Our faculty members are hand-picked experts with local and international expertise who are well-versed in unique American teaching methods and standards. They strive to prepare our students for the future by imparting soft skills such as negotiation, problem-solving, professionalism, and effective communication based on the evolving market needs.
Program Coordinator, Associate Professor
Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Lecturer
Dean, College of Business and Management
Program Coordinator, Assistant Professor
Program Coordinator, Assistant Professor
Associate Professor
Lecturer
Assistant Professor
Lecturer
Assistant Professor
Lecturer
Lecturer in Accounting and Finance
Lecturer in MBA
Dean, College of Engineering & Computing
Associate Professor
Associate Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Lab Demonstrator
Lecturer
Lab Demonstrator
Lecturer
Program Coordinator, Associate Professor
Associate Professor
Studio Manager, Lecturer
Dr. Fatema Alaali currently serves as the Dean of the College of Business and Management and an Assistant Professor of Economics in the College of Business and Management. She teaches various courses in Economics and Finance and supervises students in their final projects.
Before joining AUBH, Dr. Alaali joined Ahlia University, Bahrain, in 2015 as an Assistant Professor of Economics. During her teaching career, she has taught multiple levels of Economics courses such as Principles of Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, Intermediate Microeconomics, International Economics, Industrial Organization, Econometrics, and Monetary and Financial Systems. Her experience extends to helping students explore and define their academic, career, and life goals, by serving as an academic advisor to several Economics and Finance undergraduate program students. In addition, she has supervised several undergraduate students in their final projects as well as MBA and Engineering Management students in their theses.
Dr. Alaali gained the fellowship of the Higher Education Academy in the UK (FHEA) in December 2018, demonstrating her commitment to teaching, learning, and students. Her research interests include areas of applied economics and finance, energy and environmental economics, investment and asset pricing. She completed her studies at the University of Bahrain and earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 2004 and in the year 2005, she completed a Master of Arts in Business Administration at the New York Institute of Technology, New York (U.S.). She received her Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Sheffield, U.K. in 2015.
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An active researcher and academic, Dr. Marwan Hameed serves as an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at AUBH.
Dr. Hameed’s primary research interests include bioengineering, computational heat transfer, and fluid flow. His research, funded by the American Heart Association Grant, employs multi-scale Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling to investigate a novel surgical procedure within the “hybrid” approach. His research has contributed to a comprehensive program that combines engineering and medicine by utilizing computational modeling to assist in the treatment planning of congenital heart disease. His research focuses specifically on the hemodynamics of a hybrid approach to comprehensive surgery for single ventricle congenital heart disease.
Prior to joining AUBH, Dr. Hameed served as a visiting professor at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, USA. During his Ph.D. studies, he was also assigned the role of Head Graduate Teaching Assistant for three years. Additionally, he supervised both graduate and undergraduate students at the University of Central Florida, USA. Prior to dedicating his time to research, Dr. Hameed worked as a Mechanical Engineer, where he focused on heating and cooling systems for new hospitals.
Dr. Hameed earned his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, USA, and his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Central Florida, USA.
Education:
With over a decade of teaching experience, Dr. Atiyah serves as an Associate Professor of Biology at AUBH. In addition to her accomplishments in academia, she brings with her international experience as a researcher, environmental consultant, and project manager with organizations such as the European Commission, World Bank, and the United Nations.
She previously served as an Assistant Professor at the Lebanese American University, where she was responsible for developing the environmental sustainability curriculum for the School of Engineering. She was also an Assistant Professor at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi, UAE. During her tenure at ZU, she established a new, interdisciplinary B.Sc. Program in Environmental Science and Sustainability and served as Chair of the Department of Natural Science and Public Health.
Dr. Atiyah’s educational background includes a B.Sc. in Environmental Sciences and Geography from Northwestern University, an M.A. in Environment and Development from the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Health Sciences from the University of California-Los Angeles.
Education:
A versatile professional with 30 + years’ experience across higher education, finance, and research environments, Professor Mar de Fez Laso serves as a Professor of Math, Physics, and Astronomy at AUBH. She has worked in the higher education field for the past 18 years of her professional career.
Professor Mar is an articulate communicator skilled in learning management systems and methodologies that support a “learning by doing” philosophy across classroom, field, laboratory, and online environments. She is deeply committed to engaging the local community (women in particular) in science, engaging students in International Women’s Day activities, among many other initiatives.
Dr. Mar’s journey started at Valencia University (Spain) with Premio Extraordinario de Doctorado award for outstanding academic achievement in her PhD work. She worked at CERN, Imperial College of Science, Technology, and Medicine (UK), and several investment banks.
Before joining AUBH, she held several positions such as Distinguished Professor, Director of Scientific Research, Dean of Research and Graduate Studies, Chair of the Academic Division, and Vice-President of Foreign Exchange.
