The passion of the Abdelrahman lab members make our lab an exciting place to do science! Meet the team below!
Khaled Abdelrahman, Assistant Professor and PI
Dr. Khaled Abdelrahman earned his BSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences and MSc in Pharmacology from Alexandria University before completing his PhD in 2015 at the University of Calgary. Following his PhD, Dr. Khaled Abdelrahman joined the Departments of Cellular & Molecular Medicine and Neuroscience at the University of Ottawa. There, his focus shifted towards identifying novel G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) targets for pharmacological intervention in neurodegenerative diseases. With over 12 years of experience as a Registered Pharmacist, Dr. Abdelrahman is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics at the University of British Columbia, where he is a full member of the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health. He has received the Michael Smith Health Research BC Professional Investigator Award and leads a research group supported by a New Investigator Grant from the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada. His current research explores the role of GPCRs in impaired cerebral blood flow in Alzheimer’s disease.
Jatin Agnani, Lab Manager
Jatin is the lab manager at the Abdelrahman lab. He earned his Bachelor’s from McGill University in the Honours Neuroscience program. He joined the Abdelrahman lab pursuing an interest in garnering a better understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, specifically, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the deficits to learning and memory. Outside the lab, Jatin enjoys reading and exploring the myriad of running trails in Vancouver.
Wesam Bassiouni Farag, Postdoctoral Fellow
Wesam is a postdoctoral fellow at Abdelrahman Lab. He earned his BSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences and MSc in Pharmacology from Alexandria University. He then completed his PhD in Pharmacology at the University of Alberta. With a background in molecular pharmacology, he is interested in exploring the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, specifically Alzheimer’s disease, and developing novel therapeutic options for its management. In his free time, Wesam enjoys watching movies and spending time with his family.
Sanarya Aljaf, PhD Student
Sanarya Aljaf is a PhD student whose interest in neuroscience stems from her family. She has had a close relative diagnosed with Parkinson’s at a relatively young age, and this has since sparked her curiosity in neurodegenerative disorders. Her research interests include neurodegenerative disorders, neuropharmacology and neurological disorders. In her free time, Sanarya enjoys capturing the world through the lens of her film camera.
Mohamed Abdelnaby Darwish, PhD student
Mohamed is a PhD student at Abdelrahman Lab. He earned his BSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, MSc in Pharmacology and Toxicology from Alexandria University, Egypt. With a background in Cardiovascular and Neuropharmacology, he is eager to contribute to the development of novel therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer’s disease. Outside the lab, he enjoys exploring other countries’ culture in his free time through travelling and tourism.
Nima Teymouri, Master’s Student
Nima is a Master’s student in the Abdelrahman Lab. He earned his BSc in Pharmacology from UBC and investigates the therapeutic potential of M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor positive allosteric modulators for neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer’s disease.His research interests span degenerative diseases and regenerative medicine. Outside the lab, he enjoys hiking, ice skating, biking, and reading.
Emily Ye, Master’s Student
Emily is a master’s student at the Abdelrahman lab. She earned her BSc Honours in Chemical Biology from the University of British Columbia. She is keen to learn more about the biological mechanisms behind neurodegenerative disorders and how therapeutics may be used to treat them. Outside of the lab, she enjoys all sorts of crafting (crocheting, beading, building miniature models) and going for long walks!
Amir Kazemi, Undergraduate Student
Amir is a third-year Biological Sciences student with a passion in neuroscience and human physiology. He is particularly interested in learning about dementia and neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on how these conditions affect the brain. Outside of his academic pursuits, Amir enjoys playing soccer, spending time outdoors, and attending car shows! 🚗🚗
Julia Wilson, Undergraduate Student
Julia is a fourth-year Integrated Sciences student studying Neuroscience, Immunology and Nutrition. After the passing of a family member from Parkinson’s disease, she became interested in the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases and their treatment strategies. She is currently investigating how aptamer-based biosensors can detect neurotransmitter fluctuations in Alzheimer’s disease. In her free time, she loves to ski and go on hikes!
Leina Shabaan, Undergraduate Student
Leina is a fourth-year Neuroscience student currently completing her capstone project in the lab, where she’s exploring her interest in neurodegenerative diseases and the biological mechanisms that underlie them. She enjoys learning new technical skills in the lab, expanding her understanding of neuroscience research. In her free time, Leina enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, hiking, and catching up on the latest in Formula 1!
Abigail Li, Undergraduate Student
Abigail is a fourth-year undergraduate student specializing in Honours Pharmacology. She developed an interest in Alzheimer’s disease after a relative was diagnosed, which inspired her to explore its mechanisms, symptoms, current treatments, and future therapeutic potential. Her favorite things are cats and ice cream, and outside the lab she enjoys playing piano, knitting, crocheting, and exploring new ice cream shops. Her current favorite song is https://youtu.be/rVpOwQMpJO0?si=exSJPKI2xR5Plqm8.
Ray Wang, Undergraduate Student
Ray is a fourth-year pharmacology student completing his honours thesis at Abdelrahman lab. He is passionate aboutthe development of therapeutics for neurological disorders and is currently investigating the role of mGluR5 in Alzheimer’s Disease pathogenesis. In his free time, he loves making music with his friends, looking for beautiful scenery, and watching anime, his favourite one being: Sora yori mo Tooi Basho.
Ava Alexander, Undergraduate Student
Ava is a fourth-year Neuroscience student completing her capstone project in the lab. She is passionate about understanding the mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease and exploring their potential therapeutic targets. In her free time, Ava enjoys playing soccer and spending time outdoors!
Kaitlyn Uy, Undergraduate Student
Kaitlyn is a third-year Integrated Sciences student specializing in neuroscience and genetics. She has a keen interest in neurodegenerative disorders, especially in areas of brain dysfunction and recovery, and what genetic mechanisms underlie these traits. In her spare time, she enjoys reading mystery novels and illustrating zines!