From the pressures of social media to the stressful regional environment, young people in Lebanon face everyday challenges that directly affect their physical and mental wellbeing. To address this issue, LAU Assistant Professor of Nursing Rita Doumit has worked with colleagues across disciplines on a variety of research projects focused on promoting healthy behavior among youth, especially in the areas of eating and stress.

For example, together with Drs. Nadine Zeeni, coordinator of LAU’s Nutrition Program, and Maria-Jose Sanchez-Ruiz, associate professor of psychology, Doumit recently completed a study published in Community Mental Health Journal looking into predictors of disordered eating (DE) in young males. Not to be confused with eating disorders (ED), which include the better-known anorexia and bulimia nervosa, DE refers to altered eating patterns, including binge eating, extreme dieting, and inappropriate weight-loss techniques.

“It was previously believed that DE primarily affects females,” says Doumit. “But over the last decade, it was revealed that a substantial number of men suffer from the condition. For example, a recent review paper revealed that 42 to 45 percent of individuals engaging in binge eating were males!” In what is likely the first effort to investigate psychosocial predictors of DE in Middle Eastern males, Doumit and her colleagues surveyed 260 male Lebanese university students between the ages of 17 and 33.

“We found that media influence and strategies to decrease body weight had a direct effect on depressive symptomology,” shares Doumit. “This in turn predicted emotional eating among young men.”

“Dr. Doumit’s program of research in promoting healthy behaviors in the area of eating and stress management among our youth is extremely important given the seriousness of the problem in our region and worldwide,” says Dr. Anahid Kulwicki, dean of the Alice Ramez Chagoury School of Nursing at LAU. “Our youth is especially vulnerable due to additional stresses related to political and economic instability in the region.”

Doumit’s interest in reducing stress among adolescents inspired an earlier project funded by the World Health Organization. Together with her former student Chant Kazandjian, Doumit completed a pilot project aimed at improving mental-health outcomes and quality of life among young Syrian refugees in Lebanon. Previously covered by LAU’s website news, the intervention program helped 34 Syrian refugees from 13 to 17 years of age reduce anxiety and depression, leading to reported increases in their quality of life.

Based on the project’s results, “We aim to implement this program on a national scale to help provide Lebanese adolescents with stress-reducing skills that they can use throughout their lives,” Doumit says. “For example, how to turn negative thoughts into positive ones.”

In a third recent project, Doumit’s dual interest in healthy eating and stress reduction led her to investigate the relationship between young people’s use of different types of media and body image dissatisfaction, eating disorders and healthy eating. Together with Drs. Zeeni and Sanchez-Ruiz, she surveyed a sample of 244 Lebanese undergraduate students ages 16 to 21 and discovered that “using mobile phone multimedia is associated with unhealthy eating and stress.”

The study, which was accepted as an article in the journal Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing revealed that “Social media use is associated with body image dissatisfaction (BID), the risk of eating disorders (ED), and lowered self-control.” Even worse, these risks are exacerbated when students are faced with the prospect of separation from technological devices.

The good news is that, once the risks of technology use have been identified, strategies can be put in place to reduce their deleterious effects. The study “discussed the practical implications of setting limits and boundaries on technology during childhood and adolescence, as well as encouraging healthy eating and physical activity at home and on college campuses,” says Doumit. It also found that social media itself could be used as “a platform for intervention and prevention programs” to decrease the prevalence of BID and ED, as well as depression and anxiety.

Mathematicians can find employment in numerous industries by virtue of the very specific skillsets they possess. But how can math majors make themselves even more attractive to the job market? With an advanced degree.

LAU is the first university in Lebanon to have a graduate program in Applied and Computational Mathematics (ACM), encompassing some of the most diverse and interdisciplinary research in sciences and engineering.

The idea for an MS in ACM began with the objective of creating “a new program that can attract students who have a solid undergraduate math degree,” said Associate Professor of Math Chadi Nour. 

He noted that mathematics can be applied to a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, statistics, computer science, biomedical research, finance, material sciences, and atmospheric and ocean modeling. LAU’s research-oriented program also gives students the opportunity to conduct high-quality studies on problems with significant impact in applied sciences, according to Associate Professor of Math Rony Touma, including “applications in hydrodynamics, geophysics, blood circulatory systems, sediments and pollutants transport, and other real-life problems.”

In addition, the program introduces a new and exciting modern branch of mathematics: the Optimization of Variational Analysis track.

“The students are introduced to non-smooth analysis and its application in control theory, which is a very important branch of modern engineering science,” Nour said. Such knowledge, he added, is “essential for an in-depth understanding of present-day research in control theory.”

Student Samara Chamoun says the program’s focus on problem solving using analytical and computational tools gives it strength. “This helped me develop my teaching and communication skills. The materials, the research and the projects I have done were essential for being able to analyze and reach conclusions in completing my thesis,” she explained. The program, she added, has prepared her for an eventual PhD. 

Assistant Professor of Math Leila Issa said the program would prepare students for their doctorates “by training them on research, technical writing and presentations, and through exposing them to seminars.” The program culminates in a thesis, which “is usually accompanied by a publication.” 

Applicants to the MS program should hold a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, computer science, physics, engineering or another related field.

Graduates can expect to find employment in a number of sectors such as academia, industry, and high-tech startups and research labs locally, regionally and abroad, Nour said.

The Palestinian Cultural Club at LAU invited Benjamin Ladraa, a Swedish national of Swedish-Algerian descent to talk about his ongoing trip from Sweden to Palestine on foot. Having left Sweden last August, he has journeyed south through Europe, taking his first means of transport – in the form of a boat – from Silifke in Turkey to Tripoli in North Lebanon, only because safety concerns prevented him from crossing Syria. For the same reason, he will also have to take a flight from Beirut to Amman this week. He does, however, plan to walk to the southern tip of the Lebanese-Israeli border to make a symbolic statement before leaving Lebanon.

“I visited occupied Palestine last year and saw first-hand the human rights violations,” said Ladraa, who only learned about the Palestinian cause as an adult, having been born and raised in Sweden. He became curious about it when, during his study-abroad stint in Tokyo an Israeli classmate had voiced her opposition to her country’s policies. But, it was not until he met a Palestinian refugee in Sweden that he felt the need to do something meaningful within his limited capacity as a member of the International Red Cross.

At LAU, Ladraa was met with a roomful of attendees including exchange and SINARC students, Vice President for Student Development and Enrollment Management Dr. Elise Salem, Dean of Students Dr. Raed Mohsen, as well as LAU faculty and staff who were eager to hear his story.

“I’m a strong believer in non-violent resistance because weapons will only maintain an endless cycle of even more violence,” he said, when asked why he chose this particular way of raising awareness. He advocates all forms of non-violent resistance, he explained, including the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which works to end international support for Israel's oppression of Palestinians and to pressure Israel into complying with international law.

Students bombarded Ladraa with an array of questions, from his approach to persuasion to the logistics of his journey, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

“I encourage you to educate yourselves as much as possible on the topic, because the media will not always give you the right facts,” he said. “You will need to read books and follow reports issued by trustworthy sources, such as Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and B’Tselem.” Ladraa also invited students to join him on his tour of the Palestinian camps in Lebanon for a first-hand experience.

Students gathered around Ladraa for more questions and to exchange contacts, well after the session had ended. He invited everyone to follow him on his journey through “Walk to Palestine” on Facebook and Instagram.

Ladraa was met with a roomful of attendees, including exchange and SINARC students, LAU faculty and staff.

