Hello, I'm

Eman Etoom

PhD candidate in Biomedical Sciences (Genetics & Genomics) at UAEU.
I enjoy the clever, creative side of science: turning complicated biological questions into something we can investigate, understand, and perhaps see in a completely new way.

About Me

Get to know the scientist behind the research.

Eman Etoom portrait

PhD Researcher in Biomedical Sciences

My scientific journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Genetics and Biotechnology, where I first developed my fascination with genes, genomes, and the molecular mechanisms that shape life. I then chose to broaden that perspective through a Master's degree in Microbiology, where I explored the many sides of molecular and genetic science, from molecular genetics and human genetics to the fascinating worlds of parasites, viruses, and bacteria. Now, through my PhD, I am returning to one of my original scientific passions: Human Genetics and Genomics. But I am returning with a much broader perspective. I aim to use this combined background to better understand genetic mechanisms underlying human diseases and contribute to research that helps scientists move closer to supporting patients and developing better approaches to disease.

Before beginning my PhD, I had the opportunity to grow not only as a researcher, but also as a lecturer and mentor. Through research projects, publications, teaching, and working alongside students and fellow researchers, I learned that science is not only about producing knowledge; it is also about sharing it, supporting one another, and helping others find confidence in their own abilities. I love supporting scientists, students, and anyone working toward something meaningful to them. I believe that encouragement and being willing to help can make a real difference in someone's scientific journey, and these are values I hope to carry with me throughout my career.

I enjoy the clever, creative side of science: turning complicated biological questions into something we can investigate, understand, and perhaps see in a completely new way. Science, to me, is a constant process of learning, questioning, getting things wrong, and finding better questions to ask next. I believe that science is not about having all the answers, but about asking better questions, embracing unexpected results, and turning confusion into discovery.

Beyond research, I genuinely enjoy the conversations that happen around science, life, ideas, and everything in between, especially with curious, thoughtful, and inspiring people. I have always been someone who enjoys being busy, exploring different subjects, taking on new projects, and experiencing the many things life has to offer. Yet, amid all the movement and changing priorities, I try not to lose sight of the principles that matter most to me: staying curious, thinking deeply, treating people with kindness, remaining open to learning, and holding on to the inspirations that first made me love science.

Location: Al-Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Degree: M.Sc. Microbiology (Distinction)
PhD Institute: UAEU, College of Medicine and Health Sciences
Languages: Arabic, English (TOEFL 94/120)
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Students Trained

What I Do

A blend of research, teaching, and scientific communication.

Molecular Biology

PCR (real-time, nested, multiplex), DNA/RNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, plasmid mapping, sequencing analysis.

Microbiology & AMR

Bacterial isolation, identification, MIC, ESBL assays, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, integron & gene cassette screening.

Genetics & Genomics

Phylogenetic analysis, WGS workflows, integron/gene cassette annotation, population genetics, bioinformatics pipelines.

Teaching & Mentoring

Lecturing in General Biology & lab supervision. Designed practical sessions, assessments, and mentored undergrads & MSc students.

Data Analysis

Statistical analysis with SPSS, Python (Pandas, NumPy), SQL, and data visualization with Tableau & Looker Studio.

Scientific Writing

Research proposals, peer-reviewed manuscripts, conference abstracts, and grants — from hypothesis to publication.

My Resume

Education, training, and the path that shaped my research.

Education

Aug 2026 – Present

PhD in Biomedical Sciences — Full Fellowship

UAEU, College of Medicine & Health Sciences — Department of Genetics and Genomics

Supervisor: Dr. Nadia Akawi. Research on CRISPR-induced genotoxicity and human genomics.

Feb 2019 – Feb 2022

M.Sc. Microbiology — GPA 4.05 (Distinguished)

Jordan University of Science and Technology

Thesis: Genetic Characterization of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium Species Infecting Dogs in Jordan. Committee: Rami M. Mukbel, Mohammad Gharaibeh, Marwan Abu-Halaweh.

