Ahmed Atwa Ph.D. in Stem Cells Technology & Cell Biology

Course and current status

ACADEMIC POSITIONS

  • Assistant Professor of Stem Cells Biology & Tissue Engineering Technologies
    Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science
    Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
    August 2021 - Present 
  • Assistant Lecturer
    Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science
    Al-Azhar University, Asyut, Egypt
    May 2015 - July 2021
  • Demonstrator
    Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science
    Al-Azhar University, Asyut, Egypt
    March 2012 - April 2015
  • Biology Teacher
    Ministry of Education, Kuwait
    August 2008 - February 2012
  • Science Teacher
    Ministry of Education, Egypt
    January 2007 - July 2008

Scientific summary

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Dedicated Assistant Professor of Stem Cell Biology with over 18 years of extensive experience in leading advanced research initiatives in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Specializing in stem cell technologies, I focus on developing therapeutic applications for osteoporosis, diabetes, burn injuries, and infertility. Proven track record of supervising over 15 master's and PhD students, successfully securing competitive research grants exceeding 250,000$. Demonstrated expertise in animal modeling, cell culture techniques, and the application of 3D printing in biomedical research.

 

KEY QUALIFICATIONS / RESEARCH INTEREST AND OBJECTIVES

  • Research Leadership: Pioneering research in stem cell technologies, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine, with an emphasis on innovative therapies for osteoporosis, diabetes, azoospermia, and burn injuries.
  • Grant Acquisition: Experienced in securing funding through competitive research grants, contributing to the advancement of academic and clinical research.
  • Student Supervision: Comprehensive experience in guiding master's and doctoral theses, enhancing the educational experience through mentorship and training.

Team Management: Effective leadership in fostering experimental treatment skills, overseeing stem cell transplantation, and enhancing team capabilities in therapeutic techniques.

  • Ethical Compliance: Strong commitment to ethical research practices and regulatory compliance in all experimental design and implementation.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Assistant Professor and Vice Director, Genetic Engineering and Stem Cell Research Center
Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt | Aug 2021 - Present

  • Led research projects focused on stem cell-based therapies for conditions such as osteoporosis, hepatic carcinoma, and diabetes.
  • Supervised graduate and undergraduate students, ensuring compliance with ethical research standards and training them in advanced laboratory techniques.
  • Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative in-vivo animal models, including ovariectomy for osteoporosis, skin burn wounds, tongue ulcers, and more.
  • Successfully established MSC isolation, culturing, and characterization protocols using advanced technologies like Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS).
  • Designed toxicity testing assays to evaluate the efficacy of natural and chemical compounds on normal and cancer cell lines, contributing to drug discovery efforts.
  • Served as rapporteur for the Scientific Research Ethics Committee, overseeing the ethical use of experimental animals.
  • Led the development of a training program on designing experimental animal models, in line with international ethical standards.

 

 

Certified Trainer, Al-Azhar University
April 2020 - Present

  • Developed and implemented training programs for researchers, focusing on the design and ethical handling of experimental animal models.
  • Coordinated workshops on stem cell culture and characterization, training over 100 postgraduate students and researchers.
  • Appointed coordinator for the Al-Azhar University Ethics Committee, ensuring adherence to ethical guidelines in research involving animals.

Leader, Training and Education Committee
Republican People's Party, Fayoum Governorate | Feb 2022 - Present

  • Led initiatives aimed at enhancing the research capabilities of young scientists through workshops and seminars.
  • Organized community outreach programs to raise awareness about scientific advancements and their applications.

Vice President, Scientific Syndicate of Egypt
Feb 2012 - Present

  • Spearheaded efforts to increase the research skills and efficiency of young scientists in Egypt, facilitating collaborations between academic and industrial sectors.