The highlights of her career include being part of the team of physicists that requested the development of the World Wide Web, the acceptance of the first Bahraini student to the CERN summer program, the seeding of the Middle East’s first high energy physics exhibition, the creation of the “Women Have the Formula” document in Dari and Pashto, and teaching students at the American University of Afghanistan.
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Dr. Nina Abdul Razzak serves as an Associate Professor in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence at AUBH.
Prior to joining AUBH, she was an Academic Consultant at the Directorate of Higher Education Reviews of the Bahrain Education and Training Quality Authority (BQA). In prior years, she held different teaching and administrative positions at the Bahrain Teachers College (BTC) of the University of Bahrain (UOB); Mohammad Almana College of Health Sciences (MACHS) in Al Khobar, KSA; and Effat University in Jeddah, KSA. Some of her titles include Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology and Leadership, Head of Department, and Vice Dean of Academic Affairs. During her time with Saudi NCAAA, she served as a panel chair of accreditation teams reviewing university programs and as a faculty trainer on quality assurance and accreditation issues.
Several of Dr. Abdul Razzak’s publications have been published in international scientific journals, and her research interests include pedagogical practices, effective educational leadership, leadership development, and technology integration in schools. She is also a reviewer for several international scientific journals in addition to being the founder and managing editor of her own international peer-reviewed scientific journal ‘The Journal of Teaching and Teacher Education’.
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An academic and psychology expert, Dr. Sabri Dogan serves as Assistant Professor in the Psychology Department at AUBH. His primary teachings include an introduction to psychology; developmental psychology; multicultural psychology; and theories of psychotherapy.
Prior to joining AUBH, Dr. Dogan served in various roles including visiting Assistant Professor at Southern Connecticut State University, Assistant Professor at Siirt University, and professional school counselor at S. Sabanci High School. He was also the Founding Chair of the Department of Psychological Counseling and Guidance at Siirt University.
Dr. Dogan further gained clinical experience at Meadows Psychiatric Hospital during his Master’s degree and worked as a research associate on several projects throughout his Doctoral degree. In 2015, Dr. Dogan was presented with the “Outstanding Doctoral Student Award” by his department.
Dr. Dogan graduated with a Master of Arts in Counseling and Counselor Education from Indiana University. He later completed his Ph.D. in Counselor Education at Ohio State University.
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With over 20 years of teaching experience in English as a second or foreign language to adult learners, Dr. Sarah Shono serves as an Assistant Professor of the English department at AUBH.
Prior to her role at AUBH, Dr. Shono spent several years training, supervising, and preparing English language teachers in the Kingdom of Bahrain. She also served as an academic advisor and mentor to both undergraduate students and in-service English teachers providing them with academic and professional support and guidance.
Dr. Shono’s multi-ethnic and multi-cultural background has helped her better understand the linguistic needs of students from all over the world, and she has successfully taught English as a second and foreign language to students from a multitude of countries, including Mexico; Chile; Peru; Brazil; China; Japan; Taiwan; Thailand; Vietnam; Turkey; Russia; Somalia; Sudan; Nigeria; and Tanzania. In addition, she has taught students in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and the GCC countries. Her experience includes teaching university students in the United States; Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and most recently in the Kingdom of Bahrain. She enjoys engaging with students both inside and outside of the classroom and has served as the advisor of student cultural clubs, and as a debate and public speaking coach. Her research interests include English teacher efficacy and innovative qualitative research methods.
Dr. Shono has a Ph.D. in Foreign Language Education from the University of Texas, Austin, Texas, USA, and a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics and Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) from Georgia State University, Georgia, USA.
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An experienced academic, Dr. Dimitrios Pispinis serves as Assistant Professor of Mathematics at AUBH. In his 35 years of teaching experience, he has taught mathematics at various levels and helped numerous students from different cultural backgrounds succeed in their studies.
Prior to joining AUBH, Dr. Pispinis taught Mathematics to Business and Engineering students at Hafar Al Batin University in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He also taught mathematics at several institutions such as Indiana University, USA; the American College of Greece; and the Greek Public High School System. His research interests include analysis and geometry, and their applications to physics. In recognition of his dedication and efforts, he received a Teaching Award from Indiana University.
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With intensive teaching experience, Dr. Erik Lotfi serves as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at AUBH. As a physical chemist, over the course of several years, Erik has taught many classes in physics, mathematics, and chemistry ranging from freshmen year to PhD level.
Prior to joining AUBH, Dr Erik taught at the American University of Sulaimani (Iraq), and at Qatar University, where he served as a faculty member in the chemistry department in the College of Arts and Sciences. He is a recipient of the Welsh Scholarship, a full-time reward from Rice University through which he obtained his Master’s and his Ph.D. from the university. His Ph.D. dissertation focused on studying small molecules with a new and novel technique called REP (Raman Excitation Profiles). After finishing his post-doctoral period, Dr Erik worked as a research scientist for the U.S. government at General Atomics in San Diego. This position was followed by that of a scientist consultant for ERAC. After NERAC, Dr Erik chose to change his direction towards academic work and teaching.
