Dr Yousif Kariri | Cancer | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor , Shaqra University , Saudi Arabia

Dr. Y.A. Kariri is a Saudi researcher and academic, currently an Assistant Professor at Shaqra University’s College of Applied Medical Sciences in Saudi Arabia. Born in Jazan on February 11, 1988, he has an extensive academic and professional background spanning multiple countries. He earned a BSc in Clinical Laboratory Science from King Khalid University, an MSc in Medical Laboratory Sciences from RMIT University (Australia), and a PhD in Pathology from the University of Nottingham (UK). Dr. Kariri has expertise in cancer research, particularly in breast cancer, and is an active member of multiple pathology societies. As the Head of Online Learning and Learning Resources at Shaqra University, he has demonstrated leadership in academic administration. He has been instrumental in driving scientific research initiatives and is also an expert in cell culture and data analysis. Dr. Kariri is passionate about integrating advanced research methodologies in education.

Profile

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Strengths for the Award

1. Advanced Educational Qualifications:
   • PhD in Pathology (University of Nottingham, UK, 2022) — This is a high-level qualification and highlights a solid foundation in scientific research.
   • Master’s and Bachelor’s Degrees — The individual has international experience, having studied in Australia and the UK, further enhancing their research capacity and global perspective.
2. Relevant and Impactful Research Contributions:
   • Publications in High-Impact Journals:
     • The individual has contributed to several peer-reviewed journal articles in oncology, specifically breast cancer research, with multiple publications in reputable journals like Cancers, Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, and Pathobiology. These contributions are significant, especially the involvement in studies that examine molecular mechanisms of breast cancer and biomarkers in cancer prognosis.
     • Notable publications include research on gene expression, prognostic biomarkers, and lymphovascular invasion, areas critical to advancing cancer diagnostics and treatment.
     • Articles such as “Mechanistic and Clinical Evidence Supports a Key Role for Cell Division Cycle Associated 5 (CDCA5) as an Independent Predictor of Outcome in Invasive Breast Cancer” demonstrate a deep engagement with molecular pathology.
3. Leadership and Experience in Academia:
   • The individual has held multiple leadership roles at Shaqra University, including Head of Online Learning and Learning Resources and Head of Student Activities, demonstrating the ability to lead teams and enhance educational outcomes.
   • They have also served as an Assistant Professor and have experience in both teaching and curriculum development, particularly in clinical laboratory sciences.
4. Interdisciplinary Expertise:
   • Expertise in cell culture (in vitro), data analysis (SPSS, PRISM, Cluster analysis), and experience as a medical technologist adds practical knowledge to the research profile, helping bridge the gap between laboratory work and applied medical sciences.
   • Involvement in the Scientific Research Committee and as a publication reviewer in cancer research journals showcases their ability to critically engage with current scientific work and contribute to advancing the field.
5. International Exposure:
   • Having studied and worked in three different countries (Saudi Arabia, Australia, and the UK), this individual brings a broad, international perspective to their research and teaching, enhancing their academic and professional profile.

Areas for Improvement

1. Broader Research Collaborations:
   • While the individual has excellent research experience, their publications appear to focus primarily on breast cancer. Exploring broader collaborations in other areas of oncology or interdisciplinary research could further enhance their visibility and impact in the scientific community.
   • Expanding collaborations with international research institutions or leading cancer centers could also broaden the scope and depth of their research, potentially leading to larger-scale, multicentric studies.
2. Increased Research Grant Applications:
   • The individual’s profile does not mention securing significant research funding or grants. Applying for competitive research grants could enhance the individual’s research capacity and provide more opportunities for large-scale projects, particularly in the area of cancer research.
3. Further Outreach and Public Engagement:
   • Engaging more with the public or policy-making bodies through science communication efforts, public lectures, or collaborations with healthcare professionals could raise awareness about their research and broaden its impact beyond academia.

Education 

Dr. Y.A. Kariri’s educational journey has been both diverse and international. He completed his BSc in Clinical Laboratory Science from King Khalid University (2011), laying the foundation for his career in laboratory sciences. He then pursued an MSc in Medical Laboratory Sciences from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University (RMIT) in Australia (2017), where he honed his skills in molecular biology and pathology. To further his research aspirations, Dr. Kariri earned a PhD in Pathology from the University of Nottingham (UK) in 2022, where his research focused on the molecular mechanisms behind breast cancer and lymphovascular invasion. Alongside his formal education, Dr. Kariri participated in various professional development programs, including a Higher Education Developer Diploma from the University of Nottingham (2022), which enhanced his teaching and academic leadership skills.

