As a faculty member, what were some of the reasons you chose to join the Northeastern community?

I was looking for a new challenge and a new career chapter. By happy chance, I found a faculty opening with the NU-Toronto Campus. Before applying for this position, I visited the NU website where I learned that Northeastern is a global research university and a recognized leader in experience-powered lifelong learning.

I was also attracted by the university values and the organizational culture and felt inspired by its leaders and the mission that was based on practical training and research. At NU I have more room to do more, produce more, become more, and learn more.

Tell us a little bit more about you. What are your interests? What motivates you?

Teaching is my life’s top priority. I enjoy brainstorming with colleagues to come up with the best creative ideas. I find immense joy when my students exhibit tangible signs of learning in my classroom. Connecting academic concepts to real-life, practical situations is acutely gratifying. At NU, I became a progressive academic and educator where I found that teaching is not merely a profession—it’s a way of life for me.

What advice do you have for others considering higher education, either as a student or as a career?

I prefer to share my favourite proverbs instead of giving direct advice. These three renowned proverbs continually fuel my teaching passion and leadership skills:

• Latin Proverb: “By Learning you will teach; by teaching you will learn.”
• Native American Saying: “Tell me, and I’ll forget. Show me, and I may not remember. Involve me, and I’ll understand.”
• A Japanese proverb: “A single arrow is easily broken, but not ten in a bundle.”

These timeless words of wisdom resonate deeply with me, guiding my approach to education and inspiring me to create meaningful and immersive learning experiences for my students. Also, I strongly believe that a harmonious team is a true strength that helps to make better and more innovative decisions.

What other passions do you have outside of teaching?

Outside of my work, I’m a family man. I like to spend quality time with my family and our pets, practice a healthy lifestyle, keep myself fit, and attend the gym several times a week. I’m also a chess player and enjoy volunteering in the community to train new generations on chess strategies. Also, I am dedicated to ongoing personal and professional development.

How would you describe yourself to others?

I’m a multi-specialized professional with more than 25 years of experience in the medical and healthcare field, clinical and academic research, academia and teaching, as well as strategic management and healthcare leadership. I was fortunate to be trained in various academic institutions, different countries, and languages (I speak English, French, Russian, and Lebanese). I’m a multicultural individual or global citizen.

My greatest achievements: I have been able to incorporate my research results into practice and in my workplaces. For example: Stimulating my student performance and skills by using simulated activities and practicing stress-free teaching-learning methodology. I would describe myself as an extremely organized professional, positive, enthusiastic, goal-oriented, resourceful, and quickly adapting to new situations or changes. I am an excellent team player and I enjoy working with talented people, but I also excel working independently with respect to work ethics, behavioral management, and with strong leadership skills.

It is a privilege to be part of Northeastern’s commitment to using education as a catalyst to address global health challenges. It’s a great honor for me to become a member of the esteemed faculty, to have the opportunity to contribute to the university’s academic mission, and to achieve more under our NU’s tremendous leaders.