Dr. Rabab Al-Lahham, Utmb, United States
Dr. Rabab Al-Lahham is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the John Sealy School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston. She earned her Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology from UTMB, where her doctoral work focused on mitochondrial-generated ROS and its role in insulin signaling via the p38 MAPK stress response pathway. Dr. Al-Lahham also holds an M.A. in Clinical Chemistry from the University of Scranton and a B.S. in Pharmacy from the University of Jordan. Her postdoctoral training includes research at UTMB and the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, where she contributed to studies on neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Her current research investigates the role of liver-derived FGF21 and AhR activity in neurodegenerative pathogenesis and the effects of cocaine on brain disease progression. Dr. Al-Lahham has co-authored numerous publications in high-impact journals and has experience in both academic teaching and pharmaceutical research across multiple institutions.
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Summary of Suitability for the Best Researcher Award: Dr. Rabab Al-Lahham
Dr. Rabab Al-Lahham holds a PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), with a strong foundation in molecular mechanisms of disease, including mitochondrial function and signaling pathways related to insulin resistance and oxidative stress. Her earlier degrees in Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacy provide a solid multidisciplinary scientific background.
🎓 Education
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PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology
University of Texas Medical Branch (2004–2011)
Dissertation: Mitochondrial-Generated ROS Downregulates Insulin Signaling via Activation of the p38 MAPK Stress Response Pathway
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MA in Clinical Chemistry
University of Scranton (1999–2002)
Thesis: Development of a Novel and Sensitive RT-PCR Assay for Detection of ErbB2 Expression in Breast Cancer
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BS in Pharmacy
University of Jordan (1987–1992)
Graduated second rank with University Honors
💼 Work Experience
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Assistant Professor
Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX (2025–present)
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Instructor
Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (2023–2025)
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Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Various labs at University of Texas Medical Branch and University of Texas Health Science Center (2012–2023)
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Graduate Assistant & Teaching Assistant
University of Texas Medical Branch & University of Scranton (2000–2011)
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Clinical Pharmacist & Research Assistant
Various roles in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Aventis Pasteur (1993–2000)
🏆 Achievements & Research Highlights
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Principal Investigator on multiple funded projects related to Alzheimer’s disease and neurodegenerative diseases
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Identified fluorescent probes for Alzheimer’s Aβ deposits detection
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Contributed to research on Parkinson’s disease pathology using midbrain organoids
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Investigated tau protein’s role in insulin resistance and Alzheimer’s pathology
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Developed insights into liver-derived FGF21 in neuroprotection and obesity mechanisms
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Extensive collaboration on neural stem cell therapy and prion diseases
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Active editorial board member and journal reviewer in neuroscience and molecular biosciences
🎖️ Awards & Honors
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Neuroscience Poster Session Award (2021) 🧠
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American Neurological Association Travel Award (2018) ✈️
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Alzheimer’s Association International Conference Travel Award (2018) 🧬
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Sealy Center for Vaccine Development Travel Award (2018) 💉
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Best Poster Award in Pharmacology and Toxicology (2011) 🏅
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Edward S. Reynolds Investigative Pathology Memorial Award (2011) 🔬
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Multiple Annual Forum on Aging Poster Awards (2006, 2008, 2009) 👵👴
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George Palmer Saunders II Memorial Scholarship (2009) 🎓
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‘Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges’ (2001) 🌟
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Frank O’Hara Award of Excellence (2001) 🏆
Publication Top Notes:
Intracellular Inclusions Induced by Patient-Derived and Amplified α-Synuclein Aggregates Are Morphologically Indistinguishable
Tau Loss of Function, by Deletion or Aggregation, Contributes to Peripheral Insulin Resistance
Lewy Body-like Pathology and Loss of Dopaminergic Neurons in Midbrain Organoids Derived from Familial Parkinson’s Disease Patient.
Identification of Multicolor Fluorescent Probes for Heterogeneous Aβ Deposits in Alzheimer’s Disease
Passive Immunotherapy Targeting Tau Oligomeric Strains Reverses Tauopathy Phenotypes in Aged Human-Tau Mice in a Mouse Model-Specific Manner.
Tau deletion or loss of function promotes peripheral insulin resistance
Role of the efflux transporters BCRP and MRP1 in human placental bio-disposition of pravastatin
O5‐05‐06: EVALUATING TAU OLIGOMERS PASSIVE IMMUNOTHERAPY USING AGED TRANSGENIC ANIMALS OF TAUOPATHY
Mitochondrial-generated ROS down regulates insulin signaling via activation of the p38MAPK stress response pathway