Born: January 24, 1976 (Irbid, Jordan)
Biography:
Lubna Hamid Tawfiq Tahtamouni is a renowned Jordanian biologist who has made significant contributions in the field of developmental biology and cancer research. She is currently serving as the head of the Department of Biology and Biotechnology at Hashemite University in Zarqa, Jordan. With her remarkable work on breast cancer and her advocacy for young women in the Arab world to pursue careers in science, she has emerged as a prominent figure in the scientific community. Recognized for her achievements, she was honored as one of BBC’s 100 Women in 2016.
Tahtamouni was born on January 24, 1976, in Irbid, a city in northern Jordan known for its highly educated residents. Growing up as the third of six children, she was raised in an environment that encouraged intellectual curiosity and education. These early experiences laid the foundation for her future endeavors in the field of biology.
She embarked on her academic journey at the University of Jordan, where she pursued a bachelor’s degree that she completed in 1997. Tahtamouni’s exceptional test scores led her to be placed in a biology program as an undergraduate student. Realizing her passion for developmental and reproductive biology, she went on to earn a master’s degree in the same field in 2000. During her master’s studies, she worked under the guidance of Hameed Al Haj, a renowned biologist.
Driven by her desire to delve deeper into the complexities of biological research, Tahtamouni decided to pursue a Ph.D. in the United States. She joined Colorado State University and completed her doctorate in 2005. Her doctoral research focused on the migration of embryonic and metastatic cells, and she conducted her studies under the guidance of James Bamburg. Throughout her educational journey, Tahtamouni’s family played a crucial role in supporting her career in science, including her decision to relocate to the United States.
After completing her Ph.D., Tahtamouni returned to Jordan with a strong commitment to inspire and encourage young women to pursue advanced studies in science. She wanted to utilize her knowledge and experiences to contribute to Jordan’s scientific development. In 2008, she secured funding for a microscopy facility at Hashemite University and was appointed as its director. Tahtamouni also organized proposal-writing workshops for new faculty members, helping them increase their chances of securing funding, including from foreign sources.
Throughout her career, Tahtamouni remained dedicated to staying updated with the latest advancements in research. She spent summers working abroad in countries like Australia and the United States, enabling her to incorporate cutting-edge methodologies and techniques into her work.
In 2011, Tahtamouni achieved significant milestones in her career. She was appointed as the head of the Department of Biology and Biotechnology at Hashemite University. Her expertise and dedication to breast cancer research earned her recognition and acclaim. She was awarded the prestigious L’Oreal-UNESCO Pan-Arab Regional Fellowship for Women in Science and an OWSD Award for Young Women Scientists from the Developing World. These accolades highlighted her groundbreaking work in combating breast cancer, a disease responsible for 35% of all cancer-related deaths in Jordan.
Tahtamouni’s contributions to the scientific community and commitment to women’s empowerment did not go unnoticed. In 2015, she was inducted into the United States Embassy in Jordan’s Women in Science Hall of Fame, further solidifying her position as a role model for aspiring female scientists. The following year, she was honored as one of BBC’s 100 Women, recognizing her as a trailblazer who shattered gender barriers in the field of science.
Today, Tahtamouni continues to inspire and advocate for women in science. Her research interests encompass various areas, including actin-binding proteins in chick embryos, breast cancer, human sperm chromatin abnormalities, and the effects of oxidative stress on cell metabolism. She remains a staunch supporter of women’s freedom to choose their own career paths, even in societies where traditional norms prioritize marriage and childbearing for women. Tahtamouni actively campaigns for legislation that promotes women’s rights in the workforce, such as maternity leave and workplace equality.
Awards:
– L’Oreal-UNESCO Pan-Arab Regional Fellowship for Women in Science
– OWSD Award for Young Women Scientists from the Developing World
– United States Embassy in Jordan’s Women in Science Hall of Fame
– BBC’s 100 Women