Summary of Research Career

Dr. Sufian Alkhaldi received his Master’s degree from the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University. In his Master’s research from 1990-1992 (Localization of transfer-related region in Streptococcal conjugaive transposon Tn5252), Dr. Alkhaldi was able to identify the transfer-related region which encodes for the transposition mechanism of the conjugative transposon Tn5252. The Tn5252 conjugative transposon was responsible for spreading chloramphenicol antibiotic resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae. The transposon was also discovered to carry another small transposon which encodes for tetracycline resistance.  This work was published in the Journal of Bacteriology.

Dr. Alkhaldi received his Ph.D. from the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Oklahoma State University. In his thesis work from 1993-1998 (Genetic analysis of photosynthesis psbO and psbV genes in cyanobacteria Synechocystis sp PCC6803), Dr. Alkhaldi studied the interactions between two proteins: Manganese Stabilizing Protein (MSP) and Cytochrome c-550 in the photosynthetic bacterium Synechocystis. Dr. Alkhaldi used site-directed and random mutagenesis to identify two sites where MSP and C-550 binds or interacts. This work resulted in two publications in the Journal of Biochemistry and Plant Molecular Biology.

Dr. Alkhaldi conducted two postdoctoral studies. The first one was pursued at the University of Georgia (UGA).  At UGA, Dr. Alkhaldi was recruited to develop a gene exchange transformation system in the rumen microorganism Selenomonas ruminantium. This bacterium is one of the unique isolates which can live when the pH of the rumen decreases to 5.5. Dr. Alkhaldi’s extensive experience in molecular microbiology enabled him to develop a gene transfer system for the first time in S. ruminantium. This breakthrough opened the door to genetically modifying S. ruminantium to decrease the acidity of the rumen environment. This potential genetic manipulation of the bacterium ultimately decreases the acidity due to a high starch diet (low cost diet) and increases the efficiency of animal feed without the need of adding antibiotics to the feed. Several publications resulted from this work.

Dr. Alkhaldi’s second postdoctoral work was at Emory University. He was selected to manage the DNA Microarray core facility at Yerkes Primate Research Center. He was involved in scientific research and building the infrastructure of the facility. The work involved strategic planning as well as chip DNA production. The goal was to build a DNA Microarray gene chip for human, primate, rat, mice, and bovine cells.  Dr. Alkhaldi gained a lot of valuable experience including decision making, establishing leadership skills, and effective communication.

When Dr. Alkhaldi joined US Food and Drug Administration/ Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition/ Division of Microbiology in Nov. 2000, he immediately initiated building the infrastructure of CFSAN’s Microarray core facility. Dr. Alkhaldi was able to overcome major challenges in setting up CFSAN’s first Microarray facility which included troubleshooting numerous problems, communicating with engineers, sales representatives, as well as computer programmers. Soon after, as CFSAN was relocating from Washington, DC to College Park, Maryland, he also started daily communications with service contractors, and streamlined the task of moving the Microarray facility to College Park.

Dr. Alkhaldi was invited to write several reviews on the use of DNA Microarray technology in identifying DNA virulence genes from bacteria isolated from food. Dr. Alkhaldi was also invited to deliver several talks at various conferences. Dr. Alkhaldi’s expertise in Microarray technology was applied to joint research projects involving Microarray and infrared spectroscopy in collaboration with Dr. Mossoba. As a result, Dr. Alkhaldi co-authored several book chapters and review papers as well as peer-reviewed manuscripts in the infrared field. This also included registering two patents which introduced Microarray technology to the infrared discipline.   

As of July 7^th 2007, Dr. Alkhaldi’s work is documented at considerable length in 19 peer-reviewed scientific publications covering original research, eight review articles and chapters. Dr. Alkhaldi’s research has been recognized by nine awards since 2000. These include:  Problem solving/creativity Award (2003), Performance Award for continued excellence in Microarray development (2004), Center/ORA Scientific Achievement Award (CDRH-CBER-CFSAN Microbial Diagnostic Microarray Group) 2005,  Selection for Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Award of Excellence,  2005.