In recognition of outstanding scholarship by early-career researchers studying at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Anjud Khamis N. Al-Mohannadi, a PhD student in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences program at the College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), has been named by Sidra Medicine as the “Top Research Specialist Author of 2022”. 

Al-Mohannadi, now a researcher at Sidra Medicine, received the award in recognition of a fact-finding analysis she co-authored and presented at the European Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ESGCT) Congress, held in Edinburgh from 11 to 14 October 2022. The paper was recently accepted for publication in the journal Blood Advances, by the American Society of Hematology.
 
Entitled “CD14+/CD31+ Monocytes expanded by UM171 correct Hemophilia A in zebrafish upon lentiviral gene transfer of factor VIII”, the collaborative study with scientists from Sidra Medicine and leading US and Italy-based institutions, is set to be of broad interest to hematologists and researchers striving to advance knowledge and permanent treatments for patients with Hemophilia A. The hereditary bleeding disorder is caused by a lack of blood clotting factor VIII. 
 
Acknowledging Al-Mohannadi’s accomplishment, Dr. Georges Nemer, Interim Dean of CHLS, said: “It is a great honor for CHLS, HBKU to continue attracting exceptional research talent to our multidisciplinary graduate programs and to nurture future leaders. The achievements of our students and the consummation of  our efforts to advance scientific work and translational healthcare research in applied areas of the biomedical sciences, as well as genomics, precision medicine, and exercise science, have proven of incredible value”
 
CHLS’ all-encompassing master’s and PhD programs integrate the scientific expertise of research partners within the University, as well as with esteemed clinical and health science partners external to HBKU, such as Sidra Medicine. These prepare students to pursue scientific discoveries that address modern health threats and contribute to fulfilling Qatar’s national vision.
 
Al-Mohannadi said: “I’m indebted to CHLS faculty and HBKU for the support they extend to early-career researchers, both through a rigorous curriculum and in developing our vital skills. As I endeavor to balance my PhD studies and research work, I find that CHLS dean, who is Dr. Georges Nemer, and faculty members, namely Dr. Fadel our program coordinator; PhD thesis advisor Dr. Borbala Mifsud and Dr. Dindial Ramortar, spared no-effort to extend their mentorship and assistance, and they have helped to make this professional achievement even more possible. Dr. Sara Deola, my PhD co-advisor and line-manager at Sidra Medicine, deserves my thanks and appreciation because it was primarily because of her ongoing assistance and mentorship that I achieved this accomplishment.”
 
For more information about the programs at the College of Health and Life Sciences, which are currently open for admission, please visit chls.edu.qa.