Our Team
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Dareen Almojil, PhD
My research sits at the intersection of evolutionary biology and applied conservation. I aim to tackle challenges in marine conservation by developing locally grounded solutions, integrating field research, genomics, and traditional ecological knowledge. I am especially interested in the processes that shape the spatial distribution of genetic diversity, including the interplay between phenotypic plasticity and adaptation in extreme environments and conditions.To address these questions, I employ a diverse toolkit spanning population genomics, multi-omics, and bioinformatics.
I received my master’s degree from James Cook University and completed my PhD at the University of Cambridge. Building on this foundation, I expanded my expertise in genomics and bioinformatics as a postdoctoral researcher at the Evolutionary Genomics Laboratory, New York University–Abu Dhabi, where I examined how polyploidy contributes to diversity, adaptation, and resilience in wild populations.
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Amani S. Alzaidan, PhD
I am a graduate of the University of Bangor, UK, with a Master's in Marine Environmental Protection and a PhD in Marine Ecology. I am dedicated to addressing critical challenges in coastal restoration, marine biodiversity conservation, and resource sustainability. With a specific focus on safeguarding endemic species and vital habitats, I translate scientific research into policy recommendations for policy makers. I hold a position at Kuwait University, serve as a consultant for KEPA, and contribute as a volunteer expert assessor for the IUCN Green List in the Middle East and West Asia.
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Abdulrahman Ben-Hasan, PhD
I am an assistant professor in marine resource management at the Marine Science Department, Kuwait University. My current areas of research comprise analyzing diverse fisheries contexts that complicate management—like fundamentally weak regulatory agencies, transboundary fish stocks, and escalated market demand—with a focus on the Arabian/Persian Gulf region as a microcosm.
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Abdullah Alzaid, PhD
I am an Associate Research Scientist at Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR; Kuwait). I earned a Master of Science Degree from Memorial University (Canada) and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree from University of Aberdeen (Scotland, UK). My research focuses on the influence of Whole Genome Duplications on the physiology and immunology of teleost, with the aim of understanding the effects of environmental stressors, growth-enhancing transgenesis, and aquaculture on genome evolution and biodiversity of teleost fishes. Principal challenges of interest include the development of genomic resources to provide new model fish species. Thus, current research aims focus on exploiting computational and laboratory tools to accurately assemble and differentiate the sequences of highly similar duplicated genes linked to growth and immune functions in teleost, as well as resolving their homology relationships across species and post-duplication functional divergence.
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AbdulRahman Almajed, MSc
I am an Environmental Protection & Compliance Superintendent at Al Khafji Joint Operations with over 26 years of experience in environmental management and marine ecology. I hold a Bachelor’s in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences from UAE University and a Master’s in Environmental Science from Kuwait University.
My work focuses on biodiversity conservation, marine habitat restoration, pollution control, and sustainability in the oil and gas sector. I have led cross-border projects on mangrove plantation, oil spill contingency planning, and advanced environmental monitoring in collaboration with regional and international partners.
I am also leading studies on ambient air quality in our region, contributing to science-based solutions that balance industrial growth with ecological sustainability while mentoring the next generation of environmental professionals.
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Reem Alnaqeeb, MSc
I am presently a researcher at Kuwait University. I did my undergraduate degree at the University of Portsmouth in Marine Biology and then went on to do a Master's degree in Freshwater and Marine Ecology at Queen Mary University of London. I am very interested in ecological dynamics in aquatic systems. My role in this project is to watch and analyse the footage of our resident sharks Bandar, Bibi, Bader and Badriyah. The goal is to pinpoint and investigate their social behavior and hopefully capture an example of shark mating behaviour.
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Saleh Alfarej, MSc
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Organismal Biology from the University of Arizona and a Master of Science in Marine Science from the Marine Science Research Institute at Jacksonville University. My research has centered on fisheries traceability using stable isotope analysis, advancing scientific understanding and conservation efforts in the Arabian Gulf. Alongside my academic work, I developed expertise in shark husbandry and breeding, coral husbandry, fish pathology, and aquarium operations at The Scientific Center of Kuwait, combining research with hands-on experience to promote marine sustainability and education.
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Rawan Alkhudhair, BSc
I'm a marine science graduate with a minor in environmental sciences, and hands-on field experience in marine data collection and coral reef monitoring in Kuwait. As a certified SCUBA diving instructor, I combine practical field expertise with a deep understanding of marine ecosystems. I'm currently focused on studying rays, with a strong interest in their behavior, ecology, and conservation. I'm passionate about collaborative, field-based research that supports marine sustainability.
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Fatema Safar, BSc
My name is Fatemah! I studied Biology in Canada, but my passion has always been in marine biology. I am especially fascinated by cartilaginous fishes and the field of ichthyology, and I enjoy exploring the unique adaptations and behaviors of these remarkable species. I am also deeply interested in research and look forward to contributing to projects that expand our understanding of marine life.
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Elaaf Almalek, BSc
I hold a BSc. in Marine Science with a minor in Animal Biology from Kuwait University, with a primary focus on shark biology, conservation and marine environmental challenges in the Arabian/Persian Gulf. My research examines shark populations in Kuwait, exploring fisheries, pollution, genetics and habitat pressures to generate insights that can inform both science and policy in the region. Alongside my academic background, I bring hands-on field and technical expertise. I am skilled in laboratory methods, genetic analysis, and data management. I am also a certified Dive Master, with advanced diving and field experience. My bilingual communication skills further strengthen my commitment to bridging research and outreach, making marine science accessible to both academic and community audiences.