He has over 14 publications in various scientific journals and presented at several international conferences such as ACS (American Chemical Society), Laser Physics, Advanced Electromagnetic Symposiums, and the yearly META conferences. His main fields of research are in the areas of laser spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, nonlinear optics, ultra-short laser pulses, and metamaterials.
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With more than 15 years of academic teaching and research experience, Dr. Abdulla Sarhan serves as a Lecturer in Math and Physics at AUBH. Dr. Sarhan has long experience teaching physics courses at undergraduate and graduate levels in Japan and in Bahrain.
Prior to joining AUBH, he taught at the University of Bahrain and Arabian Gulf University. He is also the author and co-author of several scientific papers published in internationally renowned peer-reviewed journals.
Additionally, he has contributed to several scientific conferences and workshops. His field of research includes all kinds of computational-theoretical physics, numerical analysis, quantum design and simulation, surface/interface science, atomic-electronic structure, condensed and soft matter physics, charge transport, first-principles DFT (density functional theory) calculations, time-dependent DFT, non-equilibrium physics, Green’s function formalism, quantum electrodynamics, statistical mechanics, molecular dynamics, charge transport, and high-performance computing.
Education:
An experienced academic, Mr. Mohammad Al Shoqran serves as a Lecturer of Mathematics and Statistics in the College of Arts and Sciences at AUBH. With more than 15 years of teaching experience, he has taught many courses in mathematics and statistics.
His main research interests include mathematical statistics and their applications. He has published many papers and book chapters in well-recognized journals and conferences and is keen to improve the general understanding and teaching of mathematics and statistics. Mr. Al Shoqran has both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in mathematics from AABU, Jordan. He has also received many practical certificates, such as:
Cloud Essential, Amazon Web Services (AWS) Business Essential Security Fundamentals, Amazon Web Services (AWS) Business Essential Security Fundamentals, Cloud Security Fundamentals, Capacity building for researchers, The Capacity Building Program for Developing Business, Counselors, ICDL “International Computer Driving License.”, MS-FrontPage and MS-Outlook, SPSS (Statistical Packages for Social Science), Smart Board, Course Teaching Design
An academic professional, Mrs. Majdoleen Arekat serves as Lecturer of Arabic and National studies at AUBH. Her teaching experience spans over 19 years in the areas of Business Administration, Management, Media Translation, as well as general studies such as Arabic and Bahrain History.
Before taking on the role at AUBH, Ms. Arekat taught undergraduate students first year to last year courses, while additionally teaching MBA students. Her experience in education includes 19 years of academic advising in business departments.
Ms. Arekat has a bachelor’s degree from Juba University, as well as a Master of Business Administration from the University College of Bahrain. She has also completed certificates of Training of Trainers and Certified Consultant Training as part of her educational background.
Education:
A media communications and public relations specialist with expertise in managing media advertising campaigns, Dr. Wafa Al Khalifa serves as a lecturer of Global Human Rights at AUBH.
Dr. Al Khalifa completed courses at the International School of Communication, London, United Kingdom 2016 in Creativity in Communications & PR, Internal Communications and Crisis Communication Management. In the educational field, she completed a course in ‘Improving Class Provision’ from the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance in 2020. She also completed a workshop in ‘Motivation and Teaching Principles for Talented Students from California, USA in 2002.
Her previous work experience includes writing weekly columns for daily newspapers and teaching Global Human Rights to undergraduate students at BIBF.
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An accomplished teaching professional with over 30 years’ experience, Mr. Martin Smithies teaches English Composition and Business Communication courses at AUBH. Besides teaching English, he has focused on helping new university students study and conduct research in English. He has helped students improve their communication skills, academic abilities, critical thinking abilities, and collaborative abilities.
Over the course of his academic career, Mr. Smithies has taught primarily in the Middle East and Gulf Region. His vast experience includes positions at educational institutions such as King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia; Oman Technical and Industrial College, Oman; Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance; and the University of Bahrain, among others.
In addition to teaching ESL, Mr. Smithies’ academic expertise includes teaching English for Specific and Academic Purposes. He has extensive experience in assessment, serving as an examiner for the Cambridge English language exams, and as a speaking and writing examiner for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). He has delivered preparation courses for IELTS and the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), while also conducting workshops and short courses on English language, and soft skills to local companies and communities. His interests include blended learning, and his recognition as a 21st-century Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE) demonstrates his value as a resource for student achievement and academic excellence.
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With more than seven years’ experience in medical and educational laboratories, Mrs. Khadija AlBari serves as a Natural Sciences Laboratories Technician at AUBH. Mrs. Al Barri is a passionate science and education advocate who transitioned from a career in medicine to education to share her knowledge and experience with students.
