Lea Saab

Job Title / Responsibilities

Lea Saab is the Associate Dean for Academic and Administrative Affairs at the Faculty of Engineering at Université La Sagesse. She holds a PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology, an MS in Molecular Biology, and a BS in Medical Laboratory Sciences. Dr. Saab oversees academic planning, curriculum development, and ensures alignment with accreditation standards and institutional objectives. She plays a key role in faculty recruitment and development, supervises student advising, and works to enhance teaching quality and learning outcomes. Additionally, she manages administrative operations, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, and supports the advancement of research and innovation. Her scientific background and leadership effectively bridge academic excellence with strategic institutional growth.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology (2013), Université de Strasbourg (France).
• M.Sc. in Molecular Biology (2010), The Lebanese American University (LAU) (Lebanon).
• Strong interdisciplinary expertise in pharmacology, toxicology, molecular biology, and biomedical sciences.
• Extensive teaching experience at undergraduate and graduate levels in health, biology, and engineering-related subjects.
• Experience in academic administration and leadership (Associate Dean role).
• Skilled in research design, publication, and peer-reviewed scientific writing.
• Multilingual: Fluent in Arabic, English, and French.
• Effective coordination of academic programs, accreditation processes, and curriculum development.
• Public speaking and scientific communication (oral presentations at international congresses).
• Laboratory proficiency in both in vitro and in vivo experimental models.
• Experience supervising laboratory and thesis work.

Professional Experience

Member, Specialized Committee

Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) – Beirut, Lebanon

February 2024 – Present

• Contribute to the evaluation and development of national higher education policies and standards.
• Participate in the design and review of program accreditation frameworks in collaboration with academic experts.
• Advise on curriculum reforms and institutional quality assurance practices.

 

Associate Dean for Academic and Administrative Affairs

Faculty of Engineering – Université La Sagesse (ULS), Furn El Chebbak, Lebanon

2024 – Present

• Oversee academic and administrative operations of the Faculty of Engineering, including curriculum development, accreditation readiness, faculty affairs, and student services.
• Lead institutional initiatives to enhance academic quality, strengthen research output, and align programs with ABET accreditation standards.
• Represent the faculty in university-wide committees, strategic planning, and external academic engagements.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to faculty members and students to foster academic excellence and innovation.

 

Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology

Faculty of Arts and Sciences – School of Medicine and Medical Sciences -Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Kaslik, Lebanon

2013 – 2024

• Taught and developed graduate and undergraduate courses in Pharmacology, Biology, Cosmetology, and Biomedical Engineering.
• Supervised graduate theses and mentored students in laboratory and research projects.
• Contributed to program evaluation, curriculum development, and accreditation initiatives.
• Served on faculty committees and participated in governance activities to strengthen institutional development.

Workshops Delivered (UCLC – USEK Continuous Learning Center):

• Modern Advances in Aesthetic Medicine
• Modern Advances in Dermal Sciences

 

Laboratory Instructor

Lebanese American University (LAU), Byblos, Lebanon

2008 – 2010

• Instructed laboratory courses in Biology 101, General Biology I & II, and General Biology for Biomedical Engineers.
• Designed and implemented lab protocols to support undergraduate teaching objectives.
• Provided close mentorship and technical training to students in laboratory techniques and data interpretation.

Teaching interests

• Pharmacology and Cosmetology
• Pharmaceutical and Industrial Engineering
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Biochemistry

Research interests

• Biomedical Imaging and Neuroscience
• Cell and Molecular Biology
• Pharmacology and Toxicology
• Natural Products and Herbal Medicine

Publications

• Hawi, A., Hmede, R., Saab, M.-B., Saab, L., Harati, H., Al Ahmar, E., & Estephan, E. (2025). Delayed onset bilateral papilledema secondary to trauma: A case report. Heliyon, 11, e43698. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e43698
• Hamzeh, J., Harati, H., Ayoubi, F., Saab, M.-B., Saab, L., Al Ahmar, E., & Estephan, E. (2025). The visualization of the glymphatic system through brain magnetic resonance in neurodegenerative disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 14(12), 4387. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14124387
• Abou Chaaya, J., Abou Chaaya, J., Jaafar, B., Saab, L., Abou Chaaya, J., Al Ahmar, E., & Estephan, E. (2024). Morphological changes of the pituitary gland in patients with irritable bowel syndrome using magnetic resonance imaging. Journal of Imaging, 10(9), 226. https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging10090226
• Audia, D., Hajeera, S., Saab, M.-B., Saab, L., Harati, H., Desoutter, A., Al Ahmar, E., & Estephan, E. (2024). Effects of cannabis use on neurocognition: A scoping review of MRI studies. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2024.2372377
• Zeeni, N., Daher, C. F., Saab, L., & Mroueh, M. (2014). Tragopogon porrifolius improves serum lipid profile and increases short-term satiety in rats. Appetite, 72, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2013.09.023
• Saab, L., Peluso, J., Muller, C. D., & Ubeaud-Sequier, G. (2013). Capillary flow cytometry: A novel tool for investigating the implication of hepatic transport proteins (MDR1 and MRP2) in inflammation associated idiosyncratic drug-induced hepatotoxicity. Cytometry Part A, 83A (5), 403–408. https://doi.org/10.1002/cyto.a.22263

Community Services

• Member, Technical Committee at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) (Contributing to the evaluation and development of higher education policies, academic standards, and program accreditation frameworks in collaboration with national stakeholders and academic experts), 2024 – Present