Dr. Abrar Felemban is a molecular plant biologist and agricultural biotechnology researcher specializing in plant immunity and stress response. She earned her PhD in Bioscience and Molecular Biology from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), where her doctoral research focused on unraveling the molecular mechanisms that enhance plant defense. Specifically, she investigated the role of the apocarotenoid β-ionone in activating immune pathways and modulating transcriptomic responses during Botrytis cinerea infection in Arabidopsis thaliana, tomato, and tobacco. Her PhD work involved applying advanced molecular and physiological tools, including RNA sequencing, qPCR, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, tissue culture, flow cytometry, pathogen assays, and metabolite profiling using HPLC and LC-MS, to uncover how β-ionone primes plants for resistance against necrotrophic pathogens. These findings contributed to multiple high-impact peer-reviewed publications in internationally recognized journals.

Following her doctoral studies, Dr. Felemban joined Red Sea Farms, where she worked as Molecular Biologist, focusing on evaluating tomato cultivars with enhanced tolerance to salinity. Her research focused on molecular characterization and DNA quantification to distinguish between tetraploid and diploid plants, supporting the development of salt-resilient lines suitable for cultivation in arid regions.

Currently, Dr. Felemban works as a Research Scientist at the National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture (Estidamah), where she contributes to national R&D strategies integrating biotechnology into sustainable agriculture. Her work involves leading research projects, evaluating partnership proposals, and supporting the development of innovative agricultural technologies aligned with national food security goals. Driven by a vision to merge cutting-edge molecular research with sustainable agricultural innovation, Dr. Felemban continues to contribute to advancing food security and climate resilience in arid and semi-arid regions. Her work reflects a commitment to scientific excellence, strategic collaboration, and impactful innovation that bridges laboratory discoveries with real-world agricultural applications.