Dr. Najwa Aziz Al-Otaibi is an Assistant Professor at Taif University, specializing in biosciences with a research focus on microbial ecology, aquatic microbiology, and environmental sustainability. She holds advanced degrees in bioscience and biotechnology, with her doctoral research centered on the dynamics of picoplankton communities and their ecological responses to environmental factors. Throughout her academic career, Dr. Al-Otaibi has demonstrated excellence in teaching, mentoring, and leadership through her supervision of graduate students, coordination of microbiology courses, and active participation in academic committees. As a principal investigator, she has led funded projects exploring microbial diversity and biotechnological applications in freshwater and marine systems, contributing valuable insights to environmental microbiology. Her commitment to scientific advancement is reflected in her editorial roles for Marine Environmental Research and Frontiers in Environmental Microbiology, as well as her membership in professional committees dedicated to academic accreditation and student development. Dr. Al-Otaibi has been recognized with multiple honors, including awards for outstanding research presentations and prestigious scholarships and fellowships supporting her postgraduate studies. Her continued dedication to high-impact research, innovative teaching, and community engagement exemplifies academic excellence and positions her as a leading contributor to advancing bioscience research in alignment with national and global sustainability goals.
Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID
Featured Publications
1. Calleja, M. L., Al-Otaibi, N., & Morán, X. A. G. (2019). Dissolved organic carbon contribution to oxygen respiration in the central Red Sea. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 4690.
2. Brewin, R. J. W., Morán, X. A. G., Raitsos, D. E., Gittings, J. A., Calleja, M. L., Viegas, M., & Al-Otaibi, N. (2019). Factors regulating the relationship between total and size-fractionated chlorophyll-a in coastal waters of the Red Sea. Frontiers in Microbiology, 10, 1964.
3. Al-Otaibi, N., Huete-Stauffer, T. M., Calleja, M. L., Irigoien, X., & Morán, X. A. G. (2020). Seasonal variability and vertical distribution of autotrophic and heterotrophic picoplankton in the central Red Sea. PeerJ, 8, e8612.
4. García, F. C., Calleja, M. L., Al-Otaibi, N., Røstad, A., & Morán, X. A. G. (2018). Diel dynamics and coupling of heterotrophic prokaryotes and dissolved organic matter in epipelagic and mesopelagic waters of the central Red Sea. Environmental Microbiology, 20(8), 2990–3000.
5. Morán, X. A. G., García, F. C., Røstad, A., Silva, L., Al-Otaibi, N., Irigoien, X., & others. (2022). Diel dynamics of dissolved organic matter and heterotrophic prokaryotes reveal enhanced growth at the ocean’s mesopelagic fish layer during daytime. Science of the Total Environment, 804, 150098.
Dr. Najwa Aziz Al-Otaibi’s research advances understanding of microbial and ecological processes that sustain aquatic environments, contributing to global efforts in environmental conservation and water sustainability. Her work supports scientific innovation toward healthier ecosystems and aligns with national and international goals for sustainable resource management and climate resilience.