I am an evolutionary biologist trying to understand the secrets of life on Earth and in space.

My academic work focuses on understanding why some organisms live much longer than others, and how biological and environmental factors shape these differences.
Alongside research, I am increasingly interested in communicating science beyond academia. Through Simple Science with Zahida, I explain scientific ideas in a clear and visual way, aiming to make complex topics easier to understand without losing their meaning.
I am interested in a wide range of scientific questions, from ageing and evolution to astrophysics and emerging technologies. Through my work, I explore how different areas of science connect to our understanding of life and the world around us.
“Only when our clever brain and our human heart work together in harmony can we achieve our true potential.”
Dr. Jane Goodall