 

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

 

Center of Genetic Engineering and Stem Cells Research

Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
Vice Director                                                                                                   Feb 2012 – Present

  • Developed advanced research skills in genetic engineering and stem cell research, contributing to specialized training programs for researchers and postgraduate students.
  • Proficient in isolating, culturing, and labeling Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) from adipose tissue, umbilical cord, and bone marrow, with successful characterization using Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS).
  • Conducted histological examinations of animal tissues using various microscopic techniques; skilled in administering anesthesia, collecting biological samples, and transplanting MSCs.
  • Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proven ability to design and execute complex experiments independently.
  • Mentored and supervised 10+ graduate students, leading to the completion of 3 theses.
  • Developed innovative in-vivo animal models for osteoporosis, skin burn wounds, tongue ulcers, male azoospermia, Hepatic Cellular Carcinoma (HCC), and diabetes, among others.
  • Conducted diverse toxicity testing, including toxicological and microbiological assessments, to evaluate the effects of new drugs and natural compounds on normal and cancer cell lines.
    • Proficient in various assays to determine treatment efficacy, including:
      • Dye exclusion assays (Trypan blue, eosin)
      • Colorimetric assays (MTT, MTS, XTT)
      • Fluorometric assays (alamar Blue)
      • Luminometric assays (ATP)
  • Expert in histology, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry, including preparation of histological sections and training students in these techniques.
  • Collaborated with nanotechnology groups to design advanced chips, scaffolds, and 3D printing technologies for tissue engineering applications.

Egyptian Space Agency, Cairo, Egypt
Workshop Participant
May 15-19, 2022

  • Completed a one-week workshop on Space Medicine Physiology, focusing on creating simulated animal models for space laboratories, emphasizing stem cell cultivation and tissue engineering.

Zewail City for Science and Technology
Workshop Participant
June 20-21, 2023

  • Attended a workshop titled "Biosensors and Biomedical Diagnosis," emphasizing the development of nano biosensor models for disease detection and monitoring bodily processes.

Memorial Student Travel Abroad Fellowship Recipient

  • Selected for a competitive mission among Egyptian universities to pursue a PhD through joint supervision program between Al-Azhar UniversityEgypt and the University of FloridaUSA, focusing on developing a novel stem cell-based therapy for osteoporosis. Although a visa is granted, travel funding is disrupted by COVID-19.

Certified Trainer in Designing Experimental Animal Models
April 2020 – Present

  • Developed a training program for Al-Azhar University researchers on designing experimental animal models, focusing on ethical standards and compliance with international regulations.

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Centre of Genetic Engineering and Stem Cells Research, Cairo, Egypt
Lead Research Group
February 2012 – Present

  • Led multiple research groups focused on culturing, characterizing, and isolating adult stem cells from various sources.
  • Organized and trained workshop participants, enhancing their research skills and knowledge.

Scientific Syndicate of Egypt
Vice President

  • Chaired a committee dedicated to developing the capabilities and enhancing the efficiency of young scientists.
  • Demonstrated effective leadership and mentorship skills through organizing training sessions and initiatives.

Republican People's Party, Fayoum Governorate
Chairman, Training and Education Committee
February 2022 – Present

  • Appointed to lead the committee, showcasing leadership skills in a political context.
  • Developed educational programs aimed at empowering members and promoting community engagement.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Al-Azhar University                                                                                                    Cairo, Egypt

                                                            August 2021-present

  • Served as Rapporteur for the Scientific Research Ethical Committee for using experimental animals in education and research.
  • Vice Director of the Genetic Engineering and Stem Cell Research Center.
  • Acted as Media Coordinator for the Measurement and Evaluation Unit at the Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo.
  • Managed Student Activities at the Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo.

 

 

 

ACADEMIC POST GRADUATE SUPERVISION EXPERIENCE

  • Doctoral Thesis (Academic Associate Supervisor)

Mohamed Maher Hashim

  • Title: Molecular diagnosis and early detection of endometriosis and cervical cancer using cancer stem cell markers 
  • Status: In preparation for defense

Master’s Thesis (Academic Associate Supervisor)

  1. 1.     Mohamed Emad Mohamed Elsayed
  • Title: Mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) therapy for induced burn wounds in rats
  • Status: Successfully submitted 
  1. 2.     Doaa Tawfik Mostafa
  • Title: The role of autophagy induction in tissue regeneration of aged mice 
  • Status: Conducting experiments and following up results 
  1. 3.     Ahmed Ibrahim Eldesoky Almoghayr
  • Title: Impact of COVID-19 on male fertility 
  • Status: Successfully submitted 
  1. 4.     Mohamed Attia Khaled Mostafa
  • Title: Exploring the role of cellular therapy and regenerative medicine in osteoporosis treatment
  • Status: In preparation for defense
  1. 5.     Mohamed Faisal Mohamed
  • Title: Integrating tissue engineering strategies for effective osteoporosis treatment
  • Status: In preparation for defense
  1. 6.     Mohamed Ramadan Khalaf
  • Title: Pregnancy outcome after using fresh and frozen sperms (PESA & TESA)
  • Status: In preparation for defense 

