Kuwait University, Kuwait
Author Profile
Scopus
Early Academic Pursuits
Assistant Professor Dr. Laila Jaragh-Alhadad began her academic journey in the field of Chemistry, earning her Bachelor’s degree in 2004 and Master’s degree in 2009 from Kuwait University, specializing in Petroleum Chemistry. Her exceptional academic performance and dedication to research earned her a prestigious Ph.D. scholarship from Kuwait University in 2011. She pursued her doctoral studies at Cleveland State University, USA, where she specialized in Clinical Bio-analytical Chemistry and successfully completed her Ph.D. in 2017. Her Ph.D. thesis, titled “Cholesterol conjugated heat shock protein 27 inhibitor as a novel anti-ovarian cancer agent,” reflected her early interest in drug design and medicinal chemistry, focusing on cancer therapeutics.
Professional Endeavors
Dr. Laila Jaragh-Alhadad’s professional career is rooted in excellence and service to science and society. She has been serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Kuwait University since 2017. Prior to this, she gained valuable experience as a Chemist at Kuwait’s Environmental Public Authority (2009–2011) and as a Graduate Scientific Assistant at Kuwait University (2006–2008). Her professional endeavors extend to administrative and academic committees, where she has contributed to curriculum design, laboratory safety, student affairs, and applied chemistry coordination. Dr. Alhadad also undertook a sabbatical at the Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, USA (2021–2022), further enhancing her expertise in biomedical research and medicinal chemistry applications.
Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Alhadad’s research focus lies at the intersection of medicinal chemistry, bioanalytical chemistry, and cancer pharmacology. Her pioneering studies involve the synthesis and encapsulation of novel anticancer agents targeting proteins such as HSP27, HER2, and tubulin. She has led several funded research projects at Kuwait University, including investigations into low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-encapsulated anticancer drugs, triazole derivatives, and SIRT2 inhibitors. Her work on targeted drug delivery systems has opened new possibilities for more effective cancer treatments with reduced toxicity. Through her innovative use of in-silico and in-vitro models, Dr. Alhadad has made significant contributions to the advancement of modern medicinal chemistry and drug discovery.
Impact and Influence
The impact and influence of Dr. Laila Jaragh-Alhadad are evident across academic, research, and community platforms. She has actively participated in international conferences in Kuwait, the UK, the USA, Italy, Greece, and China, presenting her cutting-edge research on cancer-targeted therapies. Her commitment to science education and public engagement includes serving on various committees, writing awareness articles on cancer research, and volunteering in scientific and social initiatives. Recognized globally, she has received multiple prestigious awards, including the Best Research Award at the 595th International Conference on Recent Advances in Medical and Health Sciences (Oxford, 2019), and the International Research Award on Oncology and Cancer Research (USA, 2021). Her distinguished teaching award (2020–2021) reflects her excellence in both research and education.
Academic Citations
Dr. Alhadad’s research publications have been highly cited in international journals, demonstrating the broad relevance of her work in medicinal chemistry and cancer therapeutics. Her studies on HSP27 inhibitors and LDL-based drug delivery systems are frequently referenced by other researchers in bio-analytical chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences. The consistent academic citations her work receives underscore her contributions to global scientific knowledge and highlight her position as a respected scholar in the field.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Looking toward the future, Assistant Professor Dr. Laila Jaragh-Alhadad is committed to expanding her research in medicinal chemistry, particularly in the development of targeted therapies for women’s cancers. Her ongoing projects focus on hybrid in-silico/in-vitro drug design and the encapsulation of bioactive compounds for enhanced therapeutic delivery. Through her mentorship, academic leadership, and groundbreaking research, she continues to inspire young scientists and contribute to Kuwait University’s growing reputation for excellence in scientific innovation. Her enduring legacy will be defined by her dedication to advancing medicinal chemistry, improving cancer treatments, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration across chemistry and biomedical sciences.
Medicinal Chemistry
Assistant Professor Dr. Laila Jaragh-Alhadad’s exceptional research in medicinal chemistry has led to significant advancements in targeted drug delivery and cancer therapeutics. Her pioneering studies on bioactive molecule design, protein inhibition, and encapsulation technologies are transforming the future of medicinal chemistry. Through her leadership, innovation, and global scientific recognition, she continues to shape the evolution of medicinal chemistry toward more effective and personalized cancer treatments.
Featured Publications
Design, synthesis, and antiproliferative activity of antipyrine linked 2-amino-quinoline-3-carbonitrile derivatives as potential dual EGFR/HER-2 inhibitors
Journal: Journal of Molecular Structure
Year: 2026
Citations: 0
A novel one-pot microwave assisted green synthesis of pyridinyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine hybrids as potent antimicrobial agents
Journal: BMC Chemistry
Year: 2025