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

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. Maria Bougiesi | dance and well-being | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Maria Bougiesi | dance and well-being | Best Researcher Award

University of Thessaly, Greece

Author Profile

Scopus 

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Maria Bougiesi’s journey into the academic world is deeply rooted in a passion for physical education, traditional dance, and the psychological benefits of movement. Her formative years at the University of Thessaly in Trikala, Greece, set the foundation for an impressive scholarly path. There, she pursued a Bachelor of Science with a focus on pedagogy and a major in Greek Folk Dances, graduating in 2009 with an outstanding degree grade of 9.05/10. From the beginning, her dedication to academic excellence was clear—evidenced by multiple awards and scholarships granted by both the university and the State Scholarship Foundation. 📚

Her undergraduate work evolved naturally into graduate studies. She earned a Master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology, a double degree program coordinated between the University of Thessaly and the University of Jyväskylä in Finland. This international academic exposure allowed Maria to develop a global perspective on psychological well-being and athletic performance. Her dissertation, which explored how Greek Folk Dance influences adults’ emotional intelligence, showcased her early interest in the intersection between culture, emotion, and physical activity. 🌍

👩‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Maria’s doctoral studies (2011–2015) were conducted at the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly. Her PhD thesis tackled a timely and vital topic: the differences in mental health and emotional intelligence between young people and older adults engaged in dance and other forms of exercise. This work significantly contributed to the growing body of literature that highlights the cognitive and emotional benefits of movement, especially traditional and cultural forms of exercise. 🧠💃

A pivotal moment in her academic development came in 2013 when she undertook a PhD internship at Otto von Guericke University in Magdeburg, Germany. There, she conducted research in cognitive function and neuroscience within the Faculty of Humanities and Department of Sport Sciences. This experience allowed her to bridge physical education with neurological science, refining her interdisciplinary approach to academic inquiry.

🔍 Contributions and Research Focus

Maria Bougiesi’s research consistently emphasizes the holistic effects of physical activity on mental and emotional health. Her contributions lie in exploring how dance—particularly Greek Folk Dance—can serve as a meaningful intervention in promoting psychological resilience, emotional intelligence, and intergenerational well-being. Her work reflects a strong belief in the therapeutic power of culturally rooted movement and exercise. She continues to explore themes such as cognitive enhancement through dance, emotional adaptability, and the psychological effects of consistent physical engagement in both youth and elderly populations. 🧘‍♀️🧓👧

By grounding her studies in both psychology and cultural heritage, Maria has contributed to an emerging field that values tradition as much as innovation. Her cross-cultural academic experiences in Finland, Belgium, and Germany have also shaped her ability to apply her research in various international contexts.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Maria’s academic career has been decorated with numerous scholarships and awards, underscoring her excellence and commitment. During her undergraduate studies, she received accolades for achieving the highest academic scores, both at the beginning and the end of her program. Her Master’s and PhD journeys were supported by prestigious Erasmus scholarships, allowing her to engage with leading academic institutions across Europe. 🌟

She was selected for an intensive European Master’s course in Sport and Exercise Psychology in Leuven, Belgium—a competitive program funded by the European Commission. Each of these recognitions reflects not only academic achievement but also her adaptability, international outlook, and research promise.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Maria Bougiesi stands out as a scholar who has merged scientific inquiry with cultural appreciation. Her studies have illuminated how dance can function not only as physical exercise but as a profound method of emotional connection and mental resilience. Her work has influenced curriculum development in sports psychology and physical education programs and has inspired other researchers to consider more integrative approaches to mental and physical wellness. 🌈

Moreover, her cross-generational research focus has resonated in areas such as geriatric mental health, youth development, and community wellness—domains increasingly prioritized in today’s public health agenda.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Maria Bougiesi’s academic legacy is one of cultural relevance, scientific rigor, and humanistic focus. Her future contributions are likely to expand into community-based interventions, especially in aging societies, where physical activity and cultural engagement are essential for quality of life. 🏃‍♂️💬

As a Greek scholar deeply committed to the emotional and psychological well-being of diverse populations, Maria continues to carve a unique space for herself in academic and applied research. Her work embodies the idea that science can be culturally grounded, personally transformative, and globally relevant.

📝Notable Publications

A study on the impact of systematic desensitization training on competitive anxiety among Latin dance athletes

Authors: Jie Chen, Duoqi Zhou, Dan Gong, Shunli Wu, Weikai Chen
Journal: Frontiers in Psychology
Year: 2024