Kuwait University, Kuwait
Author Profile
Scopus
Academic Qualifications
Mrs. Laila Jaragh-Alhadad holds a strong academic background in chemistry, having earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Bioanalytical Chemistry from Cleveland State University, USA, in 2017. Her doctoral thesis, “Cholesterol conjugated heat shock protein 27 inhibitor as a novel anti-ovarian cancer agent,” highlights her dedication to developing targeted treatments for cancer, particularly ovarian cancer. She previously completed her M.Sc. in Petroleum Chemistry in 2009 and her B.Sc. in Chemistry in 2004, both from Kuwait University. This academic progression demonstrates her solid foundation in both applied and analytical chemistry disciplines, particularly in clinical and petroleum applications.
Professional Experience
Mrs. Jaragh-Alhadad is currently working as an Assistant Professor at Kuwait University, a role she has held since 2017, where she teaches and supervises research in chemistry. From 2012 to 2017, she was a Ph.D. scholar at Cleveland State University in the United States. Earlier in her career, she worked as a Chemist at Kuwait’s Environmental Public Authority from 2009 to 2011, where she gained practical experience in environmental and analytical chemistry. She also served as a Graduate Scientific Assistant at Kuwait University from 2006 to 2008, assisting in laboratory work and academic research. Her diverse experience bridges both academic and industrial applications of chemistry.
Research Experience & Interests
Mrs. Jaragh-Alhadad has established a strong research portfolio, primarily focused on the design, synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of anticancer agents. As a Principal Investigator, she has successfully completed and led multiple research projects funded by the Research Sector of Kuwait University. Her completed projects include the design and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) encapsulation of anticancer dual HSP27 and HER2 inhibitors to target ovarian cancer (ZS06/17), and the development of a new generation of anticancer agents targeting HSP27 in women’s cancers (SC14/18). She is currently working on a project involving 1,2,4-triazole derivatives loaded into LDL to target HER2 and tubulin for cancer therapy (SC03/23), as well as a novel study on nimesulide-containing dimethoxy benzamide for cancer treatment (SC01/24). Her research reflects her deep interest in biochemical targeting and innovative drug delivery systems.
Honors & Recognition
Throughout her academic and professional journey, Mrs. Jaragh-Alhadad has received numerous honors in recognition of her work. In 2011, she was honored with a Ph.D. scholarship by the Chemistry Department at Kuwait University. In April 2019, she received the Best Research Award at the 595th International Conference on Recent Advances in Medical and Health Sciences (ICRAMHS) in Oxford, UK, for her research demonstrating that HSP27 is a key biomarker and therapeutic target that can downregulate HER2 to improve ovarian cancer survival rates. During the academic year 2020–2021, she received the Distinguished Teaching Award from the College of Science at Kuwait University, acknowledging her excellence in teaching and mentorship. In December 2021, she was honored with another Best Research Award at the International Research Award on Oncology and Cancer Research (USA) for her work on dual HSP27 and HER2 inhibitors encapsulated in LDL particles to target ovarian cancer cells, alongside collaborators Gamaleldin I. Harisa and Fars K. Alanazi.
Notable Publications
A novel one‑pot microwave assisted green synthesis of pyridinyl‑1,3,5‑triazine‑2,4‑diamine hybrids as potent antimicrobial agents
Journal: BMC Chemistry
Year: 2025
Electrochemical aptasensor based on the engineered core‑shell MOF nanostructures for the detection of tumor antigens
Journal: Journal of Nanobiotechnology
Year: 2023