Associate Professor and Assistant Dean of LAU’s Alice Ramez Chagoury School of Nursing (ARCSON) Dr. Myrna Doumit has dedicated her career to cancer research and awareness, palliative care, and actively championing her vocation. In 2017, she was Lebanon’s sole representative among 173 leaders in the nursing profession awarded a fellowship at the American Academy of Nursing, and is currently running for the Presidency of the Order of Nurses.

Here, she speaks about how her work and achievements are relevant to LAU, her students and healthcare in Lebanon.

ARCSON has just seen off a new wave of competent nurses. Besides practical skills, what important message do you hope they will have taken with them?

I hope they will have taken with them the power of knowledge, the leadership skills and the science and art of nursing that we emphasize at ARCSON.  

From your experience, as an advocate for the nursing profession and patient-centered care, what obstacles are they likely to face and how can they overcome them?

Like all new graduates, they will be faced with a reality shock, but I would hope that with the education and training we have provided them they will be able to overcome it and grow into successful novice nurses.  

In your research and outreach initiatives, you have focused on cancer awareness and palliative care. Why?

Not only is cancer becoming a chronic disease, but it is also taboo in Lebanon. I would like people to be more informed about it, in order to better fight it. Palliative care is a human right.

What other issues, particular to Lebanon, do you believe should be addressed?

The shortage of nurses and its serious consequences on people’s health; the importance of having a standardized level of care across all hospitals; and the right of the nursing Order to be included at the national decision-making table for health-related issues.

In 2017 you were awarded a fellowship at the American Academy of Nursing (AAN), and you are currently running for the position of President of the Order of Nurses. How does this visibility help promote the nursing profession in Lebanon?

I believe it plays an important role in showing others what nurses can do and achieve at the national and international levels. It also gives us visibility as nurses within the university and nationally. My plan consists of using politics and media to promote the nursing profession in Lebanon. I want the Lebanese public to understand the important role nurses play within the healthcare system, the shortage of nurses we are facing, and the dangers of excluding them from the decision-making process or having different work entry levels for nursing.

Which of your many qualifications do you believe fit the role of President of the Order?

My passion, skills, commitment and experience. I am wholeheartedly dedicated to the nursing profession, which I value and respect. I have acquired invaluable experience and made an impact through voluntary work, the different administrative, academic and clinical positions that I hold to this day, in addition to being a part of several national, regional and international committees.

What is the effect of the brain drain on Lebanese-trained nurses, especially in the case of LAU’s graduates and its CCNE-accredited ARCSON?

The brain drain of Lebanese nurses will not have any impact on LAU’s School of Nursing per se, but it will have a serious effect on the health of the Lebanese population. It is a very serious issue that needs to be examined at all levels.

Do your students ever come back to you for advice after they graduate?

Sure they do, even years after they have finished their studies. Several of them are dear colleagues of mine. Once they graduate, my students become, to me, co-workers, and I try to mentor them as much as possible to help them reach the highest position or degree they aspire for.

The results will be announced on Sunday 24 June.

“My plan consists of using politics and media to promote the nursing profession in Lebanon.”

LAU believes in public institutions’ drive to develop their human capital and promote a highly functional state. President Joseph G. Jabbra and Commander-in-Chief of the Lebanese Armed Forces General Joseph Aoun put this conviction on paper by signing an agreement that will enable members of the armed forces to pursue graduate education at LAU. At the signing ceremony, held at the Ministry of Defense in Yarzeh, were the university’s leadership as well as a group of top-ranking members of the armed forces. 

“Ever since its early establishment in 1835, LAU has proudly been serving the nation,” said Jabbra, adding that this partnership with “an institution that has made sacrifices at the highest level” will bring immense honor to the university.

Aoun announced in his statement, “The army’s role is no longer limited to battles on the field,” revealing that they are now “focused on developing their human capital.” He declared that the army, in this day and age, should be able to connect with the people, stressing that education plays a vital role in “enhancing critical thinking, decision-making and problem-solving skills needed to add value.”

Having once been a student at LAU himself, Aoun extolled the university’s impact on his career. “At international trainings and workshops, I benchmarked against other international military personnel, and it was evident that my education at LAU really allowed me to represent Lebanon in the best way possible,” he said.

This academic cooperation was preceded by similar agreements signed with the State Security and General Security, whereby the university provides members and officers and their families financial assistance in the form of reduced fees for graduate studies; a three-phase leadership training program implemented by LAU’s Outreach and Civic Engagement unit (OCE) in conjunction with the Hariri Foundation for Sustainable Development; and a training course in gender-based violence, conceived and conducted by the Institute for Women’s Studies in the Arab World.

“LAU is honored to live up to its social responsibilities and its educational mission,” said Director of LAU’s University Enterprise Office and executor of the agreement Walid Touma. “It is with great pride that we, as LAU, serve our country and our army, in appreciation of their devotion to Lebanon and its citizens.” 

President Jabbra presents General Aoun with a commemorative gift.

The signing ceremony was attended by LAU leadership and top-ranking members of the armed forces.

President Joseph G. Jabbra and Commander-in-Chief of the Lebanese Armed Forces General Joseph Aoun sign the agreement that will enable members of the armed forces to pursue graduate studies at LAU.

Students, alumni, academia, and the community will soon enjoy more opportunities to engage with business-focused industry experts at dynamic workshops thanks to Nabil Bustros, the chairman and CEO of Midis Group, who has pledged his personal support toward the Nabil Bustros and Family Distinguished Lectureship Series Endowment Fund. 

Based in the Adnan Kassar School of Business (AKSOB), the endowed lectureship series will consist of two workshops each academic year, and feature international and regional guest speakers.

Gathering several LAU academic and advancement leaders, the signing ceremony at the university’s Beirut campus on June 6 demonstrated the business leader’s commitment to LAU and to providing the youth with opportunities to gain skills and knowledge that will help them in their careers.

At the event, LAU President Dr. Joseph G. Jabbra thanked Bustros for his generosity and his contribution to LAU. “It is really beautiful in life to dream. What is more beautiful, however, is to realize one’s dream. And we are in the presence of someone who combined both,” he went on to say. “Not only did he [Mr. Bustros] realize his dreams, but he added an incredible dimension, and that is generosity. He gives to noble causes, including LAU’s new lectureship series.”

The inaugural workshop is shaping up to be an impressive one with Bustros’ support and input. Launching the lectureship series, Stephen Gillett, CEO and co-founder of Chronicle – Google X’s cybersecurity company – will be conducting an open discussion on leadership, change, and innovation on June 25. 

Explaining what motivated his philanthropy, Bustros said, “I have had a lot of luck in my career, and, as a result, I have received a lot, which I believe I need to donate. And I think that my contribution today is in the best hands at LAU and AKSOB.” Indeed, Bustros has guided Midis Group for several decades, developing it into a strong market leader with over 150 companies and more than 4,500 employees.

LAU Provost Dr. George K. Najjar praised Bustros’ commitment to education and youth. “The likes of Mr. Bustros represent a tremendous force behind the emergence of American business education,” he said. “The Carnegies of the world, the Sloans of the world, the Whartons of the world made excellence possible through their generosity. You, Mr. Bustros, represent a rare example of Lebanese business leaders and we are exceptionally lucky to have you.”

LAU strives to give students ongoing opportunities to hone their skills and learn more through seminars, workshops, and industry-related events across all its schools, year-round. Such programming helps to boost the link between industry and academia and best position students for success, whether in academic advancement or landing internships.