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Al-Azhar University - Cairo, Egypt
Assistant Professor, Zoology Department- August 2021 – Present

  • Teach Principles of Histology to 550+ undergraduate students per semester, covering cytology, histology, cell organelles, tissue types, and an introduction to tissue engineering.
  • Developed quizzes, exams, and homework, revising the syllabus to meet accreditation standards.
  • Coordinated grading and labs with 14 teaching assistants, ensuring high levels of student learning and success.

Al-Azhar University — Asyut, Egypt
Assistant Lecturer, Zoology Department — February 2012 – April 2021

  • Conducted lab sections and lectures for various classes in the biological sciences division.
  • Designed and taught courses including Basic Anatomy of Experimental AnimalsPrinciples of Animal PhysiologyCytologyHistology and EmbryologyComparative Vertebrate AnatomyExperimental Embryology and Teratology, and Tissue Culture for pre-master students.
  • Provided practical training for 60 students per group, teaching 20 hours per week.

Ministry of Education — Hawalli City, Al-Sallam, Kuwait
Biology Tutor (Ahmed Al-Robae Secondary school)— September 2008 – January 2012

  • Designed and taught biology courses for secondary students, incorporating laboratory experiments.
  • Managed 5 classes of 20 students, each receiving 4 hours of instruction weekly.
  • Achieved a student evaluation rating of 4.75/5 for effective presentation and availability.
  • Led a student team to win the Best Student Research Award for Celiac disease in 2011.

SKILLS AND INTERESTS

  • Technical Skills: Gene editing (CRISPR), Flow cytometry (FACS), SPSS, MATLAB.
  • Research Skills: Stem cell isolation, 3D printing technologies for tissue engineering.
  • Software: EndNote, Microsoft Office Suite, GraphPad Prism. 
  • Language: Fluent in Arabic (Mother tongue) & Excellent in English, as demonstrated by the explanatory IELTS certificate attached. 
  • Interests Passionate about traveling and car driving, with experience exploring different cultures and environments around the world. Additionally, I have a keen interest in Agriculture and rural life and have engaged in various related activities and initiatives throughout my academic and personal pursuits. 

 

WORKSHOPS 

  • June 24-25, 2013: NRC Meeting / Workshop on “Future of Regenerative Medicine Technologies in Egypt,” National Research Center, Giza, Egypt. 
  • November 2018: One-week workshop on "Techniques of Molecular Biology and Gene Therapy," hosted by Thermo Fisher Scientific®. Focused on emerging techniques in molecular biology and gene therapy.
  • October 2021: Virtual meeting on "What You Need to Know About IACUC," covering animal modeling protocols. 
  • May 15-19, 2022: One-week workshop on "Space Medicine Physiology," Egyptian Space Agency. Focused on developing simulated animal models for space laboratories, with emphasis on stem cell cultivation and tissue engineering.
  • June 20, 2023: Advanced workshop on "Biosensors and Their Medical Applications," Zewail University, Giza, Egypt.
  • November 3-6, 2024: The 5th International Workshop on Basics of Flow Cytometry. Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Dr. Claude Lambert (MD, PhD) (International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC), France).

CONFERENCES

  • Organizing Committee Member, International Conference New Horizons in Basic and Applied Science (ICNHBAS), Hurghada, Egypt (2013, 2015, 2019)
  • Invited Speaker, First International Conference of Science Friends Academy on Medical Analysis and Tumor Diagnosis, Damanhur, Egypt (2016)
  • Organizing Committee Member, Third International Scientific Conference on Environment and Sustainable Development, "Climate Change: Challenges and Confrontations," Cairo, Egypt (2021)
  • Organizing Committee Member, Second Scientific Forum on Modern Applied Sciences and Their Role in Advancing Society, Cairo, Egypt (April 22, 2024)

MEMBERSHIP

  • American Society of Microbiology (ASM)
  • Syndicate of Scientific Professions, Egypt.
  • The International Organization of Al-Azhar Graduates

 

