt a similar mindset.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
After coming back from such experience, In what ways do you see BH Futures Foundation playing a role in your future, both as a scholar and potentially as a mentor yourself?
“Being mentored by Kenan was truly life-changing and has left a profound impact on my personal and academic journey. His guidance not only helped me navigate the challenges I faced but also inspired me to give back to the community in a meaningful way. After struggling for so long—always motivated but often overlooked—finally being part of a group that recognized my efforts has ignited a passion within me to support others who may feel similarly.”
As a senior scholar in BHFF, Hana’s next goal is to volunteer as a tutor for high school students.
“This role will not only allow me to share my knowledge but also teach me how to effectively engage with and inspire young minds. Through this experience, I hope to develop my communication and teaching skills, which are essential for fostering a supportive learning environment. Once I have established my credibility and gained more experience, I aspire to transition into a mentorship role. I want to guide students through their own challenges, helping them recognize their potential and encouraging them to pursue their passions. By sharing my journey and the lessons I've learned, I aim to empower the next generation to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, just as Kenan did for me.”
What’s Next?
“I believe this is the most pivotal and exciting period of my life. I'm preparing to step out of my comfort zone, leave behind the familiar, and pursue my dreams by going abroad for the next phase of my academic journey. My goal for this year is to enroll in a Master’s program. Once again, I find myself in a position similar to last year when I was applying for the Amgen Scholars Program, but this time it feels even more meaningful. This next chapter will be longer, and I’ll have the chance to truly design the path I want to take in life.”
We are truly fortunate to have scholars like Hana Babić in our community. Her journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of mentorship. As we follow her path to success, we are inspired by her dedication to both her own growth and her commitment to uplifting others. We look forward to seeing the incredible achievements she will continue to bring and the lasting impact she will have on future generations.