Commenting on the importance of such collaboration, LAU Assistant Vice President for Advancement, Nassib N. Nasr said, “This gift is a great example of industry and academia joining forces to benefit students. We are very excited about this lectureship series to continue to foster a culture of entrepreneurial thinking within the LAU community at large.”

The workshop themes and selection of guest speakers are organized by AKSOB’s administration in consultation with Bustros, who is an active member of the school’s advisory board. Bustros also plans to take part in workshops and, given his extensive experience and knowledge of the business world, will certainly be a key feature of the lectureship series for many years to come.

To attend the inaugural Nabil Bustros and Family Distinguished Lectureship Series workshop featuring Stephen Gillet on June, 25 at 11:00 a.m., please register here.

The signing ceremony at LAU Beirut campus was attended by LAU academic and advancement leaders.

Nabil Bustros’ generous and personal donation demonstrates his commitment to LAU and to empowering the youth with skills and knowledge.

Under the umbrella of the Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, the Continuing Medical Education Office, the Clinical Research Unit (CRU) and the newly accredited Clinical Simulation Center (CSC) joined forces to bring healthcare professionals the Research in Simulation-Based Education workshop at the CSC on Byblos campus.

The workshop – one of many planned – falls within a CSC project to create a “Simulation Community of Practice,” whereby “simulation diploma graduates share their ideas and benefit from the expertise of international experts,” says CSC Director Dr. Vanda Abi Raad. Another such seminar, titled Ensuring Success of In Situ Simulation, was held in April by Dr. Guillaume Alinier, professor of Simulation in Healthcare Education at the University of Hertfordshire, UK.

The objective of the workshops, ultimately, is “to establish interprofessional collaborative simulation-based education projects at the level of the nation, in a bid to promote patient safety and quality in healthcare,” explains Dr. Abi Raad.

The session was held by Dr. Jack Boulet, vice president of Research and Data Resources for the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates. During the event, Assistant Dean for Clinical Research at the School of Medicine Dr. Naji Riachi informed the participants about the different services offered by CRU, and Dr. Abi Raad expressed the center’s readiness to receive any collaborative research proposals in simulation-based education.

Dr. Boulet has a strong background in development and validation of performance-based credentialing assessments in medicine, those evaluations that measure medical students’ and professionals’ performance in simulation exercises carried out in clinical settings.

The workshop set out to explore how research is conducted in the field of simulation. Around 35 attendees – mostly healthcare professionals from Lebanese hospitals and universities – delved into of the functions of applied research, such as critiquing research studies related to simulation, generating testable research hypotheses, basic experimental and non-experimental research designs, appropriate data collection strategies, interpreting quantitative and qualitative data, and communicating research results in writing.

As an instructor for the Simulation Diploma for the past three years, Dr. Boulet remarked that “the program is valuable in that it helps physicians, nurses, and other health professionals develop the skills necessary to build simulation-based educational and assessment programs.” With these programs, he added, “we can help ensure that providers have adequate skills.”

Simulations are used extensively in healthcare training, including educating practitioners and assessing individual or team competencies. They help medical schools ensure their graduates are ready to perform in critical, real-life situations and that practitioners know how to improve educational and assessment activities. LAU’s CSC hosts replicas of medical settings, state-of-the-art machinery and human-like medical mannequins for students and professionals to work on.

“Clinical simulations help students develop the skills needed to become practicing clinicians,” Dr. Boulet said. “They can develop these skills in a structured environment where patient safety is not an issue. From a quality improvement perspective, clinical simulation can help practicing clinicians improve their skills and, more important, learn new ones.”

Hands-on experience in a safe environment has enhanced medical education as a whole in Lebanon and elsewhere, added Boulet. “Health professions education has evolved over the past few decades, moving from didactic lectures to more ‘hands-on’ problem-based learning,” he said. “Knowing that the students are able to communicate with patients, deal with difficult situations, take focused patient histories, perform fundamental procedures and physical examination maneuvers, and act professionally is essential and can give the students more confidence as they interact with real patients.”  

Attendees were able to receive Continuing Medical Education Credits for the experience. 

Jack Boulet (center, front row) with LAU faculty and participants.

For decades, the international community has struggled to find effective means of dealing with seemingly unending refugee crises, with the Syrian situation perhaps the most dramatic contemporary example of population displacement. Financial constraints make up the core issue refugees cope with, as the availability of cash – or lack thereof – might well make the difference between life and death, affecting families’ access to food, shelter and medical care.

Both international agencies and private donors have recently acted on the assumption that unrestricted cash transfers to refugees – known also as multipurpose cash transfers, or MPCs – are more effective than in-kind assistance, because they provide more choice and dignity for the recipients while also improving local economies. Yet according to LAU Associate Professor of Clinical Pharmacy Dr. Ghada El Khoury, “We know very little about how MPCs affect health in humanitarian crises.”

Dr. El Khoury now has the opportunity to provide an answer to this question in relation to Syrians who have found refuge in Lebanon as a result of their own country’s ongoing civil conflict. Recently, she received approximately $45,000 from Johns Hopkins University to serve as the sole implementing partner on a study titled Multi-Purpose Cash Transfers and Health Among Vulnerable Syrian Refugees in Lebanon, which is part of a larger international project studying the effectiveness of MPCs in both Lebanon and Jordan.

“Having witnessed one of the largest humanitarian crises to have ever affected Lebanon and being committed to emphasizing the role of pharmacists in improving population health, I could not stay passive,” says Dr. El Khoury. “The potential contribution of pharmacists extends far beyond the simple supply of medicines, and we should in fact be a part of all levels of planning and provision of public health services. I wanted to get involved in research to better understand how Syrian refugees are receiving healthcare and what are the best means for their health-service provision within the very complex and fragmented healthcare system in Lebanon.”

Thanks to the grant, which is sponsored by the Save the Children Fund and supported by the Department of International Development and the Wellcome Trust, Dr. El Khoury will have the chance to do just that. She will be working together with renowned faculty from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, as well as stakeholders from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), to “assess how Syrian refugees’ health-seeking behavior, health-service utilization and expenditures are affected by MPCs.” 

Approximately 50,000 Syrian households in Lebanon receive monthly MPCs from the UNHCR in Lebanon, valued at around $175 per household. The study will focus on vulnerable refugee households in non-camp settings and involves quantitative data collection over a period of one year through phone interviews using a structured questionnaire that will investigate if and how refugees use MPCs for healthcare purposes. Qualitative data gathered through focus group discussions will be used to deepen the understanding of refugee experiences and provide context for the data gathered through the surveys.

According to Dean of the School of Pharmacy Dr. Imad Btaiche, “Such studious work reaffirms the SOP faculty’s commitment to scholarly pursuits, seeking external research grants, meeting the emerging needs in social healthcare, and asserting the role of the pharmacist as a public health provider. These are in line with the school’s commitment to advance its mission and carry out its strategic plan for 2018 through 2023.”

In the end, says Dr. El Khoury, the project will “provide invaluable evidence for both the ongoing Syria regional response and future humanitarian emergencies,” hopefully leading to strategies that will improve refugee health and general wellbeing.

Dr. El Khoury’s project will provide “invaluable evidence for both the ongoing Syria regional response and future humanitarian emergencies.”

Under the patronage of the Minister of Finance Ali Hassan Al Khalil, LAU signed a memorandum of understanding on June 19 with the General Directorate of Land Register and Cadaster (GDLRC) headed by George Maarawi. The objective, as stated in the agreement, is “to execute joint educational, innovative and exchange programs related to elaborating cooperation in the fields of digital transformation and digital projects in general.” 

