The Arab American University and the US General Consulate honored Dr. Rula Jadallah for winning the 2015 award for Women in Science

The American Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched the Women in Science Hall of Fame award in 2010, in order to honor women, from the Middle East and North Africa whom possess outstanding research and scientific achievements.
Therefore, the Arab American University (AAUJ) was selected for such an award, in which the university’s President, Professor Mahmmoud AbuMwais and the American Vice-Consul; Mrs. Dourthy Shi, honored Dr. Rula Jadallah, the Assistant Professor within the Biology Department, as the winner of the 2015 award for “Women in Science.”

Dr. Rula Jadallah was chosen, from a total of 30 nominees, by the US General Consulate for the 2015 award. Also, the U.S. Embassy Amman’s Environment, Science, Technology and Health Office included Dr. Rula at the Portrait of Fame award along with 11 other women from the same region. 

The Vice President for the Academic Affairs, Professor NourAldeen Abu AlRub, the Vice President for International Relations, Dr. Mufid Qassom, the Vice President for the Community Affairs, Dr. Nitham Thiab, the Assistant to the President for the Administrational and Financial Affairs, Mr. Faleh AbuArrah, the Deans of the Faculties of the university, the Faculty and Administrative members and a group of the Biology and Biotechnology Department students at the university all attended the honoring ceremony that was presented by the student Afaf Asa'id. 

Professor Mahmoud AbuMwais expressed that the university is greatly honored to receive this great achievement. It comes to show how much the university has evolved as a scientific and research university from all angles in order to keep with the developed international world. He also said:

“Today we are proud of the significant achievement of Dr. Jadallah that suits the great achievements of the University” and added that the administration of the university will always place an importance to the theoretical and scientific research that concerns the interest of science and building and development of the community.

Mrs. Shi, the American Vice-Consul started her speech by welcoming the attendees in Arabic by saying: “Today I decided to start my speech in Arabic as an honoring to the Palestinian people and their noble Arabic culture.” Mrs. Shi continued with explaining the reasons of why Dr. Jadallah was chosen for the award and indicating that “by winning the 2015 award for Women in Science, Dr. Jadallah represents a great example and ideal for her university, community and the world.” She also congratulated all Arab and Palestinian women for this achievement and expressed her happiness to visit the Arab American University that embraces peculiar sciences and cultures.

“I can’t express my happiness on this honoring for winning the 2015 award for Women in Science,” Dr. Jadallah said, “This day will be immortal in my memory as it holds a great delight in my professional life, and I hope that I have presented my University, my country and my community in the best way. I wish that I was capable to reflect the image of the Palestinian women who are eager to science and success. 

Also I appreciate the American Consulate and the Arab American University for their support and I feel proud standing here in front of you all. I dedicate my success to my country Palestine, to Jenin City, to my parents and dear family, to all my friends and to all who always supported and encouraged me.”


Nisreen Tarsha, a Biology Department student said: “We take a bow before this outstanding honor that represents us and our university. We are always proud of Dr. Rula Jadallah, whose achievement has had a great impact on all female students at the department. We have learned so much from her during the past four years, and we will forever benefit from her knowledge and experience. Dr. Rula is a mother and a teacher, who has always stood by us with encouraging words, which she always reminded us to: 


“Remember to do something that will leave a fingerprint and a great impact on the world, you have great power and you will make us all proud, whether it is nor or in the near future. And don’t forget that the science distinction starts with believing that science is unlimited.”

It is worth mentioning that in addition to being the Assistant Professor at the Biology Department, Dr. Jadallah was in many positions before, such as the Assistant to the Vice President for Planning and Development and the Head of the Project Unit at the University. She was also elected as Vice-Chairman for Arraba Mayor, and she participates in many community teaching projects. Dr. Jadallah is considered the first nominated female for this award from Jenin City and she is the fifth female to be nominated for the Hall of Fame award and the fifth to be chosen as the award winner.