Prof. Fahd Nasr

Professor in Translational Biology

Professor Fahd Nasr is a distinguished figure in the realm of Translational Biology, occupying the position of a professor in Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics at the esteemed faculty of Sciences of the Lebanese University. With an illustrious career spanning various dimensions of academia, Prof. Nasr's journey is marked by a deep commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering intellectual growth.

Equipped with a PhD in Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology from Pierre and Marie Curie Paris VI University, Prof. Nasr's academic pursuits have been enriched by his extensive postdoctoral training in yeast genetics and molecular biology. This journey further underscored the significance of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a powerful model for unraveling genomic intricacies in the modern age.

Beyond his contributions to molecular science, Prof. Nasr's dedication extends to enhancing higher education systems in Lebanon. He has spearheaded initiatives aimed at tailoring educational programs to meet the dynamic demands of the labor market. Notably, he played a pivotal role in formulating strategic action plans for higher education, aligning national priorities with the pursuit of world-class education and training.

An advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge dissemination, Prof. Nasr has pioneered joint courses for Master's and postgraduate students, exemplified by the courses "Yeast Genetics and Biology" and "Systems Biology." His philosophy extends beyond the classroom, believing that the exchange of knowledge among scientists and students is a conduit for fostering a culture of tolerance, respect, and shared wisdom.

Prof. Nasr's worldview is informed by a profound understanding of the evolving world. Recognizing the challenges and opportunities of our diverse and media-driven society, he emphasizes the shift towards student-centered education. In this context, he champions modern classroom methods that align with students' cognitive needs, promoting higher-order thinking, research-driven learning, and global competence.

Ethical considerations hold a significant place in Prof. Nasr's vision. He stands as a proponent of free speech, justice, and integrity, recognizing the global nature of challenges facing humanity. From loss of biodiversity to nuclear weapons and climate change, he emphasizes the collective responsibility to address existential risks and secure a better future for generations to come.

With a robust foundation in yeast genetics and molecular biology, Prof. Nasr's research has explored intricate aspects of cellular functioning, especially in the context of the cell cycle regulation. His expertise resonates in the instruction of various courses, including "Molecular Genetics," "Functional Genomics," "Microbial Genetics," and "Genomes and Diseasome."

As an academic strategist, Prof. Nasr champions innovative approaches to curricula development, emphasizing skill-building, lifelong learning, and multidisciplinary competencies. His email, fnasr@ul.edu.lb, serves as a conduit for academic correspondence, fostering collaborations, and advancing curricula development.

In the heart of Prof. Nasr's journey lies a commitment to knowledge, ethics, and the empowerment of future leaders. His contributions in the field of Translational Biology and higher education continue to shape the academic landscape and inspire the pursuit of excellence.

Furthermore, Professor Fahd Nasr's dedication to modern education is underscored by his advocacy of utilizing advanced pedagogical tools to enhance the learning experience. He recognizes that education in the digital age goes beyond traditional methods and requires innovative approaches that align with the changing needs and lifestyles of students. With over 24 years of experience as an academic strategist and instructor, Prof. Nasr has embraced the concept of the flipped classroom (FC) as a means to foster deeper engagement and critical thinking among students.

Understanding the potential of FC as an avenue for promoting higher-order learning and active participation, Prof. Nasr provides insightful advice to proponents of this approach. While FC holds promise in transforming students' attitudes towards learning and expected outcomes, he emphasizes the importance of being realistic about the demands it places on students. He acknowledges the diverse commitments and responsibilities that students have beyond the classroom, from part-time jobs to personal growth activities. Drawing from his extensive experience, he cautions against overwhelming students with the expectation of completing extensive pre-recorded lectures and readings outside of class.

In light of these considerations, Prof. Nasr suggests a balanced approach to the implementation of FC. Instead of expecting students to fully embrace the technique for every course, he advocates a more manageable integration of 10 to 20% of the learning material using the FC model. This pragmatic approach ensures that students can benefit from the advantages of FC without compromising their overall learning experience and well-being. By striking this balance, Prof. Nasr demonstrates his commitment to modern education that values both the pedagogical benefits of innovative approaches and the holistic development of students.

Professor Fahd Nasr's vision transcends the boundaries of traditional education and embraces the evolving landscape of higher education in the digital era. With a deep commitment to enhancing the learning experience, he advocates for a new vision for the Lebanese University, positioning it as a leading institution that excels in providing high standards of teaching and training in the ever-challenging digital world. This visionary perspective extends beyond his own institution, as he recognizes the transformative potential of electronic courses and online learning for universities worldwide.

In line with this vision, Prof. Nasr recognizes the dynamic changes that the digital revolution has brought to the world of education. He acknowledges that the modern era is marked by a transition from a teacher-centered to a student-centered education approach. Embracing this shift, he believes in designing learning experiences that align with students' expectations, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Prof. Nasr emphasizes the integration of emotional intelligence, critical thinking, problem-solving, cultural awareness, academic communication, and ethical responsibility as fundamental pillars of a successful academic program.

His vision is rooted in the belief that education should transcend geographical boundaries. Prof. Nasr advocates for collaborative learning environments that empower students to connect with peers globally and develop essential skills. Leveraging technology, such as e-portfolios, from the inception of academic programs, he envisions an educational landscape that fosters innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship among students.

Moreover, Prof. Nasr's vision extends to the concept of lifelong learning. He emphasizes the importance of equipping students with competences that enable them to adapt and excel in a rapidly changing world. With a forward-looking approach, he recognizes the paradigm shift that e-courses represent in the education sector. His commitment to excellence is evident in his call for the implementation of an observatory that assesses the success and challenges of different scientific fields, thereby promoting effective learning environments.

Overall, Professor Fahd Nasr's vision embodies the transformational power of education in the digital age. He envisions a future where education transcends physical boundaries, embraces innovative teaching strategies, and equips students with competences that empower them to thrive in an ever-changing world. His advocacy for quality online learning experiences, continuous improvement, and collaboration underscores his commitment to shaping a future of education that is flexible, adaptable, and attuned to the needs of students and society at large.

For a more comprehensive insight into Professor Nasr's expertise and extensive experience, kindly refer to the following link:
https://yeastwonderfulworld.wordpress.com/