Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Interests
Affiliations
Certification
Languages
AWARDS
Timeline
Generic
Khawla Alharbi

Khawla Alharbi

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University
Ames,IA

Summary

A research scientist specializing in molecular microbiology, host–pathogen interactions, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), focused on elucidating microbial behavior and developing sustainable, non-antibiotic strategies to control infectious diseases. With expertise in animal models, microbiome research, and advanced molecular techniques, my work integrates One Health approaches to improve food safety and strengthen animal and public health systems. My long-term goal is to lead a multidisciplinary research program that bridges fundamental microbiology with applied solutions to combat AMR and enhance resilience in animal and human health.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University
06.2025 - Current
  • Lead research on RaS-RiPP peptides in Streptococci, investigating quorum sensing–regulated, radical SAM–modified peptides and their roles in virulence, biofilm formation, and host–pathogen interactions
  • Apply genetic engineering, reporter assays, and LC-MS/MS/MS to characterize peptide function and therapeutic potential
  • Collaborate across AI, chemistry, and microbiology to design and evaluate antimicrobial peptides targeting Salmonella and Campylobacter
  • Integrate computational design with experimental validation to develop novel non-antibiotic interventions for poultry health and food safety.
  • Conducted research on veterinary pathogens using advanced molecular techniques.

Teaching Assistant

Department of Biology, University of Arkansas
01.2022 - 05.2025
  • Facilitated laboratory instruction for Principles of Biology (BIOL 10101)
  • Facilitated laboratory sessions for undergraduate biology courses, enhancing student engagement and understanding of complex concepts.

Teaching Assistant

Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas
01.2021 - 01.2025
  • Instructed and mentored undergraduate students in Domestic Animal Microbiology (POSC 24103)

Graduate Research Assistant

Alrubaye Poultry Microbiology Laboratory, University of Arkansas
01.2020 - 01.2025
  • Investigated Bacterial Chondronecrosis with Osteomyelitis (BCO) in broilers, identifying key factors influencing disease development and animal welfare
  • Led studies on epidemiology, transmission, and prevention, reducing disease incidence by 30–50%
  • Developed nutritional and microbiome-based interventions that improved gut health and immune response, reducing BCO incidence by >35%

Graduate Assistant

Graduate School and International Education, University of Arkansas
01.2022 - 01.2022
  • Provided administrative and programmatic support for international student initiatives
  • Contributed to improving participation in academic and cultural orientation programs

Lecturer

Prince Sattam University
01.2015 - 01.2016
  • Delivered lectures in Bacteriology, General Microbiology, and Mycology
  • Developed course materials and supported student learning in microbiological sciences

Education

Post-master’s Certificate - Educational Statistics and Research Methods

University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR, USA
01-2026

Ph.D. - Cell and Molecular Biology

University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR, USA
01-2025

M.S. - Medical Microbiology

King Saud University
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
01-2015

B.S. - Botany and Microbiology

King Saud University
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
01-2008

Skills

    Soft Skill

  • Strong organizational and time-management skills
  • Able to work independently and as a team
  • Detail-oriented and able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously

    • Scientific Writing Skill

  • Journal publication manuscripts
  • Grant proposals
  • Laboratory procedures

    • Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills

  • Strong analytical skills in interpreting experimental data and statistical analysis
  • Exceptional critical thinking for designing experiments and solving complex problems

    • Quality and Safety Standards

  • Knowledge of ISO standards for testing
  • Committed to maintaining laboratory safety and compliance with biosafety standards

    • Regulatory Compliance & Documentation

  • Knowledgeable in ethical guidelines (eg, IRB, IACUC) and regulatory requirements for animal studies
  • Skilled in maintaining accurate lab records

    • Teaching Experience & Academic Contributions

  • Supervising and mentoring undergraduate students in laboratory settings
  • Experience in course curriculum planning and student assessment
  • Student Mentorship & Advising: Providing academic guidance, research mentorship, and career advice to undergraduate students
  • Participation in faculty committees and department meetings
  • Commitment to ongoing faculty development and professional growth
  • Teaching courses (Domestic Animal Microbiology, Bacteriology, General Microbiology, Mycology, The Principle of Biology,)

    • Technical and Laboratory Skills

  • Molecular Microbiology and Microbiome Analysis
  • PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, and DNA sequencing for bacterial identification
  • DNA/RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and next-generation sequencing (NGS)
  • 16S rRNA sequencing and microbiome analysis
  • Western blotting and ELISA

    • Microbial Pathogenesis and Antimicrobial Research

  • Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (MIC, disk diffusion) and resistance profiling
  • Agar-based antimicrobial activity assays
  • Development and evaluation of antimicrobial peptides and alternative therapeutics
  • Quorum sensing and bacterial signaling studies

