International Scholar Brings Expertise in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology to Pacific Faculty

A deep interest in disease biology and the ability to dissect the underlying mechanisms of human diseases drew Atefeh Rabiee, PhD, assistant professor of physiology and pharmacology, to pursue a career centered on biochemistry and molecular biology. Preventing and treating human diseases relies extensively on the efforts of basic science researchers, which serves as a strong motivator for Dr. Rabiee.

She earned her bachelor of science in cell and molecular biology from Kharazmi University in Tehran, Iran and her master of science in biochemistry from Azad University, Science and Research Branch in Tehran. She earned her doctor of philosophy in biochemistry and molecular biology from University of Southern Denmark in Odense, Denmark.

Prior to coming to Pacific, she served as a postdoctoral researcher and assistant professor at The University of Copenhagen in Denmark. She also served as a postdoctoral research scholar at Stanford University Medical School and as a visiting research scholar at Stanford Bio-X, a partnership between Novo Nordisk and Stanford.

Observing the success of alumni from Pacific’s Pharmaceutical and Chemical Sciences Program inspires Dr. Rabiee to contribute to the personal and professional success of Pacific students through her teaching. “Pacific is indeed a student-centered educational institute, with a great record of producing many successful graduate students each year,” said Dr. Rabiee.

Her impressive skillset includes the ability to speak four languages: Farsi, English, Danish and Azeri Turkish. Dr. Rabiee enjoys the challenge of acquiring new skills. She learned how to ride a bicycle for the first time at age 27 and now counts it among her favorite activities. Spending time with her daughter is one of her greatest joys in life. She was involved in theater for many years and she enjoys watching stories unfold on both the stage and screen.