Doaa Baker

Research Staff

Research Specialist

Active

Location:

Red Sea Research Center- KAUST Building 2 (Seaside), Level 2, 2247-ws14 Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Social Profile:

Biography

As a Research Specialist at BEM Lab, I oversee the daily operations of the lab, ensuring all activities are conducted safely and efficiently and conduct analytical techniques such as Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analysis for water and sediment samples, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and molecular biology assays. In addition, the analysis of samples for heavy metals and inorganic contaminants in Water Desalination & Reuse Center.

Working in a BEM fuels my passion for understanding the intricate relationships within natural environments. Every day, I'm immersed in research that uncovers the delicate balance of ecosystems and the extraordinary diversity of life they support. This work not only satisfies my curiosity about the natural world but also drives my commitment to conservation and sustainability. Whether it's analyzing data, conducting fieldwork, or collaborating with fellow researchers, I got inspired by the profound impact our work on preserving the planet's biodiversity for future generations.

Research Interests

Our research interests at BEM lab are centered on understanding the complex relationships within this unique marine environment. The Red Sea is the one of homes to a diverse array of marine species and habitats. We're focusing on the biodiversity and ecological dynamics of coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangrove forests which playing a crucial role in the overall health of the ecosystem. I'm particularly interested in the eDNA “Environmental DNA” to identify the presence and abundance of species, study biodiversity, monitor invasive species, and assess ecosystem health. The analysis of eDNA provides a non-invasive, efficient, and comprehensive method for detecting and monitoring marine life, offering valuable insights into the biodiversity and ecological dynamics of marine environments like the Red Sea. My lab works involve extensive fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and data analysis to study species interactions, community structures, and the ecological processes that support biodiversity. Working at BEM Lab provides a unique opportunity to delve into the rich marine life of the Red Sea.

Selected Publications

  • Molecular Identification, Characterization and Antioxidant Activities of Some Bacteria Associated with Algae in The Red Sea of Jeddah. Pak. J. Biol. Sci., 22: 467-476.
  • Epiphytic Bacteria Associated with the Green Algal Halimeda Opuntia as a Source of Antibacterial Agent. IOSR Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences (IOSR-JPBS) 14.3 (2019): 79-85.

Education

  • Master of Science, Biochemistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 2020
  • Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 2009

Professional Profile

  • 2024-present: Research Specialist, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, KSA
  • 2022-2023: Marine microbiology lab technician, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, KSA
  • 2018-2020: Lab technician in Microbial analysis unit in King Fahad Medical Research Center, Jeddah, KSA.

KAUST Affiliations

  • Red Sea Research Center (RSRC)
  • Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE)

Research Interests Keywords

Environmental Microbiology TOC DOC Molecular Biology Biodiversity eDNA