Washington, April 25, 2024, Saudi sons and daughters are continuously achieving remarkable success in their scholarship countries, showcasing national pride across various academic and scientific domains.
A recent interview by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) featured Dr. Sarah Alobaid, an outstanding Saudi scholar making significant strides in the field of microbiology and infectious diseases during her PhD studies in the United States. Dr. Sarah is dedicatedly to working across three sectors and is a valued member of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM).
Dr. Sarah's scientific journey began with her master's degree in molecular and cellular biology at the University of New Haven, where her research focused on enhancing breast cancer treatment using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs- Fe3O4) combined with doxorubicin and electromagnetic radiation. Her study aimed to develop a targeted drug delivery system to directly target cancer cells, potentially improving treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects.
Driven by a passion to contribute significantly to cancer treatment, Dr. Alobaid's research is aimed at exploring safer and more effective treatment options for cancer patients, ushering in new horizons in the field.
Transitioning to her PhD at George Mason University, Dr. Alobaid specialized in microbiology and infectious diseases, focusing on the role of the "pgsBCW" gene cluster in Francisella bacteria's microbial physiology. Her dissertation, titled “Role of poly‐gamma-glutamic acid synthesis locus (pgsBCW /capBCA) in Francisella microbial physiology,” aims to unravel how these genes aid Francisella's survival in harsh conditions and resistance to the human immune system. This research could lead to identifying new therapeutic targets to combat these dangerous bacteria.
In recognition of her exceptional research, Dr. Alobaid's work was acknowledged as one of the best research projects at George Mason University in 2020. She collaborates with a skilled team, utilizing advanced techniques like Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Quantitative Reverse Transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) to identify crucial genes.
Expressing gratitude, Dr. Alobaid thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their commitment to fostering excellence and empowering Saudi youth through scholarships to leading universities worldwide.
