Sahar Pourasgar

During my undergraduate years, I gained a comprehensive understanding of the basics of microbiology and the application of microorganisms in various scientific aspects. In those years, with the guidance of my professors, I was able to participate in two international conferences at the University of Tübingen in Germany. One of my best experiences with research activities, especially in parasitology, was gaining the skills of sampling and culturing parasites and epidemiological studies.

I undertook a master's degree in Microbiology at the Islamic Azad University Rasht branch in Iran.  From this course, I gained more in-depth knowledge in theoretical and practical aspects of Hydroalcoholic extraction of medicinal plants Investigation of antimicrobial and anti-Alzheimer effects of them by inhibiting the production of amyloid nanobiofibrils. This research has the potential to contribute to learning more about potential therapies of medicinal plants. In this project, I worked on the production of amyloid nanobiofibrils as an indicator of Alzheimer's disease and the study of the effects of the extract on bacteria. During my master's degree, I aimed to use the maximum potential of time. Due to my interest in nanoscience, I started participating in various nanoscience workshops, especially synthesizing nanoparticles by different chemical methods. These courses further encouraged me to enter the world of nanoscience. So, I'm currently working on a project by synthesizing the nanoparticles and investigating their antibacterial and anti-cancer effects. After graduating, I worked on various detecting methods for biofilm formation in clinical isolates of bacterial. During our project, I experienced microtiter plate methods, tube method, and Congo red agar to detect biofilm formation.



 I realized that the only way to achieve success is to think of a big goal and work hard to achieve it. I increased my ability to analyze and solve biological problems, formulate and consider scientific theories, and critically analyze research literature. During my research experiences, I have mostly focused on antibacterial components, especially nanoparticles and cancer treatment. As a person, I am excited about new ideas and enjoy learning, being independent and at the same time active in group activities, and interested in new experiences and adapting to new environments.

Isolation and identification of clinical bacteria

I have done this technique extensively throughout my career, which involves isolating and identifying clinical bacteria such as
Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Molecular microbiology techniques

Performing molecular techniques used in microbiological detection such as primer design and Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Also examine gene expression by Real-Time PCR.

Screening methods of bacterial biofilms

There are various laboratory methods to evaluate the production of biofilm in bacteria. During the project we did, I experienced performance microtiter plate methods, tube method, and Congo red agar to
detect biofilm formation in the clinical isolates of
E. coli and P. aeruginosa.

Chemical synthesis

My trainings in chemistry labs made me able to synthesize chemical compounds and nanomaterials including magnetic nanoparticles.

Languages

• Persian (Native language)

• Turkish-Azeri (Fluent in speaking)

• English (Intermediate)