Dr. Ahmed Yousef is a microbiologist whose research connects environmental microbiology, public health, and biotechnology. At Khalifa University, his laboratory investigates microbial communities in natural and engineered environments, with particular emphasis on wastewater systems. His work includes wastewater-based epidemiology, monitoring antimicrobial resistance markers, and studying bacteriophages (the viruses that infect bacteria) and their interactions with bacterial hosts. His laboratory also explores microorganisms from UAE environments as sources of new biotechnology applications.
Dr. Yousef earned his MSc and PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Western Ontario, Canada. His graduate research used viral oncogenes to investigate protein interactions and cellular networks. He subsequently trained as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he studied the biochemistry of DNA replication.
With an interest in translating scientific discoveries into practical applications, Dr. Yousef also earned an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business, focusing on entrepreneurship and biotechnology. He has worked in intellectual property management, supporting patent prosecution, technology licensing, and the formation of spin-off companies.
Before joining Khalifa University, Dr. Yousef was a faculty member at the Masdar Institute, where his laboratory studied environmental and water microbiology and he taught graduate courses in applied microbiology and science entrepreneurship.
Phage–nanomaterial hybrids against drug-resistant bacteria
We are developing hybrids that combine bacteriophages —viruses that infect bacteria—with nanomaterials to target multidrug-resistant Klebsiella and Pseudomonas. This project explores how these complementary approaches can work together to combat bacteria that are difficult to treat with existing antibiotics.
Phage-based biosensors for pathogen detection
In collaboration with CMAT at Khalifa University, we are developing biosensors that use bacteriophages as the recognition component for detecting bacterial pathogens. The project draws on the ability of phages to recognize particular bacterial hosts and integrates this specificity with sensing materials and devices. Our goal is to develop rapid, selective detection tools with potential applications in health and environmental monitoring.
Understanding phage host range and targeting bacterial biofilms
Why do some phages infect a broad range of bacterial strains while others are highly selective? We are investigating how bacterial growth conditions influence the phages we discover, and how genetic features of both phages and bacteria relate to infection. A particular focus is on phages that interact with the protective matrix of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. This work explores their potential to control biofilms and whether bacterial resistance to these phages comes with trade-offs that could be useful for treatment.
Phage-loaded contact lenses for eye infections
We are exploring 3D-printed contact lenses as a platform for delivering bacteriophages to the eye, with a focus on Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis, an infection of the cornea. The project combines phage biology with materials research and advanced fabrication to develop lenses that can carry active phages while retaining suitable material and optical properties. Our aim is to establish the potential of this approach for localized antibacterial delivery.
Wastewater surveillance of antimicrobial resistance
As part of a wider One Health team, we are investigating wastewater as a source of information about antimicrobial resistance. By tracking resistance markers, we aim to understand their distribution and how wastewater monitoring can contribute to broader surveillance efforts. This research connects environmental microbiology with the shared challenge of protecting human, animal, and environmental health.
Tracking antimicrobial resistance and pathogens in the Arctic
With support from the Polar Research Center, we are investigating antimicrobial resistance and pathogens in Arctic environments. The project combines environmental sampling with molecular analysis to characterize microbial communities and identify resistance and pathogen signals. Our goal is to establish baseline information that supports future monitoring and strengthens understanding of microbial risks across interconnected environments in the Arctic.
Exploring Tamarix nilotica for longevity and healthy ageing
We are investigating the potential of Tamarix nilotica extracts to influence lifespan and healthy ageing, using zebrafish and in vitro model systems. The project includes studying inhibition of alpha-glucosidase, an enzyme involved in carbohydrate digestion, alongside identifying compounds that may contribute to the extracts’ biological activity. By connecting these biochemical effects with outcomes in experimental models, we aim to determine whether the extracts offer promising directions for longevity research.
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