Since adopting an automated system to facilitate the registration and retrieval processes at its Land Registry offices and Cadaster departments, the ministry has required the support of the private sector in implementing its projects. LAU will therefore offer its expertise and innovations, in the form of consultancies or task forces, within its mission to collaborate with the public sector in modernizing the state. The agreement will also provide opportunities for students through internships and hands-on experience.

During the signing, which took place at the ministry, Al Khalil described the event as a “milestone in the relationship between the public sector, represented by the Ministry of Finance, and the private sector, represented by the prestigious Lebanese American University, a leader in higher education in Lebanon that prepares our youth to keep up-to-date with progress worldwide.” 

Commenting on the need to streamline the functions of the Lebanese administration in this digital age, Al Khalil referred to the ministry's reliance on the expertise and spirit of LAU students in shaping the state's future.

In response, LAU President Dr. Joseph G. Jabbra expressed his delight that the agreement falls within “the university’s mission to serve the community and the youth – our only hope for the advancement of Lebanon, not only locally but also internationally.” So long as there are leading figures, together with these young and women, he added, “Lebanon will prevail through its youth, and we will spare no effort or expense in educating and encouraging them.”

The importance of the MOU, says Senior Advisor to the President for Public Affairs Dr. Christian Oussi, is that it speaks to a common goal of both institutions – the country’s welfare. “While LAU strives to promote the youth and preserve the nation through education,” he said, “the Ministry of Finance works to achieve the security of the nation by ensuring economic stability and growth.”

The MOU follows hot on the heels of an agreement with the Lebanese Army – giving its members access to higher education at LAU – with the university’s longstanding support of the public sector dating back to collaborations with State Security and General Security.

“These agreements, activities and initiatives,” says Assistant to the President for Special Projects Saad El Zein,  “reflect our concern toward the betterment of our social and community engagement, and strive for our country’s advancement by integrating our educational expertise with the public sector.”

“When I grow up, I want to be a doctor,” scribbled 13-year old Roqaya on a whiteboard next to the Safadi Fine Arts Building. In another context, this would not have been as significant since international law – which stipulates that all children have a legal right to free and compulsory primary education, and access to secondary education – would have allowed her to achieve her dream. “Not for a Syrian refugee living in the Sabra Palestinian refugee camp. The mere fact that Roqayya was able to write on that board in proper English is itself an accomplishment,” says Hany Shokair from Jusoor Syria, an NGO that took part in the event entitled “A Day in My Life” hosted by the Centre for Lebanese Studies (CLS) at LAU.

The event, which coincided with World Refugee Day, brought to campus more than 60 Syrian refugee children, as well as LAU faculty and staff with their children, for an interactive puppet show followed by a puppet-making workshop. The show recreated day-to-day situations and asked children to weigh in on important issues such as bullying and conflict resolution, as well as gender and ethnic discrimination, which were simplified and delivered in colloquial Arabic to allow for optimal understanding.

The general narrative in Lebanon is that Syrian refugees are placing an economic burden on the Lebanese infrastructure, including the public schools’ offerings. This has led the government to add on an afternoon shift to accommodate Syrian refugee children, estimated at 500,000.

However, this segregation has created additional problems. “At the educational level, this translates into bullying, violence and exclusion of Syrian children. Over time, such exclusion can lead to friction between communities,” explains CLS Director Dr. Maha Shuayb, who was a pioneer in researching education in emergencies. Inclusive education policies for all children, regardless of their religious, ethnic or economic backgrounds, is the key to preventing future disasters, she adds.

CLS reports further refute that public schools are burdened by the refugee crisis, as research findings have shown that well before the refugee influx, less than 30 percent of the Lebanese student population was enrolled in public schools. The centre has further captured similarities in school experiences between Syrian refugee children and economically disadvantaged Lebanese children, due to inherent weaknesses in the public school system. Among them is the challenge of learning math and science in a foreign language, which has long been a common drop-out factor.

As such, the primary goal must be to improve access to quality education across the board. The good news, says Shuayb, is that “steps taken to improve the refugee experience also positively impact local children’s experience.”

Jusoor Syria is one of the NGOs invested in making education more accessible, by taking in students who have either dropped out or who were unable to register at public schools, and teaching them within the capacity of their schools. Another partner that helped CLS bring the children to LAU is Alphabet – Alternative Education, which has similarly done noteworthy work, in addition to relief efforts in Syrian camps.

“In class, we often talk to our students about higher education as a next step. Having them walk into the gates of LAU today held a special meaning because they finally got to experience what a university is,” said Shokair with clear emotion. These children, he added, are very rarely exposed to motivational experiences, as they rarely even leave the refugee camp.

Going back to Roqaya, he revealed that only nine months ago, she was unable to write or read in English. He was thrilled when she reached for the pen. 

To learn more about  CLS's research into access to education watch the videos on http://www.lebanesestudies.com/refugees-access-to-education-campaign/ 

The puppet show was followed by a workshop during which the children tapped their creativity and handicraft.

To put the children at ease, the day opened up with an interactive singing session.

Each child took away a photo as a reminder of the day and their dream.

More than 60 children took turns to write down their hopes for the future on a board.

When nearly 1,000 LAU students and alumni were interviewed about their perceptions of their university and what it offers, words that reappeared in the responses were “home,” “success,” “prestige,” and “excellence.” Researchers probed further, and a key finding surfaced: LAU students ranked their overall satisfaction with the university higher than other college students.  

These insights were part of the Global Talent Research Survey conducted by Universum, a leading international research firm specializing in employer attractiveness. LAU was one of the many institutions that took part in the survey, and the results were promising. They showed that the majority of the respondents were highly satisfied with the university’s reputation, image, culture and student life, the opportunities it creates, as well the diversity of educational offerings – above the global average. In addition, over half of those surveyed said they would return to LAU to study if given the choice.

The Department of Institutional Research and Assessment (DIRA) at LAU facilitated the Universum study. Diane Nauffal, assistant to the president for institutional research and assessment, attributed the positive response rate to the structural changes that LAU has undergone in recent years.

“All of the schools at LAU undergo institutional assessments and revisions. For us, quality is at the forefront of what we do, and we are further embedding it into the culture to instill a sense of pride among LAU students,” she said. 

Of the most notable findings, respondents from LAU said the reputation of their university is of high value to them and that they believed the institution is deserving of international acclaim, provides ample financial aid, and strengthens the spirit of inclusion and commitment to learning for all.

For Vice President of Student Enrollment and Management (SDEM) Elise Salem, LAU’s strong performance in the survey is a natural result of the attention invested in each student. “From orientation to graduation, the SDEM unit provides dozens of initiatives to ensure that students are not only well served but that they have ample opportunities to discover who they are, serve their community and become future leaders,” she said. “Students help govern the university through the Student Council, and entire programs are student-run, like the massive Model UN and other simulation programs.”

One of the most important aspects of student support is financial aid in its many forms. An honors program for undergraduate students allows them to take part in research projects, and the University Scholarship Program grants opportunities to exceptional public-school students who do not have the means to study at the institution. The merit-based scholarship is another example of how LAU works to attract the brightest students and strengthen accredited programs that bring rising scholars to the university. 

Student satisfaction with the university extends beyond LAU’s walls, the survey found. Respondents strongly felt that LAU serves as a solid reference, opening doors for future career and educational opportunities. They also echoed their satisfaction with the academic foundation the university offers, citing high employment rates among graduates.

