Rawad is originally from Libya and he is pursuing his PhD degree under the supervision of Dr. Emmanuelle Cordat. He is in the 5th year of his program.
How would you describe your research?
My research is about basic cell physiology where I am working on deciphering the importance of the interaction between two proteins (kAE1 and Claudin4), and the role of this interaction in body pH/ electrolyte homeostasis
What inspired you to pursue your current research?
During my undergraduate study I was interested in how blood pH is regulated and its importance for normal physiological body function. I came from Libya with a scholarship to pursue my graduate degree and while I was searching for a potential supervisor, I found that Dr. Cordat's main research is focused on one of the major pH-Regulating proteins (kidney anion exchanger 1 "kAE1"). Five years later, I am at the beginning of the last stage of my PhD.
What impact(s) will your research have outside of your lab?
Mutations in kAE1 and Claudin4 genes result in: distal renal tubular acidosis and pseudohypoaldosteronism type 2, two diseases that have symptoms of disturbed blood pH/electrolyte balance. Deciphering the role of kAE1/Claudin4 interaction in normal physiological state may pave the road toward new therapeutic approaches to cure or, at least, enhance the lives of patients with the above mentioned diseases.
What advice would you give to someone that is just starting graduate studies?
In short, work smart, efficiently and proactively.
What is your favorite place/thing to do here at the UofA or in Edmonton?
I am a coffee addict and my picky taste for coffee drives my exploration for authentic coffee shops in every city I visit. Here in Edmonton there aren't many options, but I was able to find a few places that I tend to visit regularly. I also like to play billiards and soccer with my friends occasionally. However, I would say that spending my weekends at home with my family are the best thing after an exhausting week.