Sep 2014 – Feb 2018

B.Sc. Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering — GPA 3.44 (Rank 7/58)

Jordan University of Science and Technology

Coursework: molecular biology, genetics, bioinformatics, immunology, statistics, programming in C++, tissue culture.

Nov 2024

TOEFL iBT — 94/120

Reading 21 | Listening 26 | Speaking 24 | Writing 23

Experience

June 2023 – July 2026

Research Assistant

JUST — Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bacteriology Research Lab

Mentors: Prof. Mohammad Gharaibeh & Dr. Ibrahim Alzuheir. Led independent AMR projects, trained students, ran MDG–PathKinex high-throughput antimicrobial assays, and wrote funding proposals.

March 2025 – June 2025

Part-time Lecturer — General Biology for Health Sciences

Philadelphia University, Amman, Jordan

Designed and delivered lectures, quizzes and exams. Mentored first-year students in theory and lab work.

Feb 2023 – Feb 2024

Graduate Teaching Assistant

Philadelphia University — Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology Dept.

Supervised two weekly lab sessions of 25–30 students, graded reports, and built practical biology content.

Fall 2019 & Spring 2020

Teaching Assistant — Histology & Parasitology Labs

Jordan University of Science and Technology

Taught practical lab content, supported home-experiments, graded reports, and ensured lab safety.

Skills & Expertise

Laboratory & Molecular
Real-time PCR Nested PCR Multiplex PCR DNA/RNA Extraction Plasmid Extraction Gel Electrophoresis Bacterial Culturing MIC ESBL Assay ELISA Disk Diffusion Microscopy Cell-Based Assays
Bioinformatics & Data
BLAST MEGA IntegronFinder Staramr ResFinder PlasmidFinder Phylogenetics SPSS Python (Pandas, NumPy) SQL Basics Tableau Looker Studio Excel
Research & Soft Skills
Research Proposal Writing Manuscript Writing Grant Writing Project Management Mentoring Lecturing Online Teaching Lab Biosafety Questionnaire Design

Awards & Honors

  • PhD Full Fellowship in Biomedical Sciences Program at UAEU (Fall 2026)
  • Step Up Forum 2026 Conference — Top 3 Research Poster Award, Amman, Jordan
  • Correlation One Tech for Jobs Fellowship — Top 5% of Cohort, Honors & Exceptional Community Member (2024–2025)
  • European Union ECU-Jordan Scholarship — Graduate School, JUST (2020–2022)
  • JUST Teaching Assistantship, Department of Basic Medical Veterinary Sciences (2019–2020)

Research & Publications

Peer-reviewed work, conference posters, and ongoing projects.

Published
Cryptosporidium spp. in dogs from Jordan — zoonotic IId detection

Mukbel RM, Etoom EM, Hammad HB, Enemark HL, Abu Halaweh MM

PLOS ONE 20(2): e0314462 (2025)

First molecular screening of Cryptosporidium in dogs from Jordan — zoonotic subtype IId identified in pet and stray dogs.

View DOI
Published
Risk factors of mcr-1 colistin-resistance in E. coli from broilers in northern Jordan

Gharaibeh MH, Al Sheyab SY, Lafi SQ, Etoom EM

Journal of Global Antimicrobial Resistance 36: 284–292 (2024)

Identified 39.7% mcr-1 prevalence in E. coli and risk factors including commercial feed and doxycycline use.

View DOI
Published
Integron-mediated resistance determinants in Salmonella from broilers in Jordan

Etoom EM, Gharaibeh MH

Pakistan Veterinary Journal 45(4): 2036–2043 (2025)

PCR mapping of integrons reveals Class 1 dominance (81.1%) and active gene-cassette acquisition in broiler-associated Salmonella.

