First in Lebanon: Mohamad AlBachir Ezzedine Publishes Unprecedented Research

Publishing in a top tier international journal is a goal many researchers aspire to, but few achieve early in their careers. For Mohamad AlBachir Ezzedine, a MEPI Tomorrow’s Leaders alumnus (’23) from Lebanon, this goal became reality when his master’s thesis was accepted by BMC Microbiology, a recognized globally Q1 journal.

His study focused on dangerous bacteria found in cats in Lebanon. These bacteria are resistant to many antibiotics, including some of the strongest medicines used in hospitals. Mohamad’s research, titled Molecular characterization of ESBL - and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolated from cats in Lebanon, was the first in Lebanon to use whole genome sequencing to study this problem in pets.

By looking at antibiotic resistance in animals, Mohamad highlighted the One Health concept, which shows how human health, animal health, and the environment are closely connected. His findings help raise awareness about a serious public health issue and support better disease monitoring and prevention in Lebanon.

“This research was both scientific and personal,” Mohamad explains. “I love cats, and this project reminded me that science should always be guided by care and responsibility.” He dedicated the study to his cat, Mounira, who passed away in April 2023 and inspired his interest in this field.

Mohamad is grateful to the MEPI Tomorrow’s Leaders Graduate Program and the Lebanese American University for supporting his success. Through the program, he received strong mentorship, research support, and training that helped him build skills in microbiology, data analysis, and scientific writing.

Outside the laboratory, conferences, workshops, volunteer work, internships, and leadership courses helped him grow personally and professionally. These experiences strengthened his communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.

Despite the challenges he faced, Mohamad stayed focused and determined. His published thesis is proof that with hard work, purpose, and the right support, a student project can become research that makes a real difference beyond the classroom.