Hind Muallem
B.S., Chemistry
M.S., Biochemistry
American University
Beirut, Lebanon
A native of Lebanon, I graduated from the American University of Beirut with a B.S. in Chemistry and an M.S. in Biochemistry.  I joined the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at American University where I worked on different projects, with my main focus being cholesterol and arteriosclerosis. I also taught clinical chemistry to Medical Technology students at American University.  After leaving American University, I did market research development for a new hospital, the International Medical Center in Beirut.  I joined the Molecular and Cellular Pathology Ph.D. program in August of 2003. 

My dissertation research project is divided into three parts: (1) Low –density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) plays a pivotal role in cholesterol homeostasis.  However the role of genetic variations (SNPs) in the 3’UTR of the LDLR in relation to plasma cholesterol has been largely understudied.  Therefore my main research is to study the influence of these variations on gene expression and their association with the lipid profile.  Also to study the interaction between these SNPs and Apolipoprotein E isoforms in determining the risk of atherosclerosis in humans.  (2)  To investigate a transcriptional enhancer activity in the first intron of the human low density lipoprotein receptor and to analyze for the presence of transcription factors. (3)  To study the effect of SNPs in the promoter of the human LDLR on gene regulation.
My hobbies include learning the metallic flute, walking, playing tennis and volleyball. 
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