The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSSCR) has honored a student at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS) for her outstanding research on diabetes.

Currently, a PhD in Biological and Biomedical Sciences candidate, Bushra Memon, earned the ISSCR Abstract Merit Award during the 2019 ISSCR Conference in Los Angeles, United States.

Her research explores the human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived pancreatic beta cell progenitors that offer a promising alternative to traditional means of treatment for diabetes. 

_{Photo Credit: Qatar Tribune} 

Memon carried out the research under the supervision of Dr Essam M Abdelalim, an assistant professor at CHLS and a scientist at the Diabetes Research Centre at Qatar Biomedical Research Institute.

Through her research, Memon discovered an alternative source of insulin-secreting cells for cell therapy that can be significant in diabetes treatment.

Commenting on the achievement, Memon said, “I am grateful to Dr Abdelalim whose guidance and support as my adviser not only gave me confidence in my research endeavor but also ensured I had access to a state-of-the-art laboratory and was able to tap into his expertise.” 

Dr Abdelalim said, “Diabetes is a prevalent illness in the region and a key medical challenge for Qatar. Through our research, we are committed to promoting a deeper understanding of the illness so that we may be better equipped to formulate advanced means of diagnosis and treatment.”

CHLS offers graduate programs in biomedical and biological sciences, and in genomics and precision medicine.

The programs offer an enriching experience to students with the knowledge and hands-on experience in basic, clinical and translational research approaches.

The college offers five graduate programs comprising: Master of Science in Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Master of Science in Genomics and Precision Medicine; Master of Science in Exercise Science; PhD in Biological and Biomedical Sciences; and PhD in Genomics and Precision Medicine.

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