Lubna Hamid Tawfiq Tahtamouni secured a place as one of the BBC 100 Women in 2016 for her contributions to developmental biology and cancer research. Raised in the northern Jordanian city of Irbid, she has navigated an academic career that spans institutions in Jordan and the United States, ultimately leading the Department of Biology and Biotechnology at Hashemite University.
Academic Formation
Tahtamouni completed her undergraduate and master's degrees at the University of Jordan in 1997 and 2000, respectively. Her initial placement in biology was determined by high performance on entrance examinations. During her early training, she served as a student teaching assistant, overseeing courses such as Embryology and General Practical Biology. She later pursued doctoral research at Colorado State University in the United States, where she worked under James Bamburg on the migration of embryonic and metastatic cells, graduating in 2005.
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Following the completion of her doctoral work, Tahtamouni returned to Jordan to establish her laboratory. In 2008, she secured funding to direct a microscopy facility at Hashemite University. By 2011, she was appointed head of the Department of Biology and Biotechnology. Her administrative efforts included hosting proposal-writing workshops to assist faculty in securing domestic and foreign research grants. She has maintained international research ties through summer appointments in Australia and the United States.
Scientific Research and Advocacy
Her research portfolio covers various areas, including actin-binding proteins in chick embryos, breast cancer diagnostics, human sperm chromatin abnormalities, and cell metabolism under oxidative stress. She remains a prominent advocate for women in science, frequently addressing the social pressures that prioritize domestic life over academic careers in the Arab world. She pushes for institutional support for women, including maternity leave and childcare, while encouraging students to pursue international study opportunities.
Recognition and Awards
Tahtamouni has received multiple accolades for her work on breast cancer, which represents a significant portion of cancer-related mortality in Jordan. Notable honors include the 2011 L'Oreal-UNESCO Pan-Arab Regional Fellowship for Women in Science and the 2011 OWSD Award for Young Women Scientists from the Developing World. In 2015, she was inducted into the United States Embassy in Jordan's Women in Science Hall of Fame.
Fast facts
- Born: 24 January 1976, Irbid, Jordan
- Undergraduate Degree: University of Jordan, 1997
- Ph.D.: Colorado State University, 2005
- Primary Field: Developmental Biology and Cancer Research
- Key Role: Head of Biology and Biotechnology, Hashemite University
- 2011 Award: L'Oreal-UNESCO Pan-Arab Regional Fellowship
- 2016 Recognition: BBC 100 Women
Questions readers ask
What is the focus of Lubna Tahtamouni's research?
Her work encompasses breast cancer diagnostics, embryonic cell migration, actin-binding proteins in chick embryos, and the impact of oxidative stress on human cell metabolism.
What advocacy work does Tahtamouni perform?
She promotes female participation in science careers, lobbies for workplace legislation like maternity leave, and encourages Jordanian students to undertake international research residencies.
Achievements
- Educated at Colorado State University, University of Colorado and University of Jordan
