Ms. Victoria Chaoul | Neurodegenerative | Best Researcher Award

Research assistant at American University of Beirut, Lebanon

Victoria Chaoul is a dynamic neuroscientist from Beirut, Lebanon, specializing in cognitive and behavioral neurosciences. With over five years of hands-on experience, she merges molecular and behavioral research methodologies to explore complex neurological disorders. A dedicated academic and researcher, Victoria has held assistant positions at the American University of Beirut and Lebanese American University, contributing to high-impact studies on neurodegeneration, memory, and brain trauma. Her work spans behavioral testing in zebrafish and mice, histology, molecular biology, and transcriptomics. An enthusiastic team player and detail-oriented professional, Victoria’s passion lies in uncovering neurobiological mechanisms and developing therapeutic strategies. She is also known for her community spirit—leading scout troops and environmental campaigns. With publications in leading journals and international presentations, she continues to build a meaningful legacy in neuroscience while mentoring upcoming scientists and actively contributing to translational research that aims to bridge lab discoveries with clinical applications.

professional profile

ORCID

Scopus Profile

Education

Victoria Chaoul earned her Master’s Degree in Cognitive and Behavioral Neurosciences from the Lebanese University, Faculty of Sciences, in 2019. Her graduate training built on a strong academic foundation, starting with a Bachelor’s degree in Life and Earth Sciences (2014–2017), followed by a Master 1 in Cellular and Molecular Biology (2017–2018). Her academic excellence was evident early on, having completed her Scientific Baccalaureate in Life Sciences from Notre Dames des Apôtres in 2014. During her studies, Victoria undertook a rigorous thesis project involving zebrafish models for traumatic brain injury, where she evaluated the neuroprotective potential of saffron. She later expanded her research scope to molecular neuroscience through in-depth internships and assistantships in top laboratories across Lebanon. Her educational journey reflects her commitment to combining cellular, molecular, and behavioral perspectives to solve pressing neurological questions and drive forward the frontiers of brain science.

work Experience

Victoria Chaoul has held multiple impactful research roles in Lebanon’s leading biomedical institutions. Most recently, she served as a Research Assistant at the American University of Beirut (AUB), where she contributed to neurodegeneration research involving Cln6nclf mouse models. At the Lebanese American University (LAU), she worked on diabetic cardiomyopathy, managing protein analyses and mentoring pre-med students. Earlier, she contributed to zebrafish-based memory assessment protocols and drug testing as a Research Assistant in Dr. Jihane Soueid’s lab. In these roles, she conducted molecular assays, histology, confocal imaging, and behavioral testing. She also developed innovative testing paradigms and improved laboratory efficiencies, such as boosting breeding success in rodent colonies by 30%. Her holistic grasp of animal models, molecular workflows, and data analysis enables her to drive collaborative research from bench to publication. Her interdisciplinary experience is matched by a passion for mentoring, protocol development, and pushing the boundaries of applied neuroscience.

Research Focus

Victoria Chaoul’s research centers on the intersection of molecular neuroscience, behavioral analysis, and neurodegeneration. Her work has spanned the development of rodent and zebrafish models to simulate neurological disorders such as CLN6 disease, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and traumatic brain injury. Victoria’s scientific vision is rooted in understanding the pathways of neuronal regeneration, memory deficits, and emotional behavior. She has a strong command of in vivo experimentation, confocal imaging, immunohistochemistry, and transcriptomics, making her research both integrative and translational. Her focus on apoptosis assays, lysosomal storage clearance, and cAMP signaling has revealed novel therapeutic targets. Victoria is particularly interested in drug discovery using both natural compounds (e.g., saffron) and pharmacological derivatives. Her ability to interpret behavioral phenotypes through advanced software like EthoVision and ANY-maze further deepens her research. She aims to contribute to precision medicine by identifying bio-behavioral markers and developing effective treatments for complex brain disorders.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Victoria Chaoul’s academic contributions have been recognized through multiple national and international platforms. She presented her cutting-edge research at the 11th and 10th Annual AUB Biomedical Research Days (2025, 2023), showcasing advancements in neurodegenerative and behavioral neuroscience. Her international presence includes her participation at the 18th International Congress on Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (2023, Hamburg), reflecting her contribution to rare neurological disease models. She also attended the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) Conference in 2020, hosted by AUB. Victoria’s poster on zebrafish models of traumatic brain injury earned accolades at the 9th International Meeting on Oncology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology (2019). Her honors reflect not only academic excellence but also her dedication to translational neuroscience. As a former Scout Leader (2008–2016), she received community recognition for environmental restoration efforts and youth mentorship. These honors collectively highlight her leadership, innovation, and commitment to science and service.

🛠️ Skills

Victoria Chaoul possesses a diverse skill set in experimental neuroscience. Her laboratory skills include DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qRT-PCR, cell culturing (fibroblasts & iPSCs), Western blotting, microarray analysis, and tissue embedding/sectioning. She is proficient in behavioral assessments using zebrafish and mice, with expertise in designing novel paradigms for memory and anxiety. Her software proficiency includes Microsoft Office, GraphPad Prism, ImageJ, Image Lab, SPSS, EthoVision, ANY-maze, EndNote, and Partek Genomics Suite. She is multilingual, fluent in Arabic (native), English (advanced)—TOEFL iBT certified, and French (upper-intermediate)—Delf B2 certified. Victoria is also experienced in mentorship and team leadership, having trained students and led community teams as a scout leader. Her interpersonal skills foster collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and effective science communication. Her passion for problem-solving, paired with meticulous documentation and data analysis, supports her ongoing commitment to neuroscience advancement in academic and clinical settings.

Conclusion

Victoria Chaoul is a strong and compelling candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her multidimensional expertise in neuroscience, paired with her dedication to collaboration, innovation, and scientific communication, makes her an excellent contender. With further progression into doctoral research and leadership roles, she is poised to become a leading figure in biomedical research.

Publications to Noted

Title: Expanded Phenotype of the Cln6nclf Mouse Model

Journal: Cells

Volume: 14

Article Number: 661

Publication Date: April 30, 2025

Authors: Victoria Chaoul, Sara Saab, Omar Shmoury, Ramy Alam, Lynn Al Aridi, Nadine J. Makhoul, Jihane Soueid, and Rose-Mary Boustany

Victoria Chaoul | Neurodegenerative | Best Researcher Award