Education & Experience

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• KAUST, Research Specialist, 2023–Present

• GenCC GmbH, Principal Investigator, 2019–2022

• Johannes Gutenberg University, Postdoc, 2015–2019

• Glasgow Caledonian University, PhD, 2011–2015

• University of Glasgow, MRes Molecular Medicine

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Lab Contributions 

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Lysosomes are critical for maintaining cellular health, particularly during stress or nutrient limitation, by recycling intra- and extracellular components. Disruptions in lysosomal function are a hallmark of aging and underlie lysosomal storage diseases. The pathological accumulation of undegraded primary or intermediate metabolites points to defects in degradation, while buildup of small end-product molecules suggests impaired transport and clearance—processes that remain poorly understood. My research aims to identify and characterize novel enzymes, co-enzymes, and transporters that mediate the degradation and movement of small molecules across the lysosomal membrane. Using genome-wide and targeted CRISPR screens, combined with functional genomics and molecular, cellular, and in vivo models—including patient-derived systems—we investigate how lysosomal degradative and transport processes are regulated and how their dysfunction drives disease. This work holds strong translational potential for discovering new therapeutic targets in lysosome-related disorders.

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Fun Facts

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Experimenting in the kitchen is my favorite hobbies—tweaking recipes often feels like optimizing protocols: same logic, slightly tastier results. I also enjoy long drives and spending time with my family in nature—ideal settings for unwinding.