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DR MARIAM ALSANAFI

Mariam Alsanafi
Phone
24634426
Public Email
mariam.alsanafi@ku.edu.kw
Office Location
COP 2-101/113
College/ Center
College of Pharmacy
Teaching Assistant (A)

Dr. Mariam Alsanafi is a distinguished academic, researcher, and clinical pharmacist with over 14 years of experience in pharmacy practice, pharmacology, and molecular biology. She holds a PhD in Pharmacology and Molecular Biology from the University of Strathclyde, where her groundbreaking research focused on the roles of sphingosine kinases and dihydroceramide desaturase in cell survival, apoptosis, and inflammation.

Currently, Dr. Alsanafi serves as a Teaching Assistant at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, and an Assistant Professor on secondment at the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET). Her teaching portfolio includes pharmacology, toxicology, clinical pharmacy, and research methods, where she is committed to bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications.

Dr. Alsanafi is a prolific researcher with an h-index of 9, reflecting her contributions to high-impact publications in pharmacology, public health, and vaccine acceptance. Her interdisciplinary expertise spans molecular biology, clinical pharmacy, and public health, with a particular focus on addressing vaccine hesitancy and improving patient outcomes.

Her professional journey includes roles as a specialist pharmacist and clinical researcher, where she has excelled in providing patient care, conducting innovative research, and mentoring students. She is highly skilled in advanced laboratory techniques, clinical studies, and academic leadership, making her a well-rounded professional dedicated to advancing healthcare and education.

Degrees and Certificates
  • Degrees:
  1. BPharm, Kuwait University (Kuwait).
  2. MSc in Clinical Pharmacy, University of Strathclyde (United Kingdom).
  3. PhD in Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences (Pharmacology and Molecular Biology), University of Strathclyde (United Kingdom).

 

  • Certificates:
  1. Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Professional Development, University of Strathclyde (UK).
  2. Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider Course, an American Heart Association course.
  3. International Computer Driving License (ICDL).
  4. Drug Information Program.
  5. Drug Manufacturing Practical Training Program.
  6. Registration and Recording of Drug Consignments.
  7. Systematic Approach to Review Drug Therapy in the Elderly.
  8. Drug Information for Pharmacists, Electronic Resources.
  9. Principles of Trauma Management.
Key Responsibilities
  • Conducting tutorials, laboratory sessions, and workshops.
  • Assisting professors in preparing course materials and exams.
  • Guiding students in practical applications and research projects.
  • Supervising and mentoring students during clinical rotations and internships.
  • Grading assignments, exams, and providing constructive feedback.
  • Organizing academic events and contributing to curriculum development.
  • Writing and publishing high-impact research articles in journals and presenting findings at international conferences.
Professional Experience
  • Teaching Assistant A in Kuwait university:
  1. Conducted tutorials, laboratory sessions, and workshops for undergraduate pharmacy students.
  2. Assisted professors in developing course materials, exams, and interactive learning modules.
  3. Supervised and mentored students during clinical rotations and research projects.
  4. Provided academic guidance and support to students in preparing for exams and assessments.

  5. Coordinated with faculty members to improve teaching strategies and enhance student learning .

     

  • Assistant Professor on Secondment in Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET):
  1. Delivered lectures and facilitated discussions in four Pharmacology courses and one Toxicology course.
  2. Designed and graded exams, assignments, and practical assessments.
  3. Supervised student projects and research activities.
  4. Developed and implemented teaching strategies tailored to student needs.

 

  • Visiting Scientist in Pyne Lab, University of Strathclyde:
  1. Conducted advanced molecular biology research, focusing on sphingosine kinases and cellular mechanisms.
  2. Contributed to ongoing lab projects and published research findings.

 

  • Hospital Experience in Clinical Pharmacy Department, Farwaniya Hospital:
  1. Reviewed and verified prescriptions for accuracy and safety.
  2. Counseled patients on proper medication use and potential side effects.
  3. Collaborated with healthcare teams to optimize patient treatment plans.
  4. Provided drug information and advice to healthcare professionals.

 

  • Polyclinic Experience in Al-Zahra Medical Centre:
  1. Dispensed medications and ensured adherence to medical prescriptions.
  2. Managed drug inventory and procurement processes.
  3. Assisted in providing patient care and addressing inquiries about medications.
  4. Gained experience in dispensing medications and patient counseling.
  5. Monitored drug interactions and recommended safe medication practices.
  6. Supported the pharmacy team in delivering quality pharmaceutical care.
  7. Educated patients about drug regimens and proper usage.
Research Interests
  • Clinical Pharmacy, Patient Outcomes, and Public health:
  1. Enhancing clinical pharmacy practices to improve patient outcomes.
  2. Examining the psychological and behavioral determinants influencing medication adherence and vaccine acceptance.
  3. Analyzing factors affecting vaccine acceptance and hesitancy in healthcare and general populations.
  4. Designing strategies to increase vaccine uptake, particularly for emerging infectious diseases.

