Principal Investigator

Welcome! I'm Eman Toraih, MD, PhD, MSc, DBio, and I'm delighted to share my journey in medical research and education with you. As an Assistant Professor in Medical Genetics, Biostatistics, and Bioinformatics at Tulane University's Department of Surgery, I have the privilege of working with amazing colleagues and students who share my passion for advancing healthcare through research.

My path in medicine began at Suez Canal University in Egypt, where I earned my MD in 2002 and later completed my MSc and PhD in Medical Genetics in 2014. Those early years shaped my understanding of how genetics and molecular biology can transform patient care. While teaching Molecular Genetics, Cancer Genomics, and Bioinformatics to medical students, I had the opportunity to lead the Molecular Lab at the Center of Excellence in Molecular and Cellular Medicine, where we explored new frontiers in cancer research.

Here at Tulane, I've found a wonderful community of collaborative researchers and eager learners. Together, we're working on exciting projects that combine genetics, tumor biomarkers, clinical research, and machine learning to improve patient care. Our team has made promising discoveries in thyroid cancer research, developing new ways to monitor and predict cancer behavior that could help make treatment more effective and less costly for patients.

What brings me the most joy is working with students and colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Our research family includes over 100 bright minds from Tulane, LSU, Ochsner, SUNY, Johns Hopkins, and international institutions. Everyone brings unique perspectives and skills that enrich our work and make breakthrough discoveries possible. My expertise has grown to encompass advanced biostatistical analysis, genomics and molecular biology, artificial intelligence applications in healthcare, clinical database management, and translational research in precision medicine.

My commitment to advancing medical research extends to serving as a grant reviewer for NIH study sections and Department of Defense panels, where I help evaluate cutting-edge research proposals. I contribute to research integrity through service on the Institutional Review Board and participate in shaping the future of medical education as Chair of the Professional Development and Mentorship Subcommittee for GWIMS. As a member of the American Thyroid Association Research Committee and a translational member of the Louisiana Cancer Research Center, I work to advance specialized research in these fields. I'm also passionate about promoting researcher wellbeing through my engagement with the wellness committee.

Our team's work has received support through grants from organizations that share our vision, including the Carol Lavin Bernick Faculty Grant (2020, 2024), the Louisiana Clinical & Translational Science Center (2021), the American Thyroid Association (2021, 2022), and pilot grants (2024). These partnerships help us continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible in medical research.

To support our research community, we've brought innovative tools to Tulane, including OncoLand and DiseaseLand bioinformatics platforms, which give researchers access to valuable data for their studies. We're also using advanced analysis tools like Ingenuity Pathway Analysis to better understand complex biological processes.

Our research continues to open new doors in medical science. Each day, we make progress in advancing treatments, training the next generation of researchers, and working toward better healthcare for all. For me, success in research isn't just about scientific discoveries – it's about building bridges between laboratory findings and patient care, creating inclusive spaces where everyone can contribute to medical advancement, and ensuring our work makes healthcare better and more accessible for all communities.

I believe the best breakthroughs happen when we work together, share ideas, and stay focused on improving lives through medical science. If you're interested in exploring research opportunities, collaboration possibilities, or just want to learn more about our work, I'd love to hear from you. Please feel free to reach out at etoraih@tulane.edu. Together, we can make meaningful contributions to advancing healthcare and improving patients' lives.