View DOI
Top 3 Award
Integrons, ESBL & Colistin Resistance in Salmonella — phenotypic, molecular, genomic

Etoom EM, Gharaibeh MH, Kassem II, Alzuheir I

Step Up Forum 2026 — Conference Poster (8–9 May 2026, Amman, Jordan)

Award-winning poster integrating phenotypic, molecular, and genomic data on MDR Salmonella from broilers.

In Preparation
ESBL & Plasmid-Mediated Colistin Resistance in Salmonella from Broilers in Jordan

Etoom EM, Gharaibeh MH, Kassem II

Manuscript — to be submitted

Phenotypic, genomic and plasmid-level insights into mcr-carrying Salmonella isolates from Jordanian broilers.

In Progress
Integrons & Plasmids in E. coli from Animals and Humans

Etoom EM, Alzuheir I

Cross-sectional genetic epidemiological study (Feb–July 2026)

Mobile genetic elements, integron typing, plasmid transferability, and phage-targeting of MDR E. coli.

In Progress
Giardia & Entamoeba in dogs from Jordan — molecular identification & risk factors

Etoom EM (et al.)

Manuscript — to be submitted

Molecular identification of Giardia, Entamoeba and associated risk factors in dogs from northern and central Jordan.

In Progress
CRISPR-induced genotoxicity in human clinical trials — a systematic review

Etoom E, Akawi N, Zoughbor S

Systematic Review — sequencing-based evidence

Systematic review of sequencing-based evidence for CRISPR-induced genotoxicity in human trials.

Highlights
Featured Research Areas
  • Antimicrobial resistance in food-borne pathogens
  • Integrons, plasmids & gene cassettes
  • Zoonotic parasites in companion animals
  • One Health & molecular epidemiology

Visual Showcase

Posters, certificates, research figures, and lab stories — the visual side of science.

Top 3 Award · Step Up Forum 2026
Step Up Forum 2026 Conference Poster - Integron Classes, ESBL & Colistin Resistance in Salmonella
View Full Poster

Integron Classes & Cassettes, ESBL Determinants, and Plasmid-Mediated Colistin Resistance in Salmonella

Step Up Forum 2026 Conference · 8–9 May 2026 · Amman, Jordan

A phenotypic, molecular, and genomic investigation of MDR Salmonella from broiler chickens — revealing high prevalence of integrons, widespread multidrug resistance, and detection of blaCTX-M & mcr plasmids. Findings highlight the critical role of horizontal gene transfer in AMR spread and support ongoing national efforts to strengthen integrated One-Health surveillance.

Integrons ESBL mcr-1 Salmonella WGS MDR

Designed by me

Certificates & Recognition

Research Figures & Visualizations

Selected figures from my AMR, integron, and molecular epidemiology analyses.

In the Lab

Real moments from the bench — petri dishes, bacterial cultures, pipetting, and lab workflows.

Science × Design

Creative AI-assisted illustrations that translate molecular concepts into visual stories.

Additional Professional Skills

Beyond the bench — a selection of creative, communication, and management capabilities.

Design Skills — Canva, Adobe, and AI-powered tools Design
Design Skills

Posters, slide decks, infographics & brand assets — Canva, Adobe, and AI-powered tools.

Event and Conference Planning and Management Events
Event & Conference Planning

End-to-end coordination of symposia, workshops & conferences — agenda to logistics.

Communication and Public Relations Comms
Communication & PR

Translating research into clear narratives — outreach, media, and stakeholder engagement.

Photography and Visual Content Creation Photo
Photography & Visuals

High-quality scientific, lab & event photography with editing and storytelling.

Social Media Management, Content Development, and Publishing Social
Social Media

Editorial calendars, content strategy, publishing & community engagement.

Always Learning

Continuously expanding my toolkit at the intersection of science, design, and communication.

Let's Collaborate

Get in Touch

Open to research collaborations, teaching opportunities, and scientific dialogue.

Contact Information

Feel free to reach out — I read every message and try to reply within 48 hours.

Location
Al-Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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