Maha Arafat
Research Engineer
Paris
Summary
Proactive and dynamic researcher with MSc. in biological and chemical Engineering. Acquired hands-on experience in genetic engineering, microbial cultivation, membrane-based separation techniques. Proficient in ( HPLC, GC-MS, SEC, LC-MS, BioLector XT). Eager to learn new methods and skills, and motivated to advance sustainable bioproduction and circular economy.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
4
4
Languages
Work History
Research Trianee
VTT - TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND
02.2025 - 08.2025
- Genetically engineered E. coli strains for mcl-PHA copolymers production, combining construct design with genome editing (Gibson assembly, recombineering , and electroporation).
- Applied DBTL iteration to optimize the gene expressions, increasing PHA content by 20% of cell dry weight.
- Used BioLector XT microbioreactors for real-time monitoring of biomass, pH, and DO.
- Ran analytical assays (HPLC, GC-MS, and spectrophotometry); documented methods and results for reproducibility.
- Screened 20 AI-designed enzyme variants and identified top candidates for improved PHA biosynthesis.
Summer Intern
TalTech – Food Tech & Bioengineering Lab
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Worked with Agrobacterium tumefaciens engineering and mediated transformation.
- Hands-on Experience with Recombinant DNA/RNA technologies, Golden gate assembly, Logic Gates, and CRISPR/Cas9.
- Performed Plasmids purification, PCR, DNA extraction , gel electrophoresis.
- Prepared cultivation media and reagents, competent cells, and worked with flow cytometry.
- Designed a growth media using a side product of Rhodotorula toruloides respecting circular bioeconomy concepts.
Intern
GENETICS & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY LAB (UNIVERSITY OF DEBRECEN)
02.2022 - 05.2023
- Investigated the genomic materials of the interspecific hybrids of S. kudriavzevii x S. cerevisiae.
- Hands-on experience with PFGE- CHEF Mapper, genomic and mitocondrial DNA extraction, and qPCR, PCR-RFLP.
- Conducted sporulation test, Durham fermentation, and carbohydrates assimilation assay.
- Followed Good Laboratory Practice (GLP); designed experiments and recorded results aligned with lab protocols.
Education
Master of Science - BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING FOR A SUSTAINA
AgroParisTech - De L’Université Paris-Saclay
Paris 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Biochemical Engineering
University of Debrecen
Hungary 04.2001 -
Skills
Molecular cloning
Genetinc Editing tools
Bioprocess optimization
Biorefinery systems
Circular bioeconomy
Microsoft office skills
Bioinformatics tools
Data analysis & visualization
Scientific writing and documentation
Problem-solving skills
Critical thinking & decision making
Team player
Additional Information
Integrated in-situ extraction of microalgal lipids and pigments
- Designed a full cultivation- extraction (ISPR) flowsheet; compared pervaporation, pulsed electric field, and ultrafilteration; chose biocompatible solvent and suitable membrane.
- Built a KPI framework defining flux, recovery, selectivity, cell viability, and productivity.
- Performed trade-off and feasability analysis; mapped mass-transfer limits, water footprint, energy consumptions to identify the optimal operating conditions.
Valorization of food processed wastes
- Worked on a biorefinery cascade for extracting valuable products from citrus peels, advancing circular bioeconomy goals toward achiving Net Zero.
- Performed characterization using FTIR, 13 C, 1 H &31P NMR, Size Exclusion chromatography SEC, Liquid Chromatography Mass spectroscopy LCMS, GC-MS, Ultraviolet-visible Spectroscopy UV-Vis, and Differential scanning calorimetry DSC.
- Completed Life cycle analysis LCA using Open LCA and Eco-invent databases focusing on Carbon and water footprints and global warming potential GWP.
- Worked with DPPH assay, Klason-lignin assay, Thioacidolysis, and GC-based sugar analysis to analyze and identify the extracted molecules.
Timeline
Research Trianee
VTT - TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND
02.2025 - 08.2025
Summer Intern
TalTech – Food Tech & Bioengineering Lab
06.2024 - 08.2024
Intern
GENETICS & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY LAB (UNIVERSITY OF DEBRECEN)
02.2022 - 05.2023
Master of Science - BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING FOR A SUSTAINA
AgroParisTech - De L’Université Paris-Saclay
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Biochemical Engineering
University of Debrecen
04.2001 -