Areas I Teach
Educational History
Postdoctoral fellowship -- The University of Iowa, IA, USA, 11/2017 - 8/2020 & 9/2024 – 06/2025
Postdoctoral fellowship -- The University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA, 6/2015 – 6/2016
Ph.D. (Pharmaceutics) -- The University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA, 8/2011 – 5/2015
M.Sc. (Pharmaceutics) -- Minia University, Minia, Egypt, 3/2005 – 6/2009
B.Sc. (Pharm.) -- Minia University, Egypt, 9/1998 – 5/2003
Practice/Research Interests
My research interests include several aspects of drug delivery and formulation design (especially nanoparticle- and microparticle-based delivery systems), investigating novel chemotherapeutic combinations, pharmacokinetics, and drug transport. I am particularly interested in studying the cytotoxic synergy between novel fluoroquinolones and taxanes to treat endometrial and colorectal cancers, as the tumor delivery of these combinations can be significantly improved using nanoparticles (NPs). These novel combinations displayed synergy via multiple mechanisms, including topoisomerase I and II inhibition, lipid peroxidation, and P-gp inhibition, while NPs are used to modify the biodistribution profiles of chemotherapeutics, improving their tumor accumulation and evading their rapid clearance. My research also involves improving the solubility of ubiquinol via inclusion complexes to enable its use as an anti-ferroptotic agent in the aqueous-based corneal storage media and eye drops. Our research investigated the role of ferroptosis in the development of corneal dystrophy, and the anti-ferroptotic mechanism of ubiquinol that was remarkably magnified when formulated as highly dispersible complexes, which positioned them as a viable option for corneal dystrophy patients. In addition, I'm also interested in developing sustained-release injectable formulations and implants, topical formulations for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes, and microneedle-enabled transdermal delivery systems.
Outside the Classroom
I'm originally from Egypt, and I enjoy reading about Egyptian history very much. I spend most of my after-work time with my wife and kids, but I also read a lot of novels, listen to classical music, and love many rock bands (especially those from the 70's and 80s'). So, don't be surprised if you pass by my door and hear Pink Floyd, Guns n Roses, or some random Egyptian song playing inside my office. My favorite sports are soccer, basketball and tennis.