Hamza Mbareche

Hamza Mbareche uses cutting-edge technologies to increase the environmental safety of workplaces and public spaces. As a researcher, trainer and consultant who works at the convergence of microbial occupational exposure, genomics, and public health, he ranks in the top 0.25% of Air Microbiology experts worldwide according to Expertscape.

Hamza’s postdoctoral research focuses on airborne microorganisms, the microbiome, genomics and bioinformatics. His work encompasses whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 from patient swabs and environmental samples, the Whole Genome Sequencing of Influenza A virus in bioaerosols collected from swine barns, and the detection and sequencing of Orthobunyaviruses from mosquitoes in Southern Ontario.

Hamza focused his graduate research of High-Throughput Sequencing technologies to describe the microbial diversity of fungi and bacteria in the air of different environments, specifically in the context of occupational exposure.

He utilises R and Python to code and analyse data in order to generate personalised bioinformatics scripts. The use of such bioinformatics applications allows for faster and more thorough data analyses.

Hamza believes in building collective knowledge in the field of science. With this collaborative mindset, he has designed and delivered training about sequencing to diverse audiences and has been the subject matter expert at speaking engagements regarding Next-Generation Sequencing and bioinformatics. Further, he has built a workshop in Professor Caroline Duchaine’s laboratory involving High-Throughput Sequencing and Bioinformatics for Microbial Studies. Additionally, Hamza spent three years as a graduate teaching assistant in two microbiology labs at Université Laval: Technique de microbiologie and Isolement et culture des microorganisms.

Hamza Mbareche authored 30 articles for peer-reviewed scientific publications, reviewed 38 publications and 25 peer-reviewed journals, primarily. Among his notable contributions is an article about airborne viral transmission in a simulated Intensive Care Unit room published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. As an expert in the field, he has reviewed 39 publications for 26 peer-reviewed journals, primarily regarding Next-Generation Sequencing and microbiology studies. He also wrote a chapter in the Encyclopedia of Mycology book about Next-Generation Sequencing in environmental mycology.