Ashraf Alhamod

I am currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Cancer Biology at the University of Essex, following a BSc in Biotechnology from Ain Shams University. My academic and professional experiences have provided me with a solid grounding in various laboratory techniques and research methods.

I have gained practical experience in areas such as flow cytometry, tissue culture, and nucleic acid extraction, which has enhanced my understanding of cancer research and biotechnology. Working in different laboratory environments, including Mega Laboratories, has helped me develop skills in project management, data analysis, and maintaining quality control.

In addition to my technical background, I have been involved in several community and educational projects. My role as a Social Media Ambassador at the University of Essex has given me the opportunity to contribute to digital content creation and marketing. My volunteer experiences, from supporting educational programs for refugees to advocating for animal welfare, have helped me develop strong organizational and communication skills.

I am genuinely interested in applying my skills and knowledge to contribute to research and projects that aim to make a positive impact on groundbreaking research in cancer biology and biotechnology. I look forward to connecting with others in the field and exploring opportunities to learn and grow professionally.

My research project at the University of Essex involves studying CD74 expressions on breast cancer cells using MCF-7 cell lines, utilizing techniques such as tissue culture, Western blotting, and meta-analysis. Additionally, I have a strong foundation in sample preparation, fixation, and staining, which aligns with histological processing techniques. I am proficient in thawing, passaging, and maintaining cell lines, ensuring sterility and cell viability. Harvesting and cryopreserving cells for long-term studies. My background in fluorescence microscopy includes analyzing cell morphology, protein localization, and cell viability, aligning with your need for expertise in high-content imaging technologies. This experience has equipped me with strong analytical and technical skills and meticulous attention to detail. In addition to my laboratory skills, I have developed strong competencies in experimental design, data analysis, literature review, scientific writing using R programming, and data visualization. My experience includes presenting data effectively. For example, I initiated and led a Journal Club within my research team, where I presented cancer metastasis, ensuring my colleagues gained valuable insights for their research 

I received histology training at the National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, where I gained hands-on experience in histological sample preparation, sectioning, slide preparation, and staining techniques. This training provided me with a strong understanding of histopathological analysis, further supporting my qualifications for this role. During my Master’s research, I cloned the Scribble (SCRIB) gene. The project involved CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene modification. My leukemia experience includes all types, and I identified the Philadelphia chromosome mutation through blood tests and flow cytometry. 

As a Medical Laboratory Technician at Mega Labs, I gained extensive experience dealing with high blood samples during the COVID-19 pandemic. I was responsible for operating and calibrating various devices to ensure accurate results, providing me with a strong foundation in laboratory techniques and quality control.

Additionally, my role as a Social Media Ambassador at the University of Essex has enhanced my ability to collaborate with diverse teams and communicate scientific concepts effectively. My volunteer experiences with organizations such as Caritas Egypt and Terre des Hommes have been instrumental in developing my leadership, organizational, and time management skills.

I am excited to apply for the Laboratory Support and Histology Technician position at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research. With a Master’s degree in Cancer Biology from the University of Essex and a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from Ain Shams University, I have extensive experience in mammalian cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, immunological techniques, nucleic acid analysis, and hands-on experience in medical laboratory diagnostics, I am eager to contribute to your pioneering work.