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.
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!