Dr. Ihab Younis
Doha: A strong, well-trained talent pool is essential for advancing research excellence and supporting Qatar’s long-term goals in healthcare and innovation.
At Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q), this guiding principle is driving a transformative approach to education and research that’s making a tangible impact on Qatar’s biomedical landscape.
A Qatar Foundation partner university, CMU-Q is not only educating students in the biological sciences but also equipping them with the skills, mindset, and mentorship needed to become the next generation of scientific leaders.
Dr. Ihab Younis, teaching professor of biological sciences and an expert in precision medicine and cancer research, is at the forefront of this initiative.
His mentorship-driven research model is giving undergraduate students the rare opportunity to participate in cutting-edge cancer research from the earliest stages of their academic journey.
“At CMU-Q, we focus on training undergraduate students to become critical thinkers and effective problem solvers,” said Dr. Younis.
“These are the foundational skills needed for success in scientific research. By equipping students with these skills, we are helping build a highly skilled biomedical research workforce in Qatar.”
The approach is deeply hands-on. From their very first semester, students at CMU-Q are introduced to real-world research environments.
This early immersion helps them develop scientific thinking organically and encourages curiosity-driven exploration.
“Becoming a scientist is a gradual, hands-on learning process,” Dr. Younis said.
“Involving students from the start helps them to right away think critically, ask questions, and solve problems in a scientific way.”
The results of this mentorship model are already evident.
In one standout student-led project, undergraduates working in Dr. Younis’s lab made a critical discovery in breast cancer research.
While studying how cancer cells deactivate a key tumor-suppressor gene, the students uncovered a previously unknown mechanism by which some cancer cells silence this protective gene—without the usual genetic mutations.
“This was a significant breakthrough,” Dr. Younis said.
“It revealed a new strategy that cancer cells use to evade normal growth controls. We are now building on this discovery to explore new therapeutic approaches that could specifically target this mechanism.”
This discovery is just one example of how the Biological Sciences program at CMU-Q distinguishes itself.
With an emphasis on critical thinking and creative problem-solving, the program empowers students to go beyond textbook learning and contribute to meaningful scientific advancements.
“We don’t just teach students to memorise facts—we challenge them to ask questions, explore real-world problems, and contribute meaningfully to scientific discovery,” Younis said.
“Beyond academics, we also focus on shaping well-rounded individuals who are not only scientists, but also responsible citizens and professionals.”
Dr. Younis’s own research focuses on identifying genetic markers that drive cancer development—a key component of precision medicine.
His work aims to personalise treatments by targeting the specific genetic variations in each patient, improving both effectiveness and outcomes.
“Each cancer patient is unique at the genetic level,” he said.
“By finding these differences, we can develop more personalized treatments that target the specific genetic factors causing the disease.”
In the lab, students not only gain technical expertise but also develop essential soft skills that prepare them for professional success.
“They learn how to ask important questions, design experiments, analyze data, and think critically,” Dr. Younis said.
“Importantly, they also learn how to collaborate, communicate their research, and become resilient.”
Despite the challenges of balancing close student mentorship with the demands of high-level research, Dr. Younis believes the rewards far outweigh the effort.
“Mentoring students takes time, patience, and a lot of energy,” he acknowledged.
“But it’s highly rewarding when mentorship and research are aligned—when students grow, and the research benefits from their fresh ideas and energy.”
For Dr. Younis, the inspiration behind this mentorship model is rooted in inclusivity and potential.
“Undergraduate students come in with a wide range of experiences and skill levels,” he said.
“One-on-one mentorship allows us to tailor guidance to each student’s needs. The goal is to create an environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed and make meaningful contributions—regardless of where they started.”
