Alumni in focus: Abdullah AlGziwi

Abdullah AlGziwi (Pictured), a visiting student under Professor Xin Gao's supervision, was recently awarded the “Second Place Grand Award” at the Saudi National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity.

Abdullah AlGziwi, a visiting student under Professor Xin Gao's supervision, was recently awarded the “Second Place Grand Award” at the Saudi National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity. He presented his research project on “A Novel exosome-encapsulated-miRNA-based machine learning model for multiple cancer prediction and prognosis”.

The project placed second nationwide out of 140,000 participants. He has now been chosen to attend a team selection camp alongside 39 other Grand Award winners; following the camp, 35 of the 40 camp participants will be chosen to compete at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in the United States in 2023.

AlGiziwi is a 17-year-old researcher based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He is a Saudi Research Science Institute (SRSI) alumnus who previously interned at KAUST’s Applied Mathematics and Computational Sciences department. He is currently conducting research in the field of Computational Biology under Professor Xin Gao at the Computational Bioscience Research Center(CBRC). 

His scientific Interests lies at the Intersection of Computer Science and Biology, particularly with regard to the uses of artificial intelligence in fields of medicine and healthcare, Applications of machine learning in blood-based disease detection and biomarker discovery’, Extracellular RNA disease association prediction through machine learning and MicroRNA-based machine learning models for cancer detection and prognosis.

Current Research Work

He is currently developing a novel machine-learning model for inexpensive and minimally invasive early cancer detection from blood samples. He aims to develop efficient and accurate disease prediction and prognosis models with maximum functionality, which are also feasible for clinical application.

Recollections of CBRC

My time at the Computational Bioscience Research Center has been an enriching experience filled with endless learning opportunities: from deepening my knowledge of machine learning and developing as a researcher through invaluable research experience to growing and developing as a person.

Most prominently, my experience has taught me the art of problem-solving, from resorting to creativity bred from necessity to overcome challenges to experiencing the beauty of collaboration through the CBRC’s endless network of support.

I can speak with certainty that my experience at the CBRC has propelled me as a Computer Scientist and a researcher like none other.

CBRC extends its heartfelt congratulations to Abdullah and wishes him great success.