I lead the Colon Model Facility at the Quadram Institute, with extensive experience in in vitro gut modelling, human gut microbiome research, and the application of advanced fermentation technologies. Over the past few years, I have developed deep expertise in operating and optimising a wide range of colon simulation systems, including batch and continuous colon models, the Micro-Matrix bioreactor, and the SHIME platform. My work has supported various research programmes across the Norwich Bioscience Institutes (NBI), contributing to studies on gut microbial metabolism, dietary interventions, and host–microbiome interactions.

I have substantial experience training and mentoring researchers, students, and visiting scientists in complex gut model methodologies, anaerobic techniques, and experimental optimisation. My background also includes involvement in human studies, from sample collection to regulatory compliance, and I have served as Chief Investigator, and principal Investigator on the QIB Colon Model Study.

My research experience centres on understanding the interactions between dietary bioactives (particularly polyphenols) and the human gut microbiota. I have contributed to scientific publications, collaborative projects, and industry-aligned research, applying my technical expertise to support high-quality, reproducible microbiome science.

Education and training

• PhD in Biological Sciences – University of East Anglia (UEA), UK
• MSc in Food Quality and Chemistry of Natural Products (Distinction) – International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM), Greece
• BSc in Biochemistry (First class with honour degree) – Benha University, Egypt

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic, operational, and financial leadership for the Colon Model Facility, including long-term planning, budget management, procurement, costing models, and ensuring sustainable use of resources.
• Oversee daily operations and workflow management, including study prioritisation, scheduling, capacity planning, multi-user coordination, and staff allocation to maintain high-quality, safe, and compliant practices.
• Lead scientific and technical direction of all gut model systems (SHIME, colon models, Micro-Matrix), including optimisation of experimental design, anaerobic system performance, troubleshooting, and development of new protocols to ensure reproducible, high-quality data.
• Drive operational excellence through process improvement and innovation, implementing digital systems, inventory and sample-tracking tools, enhanced workflows, and training resources to improve efficiency, compliance, and long-term sustainability.
• Lead, supervise, and train staff, visiting scientists, and students, including workload planning, delivery of technical training, career development support, and performance management.
• Represent the Colon Model Facility internally and externally, supporting strategic initiatives, cross-institutional collaboration, and engagement with academic and commercial partners to develop joint research activities and translational opportunities.
• Lead the Colon Model study team as Chief Investigator, taking responsibility for study design, governance, participant safety, and regulatory compliance.

Key Publications

Shehata, E., Percival, J., Philo, M., Needs, P. W., Clifford, M. N., & Kroon, P. A. (2025). Aerobic in vitro studies of spontaneous anthocyanin degradation are not useful models for anthocyanin breakdown in the human colon. Food Chemistry, 486, 144614. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.144614 

Haarhuis, J. E., Day‐Walsh, P., Shehata, E., Savva, G. M., Peck, B., Philo, M., & Kroon, P. A. (2025). A Pomegranate Polyphenol Extract Suppresses the Microbial Production of Proatherogenic Trimethylamine (TMA) in an In Vitro Human Colon Model. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, e70166 https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.70166

Shehata, E., Day‐Walsh, P., Kellingray, L., Narbad, A., & Kroon, P. A. (2023). Spontaneous and Microbiota‐Driven Degradation of Anthocyanins in an In Vitro Human Colon Model. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 67(19), 2300036.  https://doi.org/10.1113/EP090226

Day-Walsh, P., Shehata, E., Saha, S., Savva, G. M., Nemeckova, B., Speranza, J., Kellingray, L., Narbad, A., Kroon, P. A. (2021). The use of an in-vitro batch fermentation (human colon) model for investigating mechanisms of TMA production from choline, L-carnitine and related precursors by the human gut microbiota. European Journal of Nutrition, 60(7), 3987-399910.1016/j.seppur.2015.06.017 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-021-02572-6.

Shehata, E., Grigorakis, S., Loupassaki, S., & Makris, D. P. (2015). Extraction optimisation using water/glycerol for the efficient recovery of polyphenolic antioxidants from two Artemisia species. Separation and Purification Technology, 149, 462-469. DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2015.06.017