The Discussion of First Dissertation at UAE University

The first dissertation was discussed at the “College of Medicine and Health Sciences” at the “UAEUniversity” latelyfor the student “NadiaAwniAkkwai” under the theme “Identifying the genetic factors causing some recessive genetic diseases”.

The dissertation tackled the molecular and cellular basis for seven genetically recessivesomatic disorders. The importance of this study in the “UAE” in particular is due tothe high rates of relative marriages, which is one of the causes of these disorders. Therefore, the clarification of the genetic factors that cause such disorders leads to improve the health care for the patient, and to implement effective preventive programs to reduce the occurrence of new cases.

Dr. “Ali Rashid Al Noaimi”, the University Vice Chancellor, congratulated the student on her success, and praised her significant accomplishment through her educational path. He also stressed that the success of the doctorate programwhich reflects the university’s commitment towards distinction in researches and higher education, and is constantly supported by his Excellency Sheikh “Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan”, Minster of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Chancellor of the University. The doctorate program currently has(90) male and female students at (7) different colleges.

Professor “Bassam Ali” and professor “Lahadh Al Ghazali” from the “College of Medicine and Health Sciences” supervised the dissertation, while professor “Andrew Welki” from the “University of Oxford” in the “United Kingdom” and professor “AbdelqaderSweid” from “College of Medicine and Health Sciences” at the University took part in the discussion of the dissertation.

“Akkawi” who joined the doctorate program was among the first group of doctorate students in the first semester of (2010), and after two years as a research assistant for the “Genetics and Genes” group at the college, she published many research papers in international scientific magazines. After she recieved her doctorate degree, sheobtained a job as a researcher at “Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute” in “Cambridge” in the“United Kingdom”, which is a pioneer distinguished international institute in the field of “Genetics” and “Genome research”. Thus, reflecting the potential of doctorate graduates of the “UAE University” to internationally compete for prestigious careers.