Aya Abouissa

I am currently a PhD student in the Cardiovascular Physiology Department and Heidelberg Biosciences International Graduate School (HBIGS). My project is focused on understanding the mechanisms underlying cardiovascular adaptation to neonatal and adult cardiac pressure overload.

My Key Responsibilities:

• Research and Experimentation:

- Design, plan, and execute experiments related to cardiovascular physiology, including but not limited to studies on cardiac functions, vascular biology, and molecular mechanisms of cardiac regeneration and adaptation to pressure overload.
- Utilize various techniques such as molecular biology, multiomics, cardiac organoids, imaging, and in vivo models (neonatal and adult TAC) to investigate cardiovascular phenomena.
- Analyze and interpret experimental data by developing custom bioinformatics tools and pipelines.

• Literature Review and Hypothesis Development:

- Conduct comprehensive literature reviews to stay updated on current research trends and identify gaps in the field.
- Develop research hypotheses and design experiments, contributing to the overall goals of the research group.

• Collaboration and Teamwork:

- Collaborate with other members of the research team, including postdoctoral researchers, technicians, and fellow PhD students, to ensure the successful completion of research projects (co-authorship in 5 publications in peer-reviewed journals).
- Participate in lab meetings, seminars, and departmental activities, contributing to the intellectual environment of the department.

• Data Management and Reporting:

- Manage and organize experimental data, ensuring accuracy and reproducibility.
- Prepare and present research findings at internal meetings, conferences (2 poster prizes obtained), and in peer-reviewed publications.

Master of Science in Translational Medical Research (M. Sc. TMR).

Thesis title:

"Investigation of Fibroblast-Cardiomyocyte and Fibroblast-Endothelial Cells Cross-Talk during Adaptation of Neonatal Mice to Cardiac Pressure Overload: Method Optimization"

Developed effective relationships with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal communication and collaboration in patient care.

• Verified safety and accuracy of physician orders.
• Maintained strict compliance with relevant laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to hospital pharmacy practice.
• Dispensed and procured medicinal products and supplies used in hospital.
• Actively participated in hospital committees focused on enhancing patient safety through continuous performance improvement efforts.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to optimize patient care plans, resulting in improved therapeutic outcomes.

Full-time Clinical Pharmacist in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Critical Care Unit (CCU)

• Evaluated medication regimens for complex patients, identifying potential drug interactions and devising alternative treatment strategies when necessary.
• Help implementing an evidence-based approach to practice in the intensive & coronary care unit & ward.
• Educated patients on proper medication use and adherence, leading to improved health outcomes and decreased hospital readmissions.
• Advised physicians on how to properly dose medications.
• Implemented cost-saving measures through formulary management and utilization review, ensuring efficient use of resources while maintaining high-quality patient care standards.
• Contributed to antimicrobial stewardship efforts by monitoring antibiotic usage patterns and making recommendations for targeted improvements.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams for optimal patient care and improved treatment outcomes.

• Help & teach undergraduate students during the practical sessions in hospital pharmacy course.
• Managed classroom behavior effectively, creating a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic success.
• Collaborated with fellow teaching assistants to create a consistent and supportive learning environment for students.
• Helped with grading assignments and tests, providing constructive feedback to students based on results.
• Facilitated activities in small groups to reinforce concepts taught by class teacher.