Study conducted by Hanaa Mousa, Medical Science student from QU’s College of Medicine

Qatar University (QU) student Hanaa Mousa completed her oral theses defense entitled ‘Vitamin D Immune Modulatory Effect on the Anti-inflammatory potential of HDL (High Density Lipoproteins) associated Proteins,’ and becomes the second PhD candidate from QU’s College of Medicine. A number of faculty members and students from QU Health attended the event.

The study helps reveal the role of HDL associated lipoproteins during sepsis and the resulted inflammation. Understanding the physiological mechanism helped the researchers in designing new therapeutic agents preventing sepsis and septic shock. In addition, this research highlighted the interaction between HDL and Vitamin D, and the link between Vitamin D deficiency and dyslipidemia, which will allow the clinician to better understand and manage both Dyslipidemia and Vitamin D deficiency.

Dr. Mashael Al-Shafei, Director of Graduate Studies, QU Health said, “Hanaa has presented her research in a professional scientific manner, and I was glad to see her work published in high impact peer-reviewed journals. The open Q&A session was interactive and many faculty and students attended and celebrated Hanaa’s success. I take this opportunity to announce the opening of the new admission cycle for our graduate programs including a PhD program in Health Sciences (which is open now until the 16th of February 2023), and to encourage interested applicants to apply and start their PhD journey.”

In a statement on this occasion, Dr. Susu Zughaier, Associate Professor of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, and the main supervisor for Hanaa said, “I cannot be more proud of Dr. Hanaa Mousa and her perseverance during this challenging journey of PhD studies. I witnessed her jumping hurdles and rising to the challenge to achieve her goals. I observed her acquiring and producing knowledge, elevating her critical thinking and gaining scholarly skill which is the essence of PhD training.”

For her part, Dr. Hanaa Moussa said, “The journey of obtaining a PhD was very challenging full of joy and tears, hopes and dreams, sweet times and sour ones. I was a new mother, working a full-time job in research, on top of being a PhD student. This requires immense effort to fulfill all my duties. I feel lucky to have had individuals around me, who support, guide and help me to reach my goals. My advice to all students is you can do it and you will, just do not give up, do not despair in the difficult times. You can touch the stars with hard work and dedication to your goals, and remember that the key to success is to believe in yourself all the time.”

It is worth noting that Prof. Asad Zeidan, Dr. Mohamad Emara, and Dr. Simon Jackson from the College of Medicine in the Medical and Health Sciences Sector at QU, in addition to Dr. Nahla Afifi from Qatar Biobank, were members in the supervisory committee of this doctoral dissertation.

Source: Qatar University