Khadija AlBari has a degree in Medical Physics and has intensive experience in clinical and educational laboratories. Before joining AUBH, she worked at the American Mission Hospital in the radiology department and was responsible for performing a variety of radiography tasks, including Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy and FNAC procedures for cancer diagnosis. She was also responsible for ensuring that all radiation protection regulations and procedures were followed.
She has extensive experience working in school science laboratories, where she was responsible for meeting health and safety standards, constructing and modifying apparatus, setting up experiments, preparing STEM activities, and taking an active part in laboratory demonstrations.
A dedicated science educator with a strong commitment to improving the teaching and learning experience for students, she joined AUBH in 2022 to oversee the Natural Sciences laboratories, where she brings her expertise in physics, biology, chemistry, and astronomy to life.
Mrs. Al Barri is certified in Teaching in University Science Laboratories from the University of Amsterdam, Managing Safety and Health in the Science Laboratory from the Health and Safety Authority in Ireland. She is licensed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and is also a member of the Bahrain Society of Medical Physics and Bioengineering.
She is also a master’s candidate in Environment and Sustainable Development, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
Education:
An academician, researcher, and trainer in the field of digital marketing, Dr. Maryam Almahdi serves as the BBA Program Coordinator for the BBA in Digital Marketing and Social Media, BBA in Human Resources Management, and BBA in Management Programs at AUBH. She also teaches marketing subjects (e.g., Online Marketing Channels, Integrated Marketing Communications in a Digital World, Consumer Behavior), and is responsible for developing new courses and contributing to events’ organization within the University.
Dr. Almahdi is especially interested in interactive technologies that enhance the online customer experience. This is reflected in her choice of research area, centring around the different manifestations of the user’s experience in the vast digital ecosystem. She won the best paper award, for her paper titled: “Social Commerce: A Concept Explication” at the EAMMIS conference (Istanbul, 2021). For her continuous efforts, she was awarded the Creative Teaching Competition at AUBH’s first research conference (2021).
Dr. Almahdi holds and conducts training for the Certified Digital Marketing Professional Certification (CDMP) from the Digital Marketing Institute in Ireland. She also provides digital marketing strategy consultation to businesses in Bahrain and the UK.
Prior to joining AUBH, Dr. Almahdi worked at Ahlia University as a faculty member in the Marketing and Management Department (2011-2023). While at Ahlia, she created and delivered a new digital and social media marketing course for undergraduate students in the College of Business and Finance. She has also delivered several professional talks about digital marketing to faculty, students, and international visitors.
Dr. Almahdi holds a Ph.D. from the University of Bath School of Management and a MSc. from the University of Leeds Business School.
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An accomplished economist and academic, Dr. Miriam Al Lily currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Economics and Finance at AUBH.
With eight years of faculty experience at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd University in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Al Lily has developed a reputation for delivering clear, engaging, and relevant lectures that utilize innovative and latest teaching methods. As she joins AUBH, she brings with her a wealth of knowledge and a passion for economics and finance that will benefit students.
Her passion for economics is evident in her research interests, which lies at the intersection of developmental economics, behavior economics, and game theory. Furthermore, she holds a specific interest in Middle Eastern economies. Her dedication to the field of economics has been recognized by the wider academic community and is highlighted through her research contributions, which have been published in respected academic journals.
She began her academic journey in Europe, earning a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Surrey in the U.K. and later a Ph.D. in Economics from the Leibniz University of Hannover in Germany. Beyond academia, Dr. Al Lily spent five years as an Economic Consultant in major cities, including London and Oxford.
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With intensive experience in both industry and academia, Amina Alhawaj serves as a Lecturer in the College of Business and Management at AUBH.
Her skillset and passion encompass digital marketing, business, and marketing management. As a certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP), Ms. Alhawaj infuses real-world insights into her dynamic, student-centered classrooms.
Alongside her previous positions as a Business and Management educator, Amina also brings her expertise as a marketing specialist for various local and international fashion, F&B brands, as well as having been a pro-bono marketing consultant for an SME in the UK.
She holds the Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP) Certification from the Digital Marketing Institute in Ireland.
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Bringing industry and academic experience, Dr. Maryam Hashem serves as an Assistant Professor of Human Resources Management at AUBH.
She has been a certified project management professional (PMP) since 2015, with an active license awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI) in the US. Prior to joining AUBH, Dr. Maryam worked as the Head of Initiatives at the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Early in her career, she worked as a Financial Analyst at the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Bahrain (TRA).
During her academic journey, Dr. Maryam taught multiple courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She has also taught professional training courses to employees from various sectors and higher education institutions, including the University of Bahrain (UOB), Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF), and University College of Bahrain (UCB).
With an interest in organizational behavior, employees’ motivation, and creativity, Dr. Maryam has published several papers in reputable journals.
Dr. Hashem has a Bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance from Bangor University (United Kingdom), an MBA degree from DePaul University (Chicago), and a Ph.D. from Brunel University London in Management Studies Research, with research focused on human resource management.