“At LAU, we continuously strive to attract the best faculty, to develop innovative curricula, and to produce some of the best research,” said Assistant Provost for Academic Affairs Mona Majdalani. “We also make sure to support our students academically with tutoring and advising to ensure they are getting the most out of their education,” she added.

The next strategic step for LAU, Nauffal says, is “to go beyond borders.” This includes "distance learning, blended learning and exchange programs to enrich the lives of students and create a culture of excellence and diversity.”

Respondents from LAU believed that the institution is deserving of international acclaim, by virtue of its ample financial aid and its spirit of inclusion and commitment to learning for all.

In its eighth edition, the White Coat Ceremony at the Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine marked the transition of 53 students from pre-clinical to clinical learning, following two rigorous years of an interdisciplinary hands-on approach to medicine.

The theme of this year’s ceremony, reflected in the words of the faculty of the School of Medicine, centered on adopting a humane approach, while adapting to the advancements in the medical field.

Congratulating the students on how far they have come, LAU President Dr. Joseph G. Jabbra reiterated the values that bind doctors and aspiring professionals. “To me, the White Coat Ceremony symbolizes a very sacred promise, one that every doctor makes to himself and to his patients – and that is, in accordance with the Hippocratic Oath, to heal and care for them,” he said.

Addressing the students, Dean of the School of Medicine Dr. Michel Mawad drew their attention to the advancements in the medical field, optimized by the use of computers and artificial intelligence. “We, as your clinical teachers, mentors and advisors, must prepare you to adopt all these new advances. We must impart to you, as physicians of the future, a modern way of thinking and practicing medicine,” he said. “We want you to be open to new ideas and to embrace new technology, and always try to do better than us, your teachers. You outshining us is a measure of our own success as a School of Medicine.”

The school, led by the pioneering spirit of dedicated faculty members, has in fact made notable achievements in recent years. From a unique curriculum that enhances learning during the pre-clinical and clinical periods, to direct supervised patient contact with a focus on interpersonal skills, students are prepared for realistic settings from the outset.

Dr. Zeinat Hijazi, associate dean for Medical Education, proudly shared how students have transformed over the past two pre-clinical years, highlighting the advantages that the program offers them. “Our curriculum is integrated and we start introducing our students to clinical practice from early on… We hope that they are going to apply all that we have taught them in the pre-clinical years, to do with communication skills, professionalism, patient safety and care,” she said.

LAU’s School of Medicine program, added Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs Dr. Sola Bahous, is based on a humanistic approach as well as teamwork, and “is an integration of all the disciplines together.” As students move on to the clinical stage, what matters most, she said, is for them “to feel a continuum, so they build on what they have learned and the knowledge they have acquired. It is now time they apply this knowledge for the benefit of the patient.”

The transition to clinical learning is one that the medical students have been looking forward to, said student representative Paul El Fata. On this new journey, he said, “keeping the humanitarian aspect, a spirit of helping others, as well as integrity and honesty, remains the main priority beyond any other target or temptation.”

Two significant milestones this year attest to the stellar education that the school’s aspiring physicians receive: in the course of the academic year, the Clinical Simulation Center (LAU-CSC) – where students undergo hands-on training in a controlled environment – earned its accreditation by the prestigious Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada; and only recently, under the auspices of Dean Mawad,  the first Comprehensive Stroke Center in Lebanon was launched  at LAU Medical Center-Rizk Hospital, the university’s teaching hospital.   

Commenting on LAU’s trailblazing record, Director of LAU-CSC Dr. Vanda Abi Raad also highlighted the introduction of the five-step Interprofessional Education (IPE) program. “IPE is something extremely new, built by LAU. In the fourth step, we have added simulation. We need students to interact in the simulation center, benefit from interactions with their patients, their colleagues and peers, and from the extraordinary offerings that they receive here.”

A short film compiled by the students and screened at the ceremony documented their journey from curious minds to critical thinkers – a recollection of social occasions, lectures, patient-interaction and problem-solving sessions.

Looking ahead, however, Dr. Mawad saw it fit to remind them of the universal meaning attached to the white coat.

“The white coat is the symbol of science, and also of cleanliness,” he said. “Cleanliness of the heart, that must be clean from any bias, toward patients’ gender, ethnic background, race, sexual preference, social or financial background. A patient is a patient no matter what. All lives are of equal worth. Your conscience and your heart must be as clean as this white coat.”

Fifty-three medical students donned their white coats in preparation for the clinical stage of their journey.

LAU’s second cohort of 14 fashion design graduates revived the old and daring with a bold fashion show that showcases their collections, on the evening of Thursday, 21. From the choice of the venue to the theme and down to every small detail, the event celebrated the past while offering a fresh new esthetic for the future.

At La Magnanerie, an 18th-century silk factory turned event venue, students worked tirelessly day and night leading up to the event, putting together 10 runway looks each, which is “double the global submission of five at this level,” according to Fashion Design Program Coordinator Jason Steel. This year’s event title, New Wave, takes reference “from the music, art and fashion scenes that emerged around the time of punk into the mid to late 1970s and subsequently changed perceptions of design – a theme that was inspired by the collections,” explained Steel.

The graduate fashion show has become an annual LAU tradition that acts as a launch pad for emerging designers and marks their successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design, in collaboration with ELIE SAAB and London College of Fashion. The four-year curriculum is modeled on fashion design programs offered at leading universities in the UK and the US.

From a designer who paid tribute to a grandfather she has never met, to another who worked with mentally-ill patients within a sensitive and controlled framework, students put their heart and soul into their collections and truly owned them.

“I attended art therapy sessions with patients who suffered from mental illnesses, and wanted to show them how even their simplest illustrations can be turned into a bigger creation, like a print or an idea for a garment,” said award-winner Genny Haddad, whose collection was eventually shot at an abandoned hospital for the catalogue.

In his welcome note, LAU President Dr. Joseph G. Jabbra said that this second group of fashion designers “have proven that art and beauty are boundless, and that the human mind and passion for advancement represent the energy that we can harness for the benefit of the larger community.” Dr. Jabbra further thanked LAU’s two partners – Elie Saab, whom he referred to as “the program’s godfather,” and London College of Fashion.

Honorary Chairman of the Fashion Design Program and world-renowned fashion designer Elie Saab in turn thanked Jabbra, and expressed his admiration for the “students’ rigorous work, endless ambition and adamancy to actualize their potential.” He further noted his pride in being part of a program that enables and empowers a new generation of fashion designers, as per global education standards.

For the Dean of the School of Architecture and Design, Dr. Elie Haddad, “Lebanese culture has distinguished itself on the world stage of fashion through a line-up of great figures, with our own Elie Saab leading the file, and whose success story is an inspiring model for our aspiring young designers.” He went on to remind the graduating class that success is achieved through “diligent work, patience, dedication and above all, teamwork.”

Following the speeches, professional models showcased the looks from the different collections to the beats of music carefully selected to reflect the spirit of each line. The show was a culmination of research, design development, toile and sampling, coalescing into complete collections. Notably, the designers worked with artisans and ateliers countrywide in the process – with many looks including fabrics, accessories and shoes created from scratch.

When it came to the awards, three students were recognized for their collections by the jury. Yasmine Hassouna received a Certificate of Excellence in Craftsmanship for Last Train to Nowhere; Genny Haddad, a Certificate of Excellence in Concept Development for De-Code-The Boy; and Tatyana Antoun, the Prix du Jury for Vamata. The winners went home with a valuable prize from Joaillerie Moukarzel, one of the event sponsors.

