Lara Khouzami

Dedicated Assistant professor with over 12 years of experience specializing in Molecular, Biochemical, and Cellular Aspects of Biology and Health Sciences. Proven track record in teaching and content development across diverse biomedical subjects. Skilled in implementing innovative teaching methodologies and fostering student engagement through interactive and student-centered approaches.

Committed to driving academic excellence, promoting research, and providing mentorship to students. Seeking a dynamic role in higher education to contribute to teaching excellence and academic growth.

Zayed University - CNHS, Dubai, UAE Assistant Professor, January 2022 - Present

• Delivering courses in Human Physiology, Biochemistry, General Biology, and Research Methods, providing comprehensive instruction to students.
• Developing and implementing engaging lectures and laboratory exercises, utilizing innovative teaching methods to stimulate analytical and creative thinking among students.
• Achieving consistently high ratings in course evaluations, maintaining an average of 4.7 out of 5 in teaching effectiveness, reflecting positive student feedback and satisfaction.

University of Balamand Dubai (UOBD), Dubai, UAE Lecturer, January 2022 – May 2022

• Lectured Microbiology for pre-Med students, using cases studies and active learning.

Online teaching Associate professor, 2019 – 2022

• Utilized diverse e-learning platforms (Blackboard, Moodle, Microsoft Teams, Zoom) to deliver online and blended courses effectively.
• Developed interactive online courses in biology, genetics, and molecular biology.
• Implemented engaging strategies to improve student engagement and learning outcomes.
• Instructed 10 e-learning courses, mentoring over 500 students online, enhancing engagement and knowledge retention.

Lebanese University – Faculty of Sciences, Beirut, Lebanon Associate Professor, 2012 – 2021

• Delivered for 10 years a total of 8 courses annually in Genetics, Molecular Biology, Cell and Human Physiology, Biochemistry for undergraduates and Advanced Molecular Biology and Cell Signaling for graduates.
• Prepared over 100 students for their future academic and professional endeavors in the biomedical field through comprehensive instruction and mentorship.
• Utilized innovative teaching methodologies to enhance student engagement and improve learning outcomes, resulting in a highly effective learning environment.
• Successfully secured a research grant of $25K from Lebanese University, leading to the supervision of a PhD student in collaboration with Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, and publication of an article in a peer-reviewed journal.
• Provided guidance and advice to over 600 students throughout tenure as an Associate Professor, supporting their academic and professional growth.

Paris Cardiovascular Research Center (PARCC), France Postdoctoral Research fellow, 2009 – 2011

• Conducted research funded by INSERM postdoctoral fellowship, investigating IL-15's role in aneurysm immunomodulation.
• Designed and conducted in vivo and in vitro experiments employing various biochemical, molecular and cellular techniques such as ELISA, flow cytometry, histological analysis.

PhD “Molecular and Cellular Aspects of Biology” (Paris Est Creteil University - UPEC) - France- Equalized by the Ministry of Education – UAE (August 10, 2023). 2005-2009

Master of Science in Molecular Biology (Lebanese American University – LAU ) - Lebanon 2003-2005

Teaching Diploma in Sciences (Lebanese University) - Lebanon 1999-2003