Experience

Dr. Y.A. Kariri has a rich blend of academic and research experience. He began his professional journey with a one-year internship at King Fahad Hospital in Jazan (2010-2011), where he gained hands-on experience in clinical laboratory operations. He then pursued an MSc project at RMIT University, focusing on medical laboratory sciences (2017). Since joining Shaqra University in 2017, Dr. Kariri has taken on several significant roles, including Secretary of the Scientific Council (2017-2018). In 2022, he became an Assistant Professor at the College of Applied Medical Sciences, where he continues to teach and conduct research. He has also served as the Head of Online Learning and Learning Resources and Head of Students Activities at Shaqra University (2022–2024). In addition, Dr. Kariri is a member of the Scientific Research Committee and has extensive experience in cell culture and data analysis.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Y.A. Kariri has been the recipient of several prestigious awards and honors, recognizing his academic and research excellence. He was awarded the King Abdullah Scholarship Program (2008-2011) for his master’s degree, an honor that allowed him to pursue advanced studies at RMIT University in Australia. He was also a PhD Scholar from Shaqra University in Saudi Arabia, enabling his research on breast cancer molecular mechanisms. His international educational background and research contributions have earned him recognition within the academic community. As a researcher, he has been honored with invitations to serve as a publication reviewer for several high-impact journals focusing on oncology and pathology. His leadership roles at Shaqra University, particularly in advancing online learning and student activities, have further cemented his reputation as an influential educator and scholar.

Research Focus 

Dr. Y.A. Kariri’s research focuses primarily on breast cancer and its molecular mechanisms, with an emphasis on lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and related prognostic biomarkers. His PhD project at the University of Nottingham (UK) explored the molecular genes driving breast cancer and their role in LVI, a key factor in cancer metastasis and poor prognosis. His work has been instrumental in identifying and validating novel biomarkers and gene signatures that could serve as therapeutic targets and predictive indicators for cancer progression. His studies have contributed to the broader understanding of cancer cell migration, gene expression, and the molecular complexity of invasive cancer. Dr. Kariri is skilled in cell culture (in vitro) and advanced data analysis, using tools like SPSS, PRISM, and Cluster Analysis to extract meaningful insights from experimental data. His research continues to bridge the gap between molecular biology and clinical application in cancer therapy.

Publications

1. The role of the ALKBH5 RNA demethylase in invasive breast cancer 🧬🔬
2. Clinical and molecular significance of the RNA m6A methyltransferase complex in prostate cancer 🔬📊
3. Mechanistic and Clinical Evidence Supports a Key Role for Cell Division Cycle Associated 5 (CDCA5) as an Independent Predictor of Outcome in Invasive Breast Cancer 🧪📑
4. Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme 2C (UBE2C) is a poor prognostic biomarker in invasive breast cancer 💉📉
5. The itim-containing receptor: Leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor-1 (LAIR-1) modulates immune response and confers poor prognosis in invasive breast carcinoma 🧫💥
6. The prognostic significance of interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) in invasive breast cancer 🧬📈
7. Molecular Complexity of Lymphovascular Invasion: The Role of Cell Migration in Breast Cancer as a Prototype 🔬🌱
8. Prognostic significance of KN motif and ankyrin repeat domains 1 (KANK1) in invasive breast cancer 🧬🔍
9. Utility of ankyrin 3 as a prognostic marker in androgen-receptor‑positive breast cancer 🔬⚖️
10. A key genomic subtype associated with lymphovascular invasion in invasive breast cancer 🧪🧬

Conclusion

This individual is undoubtedly a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award based on their extensive academic background, significant contributions to cancer research, and leadership in higher education. Their research has direct implications for cancer diagnostics, prognosis, and treatment, with a focus on the molecular mechanisms that drive breast cancer, making them highly relevant to current healthcare challenges.Their strengths in academic leadership, combined with their technical expertise in laboratory sciences, make them a well-rounded and capable researcher. However, expanding their research horizons, applying for larger research grants, and further increasing their public engagement could elevate their profile even further.