Rate My Professor Rachel Matar

Professor Rachel Matar is the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Biotechnology at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), where she leads the Department of Biotechnology. With over 15 years of academic leadership and research experience, she has played a pivotal role in advancing biotechnology education and research at the institution. Her work encompasses molecular and cellular biology, genetics, drug discovery, medical biotechnology, forensics, and food and agricultural sciences, aligning with the department's comprehensive undergraduate program that features state-of-the-art laboratories for cell culture, molecular biology, protein analysis, DNA analysis, and microbiology.

Dr. Matar holds a PhD in Structural and Functional Biochemistry from Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1. Her research focuses on functional and structural biochemistry, with significant contributions documented in peer-reviewed publications. Notable works include 'Role of flavonoids in thrombotic, cardiovascular, and inflammatory diseases' (Inflammopharmacology, 2019), 'Structuring detergents for extracting and stabilizing functional membrane proteins' (PLoS ONE, 2011), 'Plant flavonoids on oxidative stress-mediated kidney inflammation' (Biology, 2022), 'Current methodologies to refine bioavailability, delivery, and therapeutic efficacy of plant flavonoids in cancer treatment' (The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 2021), 'Siglecs in brain function and neurological disorders' (Cells, 2019), 'Mitochondrial DNA, a powerful tool to decipher ancient human civilization from domestication to music, and to uncover historical murder cases' (Cells, 2019), 'Tools to study and target the Siglec–sialic acid axis in cancer' (The FEBS Journal, 2021), and 'Neuroprotective effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles in a rotenone-induced mouse model of Parkinson's disease' (Nanotheranostics, 2024). These publications have collectively amassed over 800 citations on Google Scholar. In 2017, she received the AURAK President's Award for her contributions in biochemistry. Prof. Matar has chaired the Organizing Committee for the RAK EISC 2026, hosted AURAK's inaugural Biotechnology Conference in 2026, and supported research through AURAK Research Seed Grants, fostering innovation at the intersection of biosciences and industry.