Birzeit University grants Dr. Ghassan Albarghouti the Distinguished Professor Award and Dr. Niveen Abu Rmeileh the Scientific Research Award

In recognition of their academic excellence, Birzeit University granted Dr. Ghassan Albarghouti, assistant professor at the Department of Chemistry, the Distinguished Professor Award and Dr. Niveen Abu Rmeileh, professor and researcher at the Institute of Community and Public Health, the Scientific Research Award for the 2022-23 academic year.

Dr. Albarghouti received the Distinguished Professor Award due to his well-structured course outlines, featuring clear learning outcomes and organized content. His employment of various teaching techniques was reflected in the positive student evaluations he received, which was high compared to other faculty members within his department and faculty.

He maintained, “This award serves as means to an end rather than the goal itself, as it encourages faculty members to elevate students’ scientific and intellectual levels through creating student-centered learning environment and implementing follow-up mechanisms to ensure learning outcomes has been achieved at both the individual and course levels.”

In 1996, Dr. Albarghouti graduated from Birzeit University’s chemistry bachelor’s program. He worked as a laboratory technician at the Department of Chemistry before completing his master’s studies in water science and technology. After obtaining his Ph.D. in organic and environmental chemistry, he returned to Birzeit University to work as an assistant professor.

Dr. Abu Rmeileh received the Scientific Research Award for her research excellence, evident in the substantial number of research she published in esteemed peer-reviewed journals and the high number of citation her publications. Dr. Abu Rmeileh has been frequently ranked among the top 2% of the world's most widely cited scientists, according to the Stanford University and Elsevier analysis lists. She participated in various funded research projects, conferences and campaigns, such as the “United against Tobacco and COVID-19” campaigns organized at Birzeit University in 2022 and 2023.

Dr. Abu Rmeileh elaborated, “My research focuses on epidemiology and the social, economic, and political context in which diseases spread. I also investigate women’s reproductive health, given to the necessity of providing quality and accessible reproductive health services to women, particularly during pregnancy.”

She added, “It is necessary to believe in our own capacities. I believe in women’s excellence in academia and research, which they have achieved through determination and hard work despite social and political challenges.”

Dr.  Abu Rmeileh is a full professor of epidemiology and public health at Birzeit University. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory sciences from Al-Quds University and her doctoral degree from the University of Glasgow, U.K. Dr. Abu-Rmeileh has lead national, regional and international research. She is a board member of the Global Implementation Society (GIS). In addition, she is a member of the Eastern Mediterranean-Advisory Committee for Health Research (EM-ACHR) and the World Health Organization’s Eastern Mediterranean Research Ethics Review Committee (ERC).  

Dr. Albarghouti and Dr. Abu Rmeileh received the awards based on the recommendation of relevant committees, which was subsequently approved by the university council. They will be conferred the awards at the annual graduation ceremony scheduled at the end of July 2023.