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With a blend of corporate and academic experience, Ms. Nancy El-Ghoul serves as a lecturer in the College of Business and Management at AUBH.
Ms. El-Ghoul has been in the academic field for more than a decade, she taught and designed human resources courses, business management courses, and industrial psychology courses for undergraduate and post-graduate programs.
In addition, Ms. El-Ghoul completed all courses in SPHR – Senior Professional Human Resources – HRCI (Human Resource Standards Institute) and earned a certification in Leadership Management International – LMI.
Prior to joining AUBH, Ms. El-Ghoul worked as Head of Career and Placement at Notre Dame University (NECHE accredited) – Lebanon, after heading human resources and training departments for several companies. She has served as a lecturer at USJ – Saint Joseph University – Lebanon for 12 years, and her areas of expertise include recruitment and selection, training and development, coaching, CV writing, career guidance, and psychometric testing.
She also designed and delivered many training sessions for professionals covering human resources topics for senior students in different French and American universities in Lebanon.
As an experienced human resources individual, she worked on many consultancy projects helping top-level management restructure their business and hire talented profiles.
She holds a Master’s degree in Work and Organizational/ Applied Psychology from the Lebanese University and a Bachelor’s degree in Work and Organizational /Applied Psychology from the same university.
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An accomplished professional in the field of sustainability and innovation, Dr. Layla Mohammed currently serves as an Assistant Professor in Management at AUBH.
With a robust background in academia and research, Dr. Layla aims to make significant contributions to the areas of digital transformation, electric vehicles (EVs), and sustainability.
Dr. Layla has six years of experience working in higher education at various institutions in the U.K., including the University of Sunderland, London; the University of Greenwich, London; and as an Academic Master dissertation supervisor at the University of Chichester and the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom. Prior to joining AUBH, Dr. Layla served as an Assistant Professor in Innovation at the University of Manchester. She also has six years of experience working in the industry as a Marketing and Business Development Manager in NHS, U.K., and as a Marketing Executive in a real estate law firm in New York City, USA.
Dr. Mohammed’s extensive academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy from the University of Manchester, where her thesis focused on “The Adoption Factors of Commercial Electric Vehicles: The Impact of Policy.” Her research has been published in 3* ABS journals, such as Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, and Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment. Dr. Layla also holds a BA Hons in Advertising and Marketing Communications and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Greenwich, London. She holds a PGCE in Further Education and has recently obtained a Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Authority (SFHEA).
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Dr. Saqer Al Khalifa currently serves as a Lecturer on Negotiations and Conflict Management at AUBH.
Throughout his career, Dr. Al Khalifa was worked in several positions including the Bahrain Economic Development Board, the Embassy of Bahrain in Washington, D.C., His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad’s Private Office, before receiving a Royal Decree assignment in the Ministry of Youth and Sports. He held various positions and currently serves as the Senior Advisor to the Minister for Youth Affairs, as an Assistant Undersecretary. He is the founder of Triathlon in Bahrain, establishing the Triathlon Federation, and established the launch of IRONMAN in Bahrain and Dubai. He is also the Head of the Bahrain Collegiate Athletics Association, and an avid athlete with more than 30 IRONMAN and Marathons under his belt.
Dr. Saqer Al Khalifa earned his Ph.D. in International Relations and Comparative Politics from Claremont Graduate University; his Master of Science in International Relations from the American University in Washington D.C.; and his Bachelor of Science in International Politics and Military Affairs from The Citadel University, all of which are universities in the United States. He is one of the few Bahrainis who graduated from Citadel, known as one of the toughest military colleges in America and he then joined Bahrain Defense Force for around 18 years in total.
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With over 16 years of experience, Dr. Hasan Kadhem serves as the Program Lead of the College of Engineering and an Assistant Professor in Computer Science at AUBH. His vast experience in the IT industry includes academics, research, cybersecurity, software development, professional training, and consultation.
Dr. Kadhem’s research interests revolve around cybersecurity, cryptography, privacy-preserving, data science, web & mobile applications, and E-learning. He actively engages in research and has published numerous scientific research papers in international peer-reviewed journals and conferences. His contributions have been recognized with several awards, including Best Scientific Paper, Presentation, and Distinguished Research accolades.
Prior to joining AUBH, Dr. Kadhem served in various roles, including Assistant Professor, IT and Analytics Manager, Computer Specialist, Professional IT Trainer, and IT Consultant. He boasts certifications in CEH, COBIT5, MCSE, and MCSD, reflecting his expertise and commitment to professional development.
Dr. Kadhem obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science from the University of Qatar in 2003. He went on to complete his Master of Arts in Information Technology and Computer Security from the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) in 2007. In 2011, he earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Tsukuba in Japan, where his research in database encryption was honored with the Computer Science Chairman Award.
