Page 19 - ADU Smart Learning Center Issue 1

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Faculty Spotlight

Interviews with ADU SMART Learning Center college coordinator

Dr. Nermin Eissa holds the position of Assistant Professor in the Biomedical
Sciences department at Abu Dhabi University’s College of Health Sciences. She
earned her doctorate in Biomedical Sciences, with a focus on Behavioral and
Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience, from the College of Medicine and
Health Sciences at the United Arab Emirates University (UAE) in 2019. Following her
Ph.D., Dr. Eissa pursued postdoctoral research in the Pharmacology Department
at UAE University. Her publications are numerous and span various international
journals in the fields of pharmacy and medicine. Her primary research interest
lies in the field of behavioral neuropharmacology, a branch of neuroscience.

As a college coordinator, how do you define your role in bridging the gap between your college and the
SMART Learning Center?

My role is to ensure a synergistic relationship between the college and the SMART Learning Centre, enhancing
the teaching and educational experience. Bridging the gap between the college and the ADU Smart Learning
Centre involves acting as the primary point of contact between the college and the SMART Learning Centre,
ensuring a smooth exchange of information and requirements. Promoting the SMART Learning Centre’s
programs to faculty, and ensuring they are aware of and can access these opportunities.

Can you describe the process of identifying and coordinating professional development needs for your
college?

I collect data on the professional development preferences and requirements of our college faculty members
and then discuss with the dean about these insights. Subsequently, I relay this information to the director of
the ADU Smart Learning Center, initiating the development of sessions tailored to meet the faculty’s needs
not only to enhance their teaching skills but also to prepare faculty members to be leaders and innovators in
higher education.

What are the key areas of focus for professional development in your college, and how do you prioritize
them?

Training requirements for faculty members in the College of Health Sciences focus on the use of technological
innovations that meet their scientific research needs, university teaching, community service, and course
requirements in terms of quality standards and performance indicators. The following important topics for
faculty professional development at the College of Health Sciences should be given priority: First, given the
increasing reliance on technology in healthcare, digital literacy, and health informatics are crucial. Next,
sustaining academic excellence and clinical relevance requires improving research skills and awareness of
evidence-based methods. Third, creating collaborative healthcare environments requires interprofessional
education proficiency. Ultimately, in today’s educational environment, creating efficient teaching strategies
and comprehending the mental health needs of students are becoming more and more crucial. Together,
these domains guarantee that faculty members stay at the cutting edge of healthcare education.

Abu Dhabi University | SMART Learning Center Newsletter Issue 1