Okba is an early-career researcher at the University of Birmingham with interests spanning chemistry, pharmacy, materials science and formulation science. He graduated in the top ten of his pharmacy class at Damascus University, where he also completed his first master’s degree in pharmaceutical science while working as a formulation scientist at PharmaQuest International Centre.
After moving to the UK, he obtained an MSc by Research in Formulation Design and Analysis from the University of Reading with distinction. In 2019, he completed his PhD at Cardiff University, focusing on solid-state chemistry, including crystallography, crystallisation, pharmaceutical cocrystals, polymorphism and structure solution from PXRD data.
Following his PhD, he worked in the materials science department at GSK, using a range of techniques for particle size, solid-state, thermal, structural and hygroscopic characterisation of active pharmaceutical ingredients and final products. He is currently a Research Fellow in experimental solid-state chemistry and mechanochemistry at the University of Birmingham.
Okba recently became a member of the RSC and joined the PCIG committee, seeing it as an excellent opportunity to develop new skills and build a strong network across academia and industry.