Abdullah M. Abudayyeh taught chemistry at AHSS from 2016 to 2022. He now holds a Ph.D from the University of Otago in New Zealand and is now working on postdoctoral work in France and Belgium. He is a Postdoctoral research fellow at the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium.
In June of this year, Science Magazine published an article from Abdullah detailing his quest for academic achievement among many obstacles. The distance required from his family, particularly during the COVID-19 Pandemic was taxing on him. However, through their support he was able to achieve his dreams.
“When I ultimately graduated, at age 40, I was able to go back to Jordan with my Ph.D. certificate and several publications in hand—and full of joy and confidence,” Abdullah wrote in Science Magazine.
Before achieving his Ph.D. Abdullah taught chemistry in Jordan, first at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency school for Palestinian refugees in Jordan, then joining other English-speaking schools in Jordan including AHSS.
“I found I loved teaching, and before I knew it I’d spent 10 years in the profession,” Abdullah said.
However, as much as he loved teaching, he had large aspirations for a career in science.
“I wanted to do research that could help tackle major challenges such as fuel crises and global warming,” Abdullah said.
The decision to continue his education away from his home and family in Jordan was tough, but Abdullah detailed in the Science Magazine article why it was necessary.
“In Jordan, as in many countries in the Middle East, it is hard to be a successful academic without obtaining a Ph.D. from a foreign, English-speaking nation. To establish the career I wanted in my country, I knew I’d first have to leave,” Abdullah wrote.
Abdullah now dreams of bringing his science education back to Jordan. He wants to work in his home country armed with the degrees he has acquired abroad.
“Many Jordanian scientists find more lucrative opportunities elsewhere, particularly in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other Middle Eastern countries—but I would like to contribute to the country’s research and be back at the side of my wife, who has supported my dreams for the past 10 years,” Abdullah said.
You can read Abdullah’s full article at Science.org.