PEER-REVIEWING EXPERIENCE

Experienced peer reviewer for the following journals,  

  1. 1.     Stem Cell Research & Therapy (7)                                                     ISSN1757-6512 
  2. 2.     Health science reports (3)                                                                  ISSN: 2398-8835 
  3. 3.     Dose-Response (1)                                                                             ISSN: 1559-3258 
  4. 4.      Reproductive sciences (1)                                                                 ISSN: 1933-7205 

DEFINITIONAL LINKS

LIST OF PUBLICATIONS

 

a)     Journal Articles Publications                                                                 *Corresponding Author 

 

1-     "Mitigation of cyclophosphamide‑induced premature ovarian insufficiency in rats through bone marrow‑derived mesenchymal stem cells and placental extract therapy: a comprehensive evaluation"

Ahmed Atwa, Nehal Sobhy, Abdel Kareem M. Abdel Latif & Sayed Bakry

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s43088-025-00604-2, Journal: Beni-Suef Univ J Basic Appl Sc, i Q2: Feb. 2025

2-     "Chemopreventive effect of Pistacia vera leaf extract against mammary carcinoma induced by dimethyl-benz(a)anthracene in vivo and in vitro: Potential role of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune mechanisms"

Ali G. Alkhathami, Esmail M. El-Fakharany, Mohamed H. El-Sayed, Ahmed Atwa, Fatma Khairallah Ali, Nashwa Hamad, Hussam Aska, Mahmoud Ashry

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2024.115229Journal: Food and Chemical Toxicology, Q1: Jan. 2025

3-     " Exploration the Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Olive Leaf Extract on Physiological and Histopathological Changes on the Kidney of Diabetes Rats"

Mervat Ahmed AbdRabouAhmed AtwaZahrah R AlrayesDiaa MassoudFawzyah A AlghamdiAml M AsranMousa O GermoushHanan M AlharbiHadeel K AlruwailiKhadija Abdul Jalil FaddladdeenAhmed B M Mehany

DOI:  10.33594/000000748              Journal: Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry           Q2: Dec. 2024            

4-     "Therapeutic Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Olive Leaf Extract Against Cytotoxicity Induced by Streptozotocin in Gestational Diabetes Rats"                          

Mervat Ahmed AbdRabou, Ahmed Atwa, Diaa Massoud, Aml M Asran, Zahrah R Alrayes, Aljohara M. Al- Otaibi, Fawzyah A. Alghamdi, Mousa O Germoush, Hadeel K. Alruwaili, Ahmed Nabeeh, Ahmed B. M. Mehany

DOI: 10.33594/000000744               Journal: Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry           Q2: Nov. 2024           

5-     "Mitigation of biochemical alterations in streptozotocin‐induced gestational diabetes in rats through mesenchymal stem cells and olive leaf extract"  

Mervat Ahmed AbdRabou, Ahmed B. M. Mehany, Diaa Massoud, Ahmed Nabeeh, Aml M Asran, Mousa O Germoush, Aljohara M. Al- Otaibi and Ahmed Atwa*  

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/jez.2862                                                                                    Q1: Sep. 2024            

Journal of Experimental Zoology Part A: Ecological and Integrative Physiology            

6-     "The therapeutic potential of utilizing mesenchymal stem cell transplantation for remedying premature ovarian failure in female rats"                            July 2024 

Nehal Sobhy, Ahmed Atwa*, Abdel Kareem M Abdel Latif, Sayed Bakry

DOI: 10.21608/IFJSIS.2024.297925.1081   Labyrinth: Fayoum Journal of Science and Interdisciplinary Studies

7-     Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation in Burn Wound Healing: Uncovering the Mechanisms of Local Regeneration and Tissue Repair                                 Q1: Oct. 2023

Mohamed E. El-Sayed, Ahmed Atwa*, Ahmed R. Sofy, Yasser A. Helmy, Khaled Amer, Mohamed G. Seadawy, Sayed Bakry.                                                                         

Journal: Histochemistry and Cell Biology                  DOI: 10.1007/s00418-023-02244-y

Mohamed E. El-Sayed and Ahmed Atwa are joint first authors.

8-     Immunomodulatory quinazoline-based thalidomide analogs: Design, synthesis, apoptosis, and anticancer evaluations.                          

      https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molstruc.2023.135164                                                                   Q1: March 2023

Abdallah E. Abdallah, Ibrahim H. Eissa, Ahmed B.M. Mehany, Helmy Sakr, Ahmed Atwa, Khaled El-Adl, Mohamed Ayman El-Zahabi.

