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    Dr. Ammar Olabi 
    Professor​ and Dean

    Department of Nutrition and 
    Food Sciences​
    Email: [email protected]​​​


    B​iography 

    As Dean of FAFS, Dr. Ammar Olabi is a leading academic and researcher dedicated to advancing sensory evaluation, food product development, and public health in Lebanon and the Arab region. With over two decades of experience spanning academia, research, and leadership, he has championed innovation in food sciences while addressing pressing health challenges, including obesity and excessive salt consumption.

    Dr. Olabi’s pioneering work integrates sensory science with product innovation to promote the development of high-quality, locally produced foods and enhance their economic potential in regional and international markets. He has led groundbreaking research that informed Lebanon’s first policy paper on salt intake reduction and contributed to the improvement of dairy product quality to boost exports.

    An accomplished scholar, Dr. Olabi has published extensively in prestigious international journals and played a key role in producing essential sensory evaluation tools, including the Arabic version of the 9-point hedonic scale and the localization of Compus​ense® sensory software. His leadership at FAFS is marked by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, advancing sustainable food systems, promoting climate-smart agricultural practices, and preparing the next generation of scientists, innovators, and change agents.

    Research Expertise: Sensory Evaluation | Food Acceptability | Product Development | Dairy Product Development​
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    Dr. Hadi Jaafar 
    Professor, Chairperson, and Associate Dean for Research and Innovation

    Department of Agriculture

    B​iography 

    Dr. Hadi Jaafar is a Professor, Associate Dean for Research and Innovation, and Chairperson of the Department of Agriculture at the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences (FAFS), American University of Beirut (AUB), and the founder and director of AgHive - the university’s unit for remote sensing and smart irrigation.

    Dr. Jaafar is an internationally recognized expert in water resources, irrigation engineering, climate-smart agriculture, and GIS and remote sensing applications for smart irrigation and food security. He is the developer of AgSAT, the world’s leading smart irrigation application that estimates field-scale crop water requirements using satellite data. His research has been published in leading journals including Remote Sensing of the Environment, Journal of Hydrology, Agricultural Water Management, Food Policy, Nature’s Scientific Data, and Nature Sustainability.

    Dr. Jaafar leads numerous high-impact projects, including a $1M Google-funded initiative applying artificial intelligence to optimize irrigation, the TALANOA Water Dialogue for adaptation to water scarcity under climate change, and NASA- and USDA-supported international research on field-scale water use and productivity. He is also a member of the Surface Biology & Geology Applications Working Group led by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory at Caltech and serves as a consultant on climate change mitigation and adaptation in agriculture for global organizations.

    Research Expertise: Smart Irrigation | Remote Sensing | Climate Adaptation | Water Management | Crop Yield Mapping
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    Dr. Lara ​​Nasreddine
    Professor​ and Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs

    Department of Nutrition and
    Food Sciences​
    Email: [email protected]​​​​

    B​iography 

    Dr. Lara Nasreddine is a Professor of Human Nutrition and the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs at the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut (AUB). She also serves as Coordinator of the graduate Public Health Nutrition program and Co-Chair of AUB’s Institutional Review Board for Social and Behavioral Sciences.

    An internationally recognized nutritionist, Dr. Nasreddine’s research focuses on dietary assessment, food consumption patterns, and the impact of diet on obesity and cardiometabolic health. Her work has advanced understanding of nutrition transitions, pediatric obesity, and dietary exposure to contaminants, informing national nutrition policies and global public health initiatives.

    She holds a PhD in Biological Sciences (Nutrition) from the Université de Bretagne Occidentale in France and is an elected Associate Fellow at the Académie d’Agriculture de France. Author of over 140 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Nasreddine is a recipient of the Abdul Hameed Shoman Award for Arab Researchers and a trusted expert for WHO, UNICEF, FAO, and IAEA.

