Prof. Samar al nahhas | Parasitology | Best Faculty Award
professor at Damascus University, Syria
Prof. Samar Al Nahhas is a distinguished professor specializing in Parasitology and Animal Biology. With a career spanning over three decades, she has made significant contributions to the study of parasitic diseases, particularly in Syria. Her expertise lies in investigating the molecular and immunological aspects of parasites, aiming to enhance diagnostic and preventive strategies. She has held key academic positions, including Head of the Department of Animal Biology at Damascus University (2000-2007), and has been involved in mentoring numerous students at various academic levels. Prof. Al Nahhas is also an active reviewer for international journals and has served as an arbiter for master’s and doctoral theses. Her work is widely recognized in the field, and she has been involved in various scientific collaborations focusing on infectious diseases, epidemiology, and molecular biology.
Education 
Prof. Al Nahhas pursued her academic journey across Syria and France, developing a strong foundation in biological sciences. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in General Biology (Biochemistry) from Damascus University (1978-1982), followed by a DEA (Diplôme d’Études Approfondies) in Animal Biology & Physiology from Lille University, France (1984-1985). She then completed her PhD in Animal Biology (Parasitology) at Montpellier University, France (1985-1988), where she conducted groundbreaking research on parasitic interactions and their developmental biology. Her education laid the groundwork for her later research in immunodiagnostics, molecular epidemiology, and parasitology. Over the years, she has continued to expand her expertise through advanced training in molecular biology, immunological techniques, and diagnostic methodologies, making her an authority in the field of parasitology.
work Experience
With an illustrious academic career, Prof. Al Nahhas has held multiple positions at Damascus University. She started as a Lecturer (1989-1994), then became an Associate Professor (1994-2000), and was later promoted to Professor (2000-present). From 2000 to 2007, she served as Head of the Department of Animal Biology, overseeing research and curriculum development. Throughout her career, she has conducted extensive research on parasitic diseases, including malaria, leishmaniasis, and echinococcosis, using advanced microscopy and molecular techniques. She has also worked with a wide range of laboratory equipment, including PCR, ELISA, electrophoresis, and blotting techniques, and has experience in microbial culture and biochemical analysis of parasites. Her contributions extend beyond academia, as she has actively participated in disease prevention strategies in Syria and collaborated on international research projects.
Research Focus
Prof. Al Nahhas specializes in parasitology, infectious diseases, and molecular diagnostics. Her research primarily focuses on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and immunology of parasitic infections, particularly leishmaniasis, malaria, giardiasis, toxoplasmosis, and echinococcosis. She has conducted extensive studies on the serodiagnosis of leishmaniasis, developing and comparing various immunological tests for its detection. She has also worked on molecular characterization of Giardia species and the genotypic analysis of Blastocystis to understand its impact on human health. Additionally, she has explored the interactions between parasites and host immune cells, using microscopy and molecular techniques to study parasite development in vitro and in vivo. Her research contributes significantly to public health strategies, helping identify effective diagnostic tools and preventive measures for parasitic diseases.