9-    The Femoral Head Epiphysis of Ovariectomized Rats as A Site for Studies on Osteoporosis: Microstructural Changes Evaluations                                                                                    Ahmed Atwa*, Mohsen A Mostafa, Sihong Song, Moustafa Sarhan                                                 Jan. 2021 

http://eajbsd.journals.ekb.eg          

10- Mesenchymal stem cells restore fertility in induced Azoospermic rats following chemotherapy administration.

Zahkook SAM, Atwa A*, Shahat MM, Mansour AM, Bakry S.

Journal of Reproduction and Infertility 5 (2): 50-57, 2014

https://idosi.org/jri/5(2)14/4.pdf                                  

 

b)     Books:

1-     Chapter title “Biodegradable Materials from Natural Origin for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells Technologies” 

Ahmed Atwa*, Mahmoud R. Sofy, Sara M. Fakhrelden, Ola Darwish, Ahmed B. M. Mehany, Ahmed R. Sofy & Sayed Bakry.                                                                                                   

https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-3-031-09710-2_63

Book name: Handbook of Biodegradable Materials    Publisher: Springer, Cham             (Oct 2022).

Edition: Handbook of Biodegradable Materials, Springier-Nature, Ali, Makhlouf (Eds.)

2-     Chapter title “Integrating Nano sensors into Stem Cells Technologies and Regenerative Medicine”                                                                          

Ahmed Atwa*Abdel Kareem M. Abdel LatifMohsen A. MoustafaMahmoud AshryHussam AskarAhmed Z. I. ShehataAhmed B. M. MehanySeham I. Hallool & Sayed Bakry 

https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-3-031-16338-8_38-1

Book name: Handbook of Nano sensors

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-16338-8_38-1         Publisher: Springer, Cham                               (Oct. 2023)

3-      Chapter title “Current Progress on the Curative Effects of Cell-Based Therapy for Patients with Non-Obstructive Azoospermia”                                                                Ahmed Atwa*, Serag Eldin I. Elbehairi, Sayed Bakry, Ahmed B.M. Mehany, Mahmoud Ashry, Husam Askar and Mohammad Y. Alfaifi.

https://www.intechopen.com/online-first/1139607                                                   (Nov 2023)

 Book name: Recent Advances in Male Reproductive System

DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.1003644                                                                             Publisher: Intech Open                                                      

c)     Posters

Poster in the first international conference “New horizons in basic and applied science" (ICNHBAS)

"Restoration of Fertility in experimental Azoospermic rat by transplantation of Mesenchymal Stem cells"

Ahmed Atwa*, Samir A.M. Zahkook, Shahat, M.M, Ahmed M Mansour, and Sayed Bakry

REFERENCES FOR DR. AHMED ATWA

 

1-          Professor of Physiology

Mahmoud Ashry (Ph.D.)

Email: mahmoudashry2581.el@azhar.edu.eg 

Al-Azhar University

Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, 71524 Asyut, (Egypt).            

Tel: +201009715105

2-          Associate professor of Structural Biology

Mohammed Shaaban (Ph.D.)         

Email: m.shaaban20@imperial.ac.uk

Imperial College London

Faculty of Medicine

Department of Infectious Diseases

South Kensington Campus, London, SW7, 2AZ, UK

Tel: +44 (0) 77 2300 0774

3-          Associate Professor of Cell Biology

Serageldin Ibrahim (Ph.D.)

Email: serag@kku.edu.sa

King Khalid University

King Khalid University, Faculty of Science, Biology Department, Abha 9004, Saudi Arabia

Tel: +966553486685

4-          Professor of Genetic Engineering and Molecular Biology

Hani S. Hafez (Ph.D.)                                   

Email: hani.hafez@suezuniv.edu.eg

Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez University, Suez, 43533, Egypt

Tel: +20 115 414 9052

5-          Professor of Material sciences and nanotechnology

Gomaa A.M. Ali (Ph.D.)

Al-Azhar University

Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, 71524 Asyut, (Egypt).            

gomaasanad@azhar.edu.eg

gomaasanad@gmail.com 

Tel: +201001062287

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