Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dalia Haroun | Health | Women Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dalia Haroun | Health | Women Researcher Award

Zayed University, United Arab Emirates

Author Profile

Scopus 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Dalia Haroun’s academic journey reflects a steadfast dedication to the field of nutrition and child health. Her passion for understanding the complexities of human nutrition began at the American University of Beirut, where she earned her B.Sc. (Hons) in Nutrition and Dietetics between 1998 and 2002. This foundational education shaped her interest in the broader implications of diet on human development, particularly in the vulnerable stages of childhood.

With a desire to deepen her expertise, Dr. Haroun pursued a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition and Immunology at the University of Surrey, London, from 2003 to 2004. Graduating with distinction, she wrote a thesis on the hydration of fat-free mass in obese versus non-obese children, which set the stage for her future research. Her academic curiosity continued at University College London, where she completed her Ph.D. in Child Health between 2005 and 2008. Her doctoral thesis, titled “Body Composition in Childhood Obesity,” established her as a dedicated scholar committed to investigating the health challenges faced by children in modern society.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Haroun is currently serving as an Associate Professor of Nutrition and Co-Chair of the Department of Health Sciences at Zayed University, located in the United Arab Emirates. Since 2011, she has contributed meaningfully to the academic and professional growth of the department while actively mentoring future public health and nutrition professionals.

Her educational background has been supplemented by various specialized trainings that underscore her multidisciplinary expertise. These include DXA (Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry) training, Good Clinical Practice, and Peapod Body Composition Assessment training, in addition to certifications in First Aid and CPR. These credentials empower her to bring both academic depth and practical insights to the classroom and her research endeavors.

In addition to her teaching and research responsibilities, Dr. Haroun has actively participated in organizing national and regional initiatives related to public health awareness. Her role at Zayed University allows her to blend pedagogy, community engagement, and scientific investigation—qualities that have defined her professional character.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Haroun’s scholarly focus lies in child health, with an emphasis on body composition, childhood obesity, metabolic syndrome, and the psychosocial aspects of health such as bullying among children. Her research is interdisciplinary, bridging nutrition science with public health and behavioral studies.

A significant aspect of her work involves evaluating the physiological and psychological consequences of obesity among youth. Through her studies, Dr. Haroun explores how nutrition, physical activity, and psychosocial variables interact and affect the health outcomes of children. Her academic contributions, including peer-reviewed publications, are vital resources in the regional and global discourse surrounding childhood nutrition and health equity.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Over the years, Dr. Haroun has been repeatedly recognized for her tireless efforts in promoting child health in the UAE and beyond. In 2014, she was honored by the Ministry of Health for orchestrating a successful National Training Workshop on the Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS.

Her consistent engagement in awareness campaigns and health education projects has earned her commendations from a variety of national bodies. The Dubai Education Zone, Ministry of Education, General Women’s Union, and UNICEF have all recognized her impactful work in areas such as child obesity prevention, injury awareness, and diabetes education. In 2010, she was honored by the Princess Haya Initiative for the Development of Health, Physical Education, and School Sports, a prestigious acknowledgment of her community-centric contributions.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Haroun’s influence stretches far beyond academic walls. Through her combined teaching, research, and public health initiatives, she has helped shape health policies and school-based intervention programs in the UAE. Her efforts have directly impacted thousands of children and families, particularly in the domains of obesity prevention, nutritional awareness, and health education.

Her collaborative projects with governmental and non-governmental organizations demonstrate a commitment not only to scholarship but also to societal well-being. By fostering partnerships and engaging in interdisciplinary efforts, she continues to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Dr. Dalia Haroun is well-positioned to continue her legacy as a pioneering scholar and community advocate in the Middle East and globally. Her future research is expected to delve deeper into the social determinants of child health, exploring innovative interventions to combat obesity and metabolic disorders.

As she continues to mentor students and professionals, she ensures that the next generation of health leaders are equipped with the knowledge, empathy, and scientific rigor required to tackle the world’s pressing health challenges. Her journey from a promising nutrition student in Beirut to a globally recognized academic leader in the UAE exemplifies a life of purpose, impact, and transformative vision.

