Dr. Rana El Hajj is an Assistant Professor in Microbiology at Beirut Arab University with a focus on Microbiology and Oncology. She has published 25 manuscripts in leading journals (H-index 10; i10-index 10 on Google Scholar).
Publication profile
Scholar
Research for Young Scientist Award: Dr. Rana El Hajj
Strengths for the Award:
Diverse Research Focus: Dr. Rana El Hajj demonstrates a strong research portfolio across multiple areas including microbiology, oncology, bacteriology, parasitology, and cancer therapeutics. Her work on bacterial infections, parasitic diseases, and cancer therapies showcases her broad scientific expertise and relevance. High Impact Publications: With 25 manuscripts published in leading journals and an H-index of 10, Dr. El Hajj has made substantial contributions to her field. Her research is well-documented and reflects a significant impact within her area of study. Postdoctoral Experience: Her postdoctoral research at prestigious institutions, such as the American University of Beirut, involved working on high-impact topics like targeted therapies for leukemia and diagnostic markers for neoplasms. This experience has likely enhanced her research capabilities and professional network. Active Engagement: Dr. El Hajj actively participates in conferences and workshops, demonstrating her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and contributing to the academic community. Teaching and Mentoring: She is involved in teaching a range of biology and microbiology courses, indicating her dedication to educating future scientists and fostering the next generation of researchers.
Areas for Improvement:
Research Focus and Novelty: While her research spans important areas, a more concentrated focus on a few cutting-edge topics could further enhance her impact and visibility in specific niches within microbiology and oncology.Grant and Funding Experience: The CV does not mention significant external funding or grants. Securing substantial research grants would bolster her research capacity and enable larger-scale studies. Collaborations and Interdisciplinary Work: Expanding collaborations beyond her current network and engaging in more interdisciplinary projects could provide fresh perspectives and drive innovative research outcomes. Leadership Roles: Taking on leadership roles in research projects or academic societies could strengthen her profile as a leading scientist and increase her influence in the scientific community.
š B. Educational Background
2015-2018: Ph.D. in Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Montpellier University, France, with distinction. 2013-2015: Master’s Degree in Genomics and Health, Biology, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon, with distinction. 2010-2013: BS in Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon, with distinction.
š¼ Work Experience
February 2021 – Present: Assistant Professor of Molecular Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Beirut Arab University. September – December 2020: Instructor, Faculty of Sciences, Beirut Arab University.
š Training and Fellowship
May 2020 – January 2021: Post-doctoral fellow at the American University of Beirut, Department of Experimental Pathology. January 2020 – May 2020: Post-doctoral fellow at the American University of Beirut, Department of Internal Medicine.
š©āš«Ā Teaching Experience
š Teaching Activities
Fall 2024-2025: Introduction To Biology Biology 1 & 2, Microbiology …and more. Spring 2023-2024: Advanced Topics in Molecular Biology, Plant Physiology, Virology …and more.
š Activities Impacting Scientific Research
My research focuses on Microbiology and Oncology, particularly in Bacteriology and Parasitology, exploring treatment strategies for infections and cancers.
š Awards
- April 2016: Prix CĆØdre – Travel Grant
Publication top notes
- Comprehensive Overview of Toxoplasma gondii-Induced and Associated Diseases
- Journal: Pathogens
- Year: 2021
- Contributors: MESHEH Darine Daher, Ahmad Shaghlil, Eyad Sobh, Maguy Hamie, et al.
- Summary: This article provides a detailed review of diseases caused or associated with Toxoplasma gondii, a parasitic organism responsible for toxoplasmosis. The paper covers the pathogenic mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and potential therapeutic targets, highlighting the importance of continued research in this area.
- Citations: 68
- EAPB0503: An Imiquimod Analog with Potent In Vitro Activity Against Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania major and Leishmania tropica
- Journal: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases
- Year: 2018
- Contributors: R El Hajj, H Bou Youness, L Lachaud, P Bastien, et al.
- Summary: This study investigates the efficacy of EAPB0503, an Imiquimod analog, against cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania major and Leishmania tropica. The findings suggest that EAPB0503 shows promising in vitro activity, making it a potential candidate for treating these parasitic infections.
