Kuwait university | Kuwait
Kawther Akbar is a passionate Kuwaiti biotechnology researcher with a background in both biomedical engineering and genetic research. With a solid academic foundation and hands-on experience in molecular genetics and fiber trait analysis in dromedary camels, she has become a notable contributor to camel genomics and functional trait characterization. Her commitment to excellence in scientific exploration is highlighted by her growing publication record and multiple research awards.
Professional profile👤
ORCID
Scopus
Strengths for the Awards✨
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Focused and Emerging Research Niche:
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Kawther has specialized in a unique and impactful niche: the genetics of fiber traits in dromedary camels, which combines biotechnology, animal genetics, and industrial relevance.
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This is an underexplored but valuable area, particularly important for the Arabian Peninsula and similar regions where camel-based industries have economic and cultural importance.
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Publication Record:
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She has published two peer-reviewed articles in reputable journals (Kuwait Journal of Science and Small Ruminant Research)—demonstrating early productivity in research.
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These publications show an ability to take experimental work through to completion and dissemination.
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Recognition and Awards:
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Scientific Engagement and Visibility:
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Strong record of poster presentations, including at international venues like the International Plant and Animal Genome Conference (PAG) in San Diego. This reflects both scientific rigor and global outreach.
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Her participation in workshops and coordination activities highlights her leadership and commitment to the scientific community.
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Interdisciplinary Background:
🎓 Education
Kawther earned her MSc in Biotechnology from Kuwait University (2020–2024), where she delved into the molecular and genetic aspects of camel fiber variation. Prior to that, she obtained her Bachelor’s in Medical Engineering from Cardiff University, UK (2009–2013). Her academic path reflects a unique blend of engineering precision and biological sciences integration, paving the way for interdisciplinary research.
🧪 Experience
Her research journey began in 2013 with an undergraduate project at Cardiff University focused on micro-engineered polymer capsules for tissue repair under Prof. David Barrow. In 2022, she contributed to a mini research project under Dr. Hasan Alhaddad at Kuwait University, using genotyping by sequencing to explore genetic variations in camel hair types. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for her advanced genomic studies.
🔍 Research Interests On Biotechnology
Kawther’s research interests lie at the intersection of animal genomics, molecular biology, and trait inheritance—specifically in camelid species. She focuses on genes like KRT71 and FGF5 to understand variations in hair shape and texture, aiming to improve classification and utilization of camel fibers for industrial and genetic applications. Her work addresses both scientific curiosity and regional agricultural needs.
🏆 Awards
Kawther’s dedication to research excellence has been recognized through several prestigious honors, including the Graduate Students Research Excellence Award (2025) and the Prof. Ahmad Al-Bustan Academic Excellence Award (2023). These accolades reflect her academic performance, impactful research, and growing leadership in the Kuwaiti scientific community.
đź“š Publications
1. “Fiber Characteristics of the Dromedary Camel in the Arabian Peninsula”
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Authors: Kawther Akbar, Bader H. Alhajeri, Hasan Alhaddad
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Publication Year: May 2024
2. “Sequencing KRT71 as a Candidate Gene for Hair Shape Variation in Dromedary Camels”
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Authors: Kawther Akbar, Bader H. Alhajeri, Hasan Alhaddad
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Publication Year: April 2025
3. “Hair Color at Different Camel Body Regions”
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Authors: Bader H. Alhajeri, Kawther Akbar, Hasan Alhaddad
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Publication Year: February 2025
4. “Do Camels Have Ear Furnishings? Hairs of Inner and Outer Surfaces of Camel Pinna and FGF5 Longhair Variants”
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Authors: Tasneem Maraqa, Amna A. Alrashid, Kawther Akbar, Hasan Alhaddad
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Publication Year: February 2024
5. “Superior Camel Fibers Due to FGF5 Variants”
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Authors: Kawther Akbar, Tasneem Maraqa, Bader H. Alhajeri, Hasan Alhaddad
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Publication Year: February 2024
6. “Sequencing KRT71 as a Candidate Gene for Curly Hair in Dromedary Camels”
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Authors: Kawther Akbar, Bader H. Alhajeri, Hasan Alhaddad
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Publication Year: January 2024
7. “Fiber Characteristics of the Dromedary Camel in the Arabian Peninsula” (Preprint)
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Authors: Kawther Akbar, Bader H. Alhajeri, Hasan Alhaddad
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Publication Year: January 2024
8. “Optimizing the PCR Conditions for the Amplification of KRT71 Exons in the Dromedary Camel”
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Authors: Kawther Akbar, Hasan Alhaddad, Bader H. Alhajeri
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Publication Year: March 2023
9. “Multi-Level Analysis of Dromedary Camel Hair Attributes Across Different Body Parts”
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Authors: Kawther Akbar, Hasan Alhaddad, Bader H. Alhajeri
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Publication Year: March 2023
10. “Characterization of Dromedary Camel Fibers for Genetic and Industrial Uses”
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Authors: Kawther Akbar, Hasan Alhaddad, Bader H. Alhajeri
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Publication Year: January 2023
🧾 Conclusion
Kawther Akbar stands out as a rising talent in the field of animal biotechnology. With her strong educational background, hands-on genomic research, and dedication to academic excellence, she is well-positioned to lead future innovations in camel fiber genetics. Her active participation in conferences and poster presentations reflects her commitment to sharing knowledge and advancing scientific dialogue. She is a worthy candidate for any award recognizing research innovation and dedication.
