My thesis project focuses on elucidating the structure function relationship of GIRK1 containing cardiac ion channels in presence of PIP2 (a lipid modulator of the channel). These interactions are being studied in purified nanodiscs that provide a native-like stabilizing environment, enabling these dynamic interactions to be visualized using high resolution Cryo-electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM), and may have great implications for understanding atrial fibrillation.

Achieved candidacy and started thesis research.

Highlights• Joined Prof. Mukarjee’s research team, conducting research on an industrial reactor for alternative fuel generation.• We were successful in downscaling and benchmarking the industrial setup and currently testing newly improved catalysts.

Highlights• Completed all course requirements with a cumulative GPA of 3.68• Courses taken covered diverse subjects to broaden my knowledge on nanotechnology and its applications.• Directed a part-time job as a software trainer and managed courses and lab work, simultaneously.• Joined the Energy Materials Laboratory with Dr. Allam as a research assistant.• Research focuses on the use of nanomaterials and solar energy in the conversion of carbon dioxide to hydrocarbon fuels.• Accepted abstract poster and presentation in the 2016 MRS Fall Meeting & Exhibit - Materials Research Society.• Synthesis of the nanomaterials extended to include the use of wet chemistry, bacterial green synthesis, photodeposition, electrodeposition, and electrospinning.• Six months experience in the biology department at the American University in Cairo, with emphasis on green synthesis of various metal nanoparticles.• Experienced in the analysis of SEM, EDX, AFM, Nanoindentation, UV-VIS, Photoluminescence, Raman spectroscopy and FTIR data for the characterization of nanomaterials.• Experienced in testing and measurements of the nanomaterials using a solar simulator and a research grade potentiostat for electrochemical and photoelectrochemical experiments• Put in charge of implementing lab startup and turn-around protocols for training new researchers on lab procedures and material synthesis.• Researched minor projects in collaboration with the Egyptian Research Center.

Progressed through a series of promotions, ending with the challenging role of marketing Merck's Specialized Products.• Totally managing key accounts; from recommendations and delivery, to consumption and reorder.• Promoting the company's products through organized personal visits; to the key accounts.• Conducting presentations to doctors to increase and improve awareness on companies’ products.• Conducting presentations to team members to address key points and discuss the agreed action plans.• Forecasting, market analytics and sales team training/development programs.

• Doubled revenues from Libyan accounts, projecting sales from $4.0M in 2008 to $8.5M in 2010.• Achieved 140% of quota in first year as product specialist and exceeded targets in all ensuing years reaching total growth of 204%.• Harnessed experience in leading, motivating and coaching when I was assigned as Team Change Agent; the project was started after the acquisition of Schering Pharmaceuticals by Merck. It aimed to strengthen our team’s communication, outdistance the competition and drive peak productivity from a +20-member sales force.