About the research team
Ammar Ansari
Founder & Research Lead
Ammar Ansari is a visionary social entrepreneur and the Founder of The Malaikah Foundation, where he has dedicated himself to improving the lives of children with special needs. Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology—with plans to graduate in December and potentially accelerate his academic path toward a Master’s degree—Ammar also envisions post-graduate studies at Oxford University as a long-term goal. In his role as Executive Liaison at East Houston Medical Center, he leads initiatives aimed at delivering comprehensive, culturally sensitive healthcare services for individuals with disabilities. His vision is to integrate the compassionate, community-focused work of Malaikah Foundation into the center’s operations and future expansion, thereby creating a holistic healthcare model that addresses critical gaps for underserved populations.
In addition to his healthcare and non-profit endeavors, Ammar has established Ansari Venture Capital (AVC), a fund dedicated to investing in innovative startups and ventures at the intersection of healthcare, education, and technology. Through AVC, he seeks to drive transformative solutions that foster systemic change and long-term inclusion for underserved communities. Ammar’s leadership is defined by his ability to blend academic ambition with practical, community-driven action—paving the way for a sustainable impact that uplifts individuals, families, and entire communities.
Dr. Ambereen Ali, PhD
Research Director
Dr. Ambereen Ali earned her PhD from McGill University, where her research focused on the molecular mechanisms governing apoptosis and inflammatory signaling. Her work—published in high-impact journals such as Nature, the Journal of Biological Chemistry, and Mammalian Genome—has significantly advanced our understanding of protease-mediated cell death and its regulation. At Malaikah Foundation, Dr. Ali leverages her extensive scientific expertise to design and guide research initiatives that directly translate laboratory discoveries into innovative, community-driven programs for children with special needs. Her dual commitment to rigorous scientific inquiry and compassionate social service underscores her leadership, ensuring that breakthrough research informs transformative care and advocacy for vulnerable populations.
