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Abrar AbuHamdia
Name:
Abrar AbuHamdia
Job title:
PhD Candidate
Place of work / study:
Hamad Bin Khalifa University
Area of Research:
I work on two areas: (1) Lab based research: Developing brain organoid models to feature brain development and facilitate studying neurological diseases at earliest stages;(2) Systematic review and meta-analysis: Investigating the efficacy, safety and mechanisms of pharmaceutical agents, such as ravulisumab and efgartigimod, and surgical interventons for neurological disorders.
How is your work funded:
It is funded by Qatar Foundation
Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a highly motivated researcher with five years of experience in multidisciplinary research, teaching, and mentoring undergraduate and postgraduate students. My background includes cadaveric, clinical, and laboratory-based research, as well as systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
I have a strong record of providing high-quality mentorship, with my mentees achieving first and second place in the clinical research category at the International Youth Neuroscience Association’s 2024 Ideathon. I am also an experienced peer reviewer, having reviewed ten studies for neurology journals, and I was named Best Research Reviewer at Al-Quds University during the 5th Palestinian Undergraduate Research Conference.
I have extensive experience in the development, review, and submission of research proposals, having contributed to more than 20 projects. I have also written and reviewed grant applications for international funding bodies, working in accordance with funding policies and deadlines, with two proposals successfully awarded funding.
My experience across research, education, mentorship, peer review, and grant development positions me well to contribute to major advances and increasing collaboration across disciplines.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
I don’t have one
Why did you choose to work in dementia?
I have engaged with patients with dementia and their families in Palestine, and the compassion I experienced has left a lasting impact. By listening to them and providing education, I found the experience rewarding and gained a profound sense of purpose. Dementia research is crucial for advancing our understanding of the disease, which directly enhances my ability to improve the lives of patients and their families.
What single piece of advise would you give to an early-career researcher?
Challenge conventional assumptions and recognize patients and caregivers as co-experts who can actively guide and shape your research.
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
Pharmagendon to David Healy. I have recently started reading it, yet to reach the stage to decide on whether to recommend it
Favourite film of all time?
TV show Friends
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
Drawing and writing
What’s the best decision you ever made?
The bravery to take the risk to go and study abroad
What’s your favourite vacation spot?
I’m still an explorer.
Do you collect anything?
No