- Citations: 35
- Toxoplasmosis: Current and Emerging Parasite Druggable Targets
- Journal: Microorganisms
- Year: 2021
- Contributors: R.E. Hajj, L. Tawk, S. Itani, M. Hamie, et al.
- Summary: This review article explores current and emerging druggable targets in Toxoplasma gondii, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis. The paper highlights the challenges in treating toxoplasmosis and discusses novel therapeutic approaches that could potentially improve outcomes for affected patients.
- Citations: 31
- Toxoplasma gondii Autophagy-Related Protein ATG9 is Crucial for the Survival of Parasites in Their Host
- Journal: Cellular Microbiology
- Year: 2017
- Contributors: H.M. Nguyen, H. El Hajj, R. El Hajj, et al.
- Summary: This research focuses on the role of ATG9, an autophagy-related protein in Toxoplasma gondii, in the survival of the parasite within its host. The study demonstrates that ATG9 is essential for the parasite’s survival, making it a potential target for new therapeutic strategies.
- Citations: 28
- Fatal Visceral Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania infantum, Lebanon
- Journal: Emerging Infectious Diseases
- Year: 2018
- Contributors: R. El Hajj, H. El Hajj, I. Khalifeh
- Summary: This case report documents a fatal instance of visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum in Lebanon. The report emphasizes the need for early diagnosis and treatment of this severe parasitic infection to prevent fatal outcomes.
- Citations: 25
- Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis and Reactivation of Cerebral Toxoplasmosis in a Child: Case Report
- Journal: IDCases
- Year: 2018
- Contributors: S. Bannoura, R. El Hajj, I. Khalifeh, H. El Hajj
- Summary: This case report describes a rare instance of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) associated with reactivation of cerebral toxoplasmosis in a child. The paper discusses the diagnostic challenges and the importance of considering toxoplasmosis reactivation in similar clinical scenarios.
- Citations: 20
- Expanded Genome-Wide Comparisons Give Novel Insights into Population Structure and Genetic Heterogeneity of Leishmania tropica Complex
- Journal: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases
- Year: 2020
- Contributors: T. Salloum, R. Moussa, R. Rahy, J. Al Deek, I. Khalifeh, R. El Hajj, et al.
- Summary: This article provides new insights into the population structure and genetic heterogeneity of the Leishmania tropica complex through expanded genome-wide comparisons. The study offers valuable information for understanding the epidemiology and evolution of Leishmania species.
- Citations: 18
- Phytochemistry and Biological Activities of Citrus sinensis and Citrus limon: An Update
- Journal: Journal of Herbal Medicine
- Year: 2023
- Contributors: S. Zahr, R. Zahr, R. El Hajj, M. Khalil
- Summary: This review article provides an update on the phytochemistry and biological activities of Citrus sinensis (orange) and Citrus limon (lemon). The paper highlights the medicinal properties of these citrus fruits and their potential applications in treating various diseases.
- Citations: 11
- PD-L1 Expression in Sebaceous Carcinomas
- Journal: Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy
- Year: 2021
- Contributors: M. Saliba, M. Shaheen, R.E. Hajj, et al.
- Summary: This study investigates the expression of PD-L1 in sebaceous carcinomas, a rare type of skin cancer. The findings suggest that PD-L1 could be a potential biomarker for this type of carcinoma, with implications for immunotherapy treatment strategies.
- Citations: 11
- Lenalidomide in Combination with Arsenic Trioxide: An Effective Therapy for Primary Effusion Lymphoma
- Journal: Cancers
- Year: 2020
- Contributors: S. Moodad, R. El Hajj, R. Hleihel, et al.
- Summary: This article explores the efficacy of combining lenalidomide with arsenic trioxide in treating primary effusion lymphoma. The study’s results indicate that this combination therapy is effective, offering a potential new treatment option for this aggressive cancer.
- Citations: 10
Conclusion:
Dr. Rana El Hajj is a strong candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award. Her diverse research interests, high-impact publications, and active engagement in both research and teaching underscore her contributions to the field. To enhance her candidacy, she could focus on securing larger research grants, increasing her interdisciplinary collaborations, and pursuing leadership roles. Overall, her achievements reflect a promising trajectory and significant potential for continued impact in her fields of study.