Biography
Dr. Eliane El Hayek earned her BS and MS in Biochemistry from Lebanese University. To further her knowledge in the field of environmental science, she received a scholarship from Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) to pursue a Master’s in Hydrosciences. Following this, Dr. El Hayek completed her Ph.D. in Environmental Science collaboratively between Lebanese University and Paul Sabatier University in Toulouse. Her doctoral research focused on atmospheric pollution and investigated the potential of using cactus species for biomonitoring in arid and semi-arid regions through lead isotopic studies.
Dr. El Hayek then undertook a postdoctoral fellowship in Dr. Jose Cerrato's lab at the School of Engineering at the University of New Mexico (UNM). During her fellowship, she researched the environmental fate and toxicity of heavy metals, such as uranium and arsenic. Additionally, she taught a quantitative chemistry course alongside Dr. Stephen Cabaniss in the chemistry department.
Personal Statement
My research experience in environmental health is based on multidisciplinary background in biochemistry and toxicology, environmental science, engineering, spectroscopy, and polymer chemistry, which equips me to lead projects that effectively integrate spectroscopy and biochemistry. This diverse expertise gives my laboratory a unique perspective in the mechanistic research required to bridge the gaps between environmental exposures, biochemistry, and health outcomes.
In my laboratory, we conduct detailed investigations into how environmental toxicants interact with biological systems and the subsequent health consequences of these interactions. Our focus lies in elucidating the vital physiological mechanisms that are influenced by these toxicants.
I am profoundly committed to actively engaging in and contributing to collaborative research initiatives that address the environmental health challenges confronting our community. I recognize the significance of collective efforts in fostering meaningful change. My team leads mechanistic biomedical and environmental studies that are critical to advancing environmental justice within affected communities.
Areas of Specialty
Toxicology
Biochemistry
Biomonitoring
Biogeochemistry
Micro-nano-plastics
Metals
Education
Ph.D. in Environmental Science from the Lebanese University and University of Paul Sabatier Toulouse
Achievements & Awards
-Dr. El Hayek's research and contributions to Science were featured in the “Stories of Success” by The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) (2024)
-UNM WOMEN IN STEM AWARD-University of New Mexico (2022)
Languages
- English
- French
- Arabic
Courses Taught
Quantitative Chemistry
Research and Scholarship
Directions: Link to Pubmed.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/collections/mybibliography/