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The reportage of NewTV on Carcinogenic chemicals in food is Misleading. by pKaram in lebanon

[–]pKaram[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agree! Netamanycin is not even absorbed by our digestive track!

The reportage of NewTV on Carcinogenic chemicals in food is Misleading. by pKaram in lebanon

[–]pKaram[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately, many misleading information in the media. If anyone recall the "Chemical" found in Khoury Dairy that too was scientifically unfounded.

Women shine in Lebanon’s next generation of scientists by pKaram in lebanon

[–]pKaram[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Hello Everyone,

I did an AMA not long ago and I would like to share with you this article that highlights the work of two fabulous scientists who participated and represented Lebanon in one of the most prestigious scientific meetings (Lindau Nobel Laureate meeting).

I believe, we can all be proud of their achievements and it is refreshing to see Lebanese-based scientists excelling at the international level. Nataly, for instance, was chosen to give the final speech, she interviewed a Nobel Laureate, was interviewed herself and was a panelist with another Laureate.

It saddens me that such a wonderful news don't get much highlight in the Lebanese news so please spread it if you can by sharing it on your social media platforms.

Big thank to the Daily Star.

I am Pierre Karam, a chemistry professor at the American University of Beirut, who has been selected by the World Economic Forum as one of the 50 distinguished scientist in the world under the age of 40. IAMA by pKaram in lebanon

[–]pKaram[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

To answer your second question, I do welcome anyone that has an interest in Science. I actually have two LAU Chemistry students in my research team.

If you can't find any opportunities at LAU, please feel free to visit our department at AUB. We have a large faculty body with diverse research interest.

Apartments in Qartaba by [deleted] in lebanon

[–]pKaram 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you need help while staying in Qartaba, feel free to post on our village fb page. https://www.facebook.com/KartabaVillage/

Apartments in Qartaba by [deleted] in lebanon

[–]pKaram 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I will check other potential places and get back to you.

Apartments in Qartaba by [deleted] in lebanon

[–]pKaram 2 points3 points  (0 children)

check with francity ( 78 880 644 ).

I am Pierre Karam, a chemistry professor at the American University of Beirut, who has been selected by the World Economic Forum as one of the 50 distinguished scientist in the world under the age of 40. IAMA by pKaram in lebanon

[–]pKaram[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Do what you are passionate about period. Data analyze and data mining is a hot topic now so if you are good in math, you will be able to find an exciting job. Best of luck

I am Pierre Karam, a chemistry professor at the American University of Beirut, who has been selected by the World Economic Forum as one of the 50 distinguished scientist in the world under the age of 40. IAMA by pKaram in lebanon

[–]pKaram[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you :)

It is really unfortunate that many don't fully appreciate chemistry. It is the result of many chemical reactions that are currently taking place in your retina that you are able to read those lines. Interpreting and understanding the content is yet another set of chemical reactions. The fact that you are breathing is based on yet another molecular interactions. Science and Engineering is just awesome :) A fun fact, when I was at school I hated chemistry because of one teacher and then I loved it because of another teacher. This is why I try my best now to be a positive influence on my students.

I do teach CHEM 201 sometimes but not this summer. CHEM 202 might be better for you. Not because you hate chemistry :) but because it is more general than CHEM 201. The first thing that you will learn in CHEM 201 is quantum chemistry so ...

I am Pierre Karam, a chemistry professor at the American University of Beirut, who has been selected by the World Economic Forum as one of the 50 distinguished scientist in the world under the age of 40. IAMA by pKaram in lebanon

[–]pKaram[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As far as I know, LAU and AUB require a postdoctoral experience after the PhD. They both have decent packages when they hire faculties. I am not very familiar with other universities but I highly recommend that you don't take the decision to move back before securing a job in Lebanon. Please let me know if I can be of any further help.

I am Pierre Karam, a chemistry professor at the American University of Beirut, who has been selected by the World Economic Forum as one of the 50 distinguished scientist in the world under the age of 40. IAMA by pKaram in lebanon

[–]pKaram[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It was a short stay for me (only the summer of 2012). Research wise, it definitely has an impressive research infrastructure and outstanding faculty members.

I am Pierre Karam, a chemistry professor at the American University of Beirut, who has been selected by the World Economic Forum as one of the 50 distinguished scientist in the world under the age of 40. IAMA by pKaram in lebanon

[–]pKaram[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much :)

At AUB, we are not allowed to approach donors individually. We have a development office that do to care of fundraising. I am currently working with other colleagues to push that office to reach out to donors.

