Parenting the AI Generation Forum Speaker Profile
Dr. Rana Dajani
Rana Dajani is a Jordanian molecular biologist, educator, and social entrepreneur known for combining scientific research with community-based literacy initiatives. She is recognized internationally for her work on genetics and epigenetics, particularly relating to trauma and refugee populations, as well as for founding the literacy movement We Love Reading.
Scientific Career
As a professor of molecular biology at the Hashemite University, Dr. Dajani’s research has focused on molecular genetics, stem cells, and epigenetics, including how trauma may influence health across generations. She has also contributed to discussions on stem cell policy and research governance in Jordan and has held visiting appointments and fellowships at institutions including Harvard, Yale, and Cambridge.
Social Impact
In 2006, Dr. Dajani founded We Love Reading, a grassroots initiative that trains local volunteers to read aloud to children and establish neighborhood reading spaces. The program expanded from Jordan to dozens of countries, with a particular emphasis on underserved communities and refugee populations, earning international recognition for its community-led approach to literacy.
Recognition and Influence
Dr. Dajani has received numerous honors for both her scientific and social contributions, including regional recognition through the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award for promoting literacy among refugee and host communities. She is also known as an advocate for women in STEM, research capacity in the Arab world, and inclusive education, and has written extensively about these topics in academic and public forums.
