Walid Hleihel is a professor of physiology at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Having joined USEK in 2002, he has held various administrative positions, including Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, and currently serves as the Deputy President for Research.

With over two decades of teaching experience, he imparts his knowledge in cell biology and physiology at the faculties of Sciences, Medicine, and Engineering at USEK. His commitment to education is underscored by his attainment of the Professional Educator Certificate from the UT Global Initiative for Education and Leadership at the University of Texas at Austin in 2015.

In the realm of research, Walid is the Head of the Neurodevelopmental Disorders Research Group (NDRG). His research interests primarily focus on the correlation between environmental and genetic factors and neurodevelopmental disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Lebanon. Walid spearheads investigations into the causes of these complex pathologies, collaborating with a specialized team of physicians, scientists, and non-governmental associations. His research activities extend to developing innovative nanobioanalytical platforms, such as a novel method for detecting and monitoring cancer biomarkers in saliva. Additionally, he is actively involved in characterizing the venom of an endemic Lebanese viper in collaboration with national researchers. As a prolific researcher, Walid is an integral part of the European research projects Neuren and PsyComed, contributing to various Tempus international academic and administrative projects. His work has garnered international recognition, and he actively participates in conferences and training sessions on teaching, learning, and campus internationalization.

Beyond his scholarly contributions, Walid serves as a reviewer for esteemed journals and grant projects, showcasing his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge. His multifaceted career is a testament to his expertise in physiology and his unwavering dedication to the pursuit of knowledge, research, and the dissemination of understanding in the field of health.

EDUCATION

• Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, University of Texas – USA (2015)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Education, Conférence Internationale des Doyens et des Facultés de Médecine d'Expression Française ((CIDMEF) - (2006)
• PhD in Physiology and Pharmacology, Nantes University – France (2002)
• MS in Cellular Physiology and Pharmacology, Tours University – France (1998)
• BS in Cellular Physiology and Biology, Tours University – France (1997)