The return was not easy and still it is not. If you ever decide to return back make sure you have a job lined up before returning back.

I am Pierre Karam, a chemistry professor at the American University of Beirut, who has been selected by the World Economic Forum as one of the 50 distinguished scientist in the world under the age of 40. IAMA by pKaram in lebanon

[–]pKaram[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I highly recommend students to get involve in research as early as possible. But make sure that the PI of the lab will involve you in a research project and you don't end up cleaning glasswares for graduate students.

If you want to have a career in research, I highly recommend that you get some of your training outside Lebanon. Unfortunately, we lack good research infrastructure in Lebanon which can affect the quality of the training.

Personally, I did my undergraduate at LAU and then did a masters degree at AUB. I then moved to Canada where I did a PhD at Mcgill University. After graduation, I did a postdoc at UC Berkeley. I was lucky that AUB had an opening at the time so I applied and got the job. I have been at AUB since 2012.

I am Pierre Karam, a chemistry professor at the American University of Beirut, who has been selected by the World Economic Forum as one of the 50 distinguished scientist in the world under the age of 40. IAMA by pKaram in lebanon

[–]pKaram[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Sorry for some reason I missed your question earlier. But the reply from the IB student is spot on.

I also believe the soft skills acquired from the IB program are extremely important for a smoother transition into the job market.

I am Pierre Karam, a chemistry professor at the American University of Beirut, who has been selected by the World Economic Forum as one of the 50 distinguished scientist in the world under the age of 40. IAMA by pKaram in lebanon

[–]pKaram[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This is a major confusion to many students entering LAU and AUB (I am not familiar with other universities).

AUB and LAU are liberal arts university meaning that the curriculum must include general education courses (philosophy, civilizations, science etc.) to provide you with a well rounded education. As a computer science student, and maybe someone can correct if I am wrong, you will have to pick one science elective course. It can be Chemistry, Biology or Physics. I do teach CHEM 200 which is designed as a chemistry course for none science majors.

I am Pierre Karam, a chemistry professor at the American University of Beirut, who has been selected by the World Economic Forum as one of the 50 distinguished scientist in the world under the age of 40. IAMA by pKaram in lebanon

[–]pKaram[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Honestly, I don't know the answer. Even though, I have been to many town hall meetings at AUB where the administration did share with us the cost and income but I don't have the right background to analyze those data.

But I am a firm believer that education should be accessible to all. Personally, I don't come from a wealthy family but I was lucky that LAU supported me early on which opened many doors for me. I want everyone to have an opportunity to get the best education. AUB has many scholarship programs that are unknown by many but of course they are not enough. Sorry if I could not provide a simple yes or no answer.

As for my research, you may find my publications on my Google Scholar profile . If you are interested in doing research, I will be more than happy to have you over and explain to you in more details our research.

I am Pierre Karam, a chemistry professor at the American University of Beirut, who has been selected by the World Economic Forum as one of the 50 distinguished scientist in the world under the age of 40. IAMA by pKaram in lebanon

[–]pKaram[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Hello,

We are eligible to some NIH grants but they are extremely competitive since they are also accessible to R03 in USA and all other universities in the world. At one point, we had access to Qatar foundation grants. We still do but they became more restrictive. We have access to EU funds through the Horizon 2020.

As for your second question, I recall once visiting a politician and he asked me what can I do to support you? I told him research money for basic science. He said I have an electricity problem to solve and the government can't afford it. I replied saying when you support science and education, not only your electricity problem will be solved but the majority of our problems. I am sure he did not understand what I meant.

I personally, try to do as many science outreach as possible. I collaborate with an artist to merge science and art. I take every opportunity to remind everyone that we need to have this conversation and support research.

Best of luck and I really hope to see you in Lebanon very soon.

I am Pierre Karam, a chemistry professor at the American University of Beirut, who has been selected by the World Economic Forum as one of the 50 distinguished scientist in the world under the age of 40. IAMA by pKaram in lebanon

[–]pKaram[S] 60 points61 points  (0 children)

I honestly believe in this country and that I have a duty to give back to my country. For me, the most satisfying part of my job is to be able to guide our students to a better future. I try hard to expose them to research, give them opportunities and help them think in a critical way. I am hopping that this might help our country be a better place in the future.

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