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You know that moment when you can quote every line from a movie but can't remember what you studied for tomorrow's exam? That exact frustration sparked Nafisa Bashar Anmul's journey into the fascinating intersection of neuroscience and computer science.

But this conversation goes way deeper than academic achievements. We're talking about standing at immigration gates thinking you're ready for anything, then needing a friend to walk you back to your dorm because navigating a new country at midnight hits different than expected.

What we dive into:

• Why breakthrough research takes forever to reach people who need it (and how she's changing that)
• Building interactive hallway installations that help students decompress
• The person who told her she'd never make it to university—and how that became fuel
• Being an only child studying thousands of miles from home
• Her favorite ayah that keeps her grounded when everything feels overwhelming

Nafisa's reminder that stuck with me: "Don't give up—but know WHY you're not giving up. Find that reason and stick to it."

She's living proof that you can master the technical stuff without losing sight of why you're doing it—to help people, to bridge gaps, to make technology accessible for researchers back home who are still working with outdated tools.

This one's for us daughters our parents believed in before we had proof. For anyone building something meaningful while carrying the weight of representation.

Connect with Nafisa: LinkedIn & Instagram: Nafisa Bashar Anmul

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:35 Meet Nafisa: A Journey in Tech and Research

01:15 Desert Island Picks: Nafisa's Essentials

02:30 The Love for Reading: Pandemic Stories

04:20 Exploring E-Devices for Reading

07:07 Nafisa's Passion for Neuroscience and Tech

10:44 Research and Project Management Experience

19:13 Transition to Life in a New Country

24:24 Experiencing the First Snow

25:10 Challenges of Snowy Weather

28:39 Adapting to a New Culture

32:06 Seeking Help and Trusting Others

37:28 Overcoming Doubts and Proving Yourself

41:07 Advice for Future Generations

45:09 Reflecting on Parental Support

47:03 Favorite Quranic Verse and Conclusion

Take Break ! Stretch and whatnot and check out our Qahwa Collective !! 

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All Melodies Used are vocals + percussion only