FWO Doctoral ScientistVIB-KU Leuven | Leuven, BE | 2020 – currentAs a VIB-KU Leuven PhD fellow, I:- Wrote and secured a fully funded 4-year FWO fellowship to study genetic buffering in yeast.- Focused on the role of a specific buffer gene in the evolution of drug resistance.- Co-developed protocols for the evolution, growth, phenotyping, selection, and microscopy of 100’s of microbial strains simultaneously using automated robotics.- Visualized massive datasets from HTS experiments using R studio to characterize top genetic buffer genes that mask mutation effects in S. cerevisiae.- Mastered molecular biology techniques to genetically modify and characterize the yeast model organism.- Mentored 3 students in pursuit of master’s thesis. - Contributed to multiple grants. - Coordinated collaborations with four research groups at KU Leuven- Co-organized monthly seminar series for the VIB Center of Microbiology. - Initiated and implemented sustainable practices in the laboratory (VIB eco-team member).Erasmus FellowLMU & KU Leuven | Leuven, BE | 2017 – 2019-Secured fully funded Erasmus internship to characterize Norwegian farmhouse yeast via genotypic and phenotypic analysis.-Performed bulk fermentations with selected yeast strains to produce beers and assess their chemical and sensory profiles.Social Media AnalystNGO-Yalla Organization for Media| Erbil, Iraq | 2015 – 2016-Co-created the largest social network in Iraq; cultivated a network of reporters, content creators, and bloggers to spread messages of peace and positivity.