2023-2024
Master 2 - Nutrition, Energy Metabolism and Signaling
Université Paris Cité, Faculty of Life Sciences, France
Metabolism | Endocrinology | Biomedical Sciences
Karine Fawaz
Researcher in Metabolism, Endocrinology and Biomedical Sciences
I investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying metabolic diseases, with a focus on pancreatic beta-cell function, redox homeostasis, and nutrition-driven regulation of metabolic health.
- Pancreatic beta-cell biology
- Diabetes and endocrine disorders
- Redox metabolism
- Cellular and molecular biology
- Translational biomedical research
Profile
I connect metabolism, signaling, and disease biology.
Graduate in Animal Biology and in Nutrition, Energy Metabolism and Signaling, with research experience in molecular biology, cell biology, endocrinology, metabolism, and biomedical sciences. Particularly interested in diabetes research, pancreatic β-cell physiology, metabolic signaling pathways, redox biology, and innovative therapeutic approaches for metabolic diseases. Seeking opportunities in doctoral research and higher education to contribute to scientific advancement and student training.
Education
My academic foundation
2022-2023
Master 1 - Animal Biology
Lebanese University, Faculty of Sciences, Beirut-Hadath
2019-2022
Bachelor Degree - Biology
Lebanese University, Faculty of Sciences, Beirut-Hadath
Research Experience
Developing scientific expertise through laboratory training, clinical diagnostics, and research innovation.
Master's Thesis Internship
Effects of Nutrients on the Redox State of NADH and NADPH in the Cytosol and Mitochondria of Pancreatic Insulin-Producing Beta Cells
Explored the molecular mechanisms linking nutrient metabolism, cellular redox regulation, and insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells. The project focused on identifying key metabolic pathways involved in β-cell function and survival, contributing to a better understanding of diabetes-related metabolic dysfunctions.
- Mammalian cell culture, primary pancreatic β-cell culture, pseudo-islet culture, and pancreatic islet isolation from mice.
- DNA/RNA extraction, protein extraction and quantification, cell transfection, genotyping PCR, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting.
- Insulin secretion and content measurements, ELISA, and spectrophotometric analyses.
- Experimental design and protocol optimization, with investigation of metabolic signaling and redox regulation in pancreatic β-cells.
- Experimental data analysis and interpretation, literature review, and bibliographic research.
- Scientific communication and collaboration within a multidisciplinary research environment.
Medical Analysis Laboratory Intern
- Blood and urine microscopy.
- Hematology and clinical biochemistry.
- Bacteriology and microbial culture.
- COVID-19 testing.
- Quality control.
- Collaboration with medical staff.
Undergraduate Laboratory Training
- Organ Histology: Light microscopy, histological tissue identification, and structure–function analysis across major organ systems.
- Structural Biochemistry & Enzymology: Biochemical characterization of biomolecules, quantitative assays, enzyme activity analysis, and calibration curves.
- General Microbiology: Aseptic techniques, microbial culture, bacterial characterization, biochemical identification, and growth analysis.
- Neuroendocrine Physiology: Membrane and action potential analysis, electrophysiological simulations, and brain dissection.
- Nutrition & Food Biochemistry: Quantitative assessment of food composition and nutritional parameters.
- Fundamentals of Molecular Biology: DNA/RNA extraction, nucleic acid quantification, restriction digestion, PCR, and agarose gel electrophoresis.
Skills
My technical toolkit
Cell Biology & Cell Culture
Mammalian cell culture, primary pancreatic beta-cell culture, pseudo-islet culture, pancreatic islet isolation, cell transfection, insulin secretion and content assays.
Histology & Microscopy
Light microscopy, Histological slide analysis, Tissue identification.
Molecular Biology
DNA/RNA extraction and purification, PCR, RT-qPCR, genotyping PCR, gel electrophoresis.
Biochemistry
Western blotting, ELISA, spectrophotometry, protein extraction and quantification, enzyme activity assessment, calibration curve development.
Microbiology
Microbial culture, aseptic techniques, culture media preperation, bacterial identification, biochemical characterization.
Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics
Hematological analyses, clinical biochemistry, bacteriological testing, COVID-19 diagnostics, clinical sample processing.
Research Skills
Experimental design, protocol optimization, scientific data analysis, literature review, bibliographic management, scientific reporting, laboratory quality control, good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
Computational Skills
GraphPad Prism, ImageJ, Microsoft Office, MetaNeuron, basic bioinformatics, basic biostatistics, intermediate C++.
Teaching & Science Communication
I make complex science easier to understand.
Independent Science Tutor
I support middle school, high school, and undergraduate students by simplifying scientific concepts, helping with exam preparation, and strengthening my mentoring and science communication skills.
Scientific Activities & Volunteering
My learning continues beyond the laboratory.
Volunteer - Disaster Management Sector
Lebanese Red Cross
Humanitarian support for displaced populations during the Lebanon crisis: shelter construction, first aid assistance, WASH awareness activities, warehouse and distribution management, coordination with operating room staff, communication with affected populations, and data management support.
Science of Fat Metabolism
National Academy of Sports Medicine|Coursera
Metabolic Makeover
National Academy of Sports Medicine|Coursera
1 Toit 2 Âges Association
Belgium
Participant - Intergenerational Solidarity Program
Participation in an intergenerational social support and cultural exchange program
Participant - Student Experience Workshop
Université Paris Cité, France
Attendee - IDF Webinar: "Why Diabetes Education Matters?"
International Diabetes Federation(Online)
Attendee - Joint Scientific Day (Diabetes Institute & METO Graduate School)
Université Paris Cité, France
Languages
I work across three languages.
Arabic
Native
French
B2, DELF
English
B2, IELTS
Contact
Exploring opportunities in research, teaching, and academic collaboration.
I am seeking doctoral research opportunities and university Lecturer positions, with the aim of contributing to research and higher education across biology, physiology, nutrition, metabolism, endocrinology, and related biomedical disciplines.
References
I can provide academic references upon request.
Prof. Jean-Christophe Jonas
Director of the EDIN Research Center, UCLouvain - Belgium
jean-christophe.jonas@uclouvain.beProf. Jamileh Movassat
Directorof the NuMeSi Master's Program, Université Paris Cité - France
movassat@paris7.jussieu.frProf. Mohamad Nasser
Professor of Physiology and Neuroscience, Lebanese University | I2MC Inserm Toulouse
mohamad.nasser@inserm.fr