Female leaders in academia are making significant contributions by fostering inclusive environments, promoting innovative teaching and research, and advocating for positive change within institutions. They often employ leadership styles that emphasize collaboration and communication, leading to stronger team dynamics and ethical decision-making. An excellent illustration of this is Dr. Deena Elsori, who is well-known for her pioneering work to advance the education sector.
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Academic Background
Dr. Deena has a strong academic background. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Regulatory and Cellular Biology from Cleveland State University/Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from Kuwait University, in addition to multiple certifications.
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.
Academic Leadership & Innovation
UAE-based Dr. Deena serves as the Acting Program Chair of the Foundation & General Education Program and Advisor to the Dean of Faculty at Rabdan Academy, one of the UAE’s top institutions for emergency preparedness, safety, security, and defense education. She has over 16 years of experience in higher education and academic leadership. Throughout her career in higher education, she has supported the creation and execution of academic policies and initiatives that raise the standard of education and research at the university.
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.
Public Health Initiatives
Given that public health is essential to people’s and communities’ well-being, resulting in longer, healthier lives and promoting social and economic advancement, Dr. Deena’s efforts to promote it are truly wonderful. She has spearheaded several programs and activities to promote health and well-being in the UAE and beyond. As an associate professor of biology, she has written several articles about chronic inflammation, heart disease, happiness, and emotional health.
Awards & Recognitions
Dr. Deena has been recognized with numerous honors, such as the Best Paper Award on Advances in Agricultural, Biological & Environmental Sciences, Abu Dhabi, the 2013 College Teaching Award, the 2023 SPEAKER EXCELLENCE AWARD, the Most Inspiring Academic Woman Leader at the Global Women Entrepreneurship Roundtable Conference & Awards 2023, the Travel Award for Cellular and Molecular Medicine Program to attend the ATVB Conference in Chicago, and a nomination for the Forttuna Global Excellence Awards—2025. She has won the Distinguished Faculty Award multiple times during her career.
Dr. Elsori is the co-editor of the newly published book “Colorectal Cancer: From Pathogenesis to Precision Medicine” (Routledge, 2024), which provides a multidisciplinary exploration of colorectal cancer and its evolving treatment paradigms. Her recent scholarly work includes peer-reviewed publications in journals addressing themes such as health promotion, wellbeing in higher education, and student-centred pedagogical practices in the UAE.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Icon
Dr. Deena’s journey to becoming one of the most influential women in education is incredibly motivating. If there is no struggle, there is no progress. Dr. Deena exemplifies this brilliantly. She put forth a lot of effort and conquered many obstacles to become the lady she is today.
There are too many achievements for Dr. Deena to mention them all here. She has been invited to present at several conferences, such as the World Congress on Cell Science and Molecular Biology 2017 in Dubai, the 44th National Conference of the Association of Clinical Biochemists of India 2017, and the 28th Elets World Education Summit in Dubai 2024.
Unquestionably, academic leaders like Dr. Deena Elsori are the real heroes of the educational system, which is essential for promoting socioeconomic growth, empowering individuals, developing science and technology, and advancing international peace and security.