    Research Expertise: Dietary Assessment | Pediatric Obesity | Public Health Nutrition | Maternal and Child Nutrition
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    Dr. Samer Kharroubi 
    Professor​, Chairperson, and AUB Associate Dean of Student Affairs

    Department of Nutrition and 
    Food Sciences

    B​iography 

    Dr. Samer Kharroubi is Professor of Biostatistics and Chair of the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences at the American University of Beirut (AUB). He also serves as Associate Dean of Student Affairs at AUB and Director of the Statistics Support Clinic and holds an Honorary Professorship in Medical Statistics at the University of Sheffield, UK. A Chartered Statistician, he is recognized internationally for his expertise in the design, analysis, and interpretation of complex health, nutrition, and medical research studies.

    Dr. Kharroubi’s research focuses on the theory and application of Bayesian statistics, with significant contributions to computational methods, Bayesian modeling, and hierarchical approaches. He has applied these methodologies extensively in health economics, nutrition, medicine, and public health, generating evidence that informs policy, program evaluation, and clinical decision-making. Over his career, he has led numerous high-impact studies, providing methodological guidance and statistical support to interdisciplinary research teams.

    Research Expertise: Bayesian Statistics | Statistical Modeling | Health Economics | Medical Statistics | Nutrition Research
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    Dr. Ali Chalak 
    Professor​, Director of the Food Security Program, and Coordinator of the Rural Community Development Program

    Department of Agriculture Email: [email protected]

    B​iography 

    Dr. Ali Chalak is a Professor of Applied Economics and Agribusiness at the Department of Agriculture at the American University of Beirut (AUB). His research focuses on the intersection of agricultural economics, environmental policy, and consumer behavior, with particular emphasis on sustainable food systems, food waste reduction, and environmentally responsible production practices. Prior to joining AUB in 2009, Dr. Chalak worked as an economics consultant in the UK, providing research expertise to water, wastewater, and utility providers across the UK and Europe.

    Dr. Chalak utilizes advanced non-market valuation techniques, discrete choice analysis, and econometric modeling to explore consumer demand for eco-labeled, health-oriented, and safety-certified foods in Lebanon and other developing countries. His work also investigates the behavioral and structural factors influencing household and hospitality food waste, farmers’ adoption of conservation agriculture, and the economic and policy drivers shaping food safety management and pesticide regulation.

    At AUB, Dr. Chalak serves as the Director of the Food Security Graduate Program, the Coordinator of the Rural Community Development Graduate Program, and the Coordinator of the Undergraduate Agribusiness Program. In addition to his academic responsibilities, he maintains an active role in independent economics consulting, working with clients from the private, public, and voluntary sectors, both locally and internationally.

    Research Expertise: Agricultural and Food Economics | Consumer Research | Transport Economics | Health Policy | Food Security​
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    Dr. Imad Toufeili
    Professor​

    Department of Nutrition and 
    Food Sciences​
    Email: [email protected]​​​

    B​iography 

    Dr. Imad Toufeili is a Professor of Food Science at the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut (AUB). His research focuses on traditional foods, processing technologies, and consumer behavior across the Middle East and beyond. Through his extensive work on dairy products, breads, and other staple foods, Dr. Toufeili has advanced understanding of shelf-life dynamics, sensory quality, and product reformulation. His studies on reducing sodium content in dairy products reflect his strong commitment to improving both food safety and public health.

    Dr. Toufeili’s work bridges fundamental science with practical applications, supporting innovation in traditional and emerging food systems. By combining scientific rigor with industry relevance, he continues to contribute to the development of safer, more sustainable, and nutritionally balanced foods that respond to changing consumer needs and health priorities.

    Research Expertise: Food Chemistry | Food Analysis | ​Functional Foods | Indigenous Foods | Food Fortification | Food Quality and Shelf Life​
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    Dr. Mohamad G. Abiad 
    Professor​ and Director of the Laboratories for the Environment, Agriculture and Food

    Department of Nutrition and 
    Food Sciences​
    Email: [email protected]​​​

    B​iography 

    Dr. Mohamad G. Abiad is a Professor of Food Processing and Packaging at the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences and Director of the Laboratories for the Environment, Agriculture, and Food (LEAF) at FAFS, AUB. He also serves as Adjunct Faculty at Michigan State University’s School of Packaging. In addition to his academic roles, he is the Senior Advisor to the Lebanese Minister of Environment and contributes to several national committees, including those on food safety, public health, and Lebanese standards. 

