Position
Researcher – Molecular Biology Unit
Biography
Biography: Ms. Rayan is a dedicated biomedical researcher with a strong academic background and practical expertise in molecular biology, human genetics, and neurogenetics. She holds an M.Sc. in Molecular Medicine, a Postgraduate Diploma in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and a B.Sc. in Biology. Her research focuses on monogenic disorders and neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular interest in rare genetic conditions. As a co-founder of the Sudanese Neurogenetics Team, she has played a pivotal role in advancing the study of neurogenetic diseases in Sudan and contributed to the identification of 10 novel disease-causing mutations. She has co-authored 21 peer-reviewed publications, reflecting her contributions to global human genetics research.
Research Interests
- Human Genetics
- Monogenic Disorders
- Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Notable Achievements
- Co-founder of the Sudanese Neurogenetics Team, a national initiative dedicated to investigating rare neurogenetic disorders
- Contributed to genetic studies that led to the discovery of 10 novel disease-causing mutations; co-authored 21 peer-reviewed publications
- Recipient of multiple international research training grants, including IBRO, TReND in Africa, ISN, and the French Embassy in Sudan
Collaborations
- Participated in a national COVID-19 genomics project led by the National University to analyzing over 3,000 population-representative samples
- Investigated the distribution of SARS-CoV-2 strains and host genetic factors associated with COVID-19 severity and co-morbid conditions