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Associate Professor
With a robust academic background, Dr. Baraa Sharif serves as Associate Professor of Computer Science at the American University of Bahrain (AUBH).
With a diverse professional and academic journey spanning 12 years, Dr. Sharif specializes in Intelligent Systems. His research profile is distinguished, featuring a notable Research ID accessible on platforms like ISI-Web of Knowledge (C-3031-2018) and Scopus (55387418700).
Dr. Sharif has actively contributed to knowledge dissemination, publishing numerous research papers in international refereed journals and participating in global conferences. Recognized for his excellence, he serves as an international advisory reviewer for esteemed journals and conferences.
Dr. Sharif has also received multiple Certificates of Excellence for Best Researcher and various honors in recognition of his significant achievements in the field. As a member of prestigious scientific and professional societies such as IEEE and ACM, Dr. Sharif enriches his field with a diverse skill set spanning across teaching, programming, teamwork, and various technical competencies.
In the realm of education, Dr. Sharif has showcased his teaching prowess and supervision skills at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels. His international engagement includes teaching master’s level students at Epitech-France and being recognized as a Ph.D. supervisor at Brunel University-UK.
With an impressive academic background and prolific publication record, Dr. Sharif has actively collaborated on several research projects with different countries and universities. These projects, primarily focused on his expertise in intelligent systems, have provided innovative solutions across various research fields including sentiment analysis, image processing, machine learning, VANET, and smart cities. These research studies have been published in reputable international refereed journals, highlighting Dr. Sharif’s significant contributions to advancing knowledge in his field.
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Dr. Sharif holds a Ph.D. in Information Science and Technology from the National University of Malaysia. He possesses a robust academic background, complemented by Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Information Technology.
A devoted academician, Dr. Shazali Osman serves as an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at AUBH. His vast expertise spans various areas of Mechanical Engineering, including Machine Designs, Vibration Analysis, Mechanics of Materials, Statics, Dynamics, Controls, and Mechatronics.
Dr. Osman’s research interests include Signal Processing, Artificial Intelligence, Online Smart Machinery Condition Monitoring, Time Series Forecasting, Smart Sensors, Intelligent Control, and Mechatronics.
Prior to joining AUBH, Dr. Osman held several teaching positions at Lakehead University in Canada, Norwich University, and South Dakota University in the United States.
Dr. Osman holds a Technologist Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Algonquin College, Canada, a Bachelor of Technology in Manufacturing Engineering from McMaster University, Canada, a Master of Applied Science in Control Engineering from Lakehead University, Canada, and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Mechatronics from Lakehead University, Canada. With more than 16 years of teaching experience as well as working in the industry, Dr. Shazali has made significant contributions to the field.
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A dedicated researcher and educator, Dr. Fatema Akbar serves as an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at AUBH. Dr. Akbar specializes in informatics and human-computer interaction, with a strong focus on human factors in computing. Dr. Akbar has contributed significantly to the field through her publications in top journals and conferences.
Fatema’s commitment to mentoring the next generation of computer scientists is evident through her involvement as a judge in various local and international competitions, such as the Nasser Bin Hamad International Youth Creativity Award and the Telecommunications Regulation Authority Hackathon.
Dr. Akbar’s recent research projects involved the utilization of sensor technologies and computer activity logs to develop computational methods for identifying patterns and assessing the health effects of computer use in the workplace. This research gained significant attention and was featured in prominent U.S. media outlets, including the New Yorker and EHR Intelligence.
In addition to her research pursuits, Fatema is passionate about teaching and is actively involved in advancing computer science education. She is an Associate at the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (CIRTL) in the United States. In recognition of her teaching excellence, Dr. Akbar received a Certificate of Teaching Excellence from the University of California, Irvine.
Fatema holds a Ph.D. in Informatics from the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences at the University of California, Irvine. While at the university, she also served as a teaching and research assistant for five years. Prior to that, Fatema earned her master’s degree from the Oxford Internet Institute at the University of Oxford, specializing in Information Systems. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems at Carnegie Mellon University.
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Lab Demonstrator
With more than 8 years of industry experience as a construction supervisor, planning engineer, surveyor engineer, and civil site engineer, Eng. Mohammad Salameh pursued his career in academia as an engineering laboratory supervisor.
Over the past 5 years, Eng. Salameh has worked as a consultant in the establishment of multiple engineering laboratories, designing experiments, and creating bespoke engineering machinery.
During his academic journey Eng. Salameh taught multiple courses such as surveying engineering, material, structural, fluid and geotechnical labs.
Before joining AUBH, Eng. Salameh worked as an engineering laboratory supervisor at multiple higher education institutes including Applied Science University-Bahrain (ASU) and the British University of Bahrain (BUB).
Eng. Salameh is an internationally certified safety practitioner holding an ‘Occupational Safety and Health Administration Diploma’ (OSHA), a professional safety certificate awarded from the US.
