college of pharmacy mustansiriyah university, Iraq
Profile
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Early Academic Pursuits
Hailing from Baghdad, Iraq, I began my academic journey at Al-Mustansiriyah University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology/Biotechnology (2005) and a Master of Science in Botany with a focus on Medicinal Plants (2008). My deep-rooted interest in plant science and natural products led me to pursue further studies in South Australia, where I completed an English proficiency program at the Intensive English Language Institution (IELI). This linguistic and cultural immersion set the stage for my doctoral studies.
In 2018, I earned my Ph.D. from Flinders University, Adelaide, with a research focus on the purification of novel antibiotics and bioactive compounds from Australian macrofungi. This research was recognized with several prestigious awards including first prize in the AMP Ignite Competition, Future Scientist Award of South Australia, and a nomination for the PhD Excellence Award.
🧪 Professional Endeavors
Currently, I serve as a full-time lecturer at the College of Pharmacy, Mustansiriyah University, and as an adjunct lecturer at the College of Pharmacy, The American University of Iraq – Baghdad. My teaching portfolio includes courses in Pharmacognosy and Natural Product Analysis, where I combine theoretical frameworks with hands-on laboratory training. I have also contributed extensively to the curriculum development and accreditation compliance (ACPE) at Mustansiriyah University as the Program Compliance Officer.
Previously, I worked at Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia (2019–2022) in several roles, including Ethics, Risk, and Compliance Coordinator, QA Specialist, and Manage Access Program Coordinator. These roles enhanced my professional competencies in quality assurance, compliance, stakeholder communication, and risk management.
I also held a research-based position as an Associate Biologist at the National Diabetes Centre (2009–2011), where I gained expertise in serology, bacteriology, and tissue culture techniques.
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
My academic research centers on macrofungi, natural products chemistry, medicinal plants, microbiology, and biotechnology. My doctoral work at Flinders University made significant contributions to the identification and purification of bioactive compounds with potential pharmaceutical applications, particularly in the fight against antibiotic resistance.
I’ve also contributed to scientific knowledge through presentations at national and international conferences, supported by travel and research grants from respected institutions such as the Australasian Mycological Society, Field Naturalists Society of South Australia, and Flinders University.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Beyond academic instruction, I am deeply committed to science communication and educational development. I have mentored students in various capacities and coached the ELO Competition Team in 2024, guiding them to a Fourth Prize finish. My efforts to foster scientific curiosity and communication have made a measurable impact in both academic and public engagement spheres.
As a volunteer bilingual mentor in South Australia and a participant in university-led educational programs, I have actively contributed to the cultural and intellectual integration of international students.
đź“š Academic Cites and Awards
My scholarly excellence has been recognized through numerous awards:
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🥇 First Prize – AMP Ignite Competition (2018)
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🏆 Future Scientist Award, South Australia (2018)
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🎓 Nominated for PhD Excellence Award, Flinders University (2019)
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🧠AMS Conference Travel Grant (2016)
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🧳 FUSA Development & Conference Grants (2016)
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🌱 Field Naturalists Society of SA Grant (2015)
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🇮🇶 Doctoral Scholarship from HCED, Iraq (2013)
I also earned Flinders University Horizon Awards (Silver, Gold, and Platinum), demonstrating my commitment to academic leadership, communication, and community involvement.
🧰 Technical Skills
My technical expertise includes:
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Natural Product Extraction and Chromatographic Techniques (TLC, HPLC, GC, Column Chromatography, etc.)
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Mycology and Mushroom Cultivation
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Molecular Biology: DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, cDNA synthesis
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Microbiology & Serology: Quantitative genetics, bacterial culture, serological analysis
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Cell and Tissue Culture Techniques
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Compliance and QA Systems: SOP writing, CAPA management, Risk Assessment
👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience
Since 2012, I have taught a variety of pharmacy and biomedical science courses, primarily in Pharmacognosy. I specialize in:
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Medicinal plant identification and classification
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Pharmacological and chemical profiling of natural products
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Chromatographic separation methods
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Microscopic and macroscopic crude drug evaluation
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Tissue culture and secondary metabolite production
My teaching style emphasizes interactive labs, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry, with a focus on student engagement and curriculum innovation.
🏛️ Legacy and Future Contributions
With a solid foundation in the biological sciences, cross-cultural education, and pharmaceutical research, I aspire to contribute meaningfully to Al Akhawayn University. My goal is to integrate traditional knowledge of medicinal plants with modern scientific techniques and foster a research culture that supports interdisciplinary collaboration, student mentorship, and international partnerships.
My long-term vision involves the advancement of pharmaceutical education, promotion of natural product-based research, and enhancing global health outcomes through science and innovation.
📚 Selected Publications
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Title: Gastrointestinal disorders in children with autism: Could artificial intelligence help?
Authors: Al-Biltagi M, Saeed NK, Qaraghuli S
Journal: Artificial Intelligence in Gastroenterology
Year: 2022
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Title: Effects of COVID-19 on children with autism
Authors: Al-Biltagi M, Saeed NK, Bediwy AS, Alhawamdeh R, Qaraghuli S
Journal: World Journal of Virology
Year: 2022
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Title: A new species of small black disc fungi, Smardaea australis (Pezizales, Pyronemataceae), is described from Australia
Authors: Catcheside PS, Qaraghuli S, Catcheside DE
Journal: Swainsona
Year: 2017
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Title: Report on the workshop of the Adelaide Fungal Studies Group, Deep Creek Conservation Park, 2-6 July 2015
Authors: Catcheside P, Walsh R, Qaraghuli S
Journal: South Australian Naturalist
Year: 2015