Associate Research Scientist and Lab Manager

Yi obtained his BS from Fudan University, MS from Cornell University, and his PhD from Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. His past research was mostly on gene transfer and oxidative stress in vascular biology and diseases. Now he helps the lab in daily operations to unravel mechanisms of gastric surgeries in treating obesity.

Postdoctoral Research Scholar 

Mohammad is a medical doctor who graduated from the Lebanese American University in Beirut, Lebanon. Since joining the lab in September 2022, he has been conducting research on obesity, nutrition, and surgical and pharmacological interventions to enhance our understanding of obesity. His active projects involve dissecting the mechanism of molecular clock regulation of glucose homeostasis post- gastric bypass and the role of hepatic vagus in this process. He is also exploring the neurohormonal differences between several types of bariatric surgeries. Mohammad loves Iowa City, where he appreciates the tranquility and beauty the city has to offer.

Postdoctoral Research Scholar

Dana is an M.D from Damascus University. She is interested in obesity and metabolism research, and an aspiring gastroenterologist. Her active project revolves around exploring the effect of bariatric surgery on colon cancer development and the underlying mechanisms that regulate this process. She enjoys planting and experiencing new things.

MD candidate (2024), University of Iowa

Ben is a fourth-year medical student at the Carver College of Medicine and is applying to academic general surgery residency programs. He has been a member of the lab since the fall of 2020 and has worked on projects focused on elucidating the influence of the endogenous endocannabinoid system on feeding behavior and energy expenditure using a mouse model. He is from Sioux City, IA, and is an avid backpacker, runner, and Hawkeye sports fan.

MD Candidate (2026), St. George Univeristy 

Hussein is a 2^nd year medical student who is interested in gastroenterology as a future specialty. He holds a master’s degree from the University of Iowa majoring in Genetics & Neurobiology. He has been a member of the Mokadem lab since the summer of 2020 and contributed to many projects including his published paper which studied the effect of NSAID-induced enteropathy on the regulation of hepatic glucose production by decreasing GLP-1 secretion. He is from Cedar Rapids, IA, and a big fan of Chelsea Football Club.

Undergraduate Student, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Iowa

Aviva is a first-year undergraduate student at the University of Iowa, pursuing a degree in Biomedical Sciences and working toward a future career in medicine. After spending time in previous labs and organizing her own experiment, she found she enjoyed the research process and wanted to continue her involvement. She is excited to be working in the lab, learning, and contributing to research.