The UAEU Genomics Laboratory has been established as a center of excellence for research
to ultimately reduce the impact of genetic disease on the UAE community. This new
laboratory contains state of the art equipment and technologies for studying Genomics,
Metabolomics and Bioinformatics.
The Genomics laboratory is equipped with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) platforms
such as NovaSeq 6000 sequencing system, MiSeq Sequencing System in addition to Biomek
i7 Liquid Handling system, Covaris LE220-plus- Focused Ultrasonicator, Automated DNA
isolation system (QiACube and QiACube HT), RT-PCR- Machine (QuantStudio 7 Flex), PCR
Robotic workstation, several PCR machines and other ancillary and small equipment.
To enhance the research capacity of UAEU and country by becoming the leading provider
of Genomics and Metabolomics analysis infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates.
The mission of the UAE University Genomics Laboratory is aligned with the UAEUs focusing
on its three pillars in Research, Education and Community Services by providing cutting
edge research and diagnostic services as well as advanced training in the fields of
genetics, genomics and metabolomics for the benefit of the UAE Community.
The purpose of establishing UAE University Genomics Laboratory is for it to be a unique,
world-class, national and regional center that integrates basic research in genetics,
genomics and metabolomics with cutting-edge translational research as well as to train
the next generation of geneticists and scientists to improve human health and provide
state of the art molecular, biochemical and medical genetics care, novel therapeutics
and prevention strategies for the UAE community.
The UAEU Genomics Laboratory scope will be focused on the Research, Education and Clinical services.
Dr. Hiba Alblooshi, Director of UAEU Genomic Laboratory
Assistant Professor, Department of Genetics and Genomic, College of Medicine and Health
Science, United Arab Emirates University. Dr. Alblooshi is currently an assistant
professor in the Genetic and Genomics department in the United Arab Emirates University.
Dr Alblooshi is the director of the UAEU genomic Laboratory. She holds a PhD degree
in Medical and Forensic Sciences from the University of Western Australia. She completed
her Master degree and Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Science from the University
of Western Australia. Dr. Alblooshi Completed her Bachelor degree in Science majoring
in Genetic and Anatomy from The University of Melbourne, Australia. Her research area
includes the molecular basis of Mendelian Disorders and Neuropsychiatric Genetic.
With her research work she hopes to provide new insights for the pathophysiology of
the disorder and improve the application of genetic technology in understating the
underling biology of the disease.
Anas Al Aidaros, Medical Research Specialist (Biochemical Genetics)
Anas Al Aidaros joined the Genetic and Genomic department in 2020. He obtained his
BSc. in Chemistry from the UAE University, College of Science in 2015. He worked as
quality control analyst at Ministry of Climate Change and Environment laboratories.
He joined UAEU chemistry department as research assistance in 2016. Al Aidaros also
worked in the Metabolic laboratory, College of Medicine and Health Sciences in UAEU.
His expertise spans mass spectrometry, development of analytical methods for detection
and determination of designer drugs of abuse, quality improvement of screening and
diagnostic methods and determination of human derived chemicals in ground water.
Ibrahim Baydoun, Medical Research Specialist (Molecular Genomics)
Ibrahim Baydoun, have recently joined CMHS staff as a Senior Specialist in Next Generation
sequencing . He has worked as a Lab supervisor in Jordan's University of science And
Technology -Princess Haya Biotechnology Center (Irbid Jordan) , and King Fahad specialist
Hospital (Dammam, Saudi Arabia) As Senior Research Technologist for their Genomics
Unit in the Biomedical Research Facility. His past experience involves both Molecular
Genetics Research and Diagnostics. with research focusing mainly on Oncogenetics ,
Neurogenetics , Metagenomics , Cardiovascular Genetics and Whole Genome sequencing
as part of the Saudi Genome project. He finished his M.Sc in Biotechnology and Genetic
Engineering , minoring in Human Molecular Genetics from Yarmouk University (irbid,
Jordan).
Praseetha Kizhakkedath, PhD, Senior Specialist
Praseetha Kizhakkedath joined the UAEU Genomics team in May 2020. She is primarily
responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the genomics lab and involved in
the analysis and interpretation of clinical genomic data from whole exomes and genomes.
Praseetha obtained her Ph.D in Biotechnology from the University of Madras, India.
After her PhD she joined the biopharmaceutical industry at Syngene International,
Bangalore as an Associate Scientific Manager for Syngene-Abbot Nutrition research
collaboration and led various molecular biology and functional genomics research projects.
Praseetha has completed her postdoctoral training on molecular mechanisms underlying
human rare genetic disorders, in Dept. of Pathology, College of Medicine and Health
Sciences, UAEU and later worked as a clinical genomics scientist at Al Jalila Genome
center, Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, Dubai. She has authored several peer reviewed
scientific publications and presented her research at international scientific conferences.