Previous training:
I obtained my Master’s degree at the Faculty of Medicine, at the American University of Beirut, where I was a member of the laboratory of Prof. Assaad A. Eid, of the Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, and where I acquired vast knowledge in the field of diabetes and its pathophysiological processes, which allowed me to deepen my understanding of metabolic syndromes. General antioxidant therapy did not show effectiveness in treating diabetes-associated complications; as a result, I had the opportunity to lead a project with the focus on identifying the sources of ROS involved in diabetic complications, and to test if targeted therapy could slow down its progression or even halt its onset.
Why you wanted to join the project
After pursuing my Bachelor in Biology, I found myself at a crossroad. Either to join medical school, or go in the way less travelled by, the way to research and scientific innovation. For me, research is the lifeline for medical advancement; as a result, I was enthused by opportunities that will me to grow, both as an academic and as a person. Among these, I had a chance to work with the team investigating the mechanisms involved in diabetes-associated colorectal cancer and the role of the microbiota. For that, I had the greatest desire to capitalize on this knowledge and investigate the role of microbiota in the pathogenesis of other conditions, especially bacterial infections where immunity is the main player and its priming by microbiota is of pivotal importance. This project offers me the chance to elucidate and explore the role of microbiota in disease onset and progression at the most prestigious research institutions, in addition to, remarkable opportunities to work in a European wide network of researchers and experts in this field.
About my research project
Based primarily in Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany, my project focuses on the role of the microbiota in exerting colonization resistance against Campylobacter jejuni, which is recognized as one of the leading causes of infectious bacterial enteric infections. During my project, I will have the chance to utilize next generation sequencing approaches to analyze microbial community in our infection models, for the purpose of identification of the commensal taxa that contribute to the pathogenesis of the Gram-negative foodborne pathogen Campylobacter jejuni.
Other interests
Outside science, I am a person of various interests. My number one hobby I would say is football, and I have been playing football ever since I was a child. The location of my PhD in Germany is perfect for football enthusiasts, for this game has a very important cultural significance among the people. Aside football, I also like travelling to explore different cultures, food, monuments and natural views. I also love music, which is why I try to play a DJ recorder in my free time.
Contact details: nizar.shayya@charite.de