Dr. Rana Sabouni, American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Dr. Rana Sabouni is a prominent figure in the field of Chemical Engineering, currently serving as an Associate Professor at the American University of Sharjah (AUS). She holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering from the University of Western Ontario, and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Science from the University of United Arab Emirates. Dr. Sabouni’s research focuses on advanced materials, particularly Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs), with applications in environmental sustainability, drug delivery systems, and CO2 adsorption. She has received numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Interdisciplinary Research Award and various research grants from AUS. Her dedication to innovative solutions in chemical engineering extends into her teaching, where she inspires future engineers through a combination of theory and practical applications.

Professional profile

Summary of Suitability for the Research for Academic Excellence Award:

Dr. Rana Sabouni, an associate professor in the Chemical Engineering Department at the American University of Sharjah, presents a strong profile for the Research for Academic Excellence Award. She holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering from the University of Western Ontario and has over a decade of academic experience. Her research focuses on cutting-edge areas such as Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs), CO2 adsorption processes, drug delivery systems, and environmental pollutant detection. These are not only highly relevant to contemporary global challenges but also contribute significantly to the fields of chemical engineering and interdisciplinary research.

Education

Dr. Rana Sabouni completed her Ph.D. in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at the University of Western Ontario in 2013. Her doctoral work focused on advanced materials for environmental and biochemical applications, particularly in the areas of Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and CO2 capture. Prior to that, she earned her M.Sc. in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering from the same university in 2009, concentrating on sustainable chemical processes. Dr. Sabouni also holds a B.S. (Hons.) in Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Science from the University of United Arab Emirates, which she completed in 2006. Her comprehensive educational background has provided her with a deep understanding of chemical processes, enabling her to explore innovative solutions for environmental challenges and drug delivery systems.

Experience

Dr. Rana Sabouni has extensive academic experience, currently serving as an Associate Professor at the American University of Sharjah since 2020. She previously held the position of Assistant Professor at the same institution from 2014 to 2020. Before joining AUS, she worked as a Post-doctoral Fellow at the University of Western Ontario, where she focused on environmental sustainability research. She has also contributed as a Research and Teaching Assistant at the University of Western Ontario from 2007 to 2013, where she developed her expertise in chemical and biochemical engineering. Dr. Sabouni’s practical and research experience spans across multiple areas, including CO2 adsorption, environmental applications of MOFs, and the development of anticancer drug delivery systems.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Rana Sabouni has received numerous awards and grants for her research and academic contributions. In 2023-2024, she was honored with the Outstanding Interdisciplinary Research Award for her innovative work in sensing applications. She has also secured several Faculty Research Grants, including funding for projects like developing fluorescence-based biosensing platforms and MOF-based photo-reactors for pollutant removal. Notably, Dr. Sabouni received the Teaching Excellence Award at AUS for the academic year 2019-2020. She has also been recognized with prestigious scholarships, including the Ontario Graduate Scholarship and MITACs Accelerated Graduate Scholarship during her time at the University of Western Ontario. Dr. Sabouni’s accolades reflect her commitment to advancing chemical engineering research and education.

Research Focus

Dr. Rana Sabouni’s research primarily centers on Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs), with a strong emphasis on their environmental and biomedical applications. Her work on MOFs for CO2 adsorption and micropollutant removal from aqueous solutions addresses critical global environmental challenges. In addition to environmental sustainability, she is deeply involved in developing novel nanocarriers for anticancer drug delivery, exploring the effects of external stimuli such as light, ultrasound, and microwaves on drug release profiles. Dr. Sabouni is also focused on advancing biosensor technologies, specifically in the detection of heavy metals and pollutants. Her research combines chemistry, material science, and engineering to offer innovative solutions in both environmental sustainability and healthcare.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Carbon dioxide capturing technologies: a review focusing on metal organic framework materials (MOFs)
Cited by: 238

Title: A novel combined manufacturing technique for rapid production of IRMOF-1 using ultrasound and microwave energies
Cited by: 161

Title: Anti-cancer drug delivery using metal organic frameworks (MOFs)
Cited by: 115

Title: Micropollutants removal from water using microfiltration membrane modified with ZIF-8 metal organic frameworks (MOFs)
Cited by: 105

