Dr. Suzan Shahin is a distinguished Environmentalist and Horticultural Scientist serving as an assistant professor in the College of Arts and Science and the Head of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center at Umm Al Quwain University (UAQU). Dr. Shahin has profound expertise in various disciplines including climate change, arid land agriculture, irrigation, food security, and sustainability.
Dr. Shahin is widely recognized for her pioneering work in essential oils. She established the first databank for the UAE native essential oil-bearing plants, boasting cited publications in esteemed journals with a high impact factor within her field. She has earned a reputation for her exceptional contributions in the field of natural based solutions to cope with climate change implications. She led sustainable initiatives including the UAE Native Plants Museum of UAQU, which was selected by “Majra” as top 100 projects in Sustainability Impact Challenge 2025. Dr. Shahin plays a significant role in raising the public awareness on the UAE indigenous and desert plants, and her contribution was part of EXPO 2020 Dubai Venue, which is currently part of EXPO City Dubai.
Furthermore, Dr. Shahin plays a significant role in advocating for renewable energy as the UAE co-chapter leader for Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE) – Canada. She is also a dedicated member of the Sustainable Use and Livelihoods Specialist Group at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), actively participates in research clusters established by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (CCRN), and UAE Universities Climate Network (UCN), UAE.
In recognition of her outstanding achievements, Dr. Shahin has been honored with numerous awards in the realm of research and innovation. Her mentorship has led several of her students to victory in prestigious national competitions, highlighting her impactful guidance and mentorship. Additionally, Dr. Shahin extends her influence beyond academia through social media platforms, where she serves as an inspiring influencer. Her goal is to empower students, enabling them to achieve their fullest potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
