Welcome to Helmy Lab
Research Focus
We study the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health. Our lab uses a One Health approach to understand infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across species and ecosystems.
Our Focus Areas
Pathogen Surveillance — Tracking emerging zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) trends.
Antibiotic Alternatives — Developing probiotics, phage therapies, and quorum-sensing inhibitors.
Microbiome & Immunity — Studying how gut microbes affect host immunity and disease resistance.
Translational Research — Applying science to real-world problems in agriculture, food safety, and equine health.
Training Future Scientists — Promoting interdisciplinary and global health education.
Current One Health Initiatives
R. equi Pneumonia in Foals – Testing probiotics as alternatives to antibiotics in horses.
Campylobacter in Poultry – Using microbiome-based compounds to reduce transmission.
Salmonella Surveillance – Tracking AMR genes in animals, food, and the environment.
Small Molecule Discovery – Targeting bacterial virulence mechanisms.
Global Collaborations – Studying climate-linked pathogen spread in Egypt and Africa.
Our Lab Values
Collaboration
Mentorship
Innovation
Impact
Leadership
Integrity
Our Mission
Our mission is to advance the understanding and control of infectious diseases through an integrated One Health approach that connects human, animal, and environmental health. We are committed to combating the global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by developing innovative, sustainable, and translational solutions, ranging from next-generation probiotics to targeted small molecules and genomic surveillance strategies.
Our research bridges fundamental science and real-world applications, with a focus on:
- Strengthening surveillance for zoonotic and foodborne pathogens.
- Designing alternatives to antibiotics for both veterinary and human health.
- Investigating host-pathogen interactions and mechanisms of virulence.
- Exploring the microbiome’s role in modulating disease outcomes and resistance.