Research interest:

Molecular Microbial Ecology- Prof. Raeid Abed

Environmental microbiology/microbial ecology with focus on diversity, function, and biotechnology of microbial communities in extreme environments. My major research is directed towards studying microbial mats and desert soils. Diversity of microorganisms is studied using molecular tools and their adaptation and activity using microsensors and rate measurement techniques. Extremophiles are isolated from these ecosystems and explored their use in biotechnology including production of secondary metabolites, and in biofuel production.

Plant Molecular Biology- Dr. Mahmoud Yaish

My research work is focused on understanding the salinity tolerance mechanisms of the plants. In this regard, I am using classical and molecular tools such as OMICS, and functional genomics technologies. In addition, in research work, I am trying to produce biofertilizers from endophytic bacteria that can enhance plant growth under abiotic stresses. The major aim of our research lines is to improve the salinity adaptation capacity of the plants.

Environmental Biology & Toxicology - Dr. Hassan Ali Al-Reasi

Quantifying and conducting toxicity of aquatic pollutants (e.g., heavy metals in different biological and environmental samples) to understand how the presence of pollutants influences living organisms and the whole environment. Also, characterizing and investigating environmental and toxicological aspects of allelochemicals from invasive plant species (Prosopis juliflora) to come up with better ways for eradication and/or utilization of its chemicals for development of potential herbicide.

Environmental Science - Dr. Hameed Sulaiman

Environmental impact assessment. Waste quantification and characterization. Trace metal assessment in water, soil and biota. Particulate matter assessment in air. Land use & land cover change-induced microclimate. Carbon sequestration in green spaces for climate change mitigation.

Cancer Research - Dr. Sirin A Adham

Molecular mechanisms behind resistance to chemotherapy drugs in breast cancer cells. Identify new diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers and drug targets for breast cancer precision using the state of art OMICS technology. Molecular effects of chronic kidney disease and water pipe smoking using rodents’ models.

Microbial Biotechnology- Dr. Sivakumar Nallusamy

Converting waste biomass into biofuels using biorefinery approach, Bioplastic production from waste biomass, Bioconversion of lignocellulosic wastes, Production and characterization of microbial enzymes, Optimization of fermentation conditions, Biomass conversion and waste valorization, Bioenergy, Anti-microbial activity, Bioremediation.

Molecular Microbiology- Dr. Bahja Al Riyami

Investigation of microorganisms in hot springs, Structural and functional studies on cortex lytic enzymes of Bacillus and Clostridium spores, Identification of novel enzymes involved in bacterial spore germination.

Biodiversity and Conservation- Dr. Erika Cuellar Soto

Biodiversity and Conservation: the development of an interdisciplinary research and monitoring program (including systematic inventories across taxonomic groups; speciation, diversification processes; DNA barcoding techniques for complementing effective assessment and categorization of species; diseases affecting wildlife)  in order to understand patterns of change in biodiversity due to effects on land use and climatic events.

Behavioral Ecology, Marine Ecology, Ethnobiology and Conservation- Dr. Antoine OHC Leduc

My interests involve the response of marine organisms to natural and anthropogenic stimuli. From a perspective of increasing human footprint in coastal regions, I seek to understand how human disturbances affect marine animals’ behavior and life-histories. I am also interested in understanding trends in costal natural resources, based on the ecological knowledge of primary users.