Briefly, tell us about your background and career up to this point?
I qualified from Al-Quds University as a medical doctor. After my foundation year got selected for a scholarship to do PhD in Respiratory Physiology in Paris (France) which I obtained in 2008. After that, I worked in many places on Respiratory medicine projects, lecturing in respiratory physiology and then in clinical physiology and sleep medicine.
I recently started a clinical research fellow post at King’s college to do research in Asthma.
What is a typical day like for you?
Now, as I'm waiting for the approval of Ethics Committee, I'm spending my time reading articles and doing preliminary experiments with colleagues.
What is the best thing about the return to ‘normality’ we are now experiencing?
Well, a return to normality for researchers who want to do research on patients in our case means return to work as some projects were not possible at all during COVID including my project in Asthma.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
I hope to be at King’s of course in five years’ time.
What do you do with your time outside academia?
Mainly sports like running, cycling, hiking and sightseeing (travelling as much as possible).
What is something positive that has happened to you in 2021?
In December 2021, I was successful in the interview and got the job at King’s!
What is your favourite thing about working at King’s?
Being in a prestigious team with wonderful colleagues!
QUICK-FIRE:
Favourite scientist: Retired Professor Jean-Philippe Derenne (from France)
Favourite cuisine: Mediterranean cuisine
Coffee order: Double Macchiato
One thing you could not go a day without: Olive oil