    • Advanced and Emerging Techniques

  • LC-MS/MS for peptide characterization and biomolecule analysis
  • Genetic engineering and reporter assays for studying gene regulation and virulence
  • Integration of AI-driven approaches for antimicrobial peptide design
  • Biofilm assays and host–pathogen interaction studies

    • Animal Models and Applied Research

  • In vivo poultry and murine models for infectious disease research
  • Lameness assessment, necropsy, and tissue analysis
  • Vaccine efficacy and potency testing
  • Toxicology and sterility testing of biological products

    • Microscopy and Immunological Techniques

  • Light, fluorescence, and confocal microscopy
  • Immunofluorescence assays
  • Joint tissue and immune response analyses

    • Data Analysis and Computational Skills

  • Statistical analysis and data visualization using R and Python
  • General Laboratory Skills
  • Aseptic techniques, bacterial culture, and media preparation
  • Operation of laboratory equipment (centrifuges, spectrophotometers, fluorimeters)
  • Laboratory safety, biosafety, and quality control procedures

Interests

Research Interests

  • Microbial pathogenesis and host–pathogen interactions
  • Antimicrobial resistance and microbial ecology
  • Molecular microbiology and bacterial signaling (quorum sensing)
  • Poultry health and foodborne pathogens
  • Antimicrobial peptides and alternative therapeutics
  • Gut microbiome and host immunity
  • One Health approaches to infectious diseases and food safety

Affiliations

  • Member, American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), 2021–Present
  • Member, American Society for Microbiology (ASM), 2021–Present
  • Member, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), 2021–Present
  • Member, Poultry Science Association (PSA), 2021–Present
  • Member, The Poultry Federation (TPF), 2021–Present
  • Member, International Association for Food Protection (IAFP), 2022–Present
  • Member, American Association of Avian Pathologists (AAAP), 2022–Present

Certification

  • Research Mentor Training Program – Iowa State University
  • Connected Leadership – Yale University
  • Leadership Foundations - Project Management Institute (PMI)
  • OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens – CITI Program
  • Emergency and Incident Response to Biohazard Spills and Releases – CITI Program
  • Essentials for IACUC Members – CITI Program
  • Essentials for IACUC Members (Lab Animal Research) – CITI Program
  • Essentials of Grant Proposal Development – CITI Program
  • Mental Health For Higher Ed and Healthcare – CITI Program
  • NIH Recombinant DNA Guidelines – CITI Program
  • Participating in Vaccine Research – CITI Program
  • Post-Approval Monitoring (PAM) – CITI Program
  • Working with Poultry in Agricultural Research Settings – CITI Program
  • Animal Biosafety – CITI Program
  • Antibody Production in Animals – CITI Program
  • Aseptic surgery – CITI Program
  • Biomedical Research – CITI Program
  • Conflicts of Interest – CITI Program
  • GCP for Clinical Trials with Investigational Drugs and Biologics (ICH Focus) – CITI Program
  • GCP for Clinical Trials with Investigational Drugs and Medical Devices (U.S. FDA Focus) – CITI Program
  • Human Gene Transfer – CITI Program
  • Institutional Official: Animal Care and Use – CITI Program
  • Post-Procedure Care of Mice and Rats in Research: Reducing Pain and Distress – CITI Program
  • Select Agents, Biosecurity, and Bioterrorism – CITI Program
  • Working with the IACUC - CITI Program
  • Working with the IACUC Members, Staff and Community Members – CITI Program
  • Working With Animals in Biomedical Research - Refresher Course – CITI Program

Languages

Arabic
Native or Bilingual
English
Full Professional

AWARDS

2025 - The Southern Conference on Avian Diseases Travel Award., 2018- Current: Received full scholarship from the Saudi Culture Mission in the US (SACM).

Timeline

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University
06.2025 - Current

Teaching Assistant

Department of Biology, University of Arkansas
01.2022 - 05.2025

Graduate Assistant

Graduate School and International Education, University of Arkansas
01.2022 - 01.2022

Teaching Assistant

Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas
01.2021 - 01.2025

Graduate Research Assistant

Alrubaye Poultry Microbiology Laboratory, University of Arkansas
01.2020 - 01.2025

Lecturer

Prince Sattam University
01.2015 - 01.2016

Ph.D. - Cell and Molecular Biology

University of Arkansas

B.S. - Botany and Microbiology

King Saud University

Post-master’s Certificate - Educational Statistics and Research Methods

University of Arkansas

M.S. - Medical Microbiology

King Saud University

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Khawla AlharbiPostdoctoral Research Associate, Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University
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