Welcome back to Team Insights, where we offer you a chance to get to know a Microbiome Insights team member on a deeper level. For our eighth Team Insights, we're pleased to introduce Hatem Dhaker, our Director of Software Engineering and the main lead behind our web development.
Hey Hatem! It's a pleasure to finally talk to you. As the lead of our web development team, you have a unique perspective on what it takes to keep work running smoothly.
When did you start at Microbiome Insights?
A: I joined in July 2018.
What interests you most about the area of the microbiome?
A: The role microbiomes play in our overall health and well-being is what interests me the most, I’d say. I find the the link between the human gut microbiome and inflammatory bowel diseases as well as the connection to brain function both quite fascinating.
What do you do at Microbiome Insights? Describe your role?
A: I’m the lead software developer. I am responsible for the design, development and maintenance of software systems that serve our team and clients’ needs.
How has the process of improving the software systems been for you?
A: Exciting! There’s no shortage of things to learn, features to implement and improve upon when it comes to software systems.What do you enjoy most about Microbiome Insights so far?
A: I enjoy learning from my inspiring colleagues and tackling challenges together.
How would you describe your job to a bunch of five-year-olds?
A: I make computers do cool things and solve problems!
What are your passions outside of work?
A: Cycling, hiking and cooking!
What’s your secret talent that no one knows about?
A: I speak four languages: Arabic, French, English and Spanish.
If you could get a new skill in 10 minutes, what would it be?
A: Origami! I always wanted to learn how to make an Origami crane.
How have you made the most of your time working from home?
A: I’ve been reading more than usual and going for long distance cycling rides.
What books have you been reading lately?A: I just finished “A Confederacy of Dunces”. It’s pretty funny!
What’s your favorite music genre?
A: It varies but it’s usually a solid mix of electronica, post-rock, and indie rock.
If you could make any fictional creature real, which would you choose?
A: Probably Neo from The Matrix. I just have so many questions for him.
Are you excited for the new Matrix movie?
A: Absolutely! Excited would be an understatement!
Where do you want to travel to most post-pandemic?
A: Japan, hands down.
.Thank you for taking the time to go through these questions with us Hatem! It's amazing to hear how many different interests you have - which explains your creative approach to problem-solving. We hope you get to master origami as well.