“Today was incredibly hectic that it feels surreal. I feel that tomorrow I’ll wake up and come back here to work again till midnight,” said Antoun, who was thankful for the award and proud that she was able to “see her vision come to life after four years of a very unique journey.”

In addition to LAU’s leadership, faculty and staff, a notable number of A-listers attended the show such as HE Christina Lassen, EU Ambassador to Lebanon, local and international designers, fashion journalists, bloggers and influencers. The event was sponsored by generous supporters of emerging Lebanese designers: La Magnanerie, LBCI, Joaillerie Moukarzel, Kurban Travel and Maximus Hotel.

At the end of the event, attendees were invited to check the designers’ portfolios, look-books and videos at an exhibition nearby, as everyone enjoyed a formal reception and met with the New Wave of LAU fashion designers.

Tatyana Antoun, winner of the Prix du Jury, receives her prize from Elie Saab.

Each design student showcased 10 runway looks, “double the global submission of five at this level.”

The fashion show was a culmination of research, design development, toile and sampling, coalescing into complete collections.

Founder of shipping giant CMA CGM Group Jacques Saadé passed away on June 24, 2018 in Marseille, France. He was 81.

Originally from Tripoli, Lebanon, Saadé left for Marseille in the 1970s, due to the war. Equipped with a degree from the London School of Economics, one ship, and a handful of employees, he launched in 1978 Compagnie Maritime d’Affrètement (CMA) in the south of France.

Today, with Saadé’s visionary leadership and many acquisitions, CMA CGM Group is the third largest container transport and shipping company in the world. The group, still based out of Marseille and headed by his son, Rodolphe Saadé, is present in more than 160 countries through its network of over 755 agencies, with no less than 30,000 employees globally.

Aside from his tenacity in business, he and his wife, Naila, were staunch believers in giving back to the community, and established the CMA CGM Corporate Foundation in 2005. Run by his wife and financed by the Saadé family, the foundation has so far supported approximately 200 social and humanitarian associations with special focus on France and Lebanon.

“With the passing of Dr. Jacques Saadé, the world has lost a great man, France has lost a shipping magnate, Lebanon has lost a beloved son, and LAU has lost a caring benefactor,” said LAU President Joseph G. Jabbra.

The generosity of Saadé and his family also touched those at the Lebanese American University (LAU), where he donated $500,000 toward the restoration of LAU Medical Center-Rizk Hospital’s blood bank lobby, which bears the donor’s name.

In his address to students at LAU’s 2014 commencement ceremonies, Saadé had said: “Be demanding – first of yourself and then of others, and create solid relationships with your partners based on trust.” During the commencement, he was honored with a Doctorate in Humane Letters for his contribution to the shipping industry.

Jabbra, who first met Saadé in June 2013, was in awe of his drive and passion to serve humanity through his shipping company. “While he is no longer with us physically, his ships that roam the oceans of the world day and night will continue to pay homage to his blessed soul and remind us constantly of the incredibly active life that he had on this earth,” Jabbra said. 

Jacques Saadé with LAU President Joseph G. Jabbra at the 2014 commencement ceremony where he received an honorary doctorate from the university.

LAU’s Institute for Social Justice and Conflict Resolution (ISJCR) organized a two-day meeting of experts and advocates for inclusive governance in Arab States, under the patronage of keynote speaker MP Bahia Hariri on June 21 in Beirut.

In October of last year, the Carnegie Corporation of New York awarded LAU a grant to support research on transnational social movements and gender policies to be conducted by ISJCR and the Institute for Women’s Studies in the Arab World (IWSAW). The ISJCR project includes regional participants from Egypt, Iraq, and Lebanon in a bid to develop a transnational network of advocates seeking to promote pluralism and inclusive governance.

The panel discussion on Challenges and Opportunities for Inclusive States in the Arab Region, held at the Adnan Kassar School of Business, included more than 20 academicians, experts, policy leaders and civil society activists from Egypt, Iraq and Lebanon.

Speaking at the forum’s opening session, LAU President Dr. Joseph G. Jabbra said that while the “breathtaking technological developments have brought down the walls of separation,” they also exposed major differences “within countries and in between countries.”

Expressing his regret that these differences have occurred in various parts of the world, including ours, he asked how we might convert them “into positive differences to bring different communities, be they religious or socio-economic, to listen to each other and realize that we are all human beings.”

Dr. Jabbra thanked the Carnegie Corporation of New York for their support, and ISJCR for initiating “critical research that unites us scholars, experts and educators, in order to make sure that our differences are bridged, and our communities brought together in a pluralistic society.”

For his part, ISJCR Director Dr. Imad Salamey said that the ultimate aim of the gathering was “to initiate and expand a regional forum of experts that would incubate a policy hub, providing research and recommendations to help policy leaders and decision makers mitigate emerging challenges for inclusive governance.”

In welcoming Hariri, Dr. Salamey described the minister as a champion of “building bridges across confessional and political divides while advancing Lebanon’s solidarity and support to all Arab causes.”

Hariri thanked Dr. Jabbra and Dr. Salamey, and expressed her appreciation for all involved in launching this initiative, which, she said, “carries many themes that deserve expanding and in-depth discussion.” Social justice, she added, was paramount to conflict resolution and a main driving force for “renaissance and advancement.”

Defining true governance as one with “clarity, precision, transparency and responsibility,” Hariri invited the participants to examine it within the context of Lebanon’s experience since 1948, from “the challenges posed by the Palestinian cause to those posed by the Syrian cause and their impact on the Lebanese national experience, at the governmental, economic and social levels, in all its successes and failures.”

Data and findings from the forum will be stored in an online database, and made available to policy leaders and scholars for their research on inclusive governance and challenges, revealed Dr. Salamey.

“Preliminary mapping by our lead researchers in Egypt, Iraq and Lebanon have already been compiled and bring us important findings regarding the challenges and opportunities for inclusive governance common to all three countries,” he added.

He reiterated ISJCR’s commitment to raising awareness and advocating for “positive policy change in the Arab region, as improving the state of inclusive governance is considered among its priorities.”

From left: Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences Dr. Nashat Mansour, ISJCR Director Dr. Imad Salamey, Keynote Speaker MP Bahia Hariri, and LAU President Dr. Joseph G. Jabbra.

On Monday, June 25, the Adnan Kassar School of Business (AKSOB) inaugurated the Nabil Bustros and Family Distinguished Lectureship Series, following a generous donation to LAU, by hosting Stephen Gillett, CEO and co-founder of Google’s Chronicle. The inaugural workshop drew more than 150 students, alumni, faculty, and leaders of the LAU and business community ­– including Nabil Bustros – for the dynamic discussion and reception that followed.

Dean of AKSOB Dr. Said Ladki revealed that the idea took root five years ago, when he was attending an international conference. He came back with a strong motivation to boost student interaction with local, regional and international business executives, who would impart practical advice from their areas of expertise. Since, AKSOB has hosted more local and international speakers, and increased student visits to various industries for them to learn from top-notch leaders such as former CEO of Tata Motors Carl-Peter Forster and Chairman of Middle East Airlines Mohamad El Hout.