    Dr. Abiad is a Lifetime Certified Packaging Professional and Certified Environmental Sampler, with multiple certifications in food safety and processing. His research focuses on food waste recycling, sustainable packaging design, and product innovation, with over 60 publications in top-tier journals and books. A member of leading international professional organizations, Dr. Abiad brings over two decades of consulting experience in the agro-food industry across Lebanon, the Middle East, and North Africa. He has collaborated with major international agencies such as the EU, USAID, FAO, UNDP, and ESCWA, and led numerous capacity-building workshops and international conferences advancing knowledge in food systems sustainability, packaging, and waste management.​

    Research Expertise: Food Engineering | Food Processing | ​Food Packaging | Food Waste​
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    Dr. Mohamad T. Farran
    Professor​ 

    Department of Agriculture

    B​iography 

    Dr. Mohamad T. Farran is a Professor of Poultry Science at the Department of Agriculture, American University of Beirut (AUB). His research spans poultry nutrition, production, and sustainable agriculture, with a focus on optimizing feed formulations, evaluating the nutritional and functional quality of animal products, and exploring the use of poultry manure as a fertilizer for crop production.
    Dr. Farran has contributed significantly to understanding growth performance, egg quality, and immune function in poultry, investigating alternative protein sources such as tannin-free fava beans and safflower meal, and examining dietary interventions to improve health and productivity. His work also addresses food safety and storage quality of eggs under Lebanese farming conditions and the impact of dietary modifications on nutrient composition and metabolic outcomes in poultry.

    Beyond animal nutrition, Dr. Farran’s research integrates sustainable agricultural practices, including the use of poultry manure and lignocellulose to enhance soil fertility, crop yield, and water-use efficiency in horticultural production. His work bridges livestock management and crop production, supporting environmentally responsible and resource-efficient agricultural systems.

    Research Expertise: Poultry Nutrition | Poultry Production | Feed Formulation 
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    Dr. Mustapha​ Haidar 
    Professor​ and Director of the Advancing Research Enabling Communities Center

    Department of Agriculture

    B​iography 

    Dr. Mustapha Haidar is a Professor of Weed and Plant Science and the long-serving Director of the Advanced Research Enabling Communities (AREC) at the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences (FAFS), American University of Beirut (AUB). With more than four decades of experience in agriculture and rural development, Dr. Haidar is widely recognized for his leadership in integrating research, education, and outreach to advance sustainable and resilient agricultural systems in Lebanon and the region.

    As AREC Director, he has transformed the center into a living laboratory for innovation, applied research, and community engagement. He leads strategic initiatives that link field-based research to policy and practice, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and supporting AUB’s mission of experiential learning and rural development.
    Dr. Haidar’s research focuses on sustainable agriculture, weed science, environmental health, and rural resilience, with a strong emphasis on applied solutions for crop productivity and environmental sustainability. He has led several high-impact projects, including the GEOHealth-MENA platform and the Saffron Agronomic Development initiative.

    Research Expertise: Weed Ecology | Integrated Weed Management | Saffron Agronomy | Sustainable Agriculture | Organic Farming
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    Dr. Nahla Hwalla
    Professor​ 

    Department of Nutrition and 
    Food Sciences​

    B​iography 

    Dr. Nahla Hwalla is a Professor of Human Nutrition at the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut (AUB), and a US-registered and Lebanese-licensed dietitian. She is also President of the Lebanese Order of Dietitians and a fellow of the International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS) and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 

    Dr. Hwalla’s research focuses on nutrition, diet quality, obesity, sustainable diets, and food systems, with an emphasis on the Mediterranean diet, child and maternal nutrition, and the nutritional transition in the Arab world. Dr. Hwalla’s work integrates population-based studies, dietary modeling, and policy-oriented research to address the links between diet, chronic disease, and public health. She has contributed extensively to global assessments of dietary patterns, obesity, and non-communicable disease risk, and her research informs sustainable food-based dietary guidelines, nutrition policy, and health promotion strategies.