📝Notable Publications

Validity of self-reported weight and height among female young adults in the United Arab Emirates

Authors: Dalia Haroun and Aseel Ehsanallah

Journal: PLOS ONE

Year: 2024 

Dr. Adem soycan | Medical Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Leadership and Management

Dr. Adem soycan | Medical Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Kocaeli University, Institute of Health Sciences, Medical Microbiology Department, Kocaeli, Türkiye, Turkey

Author Profile

Orcid 

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Adem Soycan’s academic journey began with a passion for microbiology, specifically in the field of food safety. Having laid a solid foundation in biological sciences, he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline before advancing to a Master’s program. His pursuit of knowledge led him to Kocaeli University’s Institute of Health Sciences, where he is currently a doctoral candidate in Medical Microbiology. During his academic journey, Adem has continuously sought to improve his understanding of microbial pathogens, particularly focusing on foodborne pathogens such as Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (STEC). His rigorous research methodologies and focus on molecular diagnostics position him as a researcher with great potential for future contributions to microbiology.

Professional Endeavors 🔬

Adem Soycan’s professional endeavors are deeply intertwined with his academic pursuits. He currently serves as a doctoral candidate in Medical Microbiology at Kocaeli University, Türkiye, where he is making significant strides in the detection and study of foodborne pathogens. His expertise lies in molecular techniques such as real-time PCR, allowing for more efficient detection of pathogens, and his research on Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is making a notable impact in the field. He has also worked closely with local food producers, offering consultancy on pathogen detection and food safety analysis, showcasing his industry-focused approach. Adem’s interdisciplinary collaboration with Kocaeli University’s Food Safety and Microbiology Labs has further strengthened his research.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔍

Adem’s research is focused on advancing the detection and understanding of foodborne pathogens, with a special emphasis on Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and its prevalence in food samples. His ongoing study on the serotype distribution of STEC in raw animal and plant-based food samples from Kocaeli Province has already started to shape food safety protocols in the region. Through molecular diagnostic techniques, particularly in pathogen identification, Adem has contributed to the development of more accurate and reliable methods of foodborne pathogen detection, ultimately aiming to improve food safety. His research is poised to have a lasting influence on the way pathogens are detected and managed in food production and consumption.

Accolades and Recognition 🏅

Adem’s research has earned him recognition within the academic community. His work on the detection of bovine and porcine species in foods containing animal gelatin, published in Food Analytical Methods, was highly praised for its application of the Q-Exactive ORBITRAP device, offering new insights into food authenticity testing. Additionally, his paper on the prevalence and serotype distribution of STEC in raw food samples was published in Food Control and has garnered significant attention due to its practical implications for food safety in Türkiye. Though still in the early stages of his career, his published works are laying a foundation for future recognition and awards.

Impact and Influence 🌍

The impact of Adem’s work on foodborne pathogen research cannot be overstated. His contributions to enhancing food safety through advanced diagnostic tools have already begun to influence both the academic and industry sectors. By identifying critical risk factors for foodborne illnesses and refining detection methods, Adem is playing a pivotal role in shaping safer food handling and processing practices. His work is not just contributing to the scientific community but is also being adopted by local food producers, creating a bridge between research and industry. His ability to collaborate with labs, local food producers, and other institutions demonstrates his leadership potential and influence in the field.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

Adem Soycan’s research journey is just beginning, but his dedication to food safety, especially in the realm of microbiology, positions him for a promising career. In the future, he intends to continue refining pathogen detection methods and explore emerging technologies in molecular diagnostics. Adem envisions a future where his work on STEC will contribute significantly to global food safety standards, particularly in countries with emerging food safety challenges. His legacy will likely be one of improving food safety on a global scale, advancing diagnostic capabilities, and ensuring healthier food systems for generations to come.

Conclusion 🎉

Adem Soycan has already made significant contributions to the fields of microbiology and food safety, and his future in the scientific community looks exceedingly bright. His deep understanding of foodborne pathogens, especially Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli, combined with his innovative use of molecular techniques, has enabled him to make lasting impacts in both academia and industry. With a promising research trajectory and the potential to influence food safety practices worldwide, Adem is poised to become a leading figure in his field. His commitment to improving food safety, supported by his growing body of published work, cements his place as an emerging leader in microbiological research.