In his welcome address, LAU President Dr. Joseph G. Jabbra shared the story of Elias Gallad, a man from Al Mina near Tripoli in North Lebanon, who “wanted to defy the water in order to succeed in life, just like any Lebanese who lives in a coastal city,” and left to establish himself and start a family in the US after World War II. He then revealed that Stephen Gillett is in fact a member of the Gallad family – which was changed to Gillett – and is of Lebanese ancestry.

Dr. Jabbra went on to describe Gillett’s track record, listing the positions he has held prior to joining Chronicle from Google, where he was an executive-in-residence at Google Ventures (GV), and continues to be an active GV advisor. His leadership spans enterprise software, retail and consumer technology, and his work history includes CEO of Symantec, President of Digital at Best Buy, Chief Information Officer at Starbucks and General Manager of Digital Ventures.

“I want to meet this person,” joked Gillett who was humbled by Dr. Jabbra’s introduction, when he first took to the podium at the lecture hall. He then clarified to attendees the nature of his work at Google X and how they select innovative ideas and bring them to life.

“At X, we invent and launch breakthrough technology that can make the world a radically better place,” explained Gillett, adding that their inventions have to address problems that impact a large community, and provide radical solutions that are commercially sustainable. While the world is witnessing many impressive inventions, the teams at Google X are constantly reminded not to be too caught up with the solutions that they create but instead to “fall in love with the problems” and focus on how to fix them.

Gillett gave several examples of noteworthy current projects that were recently made public by Google X, such as Wings, drones specialized to deliver packages and minimize the need for terrestrial shipment delivery, as well as portable, drone-based power generators, called Makani, which have the potential to solve problems of power cuts.

He also spoke extensively about cybersecurity and why it matters for all. “Cybercrime is the greatest transfer of economic wealth in history,” he declared toward the end of the session, where he touched on the gravity of the problem and the dire need for a radical solution. Finally, he concluded with a call for a change of mindset as the key to realizing change across governments, businesses and universities.

After his presentation, Gillett was met with numerous questions from attendees who were interested to know more about Google X’s not-yet-public projects as well as the possibility of bringing such technology to Lebanon to improve infrastructure and quality of life.

Following the Q&A, Gillett was presented with an honorary trophy from LAU, presented to him by President Jabbra, Dr. Ladki, Provost George K. Najjar and Mr. Bustros.

Gillett’s thought-provoking presentation prompted a barrage of questions from attendees.

President Jabbra spoke at length about Gillett’s impressive track record in positions of leadership.

Dean Ladki spoke of AKSOB’s dedication to providing its students with opportunities to learn from top local, regional and international business executives.

The teams at Google X, said Gillett, are constantly reminded not to be too caught up with the solutions that they create but instead to “fall in love with the problems” and focus on how to fix them.

As new graduates from the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) head to major international universities to continue their studies this fall, their success is proof of the excellent preparation, both professionally and academically, that they received at LAU.

SAS’s Department of Natural Sciences has much to celebrate this year, with seven graduating students accepted into PhD programs with full scholarships in the US and Canada, including McGill, Bowling Green, Pennsylvania State, University of Ottawa, University of Texas Southwestern, Boston College, and the State University of New York.

Zeinab el-Masri, who is heading to Penn State in September, says it was her diagnosis with osteosarcoma – a type of bone cancer – at the age of 11 that pushed her to study molecular biology at LAU. “Experiencing that increased my interest in biology, and made me pursue a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory sciences,” she said. 

“I consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to join the biology program at LAU,” she added, “because it doesn’t focus on cancer biology only, but also on other fields such as microbiology, bioinformatics and human genetics.”

Her goal is to work on identifying novel key players in pediatric cancers, such as osteosarcoma, leukemia and neuroblastoma, “for potential therapeutic approaches as an alternative to the chemotherapeutic approach.”

El-Masri and other high achievers have noted that it is LAU’s student-centered and research-oriented approach that gives students the added advantage of working in research labs alongside their mentors or graduate students, and publishing their own papers.

For instance, when computer science graduate Omar Farhat was applying to universities abroad, he had two internships and three published papers under his belt. Not only was he accepted to the University of Waterloo’s PhD program, but he was also granted the Cheriton Type I Scholarship, awarded to top students for academic excellence.

Farhat has participated in a number of global activities related to his major, including the international competition Google HashCode, hosted by LAU’s Computer Science Club, which Farhat founded. 

“After winning one of these competitions, Google contacted me for an internship in Warsaw, Poland, last summer. I exceeded their expectations there, which entitled me to another internship. Currently, I am in London interning again with Google-UK,” he said.  

In addition to the internships – which he says have helped him secure his place at Waterloo – Farhat was already a published researcher with two journal articles and one conference paper to his name while working as an undergraduate research assistant with Associate Professor of Computer Science Dr. Sanaa Sharafeddine.

“I don’t know if another computer science program puts such emphasis on equipping undergrad students with such skills. This is purely a gem,” he said.

Also from the Department of Computer Science and Mathematics, Maria Nakhoul is heading to Harvard for an MS in biomedical informatics. She is just one example of the great achievements made by LAU’s Bioinformatics program, which was launched in 2014.

Meanwhile, at the Department of Communication Arts, Aceel Kibbi was accepted for a master’s in journalism at both Columbia and Northeastern, settling on the latter; English major Tatiana Abi Aad will be pursuing a master’s in literature and modernity at the University of Edinburgh; while Israa Abdul Hak was accepted into Melbourne University for a double degree in applied linguistics and psychology.

Translation graduate Israa Akil received acceptances from a string of UK-based universities to complete her master’s – including the University of Surrey, SOAS in London, London Metropolitan University, Birmingham, and Essex – before settling on the first.

Over at the Department of Social Sciences, social work graduate Jana Abdul Jawad will be pursuing her MA in the same field at the University of Kent. For her part, political science and international affairs major Josiane Matar will continue with an MA in international public management at Sciences Po, Paris.

With such a solid academic background, SAS students are ready to take on the challenges of advanced degrees. They may be leaving LAU with a sense of sadness, but also with a deep sense of gratitude.

In effect since 2017, LAU’s Third Strategic Plan (SPIII) has as its first pillar Intellectual Capital and Knowledge Management, which is a commitment to raise the university’s research standing to the same levels as its undisputedly stellar teaching record. Within this framework, LAU’s schools have focused on strengthening their research capacities, an endeavor that depends in large part on the initiative of faculty members with the support of administration, often working in collaboration with each other to produce innovative studies.

For example, three faculty members from the School of Pharmacy (SOP) recently teamed up to conduct research that led to the publication of an article in BMC Medical Education, an open-access, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the training of healthcare professionals.

The journal focuses in particular on “curriculum development, evaluation of performance, and assessment of training needs,” and in their study, SOP clinical associate professors Drs. Lamis Karaoui, Aline Saad and Soumana Nasser do just that. 

“Scholarship on teaching and learning encompasses aspects of faculty professional development and studies the implementation of modern teaching and learning methods,” says Dr. Karaoui. “Our research project – titled ‘Mapping the Biomedical Literature Evaluation Competencies Based on Pharmacy Students’ Feedback’ – provides insights to pharmacy faculty involved in curriculum mapping and programmatic assessment.”

According to Dr. Nasser, in the LAU pharmacy curriculum competency in biomedical literature is “delivered to students in three courses throughout the pharmacy professional years,” specifically Drug Information and Literature Evaluation, Pharmacoeconomics, and Professional Pharmacy Practice Experiences. Dr. Nasser felt that to conduct research into the courses’ effectiveness “it was essential to plan and collaborate with key players in the curriculum and assessment of the Pharmacy Program” – namely Dr. Karaoui and Dr. Saad.

