ZARQA, Aug. 19 (Petra) — The Hashemite University concluded on
Tuesday the activities of the Life Sciences Research Experience
Project, designed for 9th and 10th-grade female students from the
Zarqa II Education Directorate, following four weeks of intensive
laboratory and academic training.

The program featured hands-on research and mentorship across multiple
faculties, including Science, Pharmacy, Prince Al-Hussein bin
Abdullah II Faculty of Information Technology, Business, Applied
Medical Sciences, Nursing, Dentistry, and the Prince El Hassan bin
Talal Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment. Participating
students engaged directly in scientific experiments under the
supervision of university researchers and faculty members.

The graduation ceremony was patronized by Hashemite University Vice
President Prof. Hassan Katkhada, in the presence of Zarqa II
Education Director Wael Abu Al-Foul, Project Director and Dean of
Scientific Research Prof. Lubna Tahtamouni, participating deans,
supervisors, and school principals.

Organized by the university’s Deanship of Scientific Research, the
project is backed by the International Cell Research Organization
(ICRO) and Colorado State University, operating under a research
grant from Dr. James Bamburg and Laurie Minamide of Colorado. The
initiative aligns with UNESCO’s framework for promoting girls’
integration into Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
(STEM) fields.

Vice President Prof. Katkhada noted that the project stems from the
university’s commitment to community outreach, women’s empowerment,
and educational advancement in neighboring areas. He explained that
the program introduces students to higher education and scientific
research, helping them map out future career paths early through
real-world laboratory experiences.

He highlighted that this year’s edition builds on a successful
inaugural cycle conducted with students from Mafraq Governorate,
expressing hope that the initiative will expand to other regions
across the Kingdom. “Investing in youth, particularly young women, is
an investment in society’s future,” Katkhada said.

Project Director Prof. Lubna Tahtamouni emphasized that mentoring
high school students required a specialized pedagogical approach,
combining fundamental concept clarification with active
encouragement. Over four weeks, students worked with DNA, RNA,
proteins, nanoparticles, and laboratory models, alongside developing
questionnaires, conducting interviews, and exploring programming,
artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Zarqa II Education Director Wael Abu Al-Foul praised the strategic
partnership with the Hashemite University, noting that the initiative
successfully bridged classroom theory with advanced university-level
research environments.

The ceremony also featured a virtual address by Dr. James R. Bamburg
and Laurie S. Minamide, commending the university’s efforts in
fostering academic inquiry and supporting youth innovation. The event
concluded with the distribution of certificates to participating
students, recognition awards for top scientific posters and
presentations, and honors for supporting faculty, assistants, and
school administrators.

//Petra// AA