Portrait: Dr. Amal Alachkar (Syria)
As part of the IIE-SRF Portraits series, we are pleased to highlight Dr. Amal Alachkar, a former fellow from Syria. During her fellowship at the University of California, Irvine, Dr. Alachkar conducted neurobiological research focused on psychiatric disorders and the development of novel treatments. She later secured a full-time academic appointment at UC Irvine, where she co-directs an online pharmacology master’s program she helped establish. Dr. Alachkar has also hosted multiple IIE-SRF fellows in her lab and remains involved in initiatives to restore higher education in Syria.
“The IIE-SRF fellowship allowed me to continue my research and reaffirmed my sense of purpose as a scientist, teacher, and mentor. Staying connected with IIE-SRF is my way of giving back.”
Featured Fellow Seeking Placement
A molecular biology and public health scholar from Sudan is seeking a fellowship opportunity in Australia, Europe, Canada, or Sub-Saharan Africa. Her research focuses on the epidemiology, genetics, and evolutionary history of venomous snakes and scorpions. She has led a research center, supervised graduate-level research, and taught courses including biostatistics and comparative physiology. Her goal is to continue research that informs antivenom development, public health strategies, and conservation efforts.
Recent Fellowship Appointments
Since the last edition of The Beacon, 10 scholars have started new IIE-SRF fellowships at host institutions in six countries. Two institutions are hosting IIE-SRF fellows for the first time:
- University of Calabar, Nigeria
- Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Malaysia