Naoufal Lakhssassi

Dr. Naoufal Lakhssassi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Hampton University (since 2024), part of the School of Science. He holds a Ph.D. in Plant Biology from the Universidad de Malaga (Spain, 2011), with prior roles including Associate Scientist at Southern Illinois University (2018–2024). His research focuses on plant nematology, molecular genetics, and seed-trait improvement, particularly in soybean disease resistance and fatty acid composition. He has published 47 manuscripts, 15 grants, and holds 4 patent applications.

Education:

• Ph.D. (2011): Universidad de Malaga, Plant Biology
• M.S. (2010): Universidad de Malaga, Biomolecular Engineering
• DEA (2007): Cell and Molecular Biology
• B.S. (2005): Biotechnology, University Abdelmalek Essadi, Morocco

Research interests include plant-nematode interactions, seed protein/oil content regulation, and applied genomics. He uses techniques like TILLING-by-Sequencing and mutational breeding. Recent work highlights novel genes (e.g., GmSHMT08, GmFAD2-2s) influencing soybean resistance and fatty acid profiles.

Key awards include the 2022 SIU Inventor of the Year Award and NSF grants. He is an editor for International Journal of Molecular Sciences and chairs the Functional Genomics workshop at the Plant and Animal Genome Conference. His teaching includes Introduction to Biology and Plant Genetics at Hampton University.

Patent highlights include methods to increase soybean oleic acid content and enhance seed protein stability. He collaborates internationally, including with Moroccan institutions through the High Council of Moroccan American Scholars and Academics (HC-MASA).