TEAM

After earning his MSc (2009) and PhD (2012) degrees in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Ahmed established his laboratory “Cancer Nanotechnology Research Laboratory – CNRL” specialized in design of tumor-targeted protein-based nanomedicine. In 2018, he joined Center for Engineered Therapeutics at Brigham and Women’s Hospital as a Fulbright Postdoctoral Scholar. In 2022, Dr. Elzoghby has been promoted to Instructor in Medicine and Associate Bioengineer at Engineering in Medicine Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Dr. Elzoghby’s main research focus is immunoengineering where he develops innovative nanomedicine for cancer immunotherapy. In particular, Ahmed is interested in stromal reprogramming of tumor microenvironment to disrupt the crosstalk between cancer cells and cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) via modulation of release and cargo of tumoral and stromal exosomes. Recently, he extrapolated his research to engineer nanomedicines for reprogramming of the transformed pathogenic fibroblasts in autoimmune and fibrotic disorders. Technologies developed by Dr. Elzoghby have resulted in 12+ granted and pending patents. His research work has been published in top tier journals, including Science Advances, Nano Today, Cancer Research, and Biomaterials. He has received multiple awards for his work, including Fulbright Visiting Scholar Award 2018, Highly Cited Researchers Award 2021, 2022 & 2023, BRIght Futures Prize 2022, Litwin IBD Pioneers Award 2024, Joslin DRC Pilot & Feasibility Award 2024, Department of Defense Concept Award 2024, GCTI CMC Award 2024, and Department of Defense Discovery Award 2025. He published >100 papers and 15 book chapters. Dr. Elzoghby has keen interest in training and mentoring the next generation of pharmaceutical and biomedical scientists and has mentored more than 30 students to date.

Dr. Alaa Bakr is a distinguished veterinary pathologist and researcher with a Ph.D. in Pathology from Cairo University, Egypt. Currently serving as a Lecturer of Pathology at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Dr. Bakr has over a decade of experience in teaching, research, and scientific contributions.

Dr. Bakr’s research expertise encompasses pathological analysis, cytology, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology, and toxicology. Her work has significantly contributed to understanding genotoxicity, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. She is also skilled in advanced techniques such as PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, and nanoparticle synthesis and characterization.

With a strong focus on translational research, Dr. Bakr has collaborated internationally, including serving as a Research Assistant in Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Louisville, USA. Her contributions to science are evident in her extensive publication record, featuring over 25 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals, covering topics such as metabolic syndrome, cancer therapeutics, and neuroprotection.

Dr. Bakr has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Kinam Park Travel Award from the Controlled Release Society in 2018. She has also presented her work at numerous international conferences, further establishing his reputation in the scientific community.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Dr. Bakr is dedicated to mentoring veterinary students, delivering comprehensive training in pathology, and participating in community service initiatives. Her commitment to excellence and innovation in veterinary pathology and toxicology continues to drive her contributions to science and education.

Aya Jarrous is a medical doctor and a graduate of the University of Damascus – College of Medicine in Damascus, Syria. She excelled during medical school, ranking in the 90^th percentile of her class. During her education, Aya developed a strong foundation in medical research, actively participating in multiple clinically oriented research projects. She is currently a research trainee in the Elzoghby Laboratory, contributing to the development of innovative cancer treatments and other advancements. Her dedication to advancing medical knowledge drives her aspiration to become a physician-scientist in the United States, where she aims to enrich medical literature and make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients, especially those affected by cancer. Beyond her professional goals, Aya enjoys cooking and reading, activities that bring balance and joy to her life.

Leyla Escalante is an undergraduate student at Tecnológico de Monterrey studying Biomedical Engineering. She has a strong interest in research, particularly in cancer treatment. Her past projects include developing a 3D model of breast cancer. Currently, she is a research trainee at the Elzoghby Lab, where she focuses on nanomedicines for pancreatic cancer therapy. Outside of her academic pursuits, Leyla enjoys running long distances, cooking, and exploring new cafes around the city.

Anna is an undergraduate student at Northeastern University studying Biology and Political Science with a minor in Spanish. In the future, she plans to pursue an MD/PhD and has an interest in the research fields of cancer biology and virology. She has previously completed research on the efficacy of blue light cystoscopy in early bladder cancer detection, and has also worked full-time as a medical scribe at Northeast Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. In her free time, she enjoys skiing, playing soccer and tennis, and writing poetry. 

Ashley is a fifth-year undergraduate studying Cell and Molecular Biology with a minor in Psychology at Northeastern University. Originally from New Jersey, she has completed several co-ops, including roles as a Medical Assistant at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and as a researcher at Moderna, contributing to infectious disease and immuno-oncology research. Ashley also gained experience in transplantation immunology at the Azzi Lab, focusing on Immune Regulation in Solid Organ Transplantation. She is passionate about advancing medical research and innovation.

My name is Zara, I’m a sophomore at George Washington University studying Finance with a minor in Emergency Health Services on the pre-medical track. I’m interested in pursuing pediatric oncology and emergency medicine in the future. Also, my favorite TV show is Psych!