Many female academic leaders have achieved tremendous career success and emerged as role models for the next generation of female professionals in their field. Dr. Deena Elsori, a globally renowned academician, researcher, educator, and community builder, is one of these exemplars.
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In addition to several certifications, Dr. Elsori obtained a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from Kuwait University and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Regulatory and Cellular Biology from Cleveland State University/Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute.
Before relocating to the UAE, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, USA, focusing her research on chronic inflammation and its correlation with cardiovascular disease.
UAE-based Dr. Elsori is the Acting Program Chair of the Foundation & General Education Program and the Dean of Faculty’s advisor at Rabdan Academy, one of the top defense, safety, security, and disaster preparedness educational institutions in the United Arab Emirates. She has over 16 years of experience in higher education and academic leadership. Her support for the creation and execution of academic policies and initiatives that have improved the university’s standards for research and education is truly wonderful.
Prior to joining Rabdan Academy, Dr. Elsori served as the Associate Dean at the College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, where she played a pivotal role in establishing both the Public Health Program and the College. She also conceptualized and launched a “Happiness Course” aimed at promoting emotional resilience and student wellness.
Dr. Elsori has spearheaded several campaigns and projects to promote health and well-being both domestically and internationally. As an associate professor of biology, she has written several articles on chronic inflammation, happiness, heart disease, and mental health. Her exceptional public health research has earned her a reputation as a champion for health promotion and well-being in the United Arab Emirates.
Recent peer-reviewed publications in journals addressing topics like health promotion, well-being in higher education, and student-centered pedagogical practices in the United Arab Emirates, as well as her co-editing of the recently published book “Colorectal Cancer: From Pathogenesis to Precision Medicine” (Routledge, 2024), which offers a multidisciplinary exploration of colorectal cancer and its evolving treatment paradigms, further demonstrate her exceptional contributions to literature and public health improvement.
In recognition of her exceptional work as an academic leader, Dr. Elsori has received numerous honors, including the 2025 Forttuna Global Excellence Awards nomination, the Best Paper Award on Advances in Agricultural, Biological & Environmental Sciences, Abu Dhabi, the 2013 College Teaching Award, the 2023 SPEAKER EXCELLENCE AWARD, the 2023 Most Inspiring Academic Woman Leader at the Global Women Entrepreneurship Roundtable Conference & Awards, the Travel Award for the Cellular and Molecular Medicine Program to attend the ATVB Conference in Chicago, and the Distinguished Faculty Award multiple times during her career.
Her invitations to speak at a number of conferences, including the 28th Elets World Education Summit in Dubai 2024, the 44th National Conference of the Association of Clinical Biochemists of India 2017, and the World Congress on Cell Science and Molecular Biology 2017 in Dubai, demonstrate her prominence on a global scale.
Even though they make up more than half of the students in higher education globally, women are still underrepresented in academic roles, particularly in leadership positions that significantly impact society and determine the course of higher education. Career role models like Dr. Deena Elsori may encourage the next generation of women to work in higher education, which can be incredibly rewarding and provide them with the opportunity to explore new ideas and contribute to society.