Education
PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley
Subjects
Neuroimmune Interactions, Sensory Biology, Itch and Pain, Neurogenetics, Computational Behavioral Analysis
Achievements
Advanced to PhD candidacy at UC Berkeley after defending a qualifying proposal on early neuroimmune interactions in atopic dermatitis; Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Award; NIH Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA); UCSF PROPEL Scholar; co-authored studies in Lancet Neurology and Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology
About
Maher is a PhD candidate in Molecular and Cell Biology at UC Berkeley, specializing in neuroimmune interactions and sensory biology. With over a decade of experience investigating neurogenetics and neurodegeneration at institutions including the NIH and UPenn, he uses cellular physiology and AI-driven behavioral tools to decode the mechanisms of itch and pain. He is a bilingual scholar (English and Arabic) with roots in the Middle East and Latin America and is dedicated to evidence-based mentorship.
Discipline
Life Sciences & Health
Academic Achievements
Advanced to PhD Candidacy at UC Berkeley, successfully defending a quals proposal on the role of early neuro interactions in atopic dermatitis. Recipient of the prestigious Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Award, the NIH Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA), and selected as a UCSF PROPEL Scholar. Co-authored peer-reviewed studies in Lancet Neurology and Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology. Currently spearheading novel research utilizing molecular, cellular, and physiological approaches across scales, integrated with advanced computational behavioral analysis.
Teaching & Mentoring Experience
Specialized in Youth Mentorship & Inclusive Pedagogy -Graduate Student Instructor & Research Mentor (UC Berkeley): Instructor for General Biology Laboratory (Bio 1A) and Integrative Physiology (~20 hours/week). Additionally, directly mentored 6 undergraduate students in the laboratory, training them in experimental design, data analysis, and wet-lab protocols. -Youth Mentorship Team Leader ("The City's Project"): Served as Team Leader for a longitudinal study in Chicago (4+ years). Delivered evidence-based mentorship curricula to at-risk youth, focusing on stress reduction and academic retention. -Non-Profit Leadership (GoStem): Lead Mentor since 2019, guiding high school students from underrepresented backgrounds into higher education STEM pathways. -Inclusive Education Specialist: Co-Founder of the National Medical Association Coalition for Students with Disabilities, developing frameworks to support students with diverse learning needs.
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