Dr. Suzan Shahin is a distinguished Environmentalist and Horticultural Scientist. She has a M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences (Obtained in 2009) and Ph.D. in Food and Agriculture (Obtained in 2018) from the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). Dr. Shahin is serving as an assistant professor in the College of Arts and Science at Umm Al Quwain University (UAQU). She joined UAQU in 2019 and was assigned as the head of Research and Development (R&D) in which she established the R&D infrastructure in the period between June 2019 and November 2021, and currently, she is serving as the Head of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center (December 2021 to present).
Dr. Shahin has a profound expertise in various disciplines including climate change, arid land agriculture, irrigation, food security, and sustainability, she actively engages in groundbreaking research.
Dr. Shahin is widely recognized for her pioneering work in essential oils. She established the first databank for the UAE native essential oil-bearing plants, boasting cited publications in esteemed journals with a high impact factor within her field, such as Sustainability, Molecules, Plants, and Frontiers in Plant Science. Her sustainable initiatives encompass Natural Conservation and Natural-based Solutions, addressing the challenges posed by climate change. She has earned a reputation for her exceptional contributions to these areas. Example of her sustainable initiatives includes the Emirati landscape of UAQU. Dr. Shahin plays significant role in raising the public awareness on the UAE indigenous and desert plants, and her contribution is part of EXPO 2020 Dubai Venue.
Furthermore, Dr. Shahin plays a significant role in advocating for renewable energy as the UAE chapter leader for Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE) - Canada. She is also a dedicated member of the Sustainable Use and Livelihoods Specialist Group at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and actively participates in research clusters established by the Ministry of Climate Change & Environment, UAE.
In recognition of her outstanding achievements, Dr. Shahin has been honored with numerous numerous awards in the realm of research and innovation. Her mentorship has led several of her students to victory in prestigious national competitions, highlighting her impactful guidance and mentorship. Additionally, Dr. Shahin extends her influence beyond academia through social media platforms, where she serves as an inspiring influencer. Her goal is to empower students, enabling them to achieve their fullest potential and contribute meaningfully to society.