Ashraf Al Ashhab Ph.D
Research Area:
Microbial ecology & Environmental microbiology
ashraf@adssc.org
Google Scholar
Researchgate
Publons
(972) 052 676 4006
(972) 8 944 8732
Fields of interest
As a microbiologist, my research is centered at the intersection of microbial ecology, environmental microbiology, and biotechnological applications. I am captivated by the intricate dynamics of microbial communities thriving in extreme environments, particularly arid and semiarid regions, and their profound implications for ecosystem resilience and functionality. Employing interdisciplinary approaches, I delve into the diversity, abundance, and interactions of microorganisms within these challenging habitats, unraveling their roles in biogeochemical cycles, plant-microbe interactions, and adaptation to environmental stressors. Additionally, my work extends to applied microbiology, where I explore the potential of microbial communities for bioremediation, agricultural sustainability, and aquaculture enhancement. Committed to translational research, I collaborate on projects aimed at addressing pressing societal and environmental challenges, leveraging my expertise to develop microbial probiotics for aquaculture and engineer microbiomes for agricultural and environmental applications. Driven by a passion for unraveling the intricacies of microbial ecosystems and harnessing their potential for sustainable solutions, I strive to contribute to both fundamental knowledge and practical advancements in microbiology and beyond.
Group member
Current
- Mr. Ibrahim Sharabati: Molecular biology (Research assistant and lab manager)
- Mr. Kareem Neiroukh: Microbiology (Lab technician)
- Eng. Diaa Abu Omar: Electrical engineer
Previus
Miss Hiam Abu Galiun; Miss Alina Hurwitz; MSc. Yosef Avrahami; Miss. Hana Dimerets; Dr. Reut S. Abramovich; Dr. Sagar Nayak; MSc Danit Parker.
Active projects
2022-2027 EU (M-Era.net). “TARDIS: Nano-enabled stimuli-responsive scaffolds for targeted antimicrobials delivery to treat Staphylococcus aureus infections and restore skin homeostasis”. Partners: Ramon E. (UPC), Mozuraityte R. (SINTEF), Sesal N. (MAR), Ruseva K. (SoU) Budget is 940,377 EUR (100,000).
2022-2026 קרן תובענות, Use of enhanced bacterial succession (EMS), of native species, to increase the rate of oil degradation in terrestrial oil spills in arid areas”. Partners: Gabi Banet (DSASC). Budget is 941,600 IL (50%).
2022-2025 MERC. “Innovative urban green roof and hydroponic system (iGrow) for urban built environments in water scarce communities”. Partners: Balawneh A. (NARC), Halasah S. (iGREENs) Budget is 478,924 USD (173,674 + 118,000)
2022-2025 MERC. “The use of Prey-Predator interaction in soil to mitigate contaminations introduced by treated wastewater irrigation”. Partners: Osnat Gillor (BGU), Luna Al-Hadidi (NARC), Samar Sabri (NARC), Nadav Shnerb (BIU), Budget is 490,600 USD (31,050 + 84,000).
Previous funded projects
2016-2019 ICA Foundation. “The use of Acacia microbiome phyllosphere as a biological control in arid agriculture”. Partners: Al Ashhab A (DSASC), Bar-lavan Y (DSASC) and Winters G (DSASC). Budget: 160,00$.
2017-2019 ICA Foundation. “Microbiome of disease and sick fish aquaculture, tools toward fish immunity enhancement in aquaculture and using microbial probiotics”. Partners: Al Ashhab A (DSASC) and Sharon G (ILOR). Budget: 70,000$.
2019-2020 ICA Foundation. “The Skin Microbiome as a Diagnostic and Therapeutic Tool in Fish Farming”. Partners: Al Ashhab A (DSASC) and Sharon G (ILOR). Budget: 80,000$
2019-2020 UTI. “Biocontrol of agricultural fungal pathogens using newly isolated microbial antifungal properties”. Partners: Al Ashhab A. (DSASC), Bar-lavan Y. (DSASC) and Carmeli S. (TAU). Budget is 33,000$.
2019-2020 ICA Foundation. “Engineering of camel microbiome and utilization for UV radiation protection”. Partners: Al Ashhab A. (DSASC) Szitenberg A. (DSASC). Budget: 50,000$.
2020-2023 MOST. “Symbiotic Autonomous Life Support System for distant Space Colonies”. Partners: Al Ashhab A. (DSASC), Yehoshua Y. (Bar-Illan). Budget: 303,000$.
2020-2023 IIA. “New desert bacteria with potential biotechnological / agricultural values“. Partners: Bar-Lavan Y. (DSASC), Al Ashhab A. (DSACS), Carmeli S. (TAU), ADAMA. Budget: 200,000$
2022-2023 ICA Foundation. “The roles of RNA, mRNA, miRNA in interactions between fish and microbiome in diseased and healthy conditions”. Partners: Sharon G (ILOR). Budget: 80,000$.
2021-2023 ICA, “Biocontrol of red weevil in date palms”. Partners: Dnan Ment (VOLCANI). Budget is 44,000 USD (50%).
2021-2023 UTI, “Holobionts on the edge: Comparing hologenome drought adaptation in Brachypodium distachyon sensu stricto from Dead Sea and Mediterranean ecosystems”. Partners: Marcelo Sternberg (TAU). Budget is 33,300 USD (50%).
2023-2024 CanNegev, “Field experiment B: application of bacterial trapping to prevent RKN (Meloidogyne incognita) infection in tomato field experiment”. NIS 76,000.
2022-2023 CanNegev, “Field experiment: application of bacterial trapping to prevent RKN (Meloidogyne incognita) infection in tomato field experiment”. NIS 70,000.
Patents
- 2020, US Patent No. 62/885,386. Entitled: “BACTERIA AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF”
- 2020, US Patent No. 62/891,437. Entitled: “FISH SKIN MICROBIOME”