Meet the instructorsDr Dionysia Angeliki Lyra is a Halophyte Agronomist and was working at the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) till very recently. She specialises in the Research and Development of sustainable and nutrition-dense halophytic farming systems that are well-adapted in hot and desert coastal and inland environments, mainly targeting to enhance the food, and nutrition security in these marginal regions. For the irrigation of halophytes, she has been focusing on utilising saline water resources such as seawater, the reject brine from desalination, brackish groundwater, aquaculture effluents, mostly in sandy soils. Dr Lyra has also been working on integrating fish farming with halophytes, pursuing a multi-faceted circular production system that maximises the synergies among the components and is also cost-effective, easy to operate, productive and profitable. Looking into providing a full-fledged value chain positioning of halophytes, Dr Lyra has worked with clinical scientists, dieticians, private sector food companies and culinary professionals, looking into a robust positioning of the halophytes in the market and for the consumers. She has worked with eminent national and international organisations implementing projects in Middle East and Central Asia. She was co-leading the Middle East and Central Asia regional network of NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health till 2023. Currently, she is an active member of the regional ME and CA NNEdPro group.
Prof Meis Moukayed, is a Clinical Scientist and Professor of Health and Life Sciences at the American University in Dubai (AUD). She banks nearly 20 years’ experience in the health, science and education sectors. As a graduate and former researcher of Cambridge, Oxford and Harvard University, Prof Moukayed is trained in molecular biology, stem cell biology, translational medicine, epidemiology and clinical trials. Her career in health sciences is diversely rich bridging experiences from academia, translational research projects for government health authorities, medical writing and editing, as well as start- up projects for the biotech industry. As a seasoned academic at AUD, she was one of the founding faculty members of the School of Arts and Sciences and continues to act as Coordinator of the Science Division and member of several of the School’s committees. Prof Moukayed was also the first and youngest female academic promoted to full Professor at AUD given her contributions to the institution and its mission over the years. She established the Minor in Health Studies and teaches several science courses such as Life sciences, Nutrition, Women’s health, Public health, Environmental health, among others. Her research focuses on solutions addressing UAE public health needs and concerns namely cancer, Vitamin D insufficiency, stem cell therapies, women’s health issues, diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Prof Moukayed was the recipient of the President’s Award in Teaching Excellence in 2016. She has widely cited peer-reviewed publications and book chapters to her name in these areas. Prof Moukayed serves as a member of the UAE Sustainability Research Committee. She is an elected member on several international societies, including The Biochemical Society, Emirates Medical Association, Emirates Pathology Society and The Endocrine Society, among others. She is also an active member of the Middle East and Central Asia regional network of NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health.
Υasmine Haddad s a licensed clinical dietitian that has graduated with a master’s degree in food technology in 2006 and a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics in 2003 from the American University of Beirut (A.U.B.). In 2008, she played an vital role in the establishment and growth of one of the first diet centres in Dubai. From 2020-2023, she was part of a multi-specialty and multi-award winning clinic located in Dubai Healthcare city specialised in paediatrics. In 2023, Ms. Haddad has joined one of the premier treatment centres in the UAE for Neuropsychological Services for adults and children. She regularly appears on major live broadcasts and public health forums as a subject matter expert on the topics of nutrition awareness most notably the 8th, 9th and 10th International Paediatric Medical Congress (IPMC) held in Dubai. She is also an active member of the Academy of Eating Disorders (AED) and of the Middle East and Central Asia regional network of the NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health.