Title: Biomedical applications of metal− organic frameworks for disease diagnosis and drug delivery: a review
Cited by: 99

Dr. Abdallah Abusam | Mathematical Modeling | Excellence in Research

Dr. Abdallah Abusam, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Kuwait

Abdallah Abusam is a Dutch environmental engineer and research scientist at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR). With a career spanning over 30 years, Dr. Abusam has made substantial contributions in environmental management, water and wastewater treatment, and modeling of environmental systems. He earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Wageningen University, Netherlands, in 2001 and has since worked across various international research and academic institutions. His leadership roles include managing the Wastewater Program at KISR and conducting research on sustainable water reuse technologies. Dr. Abusam has published numerous technical reports and book chapters, showcasing his expertise in wastewater management and environmental biotechnology. A fluent speaker of Arabic, English, and Dutch, he has played an active role in guiding research projects that address environmental challenges and provide practical solutions for water resource management in the Middle East.

Professional Profile

scopus

Evaluation of Dr. Abdallah Abusam for the Research for Excellence in Research Award

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Abdallah Abusam is highly suitable for the Research for Excellence in Research Award, given his extensive experience in environmental engineering and his significant contributions to water and wastewater treatment. With a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Wageningen University, Dr. Abusam has worked in academia and research institutions worldwide, including the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), where he currently holds a senior research scientist position.

Education

Dr. Abdallah Abusam’s academic journey is rooted in civil and environmental engineering, beginning with his B.Sc. in Civil Engineering (Hons) from the University of Khartoum, Sudan, in 1982. He furthered his education with an M.Sc. in Sanitary Engineering from the same institution in 1986. Dr. Abusam continued his studies abroad, earning a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) in 1990. He culminated his academic pursuits with a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Wageningen University, Netherlands, in 2001. His educational background reflects a deep commitment to understanding the complexities of environmental systems, water treatment, and public health, laying the foundation for his future research in environmental management, wastewater treatment, and sustainable water reuse technologies.

Experience

Dr. Abdallah Abusam’s career has spanned various international institutions, reflecting his extensive experience in environmental engineering and research. Since 2016, he has served as a Research Scientist (Professor) at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), where he leads research in water and wastewater treatment. Between 2010 and 2015, he managed the Wastewater Program at KISR, and before that, he was an Associate Research Scientist (2005-2010). Earlier in his career, Dr. Abusam held academic positions at Al-Tahadi University in Libya and the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), teaching courses on environmental engineering. He also worked as a Scientific Researcher at Wageningen University, contributing to the Lettinga Associate Foundation’s research on anaerobic treatment systems. His work as a Sanitary Engineer in Sudan (1982-1993) marked the beginning of his lifelong dedication to environmental sustainability and clean water management.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Dr. Abdallah Abusam has received recognition for his contributions to environmental research and engineering. His work on wastewater treatment technologies and sustainable water management has earned accolades within the scientific community. Notably, Dr. Abusam has been acknowledged for his role in advancing wastewater treatment solutions that are vital for water-scarce regions. At the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), his leadership in the Wastewater Program earned him praise for driving impactful research projects aimed at tackling local environmental challenges. Additionally, his academic contributions at institutions like Wageningen University and the International Islamic University Malaysia have been recognized through teaching and research awards. Dr. Abusam’s publications, which include technical reports and book chapters on environmental systems, also stand as a testament to his professional excellence and commitment to advancing the field of environmental engineering.

Research Focus

Dr. Abdallah Abusam’s research is centered on the modeling and simulation of environmental systems, particularly focusing on water and wastewater treatment technologies. His work explores innovative solutions for wastewater reuse, environmental management, and the removal of contaminants such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Dr. Abusam is particularly invested in sustainable wastewater treatment approaches tailored for arid and water-scarce regions, aiming to provide clean water for agriculture and industrial use. He has led numerous research projects at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), addressing issues such as sludge management, greywater treatment, and industrial wastewater characterization. His contributions to environmental biotechnology also involve developing advanced processes for treating petrochemical wastewater and odor compounds in hospital effluents. Dr. Abusam’s research continues to bridge the gap between environmental science and practical applications, with a particular emphasis on sustainable development and environmental protection.

Dr. Rana Sabouni | Detection | Academic Excellence Award