Hasan Al Banna

Hasan is a PhD student in RNA structural biology at the Koirala Laboratory at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County just outside Baltimore in the USA. His doctoral projects focus on developing RNA imaging tools and investigating the structure-based functions of essential RNA elements from epidemiologically important human viruses. In the Koirala lab, he works primarily on understanding viral Internal Ribosome Entry Sites (IRES) and has already developed a novel antibody-based probe for tracking and imaging RNA molecules in live cells. His innovative approach aims to capture RNA folding dynamics and spatial distribution within living cells, opening new avenues to study the biology of structured RNAs. Reflecting on his approach to doing science, Hasan shares, “Doing innovative science to solve the mysteries of nature is fulfilling, yet challenging. It becomes easier when you know the ‘what’ of your career goal and you align that with the ‘why’ of your life.”

Hasan grew up in Bangladesh, where family values shaped his outlook. Relocating to the USA was challenging, but he is supported by his wife and their daughter, who bring joy to his daily life. His father – a self-taught theoretical physicist with a passion for cosmology – was a profound influence. “My dad used to tell me that the human body would be as fascinating and mysterious as the universe beyond our solar system. I think that he unknowingly sowed the seed of a scientist in me and indirectly motivated me to study biochemistry and molecular biology.”

Before beginning his PhD, Hasan completed a Master’s degree in public health (epidemiology) in Bangladesh, where he studied risk factors for chronic kidney disease. He also earned a Master’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology, focusing on the neurotransmitter-metabolizing enzyme Dopamine-β-Hydroxylase (DBH), its cofactors, and related biochemical parameters in patients with heart disease. Hasan’s career has been guided by his interests in pharmaceutical research and immunology, including research appointments at ACI Pharmaceuticals Limited and the Infectious Disease Division of icddr,b, where he gained expertise in mucosal immunity and vaccinology.

"Doing innovative science to solve the mysteries of nature is fulfilling, yet challenging. It becomes easier when you know the ‘what’ of your career goal and you align that with the ‘why’ of your life." 

The pivotal moment in Hasan’s scientific journey came during the COVID-19 pandemic. Witnessing that global crisis shifted his perspective on infectious diseases and underscored the critical importance of virology research—guiding him toward the structural RNA biology of human viruses. Hasan is also deeply fascinated by RNA biology, particularly that of RNA G-quadruplexes. “They are not only structurally fascinating but also functionally mysterious. If we can understand RNA G-quadruplexes better, they could be suitable targets for therapeutic development,” he explains.

He enjoys engaging with the broader RNA community through journals and conferences. One RNA journal article he recommends is RNA sensing at the crossroads of autoimmunity and autoinflammation. Hasan is amazed by how finely tuned our immune system is in distinguishing foreign viral RNA from our own cellular RNA. When that balance is lost, infection or autoimmunity follows. Attending the 2025 RNA Society Annual Meeting in San Diego further reinforced his excitement about RNA research and the importance of mentorship, which he values greatly in his work with Dr. Koirala.

Beyond the lab, Hasan is committed to science communication and service. He recently launched a podcast, Research Digest, where he interviews lead authors of impactful papers and discusses key scientific topics in an accessible way for non-experts. More about the podcast is available on his website hasanalbanna.org. Hasan also volunteers with the American Red Cross (Central Maryland Chapter) and actively engages with the scientific community on LinkedIn and Bluesky.

With his unique blend of training in epidemiology, molecular biology, and immunology, Hasan is advancing RNA research while sharing science broadly. He embodies the vision of an investigator who seeks to align curiosity, mentorship, and innovation with service to community and family.  

You can read Hasan’s newly-published manuscript that reports high resolution structure for several IRESs here.