AlReem AlKhanji is from Doha, Qatar. She graduated with University and College Honors from Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. During her time at CMU-Q, she worked on an undergraduate research project that focused on studying the interactions between breast cancer and fibroblast cells. Carrying this research forward, she worked on a College Thesis project dedicated to studying the anti-cancer effects of lycopene on human breast cancer and fibroblast cells, studying their proliferation, apoptosis and migratory properties. While still an undergraduate student, AlReem volunteered at Hamad General Hospital and Hamad’s Emergency and Trauma Center, where she was able to discover her passion for clinical work.
After graduating, AlReem undertook an observership in the pediatric genetic counseling department at Sidra Medicine, where she was first introduced to genetic counseling. Additionally, she shadowed adult genetic counseling sessions at Hamad Medical Corporation, which further fueled her passion for the field. She also served as an undergraduate teaching assistant at Qatar University, where she taught Human Genetics and Medical Molecular Biology.
Volunteering at Shafallah Center for Children with Special Needs was a very rewarding experience for AlReem. She had the opportunity to work with children with disabilities in different settings such as classrooms and clinics. During her time there, she interacted with children with many different genetic conditions that altered their day-to-day life. Moreover, AlReem volunteered at Qatar University’s Student Counseling Department, shadowing and providing counseling to students at the university.
In her free time, she enjoys practicing Arabic calligraphy, working out, and chilling by the beach or at a café. AlReem is very excited to be one of the few Qatari genetic counselors in the world and to have a functional role in her country, where this field is still in its early stages with so much potential to flourish into something big.