Washington, Saudi sons and daughters continue to carve out success stories in their scholarship countries, proudly raising the national flag high across various academic and scientific fields.
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) recently met with one of the nation’s exemplary daughters abroad, Dr. Sarah Alobaid, who has forged a distinguished path in the field of microbiology and infectious diseases as a PhD student in the United States. She works diligently across three different sectors and is a member of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM).
Dr. Sarah shared that her scientific journey began with her master’s degree in molecular and cellular biology at the University of New Haven. Her research focused on the impact of using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs- Fe3O4) with doxorubicin and electromagnetic radiation to enhance breast cancer treatment in T47D cells.
The study aimed to develop a targeted drug delivery system using nanoparticles to directly target cancer cells, exploring potential improvements in ca
ncer treatment efficacy due to the significant side effects associated with traditional tumor treatments.
Through this research, Dr. Alobaid aims to open new horizons and contribute significantly to cancer treatment, making strides toward safer and more sustainable treatment options for cancer patients.
After completing her master’s degree, Dr. Alobaid began her PhD at George Mason University, specializing in microbiology and infectious diseases. Her dissertation is titled: ‘Role of poly-gamma-glutamic acid synthesis locus (pgsBCW /capBCA) in Francisella microbial physiology’. It focused on Francisella and how the “pgsBCW” gene assists this bacterium in surviving and thriving in harsh environments and resisting the human immune system. The goal of her research is to precisely identify these genes and understand how PGA production in Francisella could lead to new therapeutic targets to combat these dangerous bacteria.
In 2020, her research was recognized as one of the best research projects at George Mason
University.
She works with a team to identify key genes using advanced techniques such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Quantitative Reverse Transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR).
Dr. Alobaid voiced the highest expressions of thanks to 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 keenness on the excellence and empowerment of Saudi youth and their scholarship to the best universities worldwide.
Source: Saudi Press Agency