Hello! My name is Alaa Badreddine. My journey began in the vibrant landscapes of Guinea in 1990, where I was welcomed into the world by my loving parents. The early years of my life were spent absorbing the rich cultures of West Africa, first in Guinea and later in Mali, where my family relocated in 1998. In Mali, I completed my primary and secondary education, laying the groundwork for my academic pursuits in 2008.
In 2008, the quest for knowledge took me to Lebanon, where I studied Biology at the Lebanese University. It was in 2015 when I was graduated with a Bachelor's degree. Shortly after, I traveled to Marseille, France, to specialize further, achieving a Master's in Bioinformatics from Aix-Marseille University.
My master's internship at the Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC) in Strasbourg was a pivotal experience, focusing on transcriptome and exome analysis of prostate cancer patients. This work transitioned seamlessly into an engineering role at IGBMC, where our collective efforts led to the publication of our groundbreaking research.
In late 2018, I embraced a new opportunity at the Institute of Biology in Lille, working under the esteemed Pr. Philippe Froguel. I crafted a state-of-the-art pipelines for analyzing diabetic and obese patients. I was also responsible of managing the team's Linux servers. My contributions in Lille laid the foundation for the next chapter in my journey.
From early 2023 until today, I was thrilled to join Pr. Johan Auwerx's team at EPFL in Lausanne, Switzerland, as a Systems Specialist in Bioinformatics. I have various tasks, involving bioinformatics analysis, pipeline development, server management for the lab, user support for the members.
As of today, my career has been driven by a deep-seated passion for bioinformatics pipeline development and high-throughput data analysis. However, I have also developed a strong interest in web application development and Linux server administration.
In 2023, I expanded my expertise with a Machine Learning Certificate from Udemy, diving into the world of algorithms, data science, and artificial intelligence. This intensive program equipped me with practical skills in designing, implementing, and deploying machine learning models. It was a hands-on experience that allowed me to apply theoretical concepts to real-world datasets, improving my proficiency in predictive analytics and deepening my understanding of neural networks and AI applications.
During my Master's degree in Bioinformatics, Structural Biochemistry, and Genomics (BBSG) at Aix-Marseille University, I immersed myself in the intricate world of biological data. I honed my skills in high-throughput techniques, such as transcriptomics and proteomics, gaining a deep understanding of the bioinformatics landscape. My focus was particularly drawn to data analysis, where I learned to interpret the vast genomic datasets unveiled by cutting-edge sequencing technologies.
I embraced the challenges of functional genomics, applying post-genomic data to elucidate gene expression patterns and biological interactions on a large scale. My journey through the BBSG program equipped me with the knowledge to contribute to cellular component analyses across diverse organisms. Bioinformatics was more than sequence comparison for me—it became the lens through which I viewed complex biological questions, leading to insights in various fields from developmental biology to immunology.
My journey continued with a Bachelor's Degree in Biology at the Lebanese University in Beirut. This comprehensive program provided me with a strong grounding in biological principles, from the microscopic intricacies of cell biology to the expansive concepts of ecology and evolution. I engaged with hands-on laboratory work and rigorous research, developing critical thinking and analytical skills.
The curriculum not only covered a broad spectrum of theoretical knowledge but also emphasized practical experience, which has been instrumental in shaping my scientific perspective. My undergraduate studies laid the cornerstone for my subsequent specialization, allowing me to build a robust platform for advanced studies in the dynamic and ever-evolving field of biology.
My academic pursuits in the realm of life sciences took root at Cheick Anta Diop High School in Bamako, Mali, where I completed my Baccalaureate. It was here that my fascination with the intricate mechanisms of life began to flourish. The curriculum was rigorous and expansive, covering a diverse range of subjects that provided a holistic understanding of the biological world.
This critical stage of my education was marked by a blend of theoretical learning and practical inquiry, setting the stage for my future studies. The comprehensive approach of the program instilled in me a deep respect for the empirical nature of science and a drive to contribute to its advancement through further education and research.
At EPFL, within the innovative environment of Johan Auwerx's laboratory, I took the role of a Systems Specialist in Bioinformatics. My multifaceted responsibilities include crafting intuitive web interfaces, conducting detailed analyses of mice data, and ensuring robust IT administration. Additionally, I provide vital IT support for the team and troubleshooting any technical issues that arise.
In the renowned laboratory of Pr. Philippe Froguel at EGID, Lille, I pushed further my knowledge as a Bioinformatics Engineer and IT Administrator, honing my expertise in the extensive analysis of DNA and RNA data. A triple responsibility marked my tenure: investigating into genetic data to uncover valuable insights, building web interfaces to ease the team's work and managing the server infrastructure to ensure seamless research operations. My efforts significantly accelerated the analysis timeline for samples, boosting the productivity of the researchers in the laboratory.
Following my internship, Pr. Hinrich Gronemeyer recognized the value of my contributions and brought me on board as a Bioinformatics Engineer. My persistent work on RNA-seq and DNA-seq data analysis was pivotal in our research, leading to a publication in which I had the honor of being cited as a co-author. This role not only solidified my expertise in the field but also highlighted the impact of my analytical abilities on advancing our understanding of genetic information.
As part of my Master's degree, I undertook a bioinformatics internship at IGBMC in Strasbourg under the supervision of Pr. Hinrich Gronemeyer, where I focused on analyzing RNA-seq and DNA-seq data from human samples. This hands-on experience not only enhanced my computational biology skills but also provided me with invaluable insights into the complexities of genetic sequencing and expression profiling, critical for advancing personalized medicine.