About Alumni 1. Introduce yourself.. I am Hala Nafis Madanat, Vice President for Research and Innovation and Distinguished Professor of Public Health at San Diego State University, a Public Research University with deep community impact. I hold a Bachelor's degree from the University of Jordan in Biological Sciences, a Master's degree in Health Sciences and PhD in Sociology with a minor in Public Health both from Brigham Young University. My research addresses health disparities through community-engaged research. In my administrative role, I steward the university's expansive research enterprise, lead the development of an expansion site for the university; the Mission Valley Innovation District with 1.6 million square feet of innovation space, and oversee the university's technology transfer and commercialization efforts and its start-up incubator, the Zahn Innovation Platform Launchpad. | 2. Share your fondest memory from your time at Jordan University?
I did not know it at the time, but the first day I met my future husband. We were introduced by a mutual friend and the rest is history. I actually remember that moment so vividly. | 3. In one word, how would you describe Jordan University? Transformational. | 4. Explain how your experiences at UJ shaped you?
Attending the University of Jordan opened my eyes to the broader society I lived in but did not necessarily understand. It made me more tolerant, inclusive, and inspired my interest in working with communities to make change around me. | 5. Discuss what fascinated you about your chosen course of study?
Especially in today's world, believing in science and in its power to safeguard us is of great importance. While basic biological sciences did not end up the focus of my future work, understanding the biological mechanisms underlying the prevention of health conditions facilitated my intervention research to address health disparities in the communities I served. | 6. Offer advice to graduating students preparing to enter the workforce?
My advice is work hard and don't take opportunities for granted. Every single experience opens additional doors that may transform your life in an unexpected way. Challenge yourself to do the things that seem the hardest and make sure you hone your communication skills; both oral and written, as they are fundamental to any role you will end up in. | 7. Reflect on what you wish you had known during your time as a student?
University years are irreplaceable. While working hard is extremely important, finding time to spend with friends and engaging in new experiences are also important parts of this journey. I wish I understood that better back then and I remind our SDSU students of that anytime I can.
| 8. Identify the person who has had the greatest impact on your career?
That is always a hard question to answer because no one is the product of a single experience or mentor. For me, the first inspiration certainly came from home. I have amazing parents. My mom was a high school Arabic teacher, and my dad was a professor and later the dean of the College of Law at Mu'tah University. They both inspired to be an educator and have strong work ethic. In my high school education, I was supported and mentored by faculty that shaped my commitment to social justice. One particularly influential teacher was Ms. Nada Ayyad, with whom I started a community service club and we since became dear friends. At the University of Jordan, the most inspirational faculty was without doubt Dr. Salwa M. Bdour. Dr.Bdour provided with an opportunity to explore research in her lab and that launched my research career. From there, I had two influential faculty during my graduate work: Dr. Steven Hawks and Dr. Ralph Brown (may he rest in peace). They both supported me through my master's and doctoral degrees. The last person, I would say transformed my trajectory is Dr. John Elder. Not only was he part of the committee that recruited me to San Diego State University, he also was the person who noticed my administrative skills and pushed me to become an administrator. For all the young people reading this, I say you will have multiple people in your lives who can serve as mentors, just be open to it.
|
|