IUS Master’s Student Gains Hands-On Research Experience in Poland

IUS Master’s student of Genetics and Bioengineering (GBE), Nour El-Bechnak, recently completed a one-month research stay in Lublin, Poland, where she worked under the mentorship of Prof. Ilona Sadok at the Department of Biomedical and Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, and the Laboratory of Separation and Spectroscopic Method Applications.

This research visit was an integral part of her graduate studies at IUS and provided her with valuable hands-on experience in advanced analytical techniques.

During her stay, Nour conducted research using UHPLC–MS/MS technology as part of her Master’s thesis titled “Modulation of Tryptophan Metabolism via the Kynurenine Pathway in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC)”. Her study focuses on quantifying tryptophan and its metabolites in human serum to identify potential biomarkers that could contribute to the early detection and deeper understanding of pancreatic cancer.

Expressing her gratitude, Nour thanked Prof. Ilona Sadok for the warm welcome, continuous mentorship, and opportunity to work in her laboratory. She also extended heartfelt appreciation to her professors from the IUS Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences (FENS), Genetics and Bioengineering program: Dr. Mohamed (Ragab Abdel Gawwad) Ibrahim, Dr. Jasmin Šutković, Dr. Altijana Hromić-Jahjefendić, and Dr. Muhamed Adilović - for their constant guidance and support.

This international research experience reflects the IUS commitment to providing its students with opportunities to engage in global scientific collaboration, develop practical laboratory skills, and contribute to cutting-edge biomedical research.