Dr. Ahmed Hefny’s (PhD’24) dream of moving to a new country to complete his PhD and raise his three kids, Boody, Looka and Zain with his wife Asmaa, faced unforeseen challenges when he arrived in Canada alone in 2020. He had just begun his first year at the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The lockdown forced him indoors, limited his access to the lab and halted his family from joining him in Canada.
“I felt so helpless at the time,” says Hefny. “After two months of seeking an exception, I was fortunate enough to have them join me at the end of 2020. It was an incredibly stressful period but with the support of Dr. Nekkar, I managed to get through it.”
Hefny’s PhD focused on designing the unique use of selenium, a trace element in our bodies known for its ability to fight compounds that cause harm to your body, in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Hefny greatly valued spending quality time with his family, as a PhD can be quite demanding.
“A PhD keeps your mind preoccupied at all times, particularly during the days when setbacks occur in your project. However, when I came home to my children and wife, all the stress and disappointment dissipated the moment I saw them,” says Hefny.
Hefny completed his PhD under the supervision of Dr. Praveen Nekkar and was the 2024 winner of the Janet EA McDougall PhD Graduate Scholarship in Pharmacy.
Alumni answers
UW: Why did you pick Waterloo Pharmacy to complete your PhD?
AH: My decision was centered on two big reasons. Kitchener-Waterloo is close to my hometown in Egypt, not too big but with a nice blend of diversity and rural and urban areas. Secondly, having a supportive supervisor was key in choosing Waterloo Pharmacy. I could not have imagined a better advisor and mentor for my PhD. Overall, my PhD journey was such an enriching experience, marked by both academic exploration and personal growth.
UW: What was innovative about your research focus?
AH: Through the unique use of selenium to fight Alzheimer's, I was able to develop promising drug candidates aimed at addressing the significant buildup of amyloid-beta, a protein that leads to Alzheimer's disease, and promote their removal from the brain to mitigate toxic effects. My work involved creating a series of selenium-based compounds, followed by rigorous biological testing to make sure they are effective and safe. Overall, my research contributes to the growing field of neuropharmacology by exploring unconventional approaches to Alzheimer's treatment. The hope is to pave the way for new therapeutic strategies that could have meaningful impact on patient care.
UW: What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
AH: The biggest challenge I faced during my PhD was navigating the complexities in my research project. Creating selenium-based compounds proved to be quite challenging. With limited literature available on the topic, we struggled to find an effective strategy to create compounds. We spent weeks, even months, creating a pure single compound. After the first success I then synthesized 40 novel compounds that were included in my thesis. During this process, I encountered setbacks which left me feeling frustrated and disheartened. To overcome this, Dr. Nekkar was extremely helpful, he was always available to provide me and my colleague’s support. I also collaborated closely with my lab members, which was key to troubleshooting and brainstorming problems. Reflecting on my passion and interests in my research area gave me the energy to recharge and motivate myself.
UW: What advice do you have for future PhD students?
AH: Prioritize self-care and maintain a work-life balance. It’s easy to get caught up in research and deadlines, but taking time for yourself and nurturing your personal life is crucial for long-term success. Additionally, building a strong support network early on, connections with fellow students and faculty, can provide invaluable encouragement and guidance throughout your journey. Remember to savor each moment of your time, regardless of the obstacles and hardships you face along the way.
Ahmed Hefny and his family
Future plans
Dr. Praveen Nekkar and Dr. Ahmed Hefny
Hefny is now pursuing a postdoctoral position to further develop his expertise in drug design and delivery systems. A postdoctoral experience will not only enhance his research skills but also provide opportunities to collaborate with leading experts in the field.
"It was my pleasure to have Ahmed as my graduate student. His dedication and passion for research is highly commendable,” says Nekkar.
Hefny envisions a future career in academia where he can balance research, teaching and mentoring the next generation of scientists.
“I believe that fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment is essential to our future. I am eager to inspire students to engage with complex scientific questions and contribute to meaningful advancements in healthcare,” Hefny says.
He is passionate about advancing our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s, and aspires to lead innovative research projects that explore novel therapeutic strategies.