Roles

I began my academic career as a Teaching Assistant at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tripoli, in the Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products, where I worked from 1987 to 1992. During this time, I supported undergraduate teaching activities, assisted in laboratory sessions, and developed a strong interest in natural products and their applications in medicine. This early experience played an important role in shaping my academic path and motivated me to continue my studies at a higher level.

I later pursued postgraduate studies and earned a Master’s degree from the Medical Academy of Krakow, Poland, in 1997. My graduate studies allowed me to deepen my knowledge in phytochemistry and research methods, while also gaining valuable international academic experience. Following the completion of my Master’s degree, I returned to the University of Tripoli, where I was appointed as an Assistant Lecturer in the same department. In this role, I have been actively involved in teaching Phytochemistry courses, supervising undergraduate research projects, and mentoring students at different academic stages. I have also contributed to curriculum development and academic activities within the department.

In 2008, I was awarded a competitive scholarship to pursue my Ph.D. in the United States. This opportunity allowed me to expand my research skills and engage with advanced scientific techniques and methodologies. I successfully completed my doctoral studies in 2015. After returning to Libya, I resumed my academic duties with renewed experience and a broader perspective on research and teaching.

In 2026, I was appointed as a lecturer in the Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products. Throughout my academic career, I have maintained a strong commitment to teaching, research, and student mentorship. I continue to support students in developing their academic and research skills, while contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field of natural products.

Careers

Teaching Assistant: 1988-1992

Assistant Lecturer: 1998-2008

Postdoctoral follower: 2015-2022

Lecturer: 2026

Research Interests

I am a Ph.D.-trained scientist who graduated from Oregon State University, USA, with over 12 years of experience in synthetic and chemical biology, as well as natural products chemistry. My research focuses on understanding the biosynthetic machinery of plant and microbial secondary metabolites at both the chemical and genetic levels, with the aim of uncovering how these complex compounds are formed and how they can be applied.

During my Master’s research, I specialized in the isolation and purification of phytochemicals, where I investigated their medicinal properties and explored their applications in phytotherapy. I also worked on the development of natural pharmaceutical products derived from herbal sources, combining traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches.

My postdoctoral research followed a multidisciplinary approach, integrating advanced techniques in molecular genetics, enzymology, and chemistry. Through this work, I focused on identifying, characterizing, and engineering genes and enzymes involved in natural product biosynthesis, which enabled the generation of novel analogues with significant biological activity. I also explored the assembly of complex structural motifs within these compounds to better understand their formation and functional potential.

I have published my research in high-impact journals, including Nature Chemical Biology (impact factor 15.6), which reflects the significance of my contributions to the field. 

I have presented my research at a number of international conferences, where I have had the opportunity to share my work and engage with the broader scientific community. Some of these include the ASP International Meeting in Portland, Oregon (USA), the ICPP International Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts (USA), and the ASP International Meeting in Madison, Wisconsin (USA).

External Activities

1) Head of Pharmaceutical and Medical Equipment Dept, Tripoli Ministry of Health 2002-2006.

2) As visiting lecturer in many local universities.

3) Reviewer of a number of journals like Natural products journal.