Sahar Essa -Virology – Excellence in Research

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Dr. Sahar Essa  distinguished academic and researcher in the field  Biological Networks (Virology, Immunology, Cytokines).  In her academic career, she has held various positions at Kuwait University, beginning as a Teaching Assistant in the Faculty of Medicine from 1992 until 2012, when she progressed to the role of Assistant Professor, a position she continues to hold to date.

Her professional journey also includes experiences beyond Kuwait. She served as a Research Assistant at the Department of Pathology in McGill University, Canada, from 1990 to 1991, contributing to the research efforts in her field. Prior to her international stint, she worked as an Academic Assistant in the Department of Microbiology at the Faculty of Medicine in Kuwait from 1986 to 1989, laying the groundwork for her future academic endeavors. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a commitment to both academic excellence and research advancement in the field of biological sciences.

🌐 Professional Profiles

Educations📚📚📚

She holds a Ph.D. in Medical Virology from Warwick University, United Kingdom, which she obtained in 2001. Prior to that, she completed her Master of Science in Medical Microbiology at the Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, in 1989. Her academic journey commenced with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from Kuwait University in 1985. Throughout her educational endeavors, she has specialized in various fields within Biological Sciences, establishing a strong foundation in medical research and microbiology.

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

As a Principal Investigator, she has spearheaded several research projects, each aimed at advancing knowledge in the field of virology and immunology. One such project focused on sequencing Human Polyomaviruses WU from patients with Lower Respiratory Tract Infection in Kuwait. This endeavor, funded by Kuwait University, saw fruitful results with one full-length paper published in Medical Principles and Practice in 2017, showcasing the significance of her findings.

Another notable project delved into the immunophenotyping of peripheral blood cells in response to infection with major HCV genotypes before, during, and after treatment. With funding support from Kuwait University, this research effort yielded a comprehensive paper published in Medical Principles and Practice in 2021, shedding light on the modulation of immune cell subsets by Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and antiviral therapy.

Additionally, she led investigations into the influence of neutrophils on the production of cytokines associated with different Th cell subsets in chronic HCV-infected patients. This study, funded by Kuwait University, resulted in a significant publication in Pathogens in 2021, highlighting the modulation of cytokine production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and neutrophils by HCV infection.

Furthermore, she contributed to understanding the influence of SARS-COV-2 on cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells and neutrophils in COVID-19 patients. Supported by KFAS, this research, completed in 2021, added valuable insights into the cytokine responses in individuals affected by the COVID-19 virus. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to research excellence, making significant contributions to the scientific community’s understanding of viral infections and immune responses.

Number of citations

  • Number of citations:
    • Total 396
    • Previous 5 years (2017-2022) 138
  • h-index
    • Total 13
    • Previous 5 years (2017-2022) 8
  • i10- index
    • Total 14
    • Previous 5 years (2017-2022) 6

CONFERENCES:

As a member of various organizing committees, she has been instrumental in orchestrating numerous virology symposiums aimed at updating professionals on modern trends, recent advances, and updates in clinical virology. From 2002 to 2013, she contributed to organizing symposiums such as “Modern Trends in Clinical Virology,” “Update in Clinical Virology,” and “Recent Advances in Clinical Virology” at the AbdulRazak Lecture Theater, Health Science Center, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration in the field.

Furthermore, her expertise has been sought after globally, with invitations to speak at prestigious conferences and symposiums. She has addressed audiences on a wide range of topics related to clinical virology, including presentations on cytomegalovirus infections, persistent viral infections, and the influence of various viruses on immune responses. Notably, she has participated in international conferences such as the BIT’s 1st World Congress of Viruses and Infections in South Korea, the 3rd Global Virology Congress & Expo in Spain, and the 10th International Virology Summit in Austria, where she shared her insights and research findings with fellow experts in the field.

Moreover, she has actively contributed to conferences with presentations, showcasing her research on topics such as the role of respiratory syncytial virus in respiratory diseases and the diagnosis and management of viral infections in transplant recipients. Her presence and contributions at these events have underscored her dedication to advancing the understanding and management of viral infections through research, collaboration, and knowledge dissemination.

Continuous Professional Development (Courses and Workshops)

She has demonstrated a commitment to continuous professional development through her participation in various courses and workshops spanning diverse topics in the field of medical science. From acquiring diplomas in workshops on laboratory techniques to enhancing teaching and learning methodologies, she has continuously upgraded her skills and knowledge. Her attendance at workshops focusing on clinical teaching, infectious diseases, laboratory management, and infection control underscores her dedication to staying updated with the latest advancements in her field. Furthermore, her engagement in workshops on radiation protection, fire safety, and updates on infection control highlights her commitment to maintaining a safe and secure working environment. Additionally, her participation in workshops on bioinformatics, genomics, and scientific writing reflects her enthusiasm for exploring emerging areas of research and honing her skills in data analysis and communication. Through her proactive approach to professional development, she ensures her expertise remains current and relevant in the ever-evolving landscape of medical science.

She has been honored with several prestigious awards throughout her career, recognizing her outstanding achievements and contributions to the field of medical science. In 1985, she was awarded a gold medal for achieving the highest total marks in her B.Sc. degree from the Faculty of Allied Health at Kuwait University, reflecting her academic excellence and dedication to her studies. Her research endeavors have also been recognized, with awards such as the Best Clinical Sciences Research at the 11th Annual Health Sciences Center Poster Conference in April 2006, highlighting the quality and significance of her contributions to clinical research. Additionally, she received the Best Poster Award at the 10th International Virology Summit in Vienna, Austria, in July 2018, and another Best Poster Award at the International Conference on Infectious and Rare Diseases in Amsterdam, Netherlands, in August 2019, further affirming the impact and recognition of her research at the international level. These honors underscore her commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of medical virology.

 

Publications