Eng. Salameh studied multiple engineering majors, he has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Israa University in Jordan, and a Diploma in Surveying from Balqaa Applied University in Jordan. He is also a current Master of Engineering Management candidate at AUBH.
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Lecturer
With more than two decades of dedicated academic experience, Eng. Herbert Penoso Azuela serves as a Lecturer in Computer Engineering at AUBH. His expertise spans a wide array of fields including Cybersecurity, Computer Networks, the Internet of Things, Digital Electronics, Microprocessors, Embedded Systems, Robotics, Mechatronics, Microsoft Windows OS and Server, Microsoft Office Applications, and Linux.
Eng. Azuela’s professional journey is adorned with notable achievements, including certifications such as CCNA and CyberOps Associate Professional, along with his recognition as a recipient of the esteemed Cisco Global Cyber Ops Scholarship in 2018. He is also a former success leader of the Cisco Networking Academy, ASC, and ITC at University of Bahrain.
Eng. Herbert’s commitment to excellence is further evidenced by his recent attainment of the Cisco Instructor Trainer Qualification in 2020. He is also an esteemed Fellow of the Higher Education Academy UK, reflecting his dedication to advancing academic standards. His leadership extends to his former role as Coordinator of the College Quality Assurance Office in the College of Applied Studies, University of Bahrain.
Actively engaged in both local and global academic communities, he is an active member of the ICpEP Singapore Chapter and holds the distinction of being a Certified Professional Computer Engineer by CpECB, Philippines.
Beyond his academic contributions, Eng. Herbert has authored/co-authored several academic programs and actively participated as a member/chair of Department, College, and University-level committees at UoB. His passion for education and commitment to excellence continue to inspire those around him.
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Lab Demonstrator
Sara Binektas serves as a Lab Demonstrator at AUBH. Having worked for a private cybersecurity company, Sara has been involved in teaching and mentoring students through a non-profit project. Passionate about cybersecurity and supporting others, Sara aims to continue learning and growing in the field of Cybersecurity, while assisting aspiring professionals in the field.
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With more than 10 years of academic experience, Ms. Khadija AlMohsen serves as a Lecturer of Computer Science and the Capstone Project Coordinator in the College of Engineering at AUBH. In addition to her teaching role, Ms. AlMohsen is an active researcher who has contributed to various international journals and conferences with her published research papers. Her areas of interest include Big Data, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, and Student outcome-based Assessments and Evaluations. She also serves as a reviewer for international journals and conferences, showcasing her commitment to the academic community.
Prior to joining AUBH, Ms. AlMohsen worked as a lecturer at Ahlia University, Bahrain. During her time there, she taught a diverse range of undergraduate courses and played a pivotal role as the major project coordinator and committee member. She was also involved in tasks related to quality assurance, curriculum development, and NQF. Prior to that, she worked at Microcenter, Bahrain, as a Technical Support Executive and Trainer specializing in Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
Over the past decade, Ms. AlMohsen has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Abu Kamel Al-Haseb Prize for Excellent Academic Achievement from the University of Bahrain, Ahlia University President’s List of Honor, First Place Award in the senior project exhibition, UOB President’s List of Honor, Prime Minister’s Honor List for Excellent Academic Achievement, Northern Governorate Award for Excellent Academic Achievement, and Jidhafs Cultural Center’s Award for Excellent Academic Achievement. She is also an active member of various professional associations, including the IEEE and the IEEE Society on the Social Implications of Technology.
Ms. AlMohsen received her Master’s degree with distinction from Ahlia University, Bahrain, where she also worked as a research assistant during her studies. Prior to that, she excelled in her undergraduate studies at the University of Bahrain, where she obtained a B.Sc. in Computer Science.
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An active innovation and sustainability professional, Eng. Ebrahim Radhi serves as an adjunct at AUBH, establishing a crucial connection between the industry and the University. Since 2006, he has gained extensive experience in the industry, which adds value to his role at AUBH.
Ebrahim has successfully completed over 90 consultancy projects, with notable achievements including the establishment of the National Oil and Gas Authority (NOGA), the development of the Organizational Structure of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce (BCCI), and the provision of Productivity Improvement Advisory Services for manufacturing, construction, and oil and gas sectors in the region.
His extensive industry experience includes working with international companies such as NOCN UK Accreditation Body, Jafcon Consultancy, The Welding Institute, Laing O’Rourke, and Vestas Wind Systems (UK), where he held positions related to business and productivity development.
Ebrahim further expanded his knowledge by obtaining a Mini MBA from the University of California (USA) in Entrepreneurship. He co-founded Green Innova, a leading specialized company in the field of renewable energy and sustainability. In his role at Green Innova, Ebrahim oversees projects with key clients such as Bahrain Petroleum (BAPCO), Amazon Bahrain, the Ministry of Electricity and Water Authority, and UNDP. He provides support to these organizations in their pursuit of achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
As a co-author of the book “Strategies of Knowledge Transfer for Economic Diversification in the Arab States of The Gulf,” Ebrahim contributed a paper titled “Bahrain Industrial Partnership Innovation Centre” for the Gulf Research Meeting held in Cambridge, UK. His expertise and contributions in the field of innovation and sustainability are recognized in academic circles.
