Profile

Trefa M Abdullah is an adjunct professor, teaching Medical Microbiology and Immunology at AUIS. I conducted MSc in Medical Microbiology in Medical School, Medical School (2006-2008) at Al-Mustansiriya University /Baghdad (Exams, Research), before joining the international team, who have identified immune roles of a cellular protein called calreticulin. (2014-2019), where I conducted my own PhD in immunogenic cell death under the guidance of Professors Paul Eggleton, Marek Michalak, Edwin Bremer and Dr Jacqueline Whatmore in the United Kingdom/ Exeter University/ Medical School. Dr Trefa’s research interest focuses on the understanding of innate and adaptive immunity and more recently, cancer, with a special interest in the role of endoplasmic reticulum chaperone proteins (calreticulin). 

I am known for my work shown that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperones – e.g. calreticulin have extracellular immune modulating functions. This has led to a whole new avenue of research into the role of calreticulin in the cell death of cancers and the ability of parasites to avoid immune detection. I attended learning and teaching at higher education (LTHE-1 and LTHE-2) and have received the certificate of completion, allowing me to teach (involving activities such as demonstrating and lecturing, marking, and providing feedback for students). I had been supervising undergraduate and summer students. This required me to adopt a critical teaching style to help medical students design experiments, to evaluate their work, and to provide constructive feedback. I also taught statistical analysis and provided students with guidance and assessment support. I am a lecturer for Immunology and Medical Microbiology for the University of Sulaimani, Pharmacy college (2009-present). I was responsible for Head of the department of Clinical biochemistry at School of Pharmacy during the period 2013-2014. Member of TQA (Teaching quality assurance) -CAD (Active and Passive) of the College of Pharmacy during the period 2011-2014. Member of examination committee (Three times) in the School of Pharmacy. Participated successfully in the methods of teaching.