PRECISION MEDICINE
AND THE FUTURE
OF GENOMICS
PMFG 2024 SUMMIT

Dr. Sahar Da’as

Dr. Da'as is a distinguished Research Manager at Sidra Medicine. Dr. Da'as has pioneered innovative approaches using the zebrafish model in functional genomics translational research, focusing on rare pediatric hereditary diseases. She has successfully developed patient-specific genotype models, providing a comprehensive insight into gene variation, clinical presentations, and disease prognosis. These achievements promise a roadmap toward precision medicine and underscore her dedication to advancing healthcare through cutting-edge research. 

Her journey in research began at the IWK Health Centre, Canada, where she focused on rare genetic disorders and childhood cancers, earning an Innovation Excellence Award from Cancer Care Nova Scotia. 

Dr Da'as, through collaborative projects, continues to translate scientific discoveries into practical applications, providing a foundation for translational studies of novel genes and novel variants.

Her impactful work, published in reputable journals, has significantly advanced our understanding of hereditary diseases.

Dr. Karolina Kobus

Dr. Kobus is a molecular geneticist with over 15 years of expertise spanning molecular biology, reproductive genetics, prenatal diagnostics, oncogenetics, and pharmacogenetics. Currently, she serves as an active Precision Genomics consultant, spearheading the establishment of innovative genetic services and advocating for awareness and preventive strategies. She champions the concept of conducting highly specialized testing locally in the Middle East, aiming not only to enhance outcomes, optimize healthcare efficiency, and generate cost savings but also to foster the development of local talents.

Dr. Kobus has previously held positions at esteemed governmental institutions including the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics and the Human Genetic Department at Charite University Hospital in Germany, as well as the National Genetic Centre at the Ministry of Health in Oman. In these roles, she conducted comprehensive data analysis and interpretation for genetic cases utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as Array CGH, Whole Exome Sequencing, and Clinical Genomics.

Additionally, Dr. Kobus actively assists healthcare systems in promoting themselves through scientific conferences and educational series.

Farhan Naim

Farhan read Human Biology at King’s College London, graduating with a BSc honors degree in 2001. Upon graduation, he joined the phase I clinical research organization industry, holding multiple Clinical Trial Associate posts including at the world’s largest CRO, IQVIA. Having gained a solid foundation in the principles of clinical trial conduct, management, regulation and delivery, he crossed over into the English National Health Service as Oncology Clinical Trials Practitioner at the Imperial College Healthcare NHS trust in 2003. Here he worked alongside world-renowned investigators, supporting the delivery of late-phase clinical trials in breast, lung, colorectal and urological cancers. In 2010, Farhan was appointed as Oncology Clinical Trials Portfolio Manager at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, one of the leading academic health centers in the UK. He obtained an MSc in Clinical Oncology at the University of Birmingham in 2011 with a thesis entitled ‘Breast cancer patient perceptions in undergoing additional biopsies for research’. Remaining at the Royal Free, Farhan was subsequently appointed as Deputy Director of Research and Development in 2013 and then as Director of Research and Development in 2018 where he led the organization’s clinical research agenda, setting strategy and overseeing operations. Highlights of his tenure here include the development of a £5M NIHR funded clinical research facility, propelling the organization into a national top-10 spot for patients recruited into clinical trials and leading the development and execution of a highly acclaimed 5-year clinical research strategy. Farhan relocated to Doha in February 2024 and is currently heading the research PMO at Sidra Medicine.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farhan1978/

Alanoud Abdulla

Alanoud Abdulla holds the position of Research Specialist 1 at Sidra Medicine within the Department of Human Genetics, focusing on Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity, and Cancer. Alanoud earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from Carnegie Mellon University in 2021.

Rulan Shaath

Rulan is committed to advancing community healthcare through precision medicine, with a keen focus on molecular-level disease identification using a multi-omics approach, particularly in genomics and metabolomics. Her aim is to uncover disease mechanisms and translate findings into clinical applications. Graduating with honors from the M.H.Sc program in Medical Genomics at the University of Toronto, she honed her expertise in this dynamic and rapidly evolving field.

Fatima Al Ali

Fatima, a Qatari national, is a research specialist in Dr. Matteo Avella's group. Fatima is a skilled in molecular biologist and fish embryologist. She studies genes involved in fertilization and early embryo development in fish and humans. Fatima has authored or co-authored 23 papers in high-impact journals including the New England Journal of Medicine and Cell. She holds a Bachelor's and Honours degree in Immunology from the University of Aberdeen, and a Master's from Robert Gordon University.

Iman Alazwani

Iman Alazwani is a Senior Research Specialist at the Omics Core of Sidra Medicine, with over 15 years of experience in genomics. She specializes in long-read sequencing and is the founder of the InGen program, which introduces high school students to the field of genomics, sparking interest and building foundational knowledge in the next generation of scientists. Known for her commitment to health and wellness, Iman combines her professional expertise with a dedication to community outreach and education, inspiring others both within and beyond her field.

Dr. Abbirami Sathappan

Dr. Abbirami Sathappan has been at the helm of the Advanced Imaging Core Facility at Sidra Medicine since 2017. She has a strong background in Biomedical Engineering, holding both a bachelor's and master's degree in the field. She earned her Master's from Imperial College London in 2012. In 2024, she earned her PhD in Hematology, Oncology, and Translational Medicine from the University of Genova. Further bolstering her leadership credentials, she completed the Harvard Women's Leadership Program in 2022. Dr. Sathappan is highly regarded for her dedication to education and excellence, consistently providing microscopy training and receiving recognition for her innovative and passionate approach to microscopy. She is responsible for overseeing advanced imaging technologies within the Research Department and works closely with various departments at Sidra Medicine to advance imaging techniques and methodologies. Her primary research interests focus on understanding the interactions between immune and tumor cells within the pediatric tumor microenvironment.

Dr. Abdulrahman Al Subaiey

Abdulrahman received his Bachelor of Science degree from Carnegie Mellon University Qatar in Biological Sciences with a minor in Neurosceicnce in 2017. After graduating with Honors, he attended University College London for his Master of Science in Neuroscience where he studied the novel role of oligodendrogenesis in learning in Professor William Richardson’s lab. His doctoral work focused on neuroimmunology and immune dysregulation and he received his Ph.D. from Hamad Bin Khalifa University in 2023. Currently he is based in Dr. Bernice Lo’s immunoregulation labroatory at Sidra Medicine where he is researching novel autoimmune autoantibodies in autoimmune epilepsy in children in Qatar.