    Research Expertise: Nutrition | Obesity | Mediterranean Diet | Sustainable Diets | Food Security 
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    Dr. Omar Obeid 
    Professor​ 

    Department of Nutrition and 
    Food Sciences

    B​iography 

    Dr. Omar Obeid is a Professor of Human Nutrition at the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, the American University of Beirut (AUB), with a distinguished research portfolio in micronutrients, metabolism, and public health nutrition. His work explores the roles of iodine, iron, and phosphorus in health and disease, encompassing studies on energy balance, inflammation, cognitive function, and metabolic responses.

    Dr. Obeid has led landmark national and regional initiatives, including the Lebanon Integrated Micronutrient, Anthropometry and Child Development Survey (LIMA23) and the establishment of the regional EQUIP laboratory in collaboration with the CDC and UNICEF. He also founded the Nutrition in Emergencies Training course and the Nutrition and Metabolic Research Laboratory at AUB, while spearheading the accreditation of the department as an EASO International Affiliate Centre for Obesity Management.

    His research integrates mechanistic studies with applied nutrition, addressing micronutrient deficiencies, protein quality, dietary phosphorus, and the physiological impacts of malnutrition and fortified foods. Dr. Obeid has been the principal investigator on numerous national and international grants.

    Beyond research, Dr. Obeid is a recognized leader in nutrition in emergency contexts, coordinating regional training programs to build capacity in managing acute malnutrition. His work bridges scientific discovery, policy development, and humanitarian practice, advancing nutrition research and public health both nationally and globally.

    Research Expertise: Human Nutrition | Metabolism | Micronutrients​
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    Dr. Shady Hamadeh​
    Professor​ and Director of the Environment and Sustainable Development Unit 

    Department of Agriculture

    B​iography 

    Dr. Shady Hamadeh is a Professor of Animal Sciences in the Department of Agriculture and serves as the Director of the Environment and Sustainable Development Unit (ESDU) at the American University of Beirut (AUB).

    His research focuses on sustainable livestock production, small ruminant systems in semi-arid areas, livestock–environment interactions with emphasis on water and heat stress, rural livelihoods, food security, and urban agriculture. He has conducted extensive studies on goat and sheep physiology, management strategies for heat and water stress, optimization of small ruminant production, traditional dairy products, and value chains in Lebanon and the broader Arab region. His work integrates animal science, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic development to enhance resilience in semi-arid agricultural systems.

    Under Dr. Hamadeh’s leadership, ESDU has become a regional leader in sustainable development, advancing community-based projects across Lebanon that focus on participatory development, capacity building, and knowledge sharing, with particular attention to smallholder farmers, women, and youth.

    Dr. Hamadeh’s vision centers on placing people and their livelihoods at the heart of development. He advocates for embedding community-based, action-oriented research in all development initiatives, reflecting his commitment to empowering local communities and preserving cultural and environmental heritage.

    Research Expertise: Ruminant Production | Animal Science | Rural Community Develoment | Food Security | Sustainable Farming 
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    Dr. Yusuf Abou Jawdah
    Professor​ 

    Department of Agriculture

    B​iography 

    Dr. Yusuf Abou Jawdah is a Professor at the Department of Agriculture, American University of Beirut (AUB), with extensive expertise in plant protection, integrated pest management (IPM), and plant pathology. His research bridges fundamental plant science with applied solutions for sustainable agriculture, focusing on virology, pathogen diagnostics, host-pathogen interactions, and breeding for resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses.

    Dr. Abou Jawdah has been instrumental in advancing diagnostic techniques for plant pathogens, employing recombinant DNA technology, serology, and PCR. He also leads research on marker-assisted selection and gene-silencing strategies to enhance crop resistance and develops biocontrol methods for greenhouse pests using local beneficial strains.

    Throughout his career, Dr. Abou Jawdah has combined research, teaching, and outreach - advising over 50 graduate students and organizing more than 100 farmer workshops across Lebanon. He has also served as an official advisor to two Lebanese ministers of agriculture and contributed to national policy through long-term membership in Lebanon’s Pesticide Committee.

    Research Expertise: Plant Pathology | Plant Protection​ | Integrated Pest Management | Virology 
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    Dr. Walid El Kayal
    Associate Professor​ 

    Department of Agriculture

    B​iography 

    Dr. Walid El Kayal is an Associate Professor of Plant Science in the Department of Agriculture at the American University of Beirut (AUB). His research examines the molecular and physiological processes underlying fruit development, stress resilience, and post-harvest quality, bridging fundamental plant biology with applied innovations that advance sustainable and climate-smart agriculture.

    Dr. El Kayal’s work focuses on plant tissue culture, hydroponics, and agri-voltaic systems, developing scalable solutions to enhance crop productivity and resource efficiency under changing environmental conditions. By integrating molecular tools with modern cultivation technologies, his research contributes to a deeper understanding of plant adaptation and offers practical pathways for improving agricultural resilience.

    Research Expertise: Horticulture | Plant Biotechnology | Genetic Engineering | Plant Molecular Biology | Plant Physiology | Postharvest Physiology | Tissue Culture
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    Dr. Carla Habib Mourad
    Assistant Research Professor

    Department of Nutrition and 
    Food Sciences

    B​iography 

    Dr. Carla Habib-Mourad is an Assistant Research Professor at the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut (AUB). She is a Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist with extensive experience in clinical nutrition, community health, and nutritional education.

    Her research focuses on nutrition awareness, healthy eating interventions, and the prevention and management of chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. She has contributed to advancing public health nutrition in the Arab world through evidence-based programs, publications in peer-reviewed journals, and books in Arabic.

    Dr. Habib-Mourad is the scientific director of the Nestlé for Healthier Kids Program – Ajyal Salima, a regional initiative in collaboration with AUB and Ministries of Education to promote healthy eating habits among schoolchildren in the Middle East. She combines her research expertise with public engagement, regularly participating in conferences, workshops, and media campaigns to raise awareness on food, nutrition, and active lifestyles. In recognition of her impact, she received the AUB Award for Outstanding Achievements in Nutrition Awareness and Education (2007).

    Research Expertise: Human Nutrition | Community Nutrition  | Obesity | Diabetes
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    Dr. Christelle ​​Iskandar
    Assistant Professor

    Department of Nutrition and 
    Food Sciences

    B​iography 

    Dr. Christelle Iskandar is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut (AUB), specializing in food microbiology and food safety. Her research focuses on natural food preservation, bio-preservation, and risk-based food safety management. She earned her Ph.D. in Biotechnology and Food Processing from the University of Lorraine, France, and was a Fulbright Junior Faculty Development Scholar at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA. 

    Dr. Iskandar is a certified Preventive Control Qualified Individual (PCQI, FSCPA, USA) and actively supports rural communities in Lebanon by building capacities in safe food production and handling. Her work bridges scientific innovation, practical application, and community impact, establishing her as a leading expert in food microbiology and safety.​

    Research Expertise: Food Safety | Food Microbiology | Bio-preservation | Dairy Production | Food production
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    Dr. Elie-Jacques Fares
    Assistant Professor

    Department of Nutrition and 
    Food Sciences

    B​iography 

    Dr. Elie Jacques Fares is an Assistant Professor of Clinical and Sports Nutrition at the American University of Beirut (AUB) and Head of the Nutrition and Metabolism Laboratory. His research integrates nutrition, metabolism, and physical activity to understand energy expenditure, body composition, and exercise efficiency across diverse populations. 

    Dr. Fares has extensive international experience, contributing to clinical trials, protocol development, and applied nutritional science. His work, published in high-impact journals, bridges fundamental physiology with practical applications in sports, health, and exercise science.​

    Research Expertise: Physical Activity | Sports Nutrition | Metabolic Phenotyping | Body Composition | Digital Health​
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    Dr. ​​Krystel​​ Ouaijan
    Assistant Professor

    Department of Nutrition and 
    Food Sciences
    ​Email: [email protected]​

    B​iography 

    Dr. Krystel Ouaijan is an Assistant Professor in Public Health Nutrition at the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut (AUB), specializing in the intersection of nutrition, food security, and public health policy. With a decade of multidisciplinary experience spanning clinical nutrition, health economics, global health research, and food security, she brings a systems-level perspective to addressing malnutrition and its socioeconomic determinants.

    Dr. Ouaijan has led and contributed to pioneering studies on the economic burden of malnutrition, the cost-effectiveness of nutrition screening, and the development of national guidelines on child wasting. Her work bridges research and policy, advancing Lebanon’s nutrition agenda through collaboration with governmental and international bodies. Prior to joining AUB, she was the chief dietitian of Saint George Hospital Dietitian leading the nutrition support team in the critical care units.

    As a founding member and General Secretary of the Lebanese Order of Dietitians, and a technical expert at the Lebanese Standards Institution, Dr. Ouaijan continues to shape the national nutrition landscape through research-driven advocacy and leadership in public health nutrition.

    Research Expertise: Malnutrition | Food and Nutrition Security | Community Nutrition | Public Health Nutrition | Nutrition Assessment​
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    Dr. ​Marie Claire​ Chamieh
    Assistant Professor of Practice in Nutrition and Dietetics

    Department of Nutrition and 
    Food Sciences

    B​iography 

    Dr. Marie Claire Chamieh is an Assistant Professor of Practice in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics and Director of the Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinated Program (NDCP) at the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut (AUB). A Credentialed and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, she has been a member of the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences since 2005, contributing extensively to teaching, program leadership, and experiential education.

    Dr. Chamieh is recognized for her expertise in evidence-based dietetics education, experiential learning, and curriculum and practicum development aligned with Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) standards. She has played a leading role in advancing clinical training through innovative teaching methodologies, case-based learning, and simulation-driven instruction that prepare students for professional excellence.

    She is a leading researcher specializing in the prevalence and determinants of obesity within the Lebanese population, investigating the influence of demographic, socioeconomic, dietary, and lifestyle factors. Her primary focus as a main investigator centers on the critical intersection of nutrition, physical activity, and nutritional status in patients with cancer. She also contributes to interdisciplinary studies addressing broader nutrition and health outcomes in individuals with chronic diseases.​

    Research Expertise: Clinical Nutrition | Obesity | Dietetics Education ​
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    Dr. ​Martin Keulertz 
    Assistant Professor

    Food Security Program 

    B​iography 

    Dr. Martin Keulertz is an Assistant Professor in the Food Security Program at the American University of Beirut (AUB). His research focuses on the water-food-energy nexus, with particular emphasis on the Arab world, Sub-Saharan Africa, and North America. He examines the political economy of water and food, including large-scale land and water investments, agricultural trade, resource governance, and the role of agribusiness in shaping global water systems. 

    Dr. Keulertz’s work also explores the socio-economic and environmental impacts of water and food policies, and the resilience of food systems under conflict and climate stress. Through a combination of empirical research and policy analysis, he addresses critical challenges in sustainable resource management, food security, and environmental governance.

    Research Expertise: Food Security | Water Security | Water-Food-Energy Nexus | Global Food Trade 
    | Political Economy of Food Systems​
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    Dr. Lina ​Jaber
    Lecturer

    Department of Agriculture 

    B​iography 

    Dr. Lina Jaber is a Lecturer at the Department of Agriculture and the Assistant Director of the Environment and Sustainable Development Unit (ESDU) at the American University of Beirut (AUB). Her research explores sustainable livestock production systems, focusing on ruminant adaptation to arid and semi-arid environments, circular agriculture, and the development of resilient agri-food value chains.

    Dr. Jaber’s work has examined the impacts of heat and water stress on small ruminant performance, management strategies for sustainable goat production, and the role of traditional dairy products in local economies. She also contributes to interdisciplinary studies on microbial quality in traditional fermented cheeses, the techno-economic feasibility of sustainable food processing systems, and the use of machine learning for quality prediction in traditional foods.

    Through her leadership at ESDU, Dr. Jaber supports community-based research and development initiatives that strengthen sustainable dairy value chains, promote inclusive rural livelihoods, and integrate environmental stewardship into agricultural practices.​

    Research Expertise: Ruminant Adaptation to Arid Environments | Sustainable Dairy Value Chain | Circular Agriculture
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    Dr. Youssef Doughan
    Lecturer

    Department of Agriculture 

    B​iography 

    Dr. Youssef Doughan is a Lecturer at the Department of Agriculture at the American University of Beirut (AUB). His research bridges agricultural economics, sustainability, and energy management, with a focus on the nexus between economic development, renewable energy, and rural livelihoods. He has published widely on topics such as sustainable energy use in agriculture, ecosystem-based management, economic growth, and the role of agri-food cooperatives in rural development.

    Dr. Doughan’s recent work explores the techno-economic feasibility of solar-assisted poultry systems and energy efficiency in small-scale farms across Lebanon’s semi-arid regions, advancing innovative solutions for climate adaptation and sustainable production. His earlier contributions include research on energy consumption patterns, inequality, and sustainable development in Arab countries, as well as policy-oriented studies on ecosystem management.

    Beyond academia, Dr. Doughan has extensive experience in development planning and international consultancy. He serves on the Board of Directors of the South Council, a governmental body driving sustainable development projects in South Lebanon and West Beqaa. He has also worked as an advisor to the Lebanese Minister of Environment, and as a senior consultant with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) on agribusiness projects in Africa and the Middle East.

    Research Expertise: Agricultural Economics | Sustainable Development | Renewable Energy | Economic Growth | Food Security​

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    Mr. Hamza ​​Daroub
    Instructor​​

    Department of Nutrition and 
    Food Sciences

    B​iography 

    Mr. Hamza Daroub is an Instructor at the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences (NFSC) at the American University of Beirut (AUB). His research centers on sensory evaluation, food acceptability, and the impact of ingredient modification on the quality and perception of food products.

    Mr. Daroub’s work investigates how sensory properties influence physiological responses and consumer acceptance. His research has examined topics such as the relationship between food palatability and metabolic hormones, the effects of salt reduction on dough and bread properties, and the development of innovative food products such as carob-based milk beverages. He also contributed to studies on Arabic sensory testing tools and dairy product reformulation aimed at improving healthfulness without compromising quality.

    Research Expertise: Food Analysis | Food Processing | Food Sensory Evaluation​​
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    Ms. Hana Sobh
    Instructor​​

    Department of Agriculture 

    B​iography 

    Ms. Hana Sobh is an Instructor at the Department of Agriculture at the American University of Beirut (AUB). With over two decades of experience in applied agricultural biotechnology and plant protection, her research focuses on molecular diagnostics, antibody production, and sustainable pest management.

    Ms. Sobh has played a key role in several USAID-funded projects, advancing molecular techniques such as ELISA, PCR, RT-PCR, and tissue culture for crop improvement and disease control. Her work contributed to developing locally crossed tomato seeds resistant to Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) and pioneering the production of antibodies for viruses such as CYSDV and Prune Dwarf Virus—later commercialized through Bioreba Company in Switzerland. She also led efforts to identify phytoplasma in Lebanon and implement farmer outreach programs to mitigate its impact.

    Ms. Sobh works on biological pest control, rearing natural enemies to enhance greenhouse pest management systems. Her career reflects a deep commitment to integrating biotechnology with sustainable agricultural practices to strengthen local food systems.​

    Research Expertise: Plant Production | Plant Protection | Plant Pathology | Plant Physiology 
    | Sustainable Pest Management | Biological Control 
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    Ms. Reem Hamza
    Instructor​​

    Department of Nutrition and 
    Food Sciences

    B​iography 

    Ms. Reem Hamzeh is an I​nstructor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences at the American University of Beirut (AUB). She specializes in food microbiology, foodborne pathogens, and antimicrobial resistance, with a particular focus on the heat resistance, survival mechanisms, and antimicrobial properties of microorganisms in food systems.

    Her recent research examines consumer food safety practices and behavioral factors influencing microbial risk, linking laboratory findings with public health applications. Beyond academia, she has worked as a Food Safety Inspector and trainer, leading workshops and public awareness sessions on safe food handling and processing. Ms. Hamzeh is also a founding member of the Lebanese Association for Food Safety (LAFS).​

    Research Expertise: Food Microbiology | Food Safety | Consumer Food Safety Perceptions | Quality Control | Food Processing 
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