The resulting study charts how knowledge in this area is delivered to students enrolled in the courses, and examines the end results in terms of what the students actually learned. As part of the project, the three clinical faculty members developed a survey that they administered to students at both the beginning and completion of the courses, comparing the results to already existing assessment data.

In all three courses, students overwhelmingly reported having learned what the syllabi said they would for their learning objectives. Furthermore, most of the students surveyed (84 percent) appreciated the benefits of active learning methods in reinforcing acquired skills, thereby signaling the effectiveness of the SOP’s innovative teaching approach. Perhaps most importantly, as they moved from introductory to advanced courses covering biomedical literature, most of the students surveyed felt themselves ready to critically evaluate clinical trials – that is, to apply in practice the analytical skills they had acquired.

“Such research projects assist the curriculum committee in its decision-making process regarding assessment-driven changes to the program,” says Dr. Saad, “and it helps students link knowledge gained in different courses.”

Other pharmacy faculty “can replicate our research methods to other themes in the school’s curriculum, such as for areas of research, patient care, and professionalism” notes Dr. Karaoui.  And the students themselves benefit, as the study shows the “importance of students’ self-assessment in promoting their personal and professional development.”

For SOP Dean Dr. Imad Btaiche, the study is essential, because “Pedagogical research is of utmost importance in higher education, as it challenges educators to critically and systematically assess teaching methods and learning processes, ultimately impacting how learners can assimilate and apply their knowledge with confidence and in impactful ways.”

The majority of the students surveyed appreciated the benefits of active learning methods, thereby signaling the effectiveness of SOP’s innovative teaching approach.

This spring, LAU alumnus Dr. Pierre Karam was selected by the World Economic Forum as one of the 50 extraordinary scientists under the age of 40 for his contributions to advancing the frontiers of science, engineering and technology. Now a member of the Young Scientists community, he will be convening with 2,000 industry leaders, policymakers and businesspeople at the 12th Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Tianjin, China, in September 2018.

“I couldn’t believe I was picked at first, because it’s a very prestigious recognition,” said the AUB assistant professor of chemistry. “Two major criteria govern the selection: research – including awards – and impact on the community. The objective is to look at world problems and suggesting ways we can solve them together.”

Given the many awards he has garnered – a Fulbright, the Georg Forster Research Fellowship for Experienced Researchers from the Humboldt Foundation, the Young Investigator Award, and being named a Distinguished Researcher in the biophysical community – it comes as no surprise that Karam made the list.

His journey to success began at LAU in 2001, where he obtained financial aid and a scholarship, without which, he said, he would not have been able to afford an education. After graduating in 2004 with a BS in chemistry, he obtained his MS from AUB before pursuing his PhD at McGill University and a postdoctoral position at the University of California-Berkeley.

He chose to return to Lebanon after noticing the dire need for bright scientists able to bring about change in the country. “I felt that I needed to give back to my community,” he said, reflecting LAU’s spirit of serving society. “After I finished my graduate studies, I got many offers from several universities, but I felt that I could have more impact here.”

Indeed, Karam has already made a difference through the positive influence he has had on his students and an NGO he recently established with two LAU professors, Dr. Joseph Stephan and Dr. Sama Sleiman, as well as Dr. Ghada Al-Kadamany of AUB, called “3elme 3elmak,” which aims to engage LAU and AUB students in research and encourage them to reach out to the public in informal talks. “I train my students to think objectively and critically because this approach to any situation helps them become better citizens. This is our only hope,” he stressed.

Collaborating with students and others on a variety of projects, Karam wishes to communicate that science lies at the heart of every discipline and concept, including art. With a view to making science more accessible and showing that it can be fun if simplified, his projects center on “building and spreading a culture of science in order to bridge the gap between scientists and the general public.”

As for his research, it is at the interphase between chemistry and biology. “Research is like a lifestyle,” he said, “it shapes the way you think and how you approach problems.” Despite the obstacles scientists have to contend with in Lebanon – such as shipping instruments from abroad, the lack of funding, and difficulty acquiring certain material – Karam maintains that research is an asset for any student.

LAU chemistry student Sarriah Hassoun believes it’s an honor to have collaborated with Karam, who inspired her to pursue her studies and aim for a PhD. “The experience I got from working in Dr. Karam’s laboratory is invaluable,” she said. “It gave me practical knowledge that went far beyond the theoretical knowledge I gained in class.”

As an LAU alumnus, Karam believes in the interdisciplinary approach at the core of the university’s research endeavors. “People from completely different disciplines have to come together to get a problem solved,” he noted.

This appreciation for collaboration is also due largely to the influence of his professor at LAU, Dr. Ahmad Kabbani – himself a contributor to groundbreaking research – who described Karam as having been “a model young chemist for our students to follow.” Kabbani praised Karam’s hard work, determination, and love for Lebanon, where he chose to hatch his great research ideas.

“I owe my LAU instructors a lot,” Karam said, “and I’m doing the same with my students. This is what teaching is all about.”

Karam’s collaboration with his students is inspired by the student-centered treatment he received at LAU.

In line with its mission to expand essential knowledge at LAU and within the wider community, the School of Engineering (SOE) regularly hosts international experts on a number of topics in the field.

Now, as part of its Mounir Khatib Endowed Engineering Lecture Series, the school’s Department of Civil Engineering is hosting the seminar Superpave for Asphalt Binders and Mixtures, with the co-sponsorship of the Pavement Engineering & Science Program at the University of Nevada-Reno.

The seminar, the first of its kind in Lebanon, is taking place on July 11 at the school’s seat in Byblos. Geared toward the academic and consulting communities in Lebanon, it will focus on Superpave asphalt binders and mixtures and cover information essential to Lebanon’s aging infrastructure, including how asphalt materials are produced and perform under combined traffic and environmental stresses. Attendees will take away inside knowledge on how to create long-lasting pavement in the design and construction of highways and runways with a strong cost-benefit ratio – something useful here in Lebanon and anywhere the university’s future engineers end up.

Speaking at the event will be Peter Sebaaly, professor and director of the Western Regional Superpave Center at the University of Nevada-Reno, and Gabriel Bazi, assistant professor of civil engineering at LAU.

The subject is an important topic for Lebanon’s engineers, said Dr. Sebaaly, as “The implementation of new technologies leads to the design and construction of a durable and efficient road network that is very vital to the economic well-being of Lebanon.”

“The objective of a pavement is to provide safe and comfortable traveling surface to the public while using environmentally friendly materials and construction techniques,” noted Dr. Bazi.

For Caesar Abi Shdid, associate professor and chair of the Department of Civil Engineering, the seminar is an important step toward informing students and highway industry personnel in Lebanon about the benefits and implementation of Superpave.

“With much-needed improvements to Lebanon's transportation infrastructure, this seminar provides timely information focused on describing Superpave components, its critical requirements, why they are needed, and how this new system can impact the production and construction procedures for asphalt concrete pavements,” said Dr. Abi Shdid.

The Mounir Khatib Endowed Engineering Lecture Series is one of the ways LAU’s SOE sets itself apart by bringing the top global talent to speak on pertinent subjects in the field, giving students, faculty and outside professionals an edge in the industry. The long-running series was named for the late professor and pioneer Mounir Khatib, who founded the Consolidated Engineering Company and served as head of the Lebanese Order of Engineers and Architects, among many other achievements in his long career.

The seminar will cover timely information essential to Lebanon’s aging infrastructure.