Asmaa is a PhD student funded by the Expanding Excellence in England (E3) Fund and is supervised by Dr. Kate Ellacott and Dr. Craig Beall. Her PhD project investigates the role of astrocytes and their intracellular signaling mechanisms in the regulation of energy homeostasis that may be involved during energy imbalance. Asmaa graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Biomedicine from Birbeck, University of London in 2014, and an MRes in Biomedical Research – microbiome in health and disease at Imperial College London in 2015. Her broad interests in research include neurogastroenterology, the brain-islet axis, and how astrocytes contribute to this network in modulating glucose levels as well as her passion for microbiology.

Before joining the Ellacott lab, Asmaa worked for several years within academia, the NHS, and biotech industries all-encompassing biomedical and clinical research. She worked as a Research Associate in Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), within Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha where she spent her time working on a novel bioengineering strategy in beta cell encapsulation, and beta-cell dysfunction whilst also setting up/managing the lab. For a few months, Asmaa covered a senior clinical trials facilitator role at Hammersmith hospital, Imperial College London where she supported research studies at various stages, from grant application, all the way to operational setup and delivery. She was responsible for project managing study setup and study recruitment, engaging with sponsors, clinicians and support departments. Asmaa also worked as a research assistant at Queen Mary University of London, The Wingate Institute of Neurogastroenterology, and The Royal London Hospital where she focused on patients with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and its association with gut pain. She then became a trainee research manager at the Wingate Institute overseeing the institute and supporting PI’s and PhD students/research fellows as a whole. Having completed her MRes in 2015, Asmaa trained and worked as a research technician in hVIVO, a biotech and clinical trial industry. She was involved in cell culture, blood sample processing, and other techniques. Asmaa is now focusing on her PhD and her contribution to novel findings on astrocytes in monitoring and regulating energy balance with the overall aim to show how astrocytes control both energy and glucose homeostasis.

Hobbies: Asmaa is passionate about traveling and adventuring around the world whilst learning about new cultures, dishes and lifestyles. She enjoys the outdoors and when traveling she mainly is hiking, snorkeling, sightseeing, and swimming. Asmaa also enjoys socializing with friends and spending time with her family.