Dr Shaimaa A. Gad
- Position: Postdoctoral Research Fellow
- Areas of expertise: Physiology; Exercise; Diabetes; Obesity; Liver; Metabolism; Organ crosstalk
- Email: S.A.A.A.Gad@leeds.ac.uk
Profile
I currently work as a postdoctoral research fellow at Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine (LICAMM) at University of Leeds. I completed my medical undergraduate studies (MBBCh) at Mansoura University, Egypt and subsequently started my journey in research and academia as a Medical Physiology academic staff member. My research interests were defined during my master’s degree where I explored body metabolic imbalance induced by obesity and diabetes. In consequence, my PhD investigated roles of exercise and potential endogenous metabolites in mediating tissue cross-talk to induce local and systemic physiological adaptations highlighting possible therapeutics to mitigate adverse effects in cardiometabolic disease as in obesity. I have been granted my PhD in Physiology and Metabolism at LICAMM, University of Leeds, UK, where I continue to participate in the research and innovation hub.
Research interests
My research interests lie broadly in the field of metabolism and translational research, with a focus on understanding and combating major metabolic disorders, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and fatty liver diseases. I am particularly interested in elucidating the molecular and physiological mechanisms that regulate energy metabolism through inter-organ communication. My work seeks to advance our understanding of how lifestyle factors—such as exercise—influence metabolic health and to develop interventions that promote metabolic resilience and reduce the burden of chronic metabolic diseases. Ultimately, my goal is to bridge basic physiological discoveries with clinical applications, aiming to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets that can translate into effective strategies for disease prevention and treatment.
Qualifications
- MBBCh
- MSc
- PhD
Professional memberships
- Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
- The Physiological Society Early Career Member
- The European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL)
Student education
- Module tutor for medical students pursuing MBChB at University of Leeds.
- Trainer for junior PhD lab colleagues.
Research groups and institutes
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine