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Profiling Current Faculty

Dr. Christine Azar

I am Christine Azar. I have recently joined the nursing Program at the University of Balamand as an assistant professor.
My academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing Sciences from the Lebanese University, after which I worked for 5 years as a registered nurse in the critical care units at Hotel Dieu de France hospital.
Driven by my passion for advancing nursing practice and research, I completed with distinction a Master’s degree in Public Health, particularly in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the Lebanese University. In view of my high academic performance, I got a scholarship and completed my PhD in Public Health and Epidemiology with high distinction, under the joint-supervision of Paris-Est University and the Lebanese University.
In 2022 and 2023, I worked as a part-time lecturer at both the University of Balamand and the Lebanese University, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in the field of nursing, research, systematic review and meta-analysis. In 2023, I expanded my role in public health by serving as an epidemiologist within the Surveillance Unit at the World Health Organization.
Motivated by my interest in academia and aware of the excellent reputation of the University of Balamand, I joined the nursing program as a full-time faculty member in September 2024. I am involved in teaching nursing and FHS courses. Additionally, I am contributing to the supervision of the MSN students’ research.
I have many publications on medication errors that would inform preventive measures to enhance patient safety. I am currently actively engaged in collaborative research initiatives with the nursing team and external researchers, further advancing knowledge and practice in the field.

Dr. Myriam Mrad

Dr. Myriam Mrad is an environmental health expert and Associate Professor, currently serving as the Chairperson of the Public Health Department at the University of Balamand. She obtained a B.Sc. in Biology from Lebanese University, an M.Sc. in Environment and Industrial and Urban Hazards from the University of Claude Bernard (Lyon, France), and a Ph.D. in Epidemiology and Public Health from Sorbonne University (Paris, France). Her career has been dedicated to studying environmental health, particularly air pollution and waste management. From 2008 to 2016, she lectured and researched the health impacts of air pollution at Saint Joseph University and the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale [Inserm]). She also led the Research and Development (R&D) unit at "arcenciel," focusing on infectious healthcare waste management and its effects on health and the environment.
Her research primarily examines the effects of ambient and indoor air and chemical pollution on respiratory, cardiovascular, and dermatological health, especially in urban settings like Beirut. She has engaged in collaborative research with numerous national and international partners, including the WHO-funded environmental birth cohort study, the Environmental Exposures in Lebanese Infants (EELI) study. She is also Country Principal Investigator for the NIH-funded GeoHealth Hub for Climate Change and Health in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) project.
Dr. Mrad is a co-founder and Executive Director of the Health and Environment Response Agency (HERA) and is an active member of the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology, where she served as chair of the Eastern Mediterranean Chapter from 2022 to 2024. She has published her work in international peer-reviewed journals and presented at various scientific conferences. Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Dr. Mrad is a mother of two who strives to promote a healthier, more sustainable future for all driven by her perseverance and belief that positive change begins with meaningful action today, despite all challenges.

Ms. Layal Greige

Ms. Layal Greige is a full-time lecturer at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Main Campus, Al Kurah. She has a MS in Immunology and Microbiology from the American University of Beirut and a BS in Medical Laboratory Sciences from Saint Joseph University. She was appointed as an instructor in 2013 in the Medical Laboratory Sciences Program at the University of Balamand, and then promoted to the position of lecturer in 2020 within the same Program. She is passionate about teaching, which is primarily in the field of Hematology and Molecular Biology. She is also the coordinator of the Medical Laboratory Sciences Program at Koura Campus. Ms. Greige was also a team member of” Balamand-Hayati project” that tracks and traces COVID-19 in Lebanon.

Ms. Maria El –Deghel

Maria El Deghel is a Research Assistant at the University of Balamand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nutritional Sciences Department. She holds a Master's degree in Microbiological quality control of food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products from the Université Saint Joseph and a Bachelor's degree with teaching diploma in Biochemistry from Lebanese University.
She worked for 4 years at a Food safety company by assisting food industries in Lebanon to establish and verify procedures and practices that ensure good quality and food safety according to national and international requirements: HACCP, GMP, GHP, … She participated in several food safety courses including Training of Trainers ToT - ISO implementation and Traceability in food establishments with UNIDO.
Her current position at the University of Balamand, in addition to teaching Food microbiology course, gave her the opportunity to work on several research topics in food safety, some of them were published in peer-reviewed journals such as “Hygienic sanitary risk and microbiological quality of meat and meat-contact surfaces in traditional butcher shops and retail establishments – lessons from a developing country” & “Microbiological safety of commercial canned and dry pet food products in Lebanon”.
Her main goal is to improve the Lebanese food safety and quality in order to protect the public health. Her research focus on (1) assessing the microbiological quality of food in the Lebanese market, (2) studying the safety of food products, (3) evaluating and improving shelf life of food products, and (4) providing food industry members and regulatory stakeholders with the knowledge needed to make decisions that enhance food safety.

Newly Funded Projects

- Dr. Charbel Baysari

Title: Intestinal Carriage of Carbapenem and Colistin Resistant Bacteria in Domestic pets (Dogs and cats) in Lebanon

Funded by: UOB research Grants

Brief description of the project: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is considered as a major public health concern in both human and veterinary medicine. Resistant bacterial infections, in contrast to their susceptible counterparts, are associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and treatment expenses.
Companion animals such as dogs and cats serve as a source for the dissemination of resistant bacteria to humans, either directly or indirectly, as they share the same environment as humans. Our project aims to screen resistant bacteria from stools of companion animals (dogs and cats) in Lebanon and to decipher the molecular mechanism of this resistance.

Dr. Mira Daher:

Title: Research involvement and evidence-based practice among a sample of Lebanese Dietitians

Funded by: UOB intramural fund

Brief description: This project will be conducted in collaboration with Dr. Carole Serhan (Issam Fares Faculty of Technology), under the supervision of Dr. Mireille Serhan.
Research involvement and evidence-based practice are core competencies to improve healthcare quality where medical professions, including dietitians are highly encouraged to be involved in research and to apply evidence-based practice to ensure a high quality and cost-effective care. While dietitians understand their significance, several barriers prevent their application. In Lebanon, the degree of research involvement, and the perception, attitudes and knowledge of evidence-based practice are unclear. Thus, a cross-sectional study will be conducted over a representative sample of Lebanese dietitians to investigate the research involvement, and the perception, attitudes and knowledge of evidence-based practice among them. This study is important to enhance the dietetics practice; it contributes to the professional development of dietitians, and improves patient care quality.
The above project is part of an ongoing study entitled "Job satisfaction, workload perception, research involvement and evidence based practice among Lebanese dietitians". A workshop will be organized at the end of the project to discuss and share the outcomes.

- Dr. Dima Mnayer

Title: Healthy Gluten-Free Products Potential (HGFP2): Technological aspects and Consumer preferences

Funded by: UOB Research Grants

Brief Description of the project: Gluten-free diets has gained significant interest in recent years, reflecting evolving consumer preferences and dietary needs, which are related to health consciousness. The Project aims to assess the need and perception of Lebanese consumers towards gluten free products; assess the determinants of describing gluten-free products by Lebanese dieticians and to develop and characterize a variety of healthy, nutritious gluten-free products.

- Dr. Mayssam Moussa

Title: Natural Biomolecules as Potential Adjuvants to Chemotherapy: Combination and Sensitization

Funded by: UOB Internal Grant

Brief description of the project: Colorectal cancer remains a significant health concern, and the development of effective and less toxic therapies is crucial. This project aims to investigate the anticancer potential of natural compounds derived from marine algae (Jania rubens and Colpomenia sinuosa) and terrestrial plants (Thymus vulgaris, Eruca sativa, and Portulaca oleracea). By characterizing the bioactive compounds, evaluating their anticancer activity, and exploring their underlying mechanisms of action, we aim to develop novel, effective, and less toxic therapies for colorectal cancer. Additionally, we will investigate the synergistic effects of these natural compounds with conventional chemotherapeutic agents to enhance their therapeutic efficacy. By achieving these objectives, this research project aims to contribute to the development of novel and effective cancer therapies

- Dr. Zeina Dassouki

Title: Effectiveness of a Cancer Patient Navigation Program in promoting screening for breast cancer among at-risk women from vulnerable communities in North Lebanon.

Funded by: UOB Internal Grant; SANABEL NOUR NGO

Brief description of the project: This project aims to improve breast cancer screening rates among vulnerable women in Tripoli, Lebanon. By implementing a patient navigation program, we will address barriers to screening, such as lack of awareness, transportation difficulties, and financial constraints. The study will involve a baseline assessment to determine current screening rates and identify key barriers. Subsequently, a randomized controlled trial will be conducted to evaluate the impact of the navigation intervention on screening rates and patient outcomes. This research will contribute to assessing the feasibility of the first cancer navigation program in this region and potentially reducing breast cancer mortality and improving the health of women in vulnerable communities.

- Dr. Mira El Chaar:

Project 1: Seroprevalence and Risk Assessment of Arboviral Infections among Blood Donors in Lebanon: A Study on Dengue, West Nile, and Chikungunya Viruses (UOB grant)

Funded by: UOB Grant

Brief description of the project: The global emergence and expansion of viruses such as Dengue (DENV), West Nile Virus (WNV), and Chikungunya (CHIKV) have led to their spread into countries previously unaffected by these epidemics. In Lebanon, blood donors who have visited endemic areas for DENV, WNV, and CHIKV are subject to a mandatory 28-days deferral upon their return. Despite the taken precautions and untill today, serological testing for these viruses among donors are not yet implemented.
This study aims to assert the prevalence of DENV, WNV, and CHIKV in blood serum. A total of 1200 serum samples from blood donations collected from the Lebanese Red Cross will be screen for the seroprevalence of anti-WNV, anti-DENV, and anti-CHIKV antibodies (IgG and IgM) using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Additionally, the study will explore the potential presence of DENV, WNV, and CHIKV viremia in the donor population. By analyzing different epidemiological factors, this research seeks to identify associations between these variables and infections with Dengue, West Nile Virus, and Chikungunya. Factors such as travel history to endemic regions, seasonal variations, and demographic data will be considered to assess their impact on virus transmission among the donor population.
By offering up-to-date, comprehensive data on the seroprevalence of WNV, DENV, and CHIKV, this research aims to deepen the understanding of these neglected tropical diseases in the Middle Eastern context. The findings will be crucial for public health authorities, blood banks, and international health organizations in developing strategies to improve blood donation safety, enhance disease surveillance, and strengthen vector control efforts in Lebanon and potentially across the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region .

Project 2: Serological and molecular prevalence of Hepatitis E virus among blood donors from Lebanon

Funded by: UOB grant/ Roche diagnostics

Brief description of the project: The incidence of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is increasing globally, affecting both developed and developing nations. While several countries have implemented HEV screening before blood transfusions, the serological and molecular prevalence of HEV among blood donors in Lebanon remains largely unexplored. This study aims to evaluate the seroprevalence of anti-HEV antibodies and the potential presence of HEV viremia within the Lebanese blood donor population.
To achieve this, we will test 2500 serum samples from blood donors for anti-HEV IgG and IgM antibodies using two different assays: the Elecsys Anti-HEV IgG and IgM ECLIA (Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay) and the EUROIMMUN HEV Anti-IgG and IgM ELISA (Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay). Samples that test positive for these antibodies will subsequently be screened for HEV RNA via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify any acute infections. Additionally, we will analyze various epidemiological factors to determine any associations with HEV infection, providing a comprehensive understanding of HEV's impact on the blood donor community in Lebanon.
Using two different assays for sample testing and results analysis will help reveal differences in the sensitivity and specificity of the two kits, enhancing the reliability and robustness of our findings. This study will contribute to the understanding of HEV prevalence in Lebanon and inform potential screening strategies for safer blood transfusion practices. Project 3: Virulence-associated genes analysis and molecular typing of Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated from patients with bacteremia –Coinvestigator

Funded by: UOB grant

Brief description of the project: Klebsiella pneumoniae, a gram negative opportunistic pathogen, frequently causes nosocomial infections, including pneumonia, meningitis, bacteremia, and urinary tract infection. There are two types of strains: classical and hypervirulent. The classical K. pneumoniae (cKp) frequently causes nosocomial infections, including pneumonia, meningitis, bacteremia, and urinary tract infection (1,2). However, the hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hvKp) is an invasive variant which is associated with hypermucoviscosity and hypervirulence, causing community-acquired infections, including pyogenic liver abscess, pneumonia, meningitis, and endophthalmitis (3). The emergence of hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hvKp) strains is a worldwide concern due to its association with high pathogenicity and mortality. For survival, this invasive variant utilizes various virulence factors including fimbriae, outer membrane proteins, siderophores among others (4). Identifying Klebsiella close genetic relatedness by PFGE and detection of their associated virulence factors are necessary to identify possible circulating clones among the isolates and to correlate their pathogenicity with the patients clinical outcome.

Dr. Myriam Mrad
Project 1 Funded by the Energy Policy Institute at University of Chicago

AWAIR Project - EPIC Funds

“The Public Health Department at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, in collaboration with the Health and Environment Response Agency (HERA), has been awarded its 2 nd international grant this year, a prestigious EPIC Air Quality Fund Award of from the Energy Policy Institute at University of Chicago. The 18-month AWAIR Project was shortlisted from an impressive pool of 322 applications across 74 countries, highlighting its innovative and impactful approach to air quality monitoring in Lebanon. Led by the Principal Investigator Dr. Myriam Mrad, Chair of the Public Health Department, the project aims to breathe new life into air quality monitoring in Lebanon by promoting data-driven policies, raising public awareness, and encouraging community involvement. AWAIR will reactivate a reference-grade monitoring station and deploy multiple low-cost PM2.5 sensors across schools, universities, hospitals, primary healthcare centers, municipalities, embassies, and commercial areas. This effort will make air pollution data publicly accessible through an interactive online platform providing real-time information and educational resources. The project also features social media campaigns, community events, and partnerships with schools and universities to raise awareness about the health, environmental, and economic impacts of air pollution. By empowering communities to monitor air quality and propose local solutions, the AWAIR Project aims to strengthen public health advocacy and support long-term clean air initiatives.”

Project 2:

Fellowship Program on Climate Change and Health in collaboration with UCSD funded by the NIH

The Public Health Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, received a grant from the University of California San Diego, with funding from the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH), to launch the first of its kind graduate-level fellowship in Climate Change Research and Action. This program will train 15 Lebanese decision-makers from various ministries and organizations through practical, hands-on instruction in research methods, applications, and skills to tackle climate change-related health challenges. The training will also cover climate change preparedness and disaster management. Participants will benefit from sessions led by global experts and Lebanese instructors, offered both in-person and online.

Department of Community Engagement

In 2024, the Department of Community Engagement continued its field activities and had so many interventions:

Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) with the Lebanon Mine Action Center of the Lebanese Army and UNICEF. Twelve thousand persons were reached.
Mine Victim Assistance (MVA) with the Lebanon Mine Action Center of the Lebanese Army and International Trust Fund. 25 beneficiaries received prosthetic limbs. 47 beneficiaries received psychosocial support. 15 beneficiaries received medical support. 5 beneficiaries received income generation project support.
Social Behavior Change and Community Engagement capacity building initiatives took place with UNICEF support to all UNICEF implementing partners all over Lebanon. Development community platforms, establishing parents-Teachers associations, and children clubs were also part of the trainings. Almost 1200 community workers were trained.
Health education interventions on Cholera, Measles, Corona, and other emergency topics were implemented. Almost 1300 community workers were trained.
Training primary health care centers on community engagement and on integrated approaches took place in all the governorates of Lebanon. Almost 500 community workers were trained.
DoCE undertook an evaluation of the viability of the “community health worker” concept and the consequent performance of primary health care centers who assigned community health workers.
Training the youth from the UNICEF Palestinian Program took place on drug prevention, anger management and self-care, and on social behavior change and community engagement. 30 youth were covered.
DoCE contributed to the humanitarian response related to the WAR that erupted in Lebanon.
1. Executed emergency EORE with LMAC supervision.
2. Trained mobile health clinics established by MOPH, WHO, and UNICEF to serve internally displaced people.
3. Trained youth volunteers to help the displacement centers.
4. Executed an emergency health awareness campaign on cholera, scabies, and lice among internally displaced people.

Health Informatics Certificate

The Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Balamand has launched an online Course in Health Informatics to equip students from diverse backgrounds with the knowledge and skills needed to integrate healthcare and information technology. Spanning 12 credits, the program includes five courses and a capstone project, covering topics like health data management, healthcare information systems, and telemedicine. Designed to meet the growing demand for health informatics professionals, the flexible online format allows students to balance their studies with professional commitments.
The program celebrated the graduation of its first cohort during a heartfelt ceremony held at the Faculty of Health Sciences in Dekwaneh campus. Fifteen participants were awarded their certificates in the presence of faculty members, family, and friends, creating a warm and supportive atmosphere. The event opened with a welcome speech from the Dean of the FHS and the program instructors, who emphasized the significance of health informatics in modern healthcare and commended the graduates for their dedication and hard work.
Participants shared their experiences, expressing gratitude for the program's comprehensive content, expert instruction, and supportive online learning environment. A highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of two participants who received special awards for their outstanding capstone projects, which addressed innovative solutions to current challenges in healthcare information systems. Faculty members praised the graduates for their achievements and encouraged them to continue making impactful contributions to the healthcare field.
The celebration concluded with a group photo and a small reception, where attendees had the opportunity to connect and celebrate the graduates’ accomplishments. The ceremony not only marked the end of an educational journey but also highlighted the program’s role in shaping a new generation of skilled health informatics professionals.

Accreditation Achievements

- Nursing Program
The BSN and MSN Nursing Programs underwent their initial accreditation site visit by ACEN, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, which was conducted virtually from October 28 to November 1, 2024, due to the unstable situation in the country at that time. The accreditation team, consisting of four reviewers, conducted meetings with the UOB administrators including the president, provost, and FHS Dean, Student Support Services, full-time and part-time faculty, BSN and MSN students, clinical preceptors, representatives from clinical sites, alumni, and members of the public. They reviewed educational materials, syllabi, evaluation forms, assessment tools, and assignments. They watched videos providing an overview of the three campuses—Al Kura, Dekouaneh, and Souk El Ghareb—, featuring students in class, in the simulation lab, and in the clinical sites, and attending lectures.

Following the visit, the Nursing Program received ACEN’s final report, confirming unconditional compliance with all accreditation standards. The official accreditation announcement is expected in April 2025.

Achieving accreditation is a significant milestone for our Nursing Program, demonstrating our commitment to excellence in education by adhering to high standards of quality, rigor, and relevance in nursing education.

- Department of Nutritional Sciences
The Department of Nutritional Sciences (NUSC) at the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) has applied to the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®) to open an ACEND accredited Nutrition and Dietetics Foreign Dietitian Education Program (FDE) to prepare Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. The meticulous work was primarily led by the Department Chair assisted by the 5 members of the department. The Program has identified its strengths, areas of improvement and future plans in order to comply with the required 2022 ACEND standards. The self-study report was submitted in January 2024. The ACEND accreditation hybrid site visit took place in April in Chicago, USA. The ACEND review team met with the Dean of the Faculty and the Department Chair in Chicago and the meetings with UOB administration and academic services, faculty, students, and alumni took place online. The review team was impressed with the comprehensiveness of the self-study and the virtual meetings with all FHS Nutrition constituents and UOB academic service departments. The ACEND site visit report was received on June 7, 2024 and the department’s response was submitted on July 11, 2024. The ACEND Board will review the site visit report program response at a Board meeting within eight months of the site visit. Approximately two weeks after this meeting (February 2025), the NUSC department will be notified in writing of the Board’s decision.

Partnership Highlight

Department of Nutritional Sciences
The Department of Nutritional Sciences at the Faculty of Health Sciences has several agreements with hospitals in the North and Beirut that serve as training sites for the Nutrition interns during their Clinical and Dietetics Internship Program. Among the hospitals, we cite in alphabetical order the following: Centre Hospitalier du Nord, Clemenceau Medical Center, Haykal Hospital, Lebanese Hospital Geitawi, Mazloum Hospital, Mount Lebanon Hospital- University Medical Center (Institutional Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Notre Dame Maritime Hospital and Saint Georges Hospital.
Establishing MOUs between the department of Nutritional Sciences and hospitals where nutrition interns undergo their clinical training is important for both parties; it creates a collaborative relationship that benefits both educational and healthcare environments. Such agreements constitute a structured framework for cooperation between both parties, where their roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, thereby minimizing any misunderstanding, and ensuring a smooth and effective internship experience. In addition, such partnerships expose our interns to a wide range of nutritional practices, and patient populations and cases, under the supervision of skilled dietitians from the hospital, and clinical and dietetics internship coordinators from the University. At the end of the supervised training, interns sit for the National Colloquium Examination Test in order to become licensed dietitians.
The Clinical and Dietetics internship coordinators of the Department of Nutritional Sciences play a key role in this process by (1) conducting monthly visits to the training sites to ensure that they continue to provide the best learning environment to our students, through following appropriately their pre-agreed rotations program and (2) ensuring that up-to-date agreements are followed.

Scientific Conferences

Department of Nutritional Sciences

Maria El Deghel

- Poster presentation at the Dubai International Food Safety conference that took place in Dubai on October 23, 2024 for an article published in "Frontiers in Veterinary Sciences" (Q1, IF: 3)

"Microbiological assessment of commercial pet foods marketed in the United ARab Emirates"

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2024.1389981/full?fbclid=IwY2xjawGr159leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHcartIw2gJIyKfz89hGK94cz5sWHuLVuw6kPYQ8cw3tXvCaECLN09LMmug_aem_4zwY9ne9UlTgT8WvfNF8zA

Dr. Mireille Serhan

- Data-Led Dairying, organized by Hannah Dairy Research Foundation (HDRF) and the Journal of Dairy Research (JDR), November 18-19, 2024., Edinburgh, Scotland. (VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE).
- Dankar, Hussein Hassan & Mireille Serhan & Hussein Hassan (2024, November). Unpacking dairy dangers: biogenic amines in Lebanese products-Insights for food safety. Presented at the 38 th EFFoST International Conference-Future Food Systems: Innovation through progress at scientific interfaces, November 12-14, Bruges, Belgium (POSTER).
- Nisreen Alwan, Michella Hadid, Hani Dimassi, Maria Deghel, Sami El Khatib, Mireille Serhan & Hussein Hassan (2024, October). Microbial assessment of commercial pet foods marketed in the United Arab Emirates. Presented at the 18 th Dubai International Food Safety Conference (DIFSC), Future Foresight in Food Safety, October 21-23, Dubai, UAE (POSTER)

- Public Health Program

Dr. Myriam Mrad

- Climate Change and Health: Building Resilience, Sustainability and Lowering the Carbon Footprint of Health Care Facilities - World Health Organization WHO, Nov 2024
- Regional Training Workshop on the Climate Change Mitigation, Air Quality and Health.
- Journée d’Obstétrique et d’Infertilité de l’HDF (Lebanon, September 2024)
- Virtual participation at The GEOHealth Hub MENA 3rd International Conference & National Dialogue, GEOHealth Hub for climate Change, Mohammed VI University of Science and Health (Morocco, September 2024)
- Online Participation at Climate, Air Quality and Health Resilience: From Science to Sustainable Action, GEOHealth Hub for Climate Change Workshops, Mohammed VI University of Science and Health (Morocco, September 2024)
- Online Participantion at the Climate Change and Health: Building Resilience, Sustainability and Lowering the Carbon Footprint of Health Care Facilities (Jordan, November 2024)

Dr. Nivine Abbas

- Participated online in the GeoHealth Hub on Climate Change and Health in the MENA region conference, September 25-30, 2024, Morocco.

Alicia Abi Nader

- Journée d’Obstétrique et d’Infertilité de l’HDF (Lebanon, September 2024)
- Oral Presenter at The GEOHealth Hub MENA 3rd International Conference & National Dialogue, GEOHealth Hub for climate Change, Mohammed VI University of Science and Health (Morocco, September 2024)
- Online Participant at Climate, Air Quality and Health Resilience: From Science to Sustainable Action, GEOHealth Hub for Climate Change Workshops, Mohammed VI University of Science and Health (Morocco, September 2024)
- Online Participant at the Climate Change and Health: Building Resilience, Sustainability and Lowering the Carbon Footprint of Health Care Facilities (Jordan, November 2024)
- R Software training - GEOHealth Hub for Climate Change and Health in MENA - JUST University (Jordan, 2024, Ongoing)

Jowy Abi Hanna

Jowy Abi Hanna, a part-time instructor in the Public Health Department and a PhD student under the GEOHealth Hub for Climate Change and Health—funded by the NIH and led by Dr. Myriam Mrad—was selected from an overwhelming number of applicants to attend the 37th European Educational Programme in Epidemiology (EEPE) Residential Summer Course in Florence, Italy, from June 16 to July 4, 2025.
Jowy, an MPH graduate from the Public Health Department, began her PhD under the supervision of Dr. Myriam Mrad from the University of Balamand and Dr. Georges Abi Tayeh from Saint Joseph University of Beirut, focusing on environmental exposures in Lebanese infants as part of the EELI longitudinal birth cohort study, which is fully funded by the NIH in 2025. Through the GEOHealth Hub, she has gained numerous opportunities, including attending international conferences and workshops, presenting research findings, and actively participating in organizing conferences and research initiatives.

- Conference - The GEOHealth Hub MENA 3rd International Conference & National Dialogue, GEOHealth Hub for climate Change, Mohammed VI University of Science and Health (September 2024)
- Training - Climate, Air Quality and Health Resilience: From Science to Sustainable Action, GEOHealth Hub for Climate Change Workshops, Mohammed VI University of Science and Health
- Workshop Series: Multi-Omics Data Integration in Human Exposome Studies - IS global
- Conference - Joie de L'HDF - Hotel Dieu de France University Hospital (September 2024)
- Climate Change and Health: Building Resilience, Sustainability and Lowering the Carbon Footprint of Health Care Facilities - World Health Organization WHO, Nov 2024
- R Training - GEOHealth Hub for Climate Change and Health in MENA - JUST University (Jordan, 2024, Ongoing)
- Introduction to Environmental Epidemiology Course Cohort - International society for Environmental Epidemiology

Lina Jaalouk

- Journée d’Obstétrique et d’Infertilité de l’HDF (Lebanon, September 2024)
- Introduction to Environmental Epidemiology Course Cohort - International society for Environmental Epidemiology

Emile Whaibeh

- Journée d’Obstétrique et d’Infertilité de l’HDF (Lebanon, September 2024)
- Climate Change and Health: Building Resilience, Sustainability and Lowering the Carbon Footprint of Health Care Facilities - World Health Organization WHO, Nov 2024
- Regional Training Workshop on the Climate Change Mitigation, Air Quality and Health.

- Nursing Program

Dr. Mathilde Azar

- Vers un modèle de soins et de services pertinent au CISSS de la Montérégie Est (CISSS Montérégie-Est (Québec, Canada). Webinar. Nov. 13, 2024. SIDIIEF. Webinar.

Hiba Chakhtoura

- Certificate on Health Informatics

Students’ Achievement

Mira El Ahel

As a senior nutritional sciences student at the Faculty of Health Sciences, I can confidently say that my experience with classmates, instructors and the faculty did exceed all my expectations. The Nutritional Sciences Department, specifically, did not only provide me with a well-structured program that deepened my knowledge in the field, but it has also supported my off-campus journey, helping me secure valuable training and internship opportunities during my undergraduate studies. Therefore, I initiated my first training in dairy production where I had the opportunity to observe every step in the process, from production to quality control at FRESCO- Rene Moawad Foundation. This hands-on experience deepened my passion for the food industry, particularly in quality control and food technology, and solidified my commitment to advancing in this dynamic and very exciting field.

- Nursing Program

In July 2024, 42 students graduated and passed the colloquium exam and 4 received the Nursing Program awards that were distributed as follows:
Caroline Gebran Sayegh received the Clinical Excellence Award and Sumaya Mohammad Fayed, Rami Marwan Bou Rafeh, and Mona Charbel Nammour the Community Health Nursing Award. Nursing faculty selected these students according to preset criteria that characterize students’ distinguished academic performance, leadership capacities, clinical practice, active community involvement and professionalism as BSN students.
In addition, Sumaya Mohammad Fayed was granted the Lions Club Award, Beirut. In her speech, Sumaya reflected on her journey in the Nursing Program at the University of Balamand, focusing on the support she received throughout her journey and the rich exposure in theory and clinical, all of which allowed her to mature personally and professionally and become well-grounded and confident nurse professional.
The Nursing Club Society was very active in the three campuses. Students organized and participated in many activities such as awareness campaigns, health education, health fairs, recreational activities, etc. the president of the Nursing Society at Dekouaneh Campus, Mona Nammour won an Award for her exemplary contributions to student life.
Almost all graduates started their work immediately after graduation in JCI accredited university hospitals. Some of them were accepted in the Faculty of Medicine.
As for the MSN students, three of them successfully defended thesis and one was hired in the Nursing Program on a part-time basis.

Alumni Achievements

Department of Nutritional Sciences

Anna-Maria Al Dannaoui
PhD Student, MSc, LD

My name is Anna-Maria Al Dannaoui and I am a proud UOB alumnus. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Balamand in 2019, before completing my 9 months’ Clinical and Dietetics Internship at Saint George Hospital University Medical Centre and becoming a licensed dietitian in 2020. After COVID had hit, I had some time to reflect on my career choices and realized that I wanted to dive more into the vast world of nutrition, so I then earned a master’s degree in nutrition from the American University of Beirut. During my graduate studies, I worked for a year as a graduate research assistant with the Healthy Kids team, where we focused on testing and implementing school-based nutrition interventions aimed at fostering healthier eating habits and combating childhood obesity to raise healthier kids. Our work made me realize that I’ve always had a buried passion for leveraging nutrition to create meaningful changes through community nutrition, which made me more certain than ever that I wanted to pursue a PhD.
Today, and against all odds, I’m proud to be a first year PhD student at the Pennsylvania State University in the United States, and I am dedicated to advancing the field of nutrition through innovative research and community-driven initiatives. My research focus lies in creating sustainable solutions that address nutritional disparities such as food insecurity and promote health equity among vulnerable populations in the US. With a strong academic foundation and a commitment to creating a difference, my main goal is to continue to build on my journey of impact. I am grateful for all the support I have received from my family and loved ones, and I am especially proud of my roots as a University of Balamand alumnus, where my passion for nutrition first flourished and where I gained a second family.

Medical laboratory Sciences Program

Christina Sahyoun
PhD

Christina Sahyoun, PhD, is a full-time lecturer and a research fellow at the University of Poitiers, France. She began her academic journey at the University of Balamand, faculty of health sciences, earning a BS in Medical Laboratory Sciences (2017) and an MS in Clinical Laboratory Sciences
– Molecular track (2020).
Following her graduation, Christina smoothly transitioned into the healthcare system during the the COVID-19 pandemic. Her academic training at the FHS equipped her to work in several hospitals, starting as a molecular lab technician and rising to the position of Molecular Laboratory Supervisor at Hôtel-Dieu de France Hospital, where she contributed to critical diagnostic efforts in the fight against the virus.
Recently, she achieved a significant milestone by earning her PhD in biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology from the University of Angers, France (December 2024). Her research focuses on exploring snake venom components with therapeutic potential, particularly to treat cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension. During her studies, she identified a novel peptide from a Lebanese viper venom, exhibiting potent vasorelaxant effects on mice mesenteric arteries, a discovery that holds promise for developing innovative anti-hypertensive drugs. Her research has been widely recognized with her findings being published in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals highlighting the significant contributions she has made.
Her PhD journey was marked by numerous achievements. Of note, she is one of few laureates of the prestigious Eiffel Excellence Scholarship. She was also honored with the public prize for her research project in the international competition “Ma Thèse en 180 Secondes”. Additionally, she earned recognition at various national and international conferences where she recently received the Best Oral Communication Award at the SFET International Conference held at Nice. Moreover, her exceptional work secured her a travel grant to conduct a research training at one of Belgium’s most advanced mass spectrometry laboratories. There, she gained hands-on experience with advanced mass spectrometry techniques, expanding both her technical expertise and scientific network.
“Looking back in time, I realize that the five years I spent at UOB with the unwavering support of the FHS team were pivotal in shaping my professional journey. They grafted in me a passion for research and guided me through my first steps in the field. I carry this foundation with pride and gratitude as I continue to contribute to scientific discovery and innovation with the hope of one day returning to contribute to the education of the next generation.

Jack Gemayel

"From Balamand to Breakthroughs: My Academic Journey"
My academic journey began with a Bachelor's in Medical Laboratory Sciences at the University of Balamand, a program that provided invaluable clinical training and essential skills in medical research. Building on this strong foundation, I pursued a Master's in Molecular Biology, which further honed my expertise. Currently, I am completing my PhD in Physiology and Pathophysiology through a cotutelle between the University of Saint Joseph, Beirut, and the University of Poitiers, France. My research has led to a groundbreaking achievement-being the first in the Middle East to successfully extract cardiac neurons, a significant contribution to the field. Professionally, I manage Medical Writing, Biostatistics, and Data Management at Clingroup Holding, while also sharing my knowledge as a lecturer at the University of Balamand. I am deeply grateful for the education and support from Balamand, which has been instrumental in my success. I highly recommend the Medical Laboratory Sciences program to those aspiring to excel in the medical and scientific fields.”

Nursing Program

Karim El Ferkh

"Bridging Nursing and Humanitarian Work: Karim El Ferkh’s Inspiring Journey"
I am Karim El Ferkh, a proud graduate of the University of Balamand with a degree in Nursing (2011), leveraged my clinical background in nursing to start my professional career as a research assistant in 5million USD clinical trial. I then pursued a Master of Public Health at the American University of Beirut (AUB) and a PhD in Population Health Sciences at the University of Edinburgh. I wear two professional hats—one in academia and the other in the humanitarian field. As an educator, I have served as an adjunct and visiting faculty member at the University of Balamand, AUST, the University of Edinburgh, and LAU, teaching courses in community nursing, epidemiology and biostatistics, clinical trials, and research design. In the humanitarian sector, I have worked as a public health technical expert with the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), UNICEF, and Première Urgence, contributing to health system strengthening and emergency response.
Currently, I am the Health Program Manager at Anera Lebanon, leading initiatives that enhance healthcare services for vulnerable communities, including Palestinian refugees. My work focuses on equipping and rehabilitating healthcare centers, improving access to essential medical services, and implementing sustainable public health interventions.
Looking ahead, I plan to continue working in the humanitarian sector, with a focus on emergency preparedness and health system strengthening. I am particularly interested in developing scalable and resilient primary healthcare solutions that enhance crisis response and improve healthcare access in fragile settings.

Souleima AlFatta

“From Nursing to Pediatrician. The journey of Souleima AlFatta”
The Journey from Nursing to a Pediatrician My journey in the medical field began with a deep-rooted passion for helping others, which led me to pursue a career in nursing. The experience I gained as a nurse provided a solid foundation in patient care, critical thinking, and empathy—qualities that have been instrumental throughout my career. Realizing my passion for pediatrics, I decided to pursue a medical degree, followed by specialized training in pediatric care. My nursing background proved invaluable during my medical studies and residency. It allowed me to connect with patients and families on a deeper level, understanding their needs and concerns from multiple perspectives. Nursing not only equipped me with the practical skills necessary for patient care but also instilled a holistic approach to health that I carry with me to this day. As a dedicated pediatrician, I have been privileged to contribute to numerous initiatives focused on enhancing child health and delivering high-quality care. Recently, I completed a pioneering Postgraduate Health Informatics Program, the first of its kind in Lebanon, where I had the honor of being the inaugural trainee. This transformative experience broadened my perspective on medicine and healthcare, revealing the immense potential of innovative informatics solutions to elevate the standard of care provided to patients. Each step of my career, from nursing to pediatrics, has been driven by a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. Nursing laid the groundwork, and every achievement since has been a testament to the importance of a compassionate, patient-centered approach. I am grateful for the experiences and lessons that nursing provided, which continue to guide me in my mission to provide the best possible care for children and their families.

FHS Publications 2024

2024
Makhoul, M. , Noureddine, S., Abu-Saad Huijer, H., Bartley, E., Booker, S., Uthman, I.Pain Self-Management in Individuals with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain During Lebanon’s Overlapping Crises. Pain Management Nursing. In Press

2024
Makhoul, M. , Noureddine, S., Abu-Saad Huijer, H., Fahood, L., Fares, S., Uthman, I., French, F., France, C. Psychometric Properties of the Arabic Version of the Pain Resilience Scale Among Lebanese Adults with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain". Pain Research and Management Journal, In Press.

2024
Mercante, A., Owens, J., Bruni, O., Nunes, ML Gringras, P., Xin Li, J., Papa, S., Kreicbergs, U., Wolfe, J., Zernikow, B., Lacerda, A., Benini, F., Pediatric Sleep and Palliative Care Group....Abu-Saad Huijer, H., et al. International consensus on sleep problems in pediatric palliative care: paving the way. Sleep Medicine.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2024.05.042 In Press.

2024
Amani Al Bayrakdar, A., Noureddine, S., Puzantian, H., Abu-Saad Huijer, H., Nasrallah, M., Joiner, KL., Martyn-Nemeth, P., Tfayli, H. Emerging Adults Living with Type 1 Diabetes in a Low-Middle Income Country: A Mixed Methods Study. Nursing Research. In Press.

2024
Saad Rassam, R., Abu-Saad Huijer, H., Noureddine, S., Smith Lavoie, E., Wolfe, J., Fares, S., Abboud, M.. Parents providing palliative care for children with cancer. E cancermedicalscience https://doi.org/10.3332/ecancer.2024.1724

2024
Khomsi, Kenza||Bouzghiba, Houria||Mendyl, Abderrahmane||Al-Delaimy, Ahmed K.||Dahri, Amal||Saad-Hussein, Amal||Balaw, Ghada||El Marouani, Ihssane||Sekmoudi, Imane||Adarbaz, Mouaad||Khanjani, Narges||Abbas, Nivine H. Bridging research-policy gaps: An integrated approach

2024
Abbas, Nivine H.||Salma, Farah||Abou Dahesh, Abedulrahman||Yacout, Malak Volunteering, the New Wealth of Students: The Importance of Skilled Volunteering in Educational Settings

2024
Abbas, Nivine H.||Etzel, Ruth A.||Anastario, Michael P.||Anastario, Michael P.||Osuolale, Olayinka||arkar, Atanu||Soyiri, Ireneous N.||Whaibeh, Emile||Soskolne, Colin L. Ethics guidelines for environmental epidemiologists: 2023 revision

2024
Abdelnaby, Asmaa||Abbas, Nivine||Abdelhafiz, Ahmed Samir||Mohammed, Zeinab||Yasser, Sara||Taha, Nada||Makkeyah, Sara||Mohammed, Maha||Silverman, Henry J. Knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported practices regarding plagiarism among health researchers in Egypt and Lebanon: a multicenter questionnaire study

2024
Nasr, Ramona||Nasr, Nada||Haddad, Chadia||Saab, Samantha Abi||Ibrahim, Sara Abou||Karam, Joanne||Rahman, Abir Abdel Financial insecurity and mental well-being: experiences of parents amid the lebanese economic crisis

2024
Abdel Rahman, Abir||Kassem, Nada O F||Edwards, Marc Lewis Emrys||Abdallah, Bahia||Abdel Malak, Rana Adding sugar to children's beverages: a theory of planned behavior study of Lebanese mothers

2024
Nasr,Ramona, Rahman, Abir Abdel|, Haddad, Chadia, Nasr, Nada, Karam, Joanne, Hayek, Jessy, Ismael, Ibrahim Swaidan, Eman Salameh, Pascale Alami, Nael Corrigendum: Molecular characterization of carbapenem and ceftazidime- avibactam-resistant Enterobacterales and horizontal spread of bla NDM-5 gene at a Lebanese medical center

2024
Mohtar, Jad||Mallah, Hiba||Mardirossian, Jean Marc||Bikai, Ran||Jisr, Tamima El||Soussi, Shatha||Naoufal, Rania||Alam, Gabriella||Chaar, Mira. Enhancing enteric pathogen detection: implementation and impact of multiplex PCR for improved diagnosis and surveillance

2024
Chaar, Mira El||Khoury, Yaralynn||Douglas, Gavin M||El Kazzi, Samir||Jisr, Tamima||Soussi, Shatha||Merhi, Georgi||Moghnieh, Rima A||Shapiro, B Jesse. Longitudinal genomic surveillance of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli carriage in critical care patients

2024
Diab, Hassan||Rahy, Kelven||Jisr, Tamima||Chaar, Mira El||Abboud, Edmond||Tokajian, Sima. Phenotypic and molecular characterization of multi-drug resistant Klebsiella spp. Isolates recovered from clinical settings

2024
Moussa, Jennifer||Nassour, Elie||Jisr, Tamima||Chaar, Mira El||Tokajian, Sima

Characterization of bla<inf>NDM-19</inf>-producing IncX3 plasmid isolated from carbapenem- resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia

2024
Sobh, Ghena||Araj, George F||Finianos, Marc||Sourenian, Tsolaire||Hrabak, Jaroslav||Pappagianitsis, Costas C||Chaar, Mira El||Bitar, Ibrahim Molecular characterization of carbapenem and ceftazidime-avibactam-resistant Enterobacterales and horizontal spread of bla NDM-5 gene at a Lebanese medical center

2024
El Osmani, Nour||PrÃ©vostel, Corinne||Picque Lasorsa, Laurence||El Harakeh, Mohammad||Radwan, Zeina||Mawlawi, Hiba||El Sabban, Marwan||Shirinian, Margret||Dassouki, Zeina Vitamin C enhances co-localization of novel TET1 nuclear bodies with both Cajal and PML bodies in colorectal cancer cells

2024
Haddad, Chadia||Zakhour, Maha||Sacre, Hala||Karam, Joanne||El Khatib, Sami||Akel, Marwan||Salameh, Pascale Examination of the natural mineral water quality in the Kesserwan region, Lebanon

2024
Obeid, Pierre J||Yammine, Paolo||Nakat, Hanna El||Kassab, Rima||Tannous, Tony||Nasr, Zeina||Maarawi, Therese||Dahdah, Norma||El Safadi, Ali||Mansour, Agapy||Chmayssem, AymanOrgan-On-A-Chip Devices: Technology Progress and Challenges

2024
Akbar, Zoha||Kunhipurayil, Hasna H||Saliba, Jessica||Ahmad, Jamil||Al-Mansoori, Layla||Al-Khatib, Hebah A||Al Thani, Asmaa A||Shi, Zumin||Shaito, Abdullah A The Association between Lifestyle Factors and COVID-19: Findings from Qatar Biobank

2024
Serhan, Mireille ||Hourieh, Hiba||El Deghel, Maria||Serhan, Carole Hygienic sanitary risk and microbiological quality of meat and meat-contact surfaces in traditional butcher shops and retail establishments- lessons from a developing country

2024
Serhan, Mireille ||Beyrouthy, Marc||Menhem, Cynthia||Mattar, Jessy||Hassan, Hussein

Health Potential of Zhourat Middle East Herbal Tea

2024
H adid, Michella||Alwan, Nisreen||Dimassi, Hani||El Deghel, Maria||Khatib, Sami El||Serhan, Mireille||Hassan, Hussein F. Microbial assessment of commercial pet foods marketed in the United Arab Emirates

2024
Hassan, Hussein F||Dimassi, Hani||Fadous, Andrea||Abou Alayoui, Khalil||Hteit, Rasha||Khatib, Sami||Hassan, Hadi||Serhan, Mireille Unveiling food safety knowledge and practices among pet owners in Lebanon

2024
Hassan, Hussein F||Dimassi, Hani||Fadous, Andrea||Abou Alayoui, Khalil||Hteit, Rasha||Khatib, Sami||Hassan, Hadi||Serhan, Mireille Unveiling food safety knowledge and practices among pet owners in Lebanon

2024
Whaibeh, Emile||Mrad-NakhlÃ©, Myriam||Aouad, Norma||Annesi-Maesano, Isabella||Abbas, The Environmental Exposures in Lebanese Infants (EELI) birth cohort: an investigation into the Developmental Origins of Health and Diseases (DOHaD)Nivine H.||Chaiban, Clara||Abi Hanna, Jowy||Abi Tayeh, Georges

BOOK CHAPTERS

- Serhan, M., Beyrouthy, M., Menhem, C., Mattar, J., Hassan, H. (2024
). Health Potential of Zhourat Middle East Herbal Tea. In: Mérillon, JM., Riviere, C., Lefèvre, G. (eds) Natural Products in Beverages. Reference Series in Phytochemistry. Springer, Cham.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-04195-2_128-1.

Honors, Awards, and Recognition

- Dr. Huda Abu-Saad Huijer r anked among the top 2% of researchers worldwide, according to an international study by AD Scientific Index, # 1 at University of Balamand, and Number 11 in Lebanon.
- Dr. Huda Abu-Saad Huijer appointed Adjunct full professor, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, U.S.A.
- Dr Charbel Al-Bayssari ranked Top 500 scientists in Lebanon and Top 12 in Balamand (Adi scientific 2024)
- Dr. Dima Mnayer: ADI scientific 2024: TOP 565 in Lebanon

FHS Student Clubs and Activities

The Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) continues to foster a vibrant student life at the Dekwaneh Campus. Despite the numerous challenges, circumstances and instabilities faced during the Fall semester, FHS clubs remained actively engaged. Many FHS students also played key roles in interdisciplinary and interfaculty clubs, such as the PreMed Club, Helping Hands Club, 2gether Club, Creative Arts Club, Book Club, Chess Club, The Cinephiles Club, and Music Club. During the difficult times of war, FHS clubs launched online awareness campaigns through their social media platforms, offering health and well-being tips to support the community during these trying periods. FHS students (Nursing Student Society, Helping Hands Club and 2gether Club) also made significant contributions to the Balamand Civil Society Support initiative by actively collecting donations for displaced populations. The PreMed Club further supported this initiative by organizing a successful Blood Drive in collaboration with the Blood Bank of the Lebanese Red Cross. The semester concluded with remarkable celebrations for St. Barbara’s Day and Christmas at the campus, during which FHS students showcased their proactive spirit and enthusiasm. The exceptional work of FHS clubs during the last academic year was recognized with several awards:

- Club President of the Year: Serena Akiki (Medical Laboratory Sciences Student)
- Club Member of the Year: Jad Ashkar (Medical Laboratory Sciences Student)
- Exemplary Student Experience Award: Mona Nammour (Nursing Student)
- Empowerment Award: Success is Female Event (Nursing Student Society, Creative Arts Club & Psych Savvy Club)
- Multi-campus Impact Award: Chess Club
- Community Engagement Award: 4D Club
- Community Service Award: Helping Hands Club
- Rising Star Award: PreMed Club
- Teamwork Award: 2gether Club
- Campus Life Contribution Award: Music Club and Creative Arts Club

Additionally, FHS students excelled in athletics, with Rawad Haddad (Medical Laboratory Sciences Student) earning recognition in Men's Tennis.

Stay tuned for exciting activities planned for the upcoming Spring semester, as we look forward to a more peaceful and prosperous future.

O U T L I N E