Ms. Rahma Zarkouna | Genomics | Young Researcher Award
Ms. Rahma Zarkouna at Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, Tunisia
Rahma Zarkouna is a Tunisian doctoral researcher at the University of Tunis El Manar, specializing in molecular genetics and bioinformatics. Her current PhD focuses on applying next-generation sequencing technologies to improve the date palm genome. She holds a Master’s degree in Genetics, Immunology, and Innovative Applications and a Bachelor’s in Life and Earth Sciences. Rahma has completed extensive training in genomics, plant bioinformatics, and data analysis, and has co-authored publications in reputable journals such as Scientific Reports. Fluent in Arabic, French, and English, she is committed to advancing plant genomics and agricultural biotechnology in North Africa.
📚Academic Profile
🎓Educational Background
Rahma Zarkouna is a dedicated researcher in the field of molecular genetics and bioinformatics, currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Tunis El Manar. She earned her Master’s degree in Genetics, Immunology, and Innovative Applications in 2021, following a Bachelor’s degree in Life and Earth Sciences in 2019 from the same institution. Her academic focus includes next-generation sequencing technologies, with practical applications in improving the genetic profile of date palms. In addition to her formal education, Rahma has completed numerous certifications in bioinformatics, data analysis, and genomics, enhancing her expertise in modern research methodologies and biological data science.
💼Professional Experience
Rahma Zarkouna is currently engaged in doctoral research at the Molecular Genetics, Immunology, and Biotechnology Laboratory (LR99ES12) at the Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar. Her research focuses on the application of next-generation sequencing technologies to enhance the genetic traits of date palms. She has participated in several national and international workshops and training programs in genomics, bioinformatics, and data analysis. Rahma has co-authored peer-reviewed articles in recognized journals and collaborated with multidisciplinary teams. Her professional background demonstrates a strong foundation in plant genetics, bioinformatics tools, and research data management, positioning her as an emerging expert.
🏆Awards and Honors
Rahma Zarkouna has demonstrated academic excellence and professional growth through her active participation in internationally recognized workshops and training programs in genomics and bioinformatics. She has been selected to attend specialized sessions such as the North African Workshop of the AfricaBP Open Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics and several bioinformatics certification programs. These achievements highlight her commitment to scientific advancement and continuous learning. Her contributions to peer-reviewed publications further reflect her growing recognition in the field of molecular genetics. Through her academic performance and research potential, Rahma continues to earn respect and acknowledgment within the scientific community.
🔬Research Focus
Rahma Zarkouna’s research centers on molecular genetics, bioinformatics, and plant genomics, with a particular emphasis on the genetic improvement of date palm through next-generation sequencing technologies. Her doctoral work aims to enhance crop resilience and productivity, addressing agricultural challenges in arid regions like North Africa. She is also actively involved in studies related to genome analysis, variant calling, and the exploration of genetic diversity using advanced sequencing tools. Rahma’s broader interests include comparative genomics, gene expression analysis, and the development of bioinformatic pipelines for plant biotechnology, reflecting her dedication to integrating computational methods into biological research.
📋Publication Top Notes
Alleviation of drought stress in tomato by foliar application of seafood waste extract
Year: 2024 | Cited by: 2
Effect of Long-Term Storage on Pollen Reproductive Quality and Polyphenolic Content of Date Palm (Phœnix dactylifera L.) Species in Tunisia
Year: 2024 | Cited by: 2
🏷️Conclusion
Rahma Zarkouna is a highly suitable candidate for a Young Researcher Award. She brings a blend of strong academic background, technical training in emerging fields like NGS and bioinformatics, and early research output in impactful areas such as plant resilience and genomics. Her work is regionally important and scientifically relevant, making her a valuable contributor to the global scientific community.
With a few enhancements—especially focusing on publication leadership, professional visibility, and international dissemination of her work—she could transition from a promising early-career researcher to a recognized thought leader in her field.