 

  • Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Target Validation and Drug Discovery:
  1. Investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying cell survival, apoptosis, and inflammation.
  2. Exploring the roles of sphingosine kinases and dihydroceramide desaturase in cellular processes.
  3. Evaluating novel therapeutic agents targeting key cellular pathways.
  4. Identifying the impact of small molecule inhibitors on cancer and inflammatory pathways.
Academic Subjects
  • Clinical Pharmacy:
  1. Patient-centered care and evidence-based medication management.
  2. Therapeutic drug monitoring and optimization of treatment regimens.
  3. Case studies on drug interactions, contraindications, and special populations.
  4. Communication and counseling skills for patient interactions.
  5. Dispensing practices and ethical considerations in pharmacy.

  6. Drug information services and literature evaluation.

     

  • Pharmacology and Therapeutics:
  1. Fundamental and advanced concepts in pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics.
  2. Mechanisms of drug action and therapeutic applications.
  3. Adverse drug reactions and drug-drug interactions.
  4. Toxicology and Safety.
  5. Principles of toxicology, including dose-response relationships and toxicokinetics.
  6. Safety evaluation of drugs and chemicals.
  7. Clinical management of poisoning and overdose.
  8. Experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation in pharmacological studies.
  9. Hands-on experience with laboratory techniques such as PCR, western blotting, and mass spectrometry.
Publications

  1. Alsanafi, M., Kelly, S. L., Jubair, K., McNaughton, M., Tate, R. J., Merrill, A. H., Pyne, S. & Pyne, N.J. (2018). Native and polyubiquitinated forms of dihydroceramide desaturase are differentially linked to human embryonic kidney cell survival. Molecular and cellular biology, 38(23).

  2. Alsanafi, M., Kelly, S. L., McNaughton, M., Merrill Jr, A. H., Pyne, N. J., & Pyne, S. (2020). The regulation of p53, p38 MAPK, JNK and XBP-1s by sphingosine kinases in human embryonic kidney cells. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)-Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, 1865(4), 158631.

  3. Alsanafi, M., Brown, R. D., Oh, J., Adams, D. R., Torta, F., Pyne, N. J., & Pyne, S. (2021). Dihydroceramide desaturase functions as an inducer and rectifier of apoptosis: effect of retinol derivatives, antioxidants and phenolic compounds. Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics, 1-15.

  4. Alsanafi, M. & Sallam, M (2021). Psychological Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance Among Healthcare Workers in Kuwait: A Cross-sectional Study Using the 5C and Vaccine Conspiracy Belief Scales. Vaccines, 9(7), 701. 

  5. Sallam, M., Alsanafi, M., & Sallam, M. (2022). A Global Map of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance Rates per Country: An Updated Concise Narrative Review. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, 15, 21. 

  6. Sallam M., Ghazy R. M., Al-Salahat K., Al-Mahzoum K., AlHadidi N. M., Eid H., Kareem N., Al-Ajlouni E., Batarseh R., Ababneh N. A., Sallam M., Alsanafi M., Umakanthan S., Al-Tammemi A. B., Bakri F. G., Harapan H., Mahafzah A., Al Awaidy S. T (2022). The Role of Psychological Factors and Vaccine Conspiracy Beliefs in Influenza Vaccine Hesitancy and Uptake among Jordanian Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Vaccines, 10(8):1355. 

  7. Alsanafi, M., Al-Mahzoum, K., & Sallam, M. (2022). Monkeypox Knowledge and Confidence in Diagnosis and Management with Evaluation of Emerging Virus Infection Conspiracies among Health Professionals in Kuwait. Pathogens, 11(9), 994.

  8. Fadl, N., Al Awaidy, S.T., Elshabrawy, A., Makhlouf, M., Ibrahim, S.A., Abdel-Rahman, S., Tookhy, N.A., Alsalmani, A., Al-Saeedi, M., Al-Sawalha, I., El-Din, M., Saad, J., Ayoob, Z., Rourou, M., Ali, M., Tawati, S., Gadain, Y., Al-saidi, S., Hassan, G., Alsanafi, M., Sandouk, L., Youssef, N., Alothman, S., Yazbek, S., Al-Ansi, K., Mehdad, S., Adam, M.F., Gebreal, A., and Ghazy, R.M. (2023). Determinants of Parental Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Hesitancy in The Eastern Mediterranean Region: A cross-sectional Study. Frontiers in Public Health, 11, 1060.

  9. Alsanafi, M., Salim, N., Sallam, M. (2023). Willingness to get HPV vaccination among female university students in Kuwait and its relation to vaccine conspiracy beliefs. Human vaccines and immunotherapeutics. 19(1), 2194772.

  10. Abdaljaleel M., Barakat M., Alsanafi M., Salim N., Al-Tammemi A., Malaeb D., Mohammed A., Hassan B., Wayyes A., Farhan S., Khatib S., Rahal M., Sahban A., Abdelaziz D., Mansour N., AlZayer R., Khalil R., Fekih-Romdhane F., Hallit R., Hallit S., Sallam M (2024). A multinational study on the factors influencing university students' attitudes and usage of ChatGPT. Scientific Reports, nature. 14(1):1983. (Got 2023 Most Popular Pre-Print Award).

  11. Salman, A., Chun, S., Mousa, A., Alsanafi, M., Alsairafi, Z., Al-Attar, H., Malek, M. and Al-Hemoud, A. (2024). Ensuring governance for quality, safety, and efficiency of medicines in the state of Kuwait: a call for action. In Digital Healthcare in Asia and Gulf Region for Healthy Aging and More Inclusive Societies (pp. 353-366).Academic Press.