SHAERI NAWAR

• Designed and led undergraduate microbiology lecture and laboratory courses
• Taught experimental techniques, laboratory protocols, and scientific reasoning
• Managed laboratory operations, ensuring biosafety compliance and proper experimental practices

Investigated the role of the CwlD–GerS enzyme complex in spore cortex modification and germination using a heterologous bacterial system.

• Engineered recombinant Bacillus subtilis ΔcwlD strains expressing Clostridioides difficile and related cwlD/gerS constructs using Gibson Assembly and chromosomal integration at the amyE locus
• Designed and validated multiple genetic constructs, including FLAG-tagged and mutant variants, to evaluate protein expression and enzymatic function
• Performed plasmid construction, restriction digestion, PCR validation, and Sanger sequencing to confirm successful cloning and integration
• Assessed protein expression using Western blot analysis, identifying absence of heterologous CwlD–GerS expression despite successful construct integration
• Conducted spore germination assays and peptidoglycan analysis (HPLC) to evaluate functional complementation and cortex modification
• Investigated mechanistic causes of failed expression, including translational inefficiency, protein instability, and species-specific regulatory requirements
• Demonstrated that enzyme activity is dependent on native cellular context, highlighting species-specific constraints in cross-species protein function

• Teach undergraduate microbiology laboratory courses
• Instruct experimental techniques and laboratory protocols
• Ensure biosafety compliance during laboratory sessions

• Trained in Type 2 diabetic and NAFLD mouse models under supervised laboratory conditions.
• Performed rodent handling, sample collection, and basic experimental procedures following approved protocols.
• Supported physiological monitoring, sample processing, and organization of preclinical datasets.

• Conducted environmental sampling to assess airborne bacterial pathogens across outdoor settings.
• Observed variation in bacterial prevalence and antibiotic resistance patterns across sampled environments.

• Conducted diagnostic testing with PCR, GeneXpert, and culture-based methods to ensure accurate disease detection
• Identified bacterial pathogens, contributing to effective antimicrobial resistance profiling
• Managed laboratory records and clinical workflow to support streamlined operations