Lecture Department of Biology, College of Education for Pure Science, at University of Al-Hamdaniya ,Iraq
Raya Khalid Yousif is an Iraqi molecular biologist with extensive expertise in microbiology, genetics, and laboratory research. With over a decade of experience in medical laboratory sciences, she is a lecturer, researcher, and skilled laboratory specialist. She has contributed significantly to Alzheimer’s disease research, infectious disease studies, and microbiological diagnostics.
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Early Academic Pursuits 📚
Born on December 22, 1991, in Erbil, Iraq, Raya Khalid Yousif embarked on an academic journey driven by curiosity and dedication to the biological sciences. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Baghdad in 2013, securing a distinguished sixth-ranking position. Her passion for molecular biology led her to pursue a Master of Science in Molecular Biology at Salahaddin University, Erbil, which she successfully completed in 2023. Further strengthening her academic expertise, she attended a Pedagogy course at the Lebanese French University in 2023, enhancing her teaching and research methodologies.
Professional Endeavors 🔬
With over a decade of experience in molecular biology and laboratory sciences, Raya has contributed significantly to both academia and applied research. Since February 2024, she has been serving as a Lecturer in Medical Microbiology at Knowledge University on a part-time basis. Alongside her academic role, she has been a volunteer researcher at the General Directorate of Scientific Research Center, Salahaddin University-Erbil, since April 2023, demonstrating her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.
Her expertise extends to laboratory work, having served as a Laboratory Assistant at Catholic University-Erbil (2021-2022) and working at the Ankawa Specialized Laboratory for over a decade. These experiences have honed her practical skills in molecular diagnostics, microbiology, and clinical research.
Contributions and Research Focus 🔎
Raya Khalid Yousif specializes in molecular biology techniques, including RNA/DNA extraction, primer design, Real-Time qPCR, conventional PCR, gene cloning, and ELISA-based diagnostics. Her research has covered diverse areas such as neuroscience, oncology, genetics, molecular immunology, bacteriology, and clinical hematology. Her expertise in bioinformatics tools like NCBI, Primer3 Input, and Genome Browser enables her to conduct cutting-edge genetic analysis and molecular diagnostics.
She has played a pivotal role in multiple research projects, working extensively with histopathology, bacterial culture analysis (VITEK), and immunoassay techniques. Her work in diagnostic microbiology has contributed to advancements in disease detection and therapeutic strategies, particularly in neurological and infectious diseases.
Accolades and Recognition 🏅
Raya’s contributions to scientific research have been widely recognized. She received a Certificate of Appreciation from the General Directorate of Scientific Research Center, Salahaddin University-Erbil, in 2024 for her valuable contributions. Additionally, she has been an active manuscript reviewer for esteemed journals such as the Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science and Medical Science Monitor in 2023.
Her academic excellence extends to language proficiency, having attained an IELTS score of 6.0 in 2023 and undergoing advanced English training at Salahaddin University and AmidEast. She has also attended specialized workshops on Genomics and Proteomics, Infectious Disease Surveillance, and Biomedical Research Techniques, further enriching her expertise.
Impact and Influence 🌍
As an accomplished researcher, Raya has published extensively in renowned scientific journals, making significant contributions to molecular biology, infectious diseases, and neurogenetics. Some of her notable works include:
- “The miR-146a-5p and miR-125b-5p levels as biomarkers for early prediction of Alzheimer’s disease”
- “Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase and Telomerase RNA Component Gene Expression as Novel Biomarkers for Alzheimer’s Disease”
- “The Outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 Variants in Iraqi Kurdistan Region”
- “Fungal Disease Incidence and Prevalence in Iraq – Preliminary Estimates”
- “Human ACE and ACE2 Gene Variants and COVID-19 Disease in Iraqi Kurdistan Region” (Accepted for publication)
Her book on microRNAs and telomerase gene expression in Alzheimer’s Disease serves as a valuable resource for researchers exploring neurodegenerative disorders.
Legacy and Future Contributions 🚀
Raya Khalid Yousif’s dedication to research and education positions her as a leading figure in molecular biology and biomedical sciences. With a strong foundation in academia and practical laboratory expertise, she aspires to train future scientists in fields such as molecular microbiology, genetics, clinical immunology, and bioinformatics.
Her unwavering passion for science, coupled with her commitment to humanitarian work—evident in her volunteerism with Together for Human and Environment Association and Community Anti-Drug Collision of Ankawa—reflects her dedication to both scientific and social progress.
Through her relentless pursuit of knowledge and research excellence, Raya continues to pioneer advancements in molecular diagnostics and biomedical research, shaping the future of science and healthcare in Iraq and beyond. 🌟