Ebrahim earned his M.Phil in Industrial System Manufacture & Management from the University of Cambridge. With over 16 years of experience as a Principal Management and Industrial Consultant, he specializes in Lean Philosophy, Productivity Improvement, Business Development, Energy Management, and Organizational and Quality System Deployment. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Management and Manufacturing from the University of Leeds, which he obtained in 2006. Throughout his career, Ebrahim has acquired various professional certifications, including Lead Auditor of Quality and Energy Management Systems, Six Sigma Green Belt, and Lead Productivity Improvement Practitioner.
Education:
With over 18 years of experience in academia and 11 years’ experience in industry, Dr. Lilian Hallak serves as an Associate Professor of Multimedia at AUBH. She has unparalleled expertise and is renowned for her diverse background in media and design. Her professional journey has seen her collaborate with various national and international design and advertising firms, where she has worked on a wide range of projects.
Throughout her career, Dr. Hallak has consistently demonstrated her passion for visual communication, digital media, design management, VR/AR, and computer graphics, among other areas of interest. She actively contributes to the advancement of knowledge and research in these fields, showcasing her dedication to pushing the boundaries of multimedia design. Notably, she organizes an annual design exhibition that serves as a platform to highlight the evolving role of design and designers in the region.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Dr. Hallak has also played a pivotal role in ensuring the quality and relevance of several undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs. Collaborating with the Education & Training Quality Authority, she has overseen the development and implementation of these programs, ensuring they meet the highest standards.
Recognized for her expertise, Dr. Hallak has served as a judge on creative art and design panels, lending her discerning eye and knowledge to the evaluation of artistic endeavors. Furthermore, she actively participates in community activities, demonstrating her commitment to industry and the wider society.
Dr. Hallak’s research endeavors have explored a myriad of topics, including the implications of a lack of visual participation in online classes, digital pattern development, color selection in design, and elements related to online education. Her dedication to research was acknowledged when she received the prestigious “Best Research Paper” award at a notable research conference.
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A media and communications expert with over 20 years of experience in teaching, research, and professional work, Dr. Mohammed Mukhtar serves as an Associate Professor at AUBH.
He also served as Director of the AUBH Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence for the 2022/2023 academic year.
Dr. Mukhtar’s expertise extends beyond academia, as he has also been invited to serve as a jury member at various international film festivals. Notable events include the San Francisco International Film Festival, the Morocco International Film Festival of the South, the Bahrain Film Festival, the US Embassy Project Documentaries, and the Sultanate of Oman’s Media Excellence Awards. These opportunities allowed him to contribute his expertise and discerning eye to the world of cinema.
Before joining AUBH, he held esteemed academic positions at the University of Bahrain, California State University, Hayward, Texas A&M University, and California State University, Northridge.
During his time at the University of Bahrain, Dr. Mukhtar played a pivotal role as the founding director of the Bahrain Credit Media Center. Recognized by UNESCO as the first full-scale, multi-media center in the Middle East, the center boasts state-of-the-art TV, film, and radio studios. Driven by his vision, he designed, built, and managed these cutting-edge facilities.
Throughout his teaching career in both the United States and Bahrain, Dr. Mukhtar has received numerous accolades, including the ‘Most Inspirational and Best Teacher of the Year’ awards. These honors reflect his dedication to inspiring and nurturing his students’ growth.
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Studio Manager, Lecturer
A strong advocate for gamification and the integration of technology into the higher education system, Khaled Al Hassan serves as a Lecturer of Multimedia Design and Studios’ Manager at AUBH. With more than ten years of experience teaching unique skills and creating jobs for students in the GCC market, Mr. Al Hassan strongly believes in multidisciplinary teaching.
Before joining AUBH, Mr. Al Hassan worked in the Creative Media Department at Bahrain Polytechnic, where he taught advanced 3D Modeling, Animation, and Advanced Interactive Applications using the game engine Unity 3D. Al Hassan launched the ‘Masar’ platform last year, a non-profit digital platform with a YouTube channel. The platform has attracted over 5,000 registered students from the MENA region.
Khaled is a strong advocate for gamification and the integration of technology into the higher education system. Throughout his career, his research interests covered a wide range of topics, including Metaverse, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Animation, CGI, Technology Enhanced Learning, Digital user experience VFX, Digital heritage, Cross reality applications, Computer games design, and Visual computing.
Khaled Al Hassan is a Ph.D. candidate in Technology-Enhanced Learning at the University of Lancaster and holds a master’s degree in 3D Architectural Visualization from the University of Kent.
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