Amal Al-Saqqaf

  • Country of Origin: Yemen
  • Home University: Taiz University
  • Host University & Country: University of Toronto - Canada
  • PhD Title: Biomedical Engineering | Investigating Cerebral Hemodynamic and Salivary Correlates of Drive States and Nutritional Status in Children and Youth with Disability
  • Year of Completion: 2027
Amal Al-Saqqaf

PhD Overview

Our research investigates the potential to recognize some drive states (hunger & thirst) objectively and non-invasively using neuromarkers and saliva biomarkers. It also explores the cerebral hemodynamic and salivary correlates of nutritional status in children and youth with disabilities. The eventual impact of this project is to help children & youth with severe disabilities to communicate their needs to eat and drink and direct their own care, as well as providing clinicians and families with a new way to assess and manage nutrition of kids with disabilities using objective and non-invasive modalities such as neuroimaging and saliva biomarkers.

Sustainability Goals

  • Good Health and Well-being
  • Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
  • Reduced Inequalities

About Me

I’m passionate about meaningful research that addresses the challenges faced by its intended beneficiaries and advances knowledge that can positively impact their lives. Beyond research, I have a strong interest in community initiatives related to education, technology, and women’s empowerment. I’m a founding member of IEEE-Yemen subsection, Internet Society-Yemen chapter, and Shabab++ initiative in Taiz, Yemen. I’m also a TechWomen Emerging Leaders program alumna (2014), and a Women in Data (WiDS) Science ambassador in Yemen (2020) organizing a symposium for women researchers in data science.