On Monday, January 12, 2026, the Seminar Hall at the College of Pharmacy hosted a public viva for a master’s dissertation submitted by the student Zainab Abdullah Khalil Al-Allaf, titled:

“Antimicrobial Effects of Probiotics Against Uropathogens in an Animal Model”
The project involved the evaluation of the protective effects of probiotics and their metabolic byproducts against urinary tract infections (UTIs) through in vitro and in vivo studies. It aimed to investigate the efficacy of probiotics in reducing bacterial colonization and inhibiting biofilm formation. Furthermore, the research examined the impact of probiotics on critical immunological markers, specifically IL-6 and β-defensin-1. Therefore, the study contributes to the development of promising preventive alternatives intended to mitigate reliance on conventional antibiotics.
Examination Committee
The defense was conducted by a specialized committee consisting of:
* Assistant Professor Dr. Tariq Mahmoud Qasim (Al-Qabas University College) – Chair.
* Assistant Professor Dr. Karam Amer Abdul Aziz (College of Pharmacy, University of Mosul) – Member.
* Lecturer Dr. Khalid Walid Turki (College of Medicine, University of Mosul) – Member.
* Assistant Professor Dr. Zahra Amer Hashem (College of Pharmacy, University of Mosul) – Member and Primary Supervisor.
* Lecturer Dr. Vildan Celiksoy (University of Nottingham, United Kingdom) – Member and Secondary Supervisor.
Upon the conclusion of the viva, the committee commended the scientific rigor and the researcher’s scholarly efforts. The committee highlighted the significance of the findings and their practical applications in the prevention of urinary tract infections. The dissertation was officially accepted following minor revisions, with the committee extending their best wishes to the student for continued success in her academic and professional career.