Country of Residence
Discipline(s)
Institution
Currently in transition, seeking new research opportunities (formerly at Zewail city of science & technology, Egypt, Institute of molecular biology, Germany, UK Dementia Research Institute, Cardiff University)
Biomedical Science
Research Interests
My research interests lie at the intersection of DNA repair, genome stability, molecular immunology, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. Specifically, I am keen on exploring the mechanisms of DNA repair and genomic instability and their implications in both cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. I am particularly interested in investigating the role of the immune system in DNA repair processes and identifying potential drug therapies that target these pathways.
Building on my background in medical genetics and genomics, I have worked extensively on the Non-Homologous End Joining (NHEJ) pathway, studying its molecular mechanisms from different perspectives, including drug targeting, chaperone involvement in double-strand break repair, and its role in cancer progression and neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Additionally, I have contributed to research on the role of DNA repair proteins and microRNAs in ovarian cancer chemoresistance and investigated how genomic instability affects 3D genome organization in cancer. My expertise in drug discovery and molecular immunology has also allowed me to explore novel small-molecule inhibitors targeting DNA repair pathways to enhance the efficacy of conventional cancer therapies.
In addition to my expertise in molecular biology and DNA repair, I am eager to expand my experience in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) research and leverage long-read sequencing technologies to further investigate the molecular underpinnings of Huntington’s disease (HD), cancer, and other diseases driven by genome instability. My long-term research goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of how DNA repair and inflammation contribute to cancer and neurodegeneration and to translate this knowledge into novel therapeutic strategies.
My multidisciplinary research experience across different laboratories and international collaborations has provided me with a broad technical skillset, allowing me to approach complex scientific questions from multiple angles. Moving forward, I aim to bridge the gap between basic molecular research and clinical applications, contributing to the development of innovative treatment strategies for both cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
Topics to speak on:
DNA Repair, Genomic Instability, 3D Genome Organization, Cancer Biology, Neurodegenerative Disorders, Non-Homologous End Joining (NHEJ), DNA Damage Response (DDR), RNA-DNA Hybrids (R-Loops), Repeat Instability, Drug Discovery, Small-Molecule Inhibitors, and CRISPR-based Gene Editing
“Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.” — Napoleon Hill , “Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall.” — Nelson Mandela, “Science and everyday life cannot and should not be separated.” — Rosalind Franklin, “Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.” — Carl Sagan, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” — Steve Jobs, “A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.” — Albert Einstein, “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” — Colin Powell
Biography
I am a biomedical scientist with a strong background in DNA repair, genome stability, molecular immunology, cancer biology, and neurodegenerative disorders. My research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of DNA damage and repair, their implications in disease progression, and potential therapeutic interventions.
I earned my B.Sc. in Science (Chemistry & Zoology) from Menufiya University, Egypt, which provided a strong foundation in biological sciences. I then pursued an M.Sc. in Molecular Immunology at the Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology Institute (GEBRI), Egypt, supported by a scholarship from the Egyptian Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT). My master’s research focused on modifying the immunomodulatory and angiogenic effects of thalidomide in cancer cells by developing novel derivatives. During this time, I was also selected for the Scientists for Next Generation (SNG) Training Program at ASRT, a prestigious six-month training designed to equip young scientists with advanced research skills.
Building on my research expertise, I pursued a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences (Medical Genetics & Genomics) at Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt, supported by a fully funded PhD fellowship. My doctoral research focused on the Non-Homologous End Joining (NHEJ) DNA repair pathway, where I contributed to developing small-molecule inhibitors targeting NHEJ repair genes (TDPs) to enhance conventional cancer therapeutics, discovering a novel role of chaperone proteins in DNA repair with potential applications in hyperthermia-based cancer treatments, and investigating repeat expansions in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and their impact on RNA-DNA hybrids (R-loops) and the ATM-mediated repair pathway.
Following my Ph.D., I undertook multiple postdoctoral research positions to expand my expertise. At the UK Dementia Research Institute, Cardiff University, UK, I investigated DNA repair and neurodegeneration, focusing on repeat instability in Huntington’s disease (HD). At the Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz, Germany, I studied genomic instability and its effects on 3D genome organization in cancer. At the Center for Genomics, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt, I explored genomic instability and its role in disease progression.
Beyond my research, I have actively pursued scientific leadership and professional development. I was awarded the EMBL Advanced Training Centre Corporate Partnership Programme Fellowship, where I received specialized training in Next Generation Sequencing: Amplicon-Based Targeted Resequencing at EMBL Heidelberg, Germany. Additionally, I have participated in leadership and management training in the UK, the McKinsey Forward Program, and advanced technical courses in bioinformatics and imaging analysis.
I have contributed to international scientific collaborations, including supporting a team in the iGEM competition (MIT, USA), which earned a Silver Medal, and receiving travel fellowships to CNRS (France) for specialized training. I am currently exploring new opportunities to further my research and contribute to interdisciplinary collaborations in biomedical science. My goal is to leverage my expertise in DNA repair and genome stability to drive impactful research and translational applications in precision medicine, particularly in the fields of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
Awards
MSc scholarship from The Egyptian Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT), at Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology Institute (GEBRI), Sadat City University, Egypt.
Scientists for Next Generation (SNG) Training Program – Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT), Egypt
PhD fellowship from Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt.
EMBL Advanced Training Centre Corporate Partnership Programme Fellowship.
McKinsey Forward Program – Core Skills Level (2024) (if necessary to include under awards) Successfully completed a selective professional development program focused on leadership, problem-solving, and critical thinking, offered by McKinsey & Company.