Zahra, Hawalli, Kuwait
I am an M-ASCPi licensed, IBMS licentiate member and HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist with a Bachelor’s in Microbiology (UK RQF Level 6 equivalent) and extensive experience in microbiology and virology laboratories, both in clinical and research settings. Over the past 9+years (3yrs-pre graduation), I have worked in ISO 15189-accredited diagnostic labs across Pakistan and Kuwait, focusing on molecular virology/microbiology, enzyme-linked assays, antimicrobial resistance, bacterial/fungal ID and infectious disease surveillance. My research includes studies on MRSA resistance, HIV/TB co-infection in underserved populations, the use of essential oils as antimicrobial agents and the molecular characterization/surveillance of covid-19 reflecting my strong interest in clinical research and translational microbiology. Currently, I am seeking to contribute to a progressive clinical laboratory team, especially in roles related to clinical virology, microbiology, or molecular diagnostics and research, where I can apply my technical expertise, adaptability, and passion for learning to enhance patient outcomes and lab efficiency. I am highly motivated, reliable, and committed to continuing professional development. I thrive in multicultural environments and am eager to further expand my impact in healthcare/biomedical research and services.
American Society for Microbiology. The ASM Future Leaders Mentorship Fellowship (FLMF) is a 2-year online program that matches master’s and doctoral students in the microbial sciences with experts (mentors) across varied career sectors. This program will facilitate mutual leadership growth and learning, help participants build their mentoring portfolios, provide networking opportunities with ASM members and non-students alike and increase social capital between fellows and mentors. Why ASM FLMF? ASM Future Leaders Mentorship Fellowship Break Down Source: American Society for Microbiology In the dynamic field of microbial sciences, advancing your career as an early career professional can feel like a steep uphill battle, especially when you're doing it alone. Similarly, experienced scientists often find themselves eager to guide the next generation, but without the right platform to do so effectively. ASM FLMF bridges that gap, offering a community for both fellows and mentors to collaborate, learn and grow together with efforts to: Foster a year-round vibrant community of microbial scientists through active mentoring and networking. Equip fellows with necessary tools for leadership, career and scientific development. Provide doctoral scientists, faculty and professionals with resources to become better mentors and coach the next generation of scientists to become innovative, lifelong learners.
As an ASM Youth Ambassador, I emphasized how early engagement with ASM can: ✔ Strengthen academic and research profiles ✔ Provide access to global learning resources ✔ Build professional identity and credibility ✔ Open doors to scholarships, mentorship, and international exposure
Perform routine biomarker IDs, serological assays and molecular diagnostic assays for microbial pathogens. Operate RT-PCR, NGS, ELISA, and serological assays under ISO 15189 quality standards. Maintain and validate equipment (PCR thermocyclers, BACT-Alert, Vitek, Biofire film array, biosafety cabinets, analyzers) ensuring compliance with QA/QC protocols. Participate in COVID-19 genome surveillance and reporting aligned with public health requirements. Train junior lab staff and contribute to internal audits, SOP reviews, and biosafety implementation. Consistently achieved “Excellent” annual evaluation ratings for four consecutive years (2021–2024), based on technical performance, teamwork, accuracy, and quality assurance adherence.
Conducted field-based microbiological surveillance to assess the prevalence of TB/HIV co-infection in remote and underserved areas of Punjab. Collaborated with hospital staff, medical officers, and local NGOs to collect patient samples and epidemiological data for analysis. Utilized microbiological techniques including Ziehl-Neelsen staining, sputum culture, and ELISA-based testing under resource-limited conditions. Assisted in public health outreach to educate communities on TB transmission, HIV risks, and the importance of compliance with anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT). Co-authored internal reports for submission to the hospital's medical superintendent and collaborated with university supervisors for potential academic publication. Proposed strategies for cost-effective infection control and data-driven decision-making in rural healthcare settings.
Responsible for sample reception, triaging, and safe handling of high risk clinical specimens including respiratory, blood, stool, and sterile site samples. Performed comprehensive microbiological investigations: culture and isolation, identification of pathogens, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) using automated and manual methods, aligned with CLSI and EUCAST guidelines. Proficient in microscopy and staining techniques such as Gram, Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN), and Auramine O for TB and acid-fast bacilli detection. Processed blood cultures using BacT/ALERT 3D system, including follow-up subcultures, Gram reporting, and result interpretation. Conducted real-time PCR testing for respiratory viruses, gastrointestinal pathogens, and COVID-19 using both open and closed PCR platforms. Operated and maintained various analyzers including ELISA systems, PCR machines, and semi-automated identification kits. Ensured compliance with infection prevention, waste management, and biosafety protocols, particularly in COVID and high-containment lab sections. Maintained meticulous documentation via LIMS, ensured result accuracy, and participated in internal quality audits to support ISO 15189 accreditation. Collaborated within a multidisciplinary team to support clinical decision-making and actively contributed to training new staff and junior technicians. Demonstrated strong IT proficiency in data entry, lab reporting, inventory logs, and audit records.
Conducted field sampling of fungal-infected plant materials (leaves, twigs, fruits) from orchards of peaches and grapes, targeting common phytopathogens. Isolated fungal pathogens including Aspergillus spp. and Rhizopus spp. by culturing on Czapek-Dox Agar (CZA) at 37°C for 4–7 days under controlled conditions. Performed macroscopic and microscopic identification of isolates using lactophenol cotton blue and methylene blue staining, followed by direct light microscopy. Executed essential oil extractions from Azadirachta indica (Neem), Cassia, Datura (Jimson weed), and Brassica (Mustard) using Soxhlet apparatus, assessing antifungal properties. Conducted molecular characterization of fungal isolates through DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and gel electrophoresis for species-level confirmation. Maintained pure culture stocks, managed specimen preservation, and ensured proper documentation of laboratory records and experimental outcomes. Supported ongoing research investigations related to natural antifungal agents, contributing to data interpretation and the preparation of technical reports.