Nahla Al Rifai

Assistant Professor at Kuwait University

• Kuwait
• September 2005 to August 2012

I have seven years academic experience at Kuwait University working as assistant professor, in which I have gained substantial knowledge in teaching, research and administrative works. I was the first faculty member, who was hired for the Department of Environmental Technology Management (ETM), College for Women, at the Kuwait University, establishing the basic structure of ETM according to the College Learning Outcomes Strategies. I was the first acting chair for the department (2005-2008). During this period, the group and I initiate the Program Learning Outcomes for ETM and its indicators, which were then approved by the College and the University. I initiate Course Description Form for many courses based on learning outcomes that reflect skills and knowledge, to enable students succeed and to be lifelong learners. Also, I initiate teaching many new courses; and this includes preparing course materials, exams, assessment files etc. I prepare all department offices and labs with all suitable furniture, appropriate experimental equipment for labs through vendors committee, and labs and equipment follow up committee. I train (or oversee training) teaching and scientific assistants with experimental equipment and techniques. I have gained great experience with the duties of almost all administrative committees, and have found myself highly interested in the strategic and planning committee as well as in the research market need committee. In addition to the administrative and teaching load provided in my C.V., I have achieved high teaching evaluation score in all courses. I have used modern teaching methodologies and technologies. For example, I use Blackboard to communicate and share resources with the students.
I always strive to be as helpful to the students as possible; an open-door policy to be available to students without any prior appointments, and a free to call my personal mobile. My office was always open to students from any departments within and outside the college to discuss/explain any issues and solve problems related to their courses. I enjoy interacting with my students; some actually find me, as a woman faculty, easier to understand their problems. I enjoy interacting with other academics in many research areas. Because of the above, I easily emerge in multicultural working environment and enjoy teamwork.
In addition to the above, I have successfully published many technical and scientific articles in several areas; polymerization kinetics, soil remediation / transport process, air pollution management, technology management, and various environmental health aspects. Also, I have research studies highlighted the effect of green marketing for environmental sustainability. The outputs of many research subjects have been analyzed statistically.
When my contract ends, I proceed in academia as graduate student and I have accomplished additional academic study towards MBA with extra courses in managing innovation, sustainability as well as advance project management.