Rana-El Hajj

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Rana El Hajj
Assistant Professor of Microbiology

Biological Sciences

Rana El Hajj

Assistant Professor of Microbiology

Dr. Rana El Hajj is currently an Associate Professor of Microbiology in the Department of Biological Sciences at Beirut Arab University. Dr. El Hajj completed her Master of Science in Genomics and Health at Lebanese University in 2015, followed by a Doctorate Degree in Microbiology at Montpellier University, France in 2018. Subsequently, Dr. El Hajj undertook a two-year Postdoctoral Fellowship at the American University of Beirut, focusing on cancer and parasitology research.

Dr. El Hajj’s research interests encompass the fields of Microbiology and Oncology. Within Microbiology, she investigates critical questions in Bacteriology, focusing on developing effective antibacterial treatment strategies utilizing herbal extracts, and Parasitology, by addressing two significant parasitic infections through re-evaluating current treatment modalities for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis and Toxoplasmosis. In Oncology, Dr. El Hajj explores novel therapeutic strategies for Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Adult T-cell Leukemia, as well as the pathogenesis of sebaceous neoplasms. 

In her fields of interest, Dr. El Hajj has published over 40 papers in peer-reviewed journals, in addition to supervising approximately 21 graduate students at the Master’s and PhD levels.

In addition, Dr. El Hajj teaches a variety of courses for undergraduate and postgraduate students using innovative teaching modalities. Committed to enhancing student learning, Dr. El Hajj promotes collaboration and active engagement in her teaching, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future careers.

Research Interests: Host–parasite interactions, and mechanisms of pathogenesis.                                   

                                  Therapeutic activity of herbal extracts in combating antimicrobial resistance.  

                                   Molecular bases of tumorigenesis, and investigation of novel therapeutic approaches.

                                 

Selected Publications:

  1. Genomic Insights into bla NDM-5-Producing Escherichia coli ST648 Isolates from Human and Wildlife Sources in Lebanon. Zahraa Samadi, Ziad C. Jabbour, Zeinab R. Hodroj, Hadi M. Hussein, Abdallah Kurdi, Lama Hamadeh, Rami Mahfouz, Mahmoud I. Khalil, Rana El Hajj, Ghassan Matar & Antoine G. Abou Fayad.  Microorganisms 13, no. 12 (2025): 2824.
  2. Unveiling the Antibacterial Potential of Green-Synthesized Silver Chloride, and Silver Chromium Nanoparticles from Pelargonium graveolens Extract through Molecular Docking and Bioactivity Studies. Mariam A. Ramadan, Zeinab Hachem, Alaa M. Abdallah, Nour El Ghouch, Ahmed F. El-Sayed, Mahmoud I. Khalil, Rana El Hajj. Microbiology Spectrum.  https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.01142-25.
  3. Draft genome sequences of New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated from water and wastewater sources. Zahraa F. Samadi, Ziad C. Jabbour, Zeinab R. Hodroj, Hadi M. Hussein, Abdallah Kurdi, Lama Hamadeh, Rami Mahfouz, Mahmoud I. Khalil, Rana El Hajj, Ghassan M. Matar, Antoine G. Abou Fayad.  Microbiology Resource Announcement 0:e00574-25.
  4. Molecular Epidemiological Surveillance of Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria in Southern Lebanon.  Anwar Al Souheil, Hadi Hussein, Ziad Jabbour, Sara Barada, Jose-Rita Gerges, Ghada Derbaj, Abdallah Kurdi, Hassan Jamil Kazma, Nour Nahouli, Ali Hasan Najem, Abdallah Medlej, Wael Zorkot, Rana El Hajj, Mahmoud I Khalil, Ghassan M Matar, Antoine Abou Fayad. Antibiotics 2025, 14(11), 1124.
  5. Antitumor Potential of Bioactive Crude Extracts Derived from Actinomycetes. Dhaini, Hassan K., Bahaa Fahed Hassanieh, Rana El Hajj, and Mahmoud I. Khalil. 2025. Bacteria 4, 4: 51. https://doi.org/10.3390/bacteria4040051.
  6. Unveiling the Antibacterial and Antioxidant Potential of Mentha longifolia: A Comprehensive Characterization of Ethanolic and Hexane Extracts. Itani, Dania, Rana El Hajj (2025).  Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology (9(8), 847–856. https://doi.org/10.55214/2576-8484.v9i8.9469.
  7. Modulatory effects of Micromeria barbata and 3-acеtyl-11-kеto-boswеllic acid on advanced glycation end products-induced inflammatory cytokine response in THP-1 cells.  Saad, May, Ghewa A. El-Achkar, Rana El Hajj, Abir Abdel Rahman, Mahmoud I. Khalil, and Nadine Nasreddine. (2025). Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology, 9(6), 1815-1835
  8. Health risks associated with seasonal water quality in the Hasbani River,Lebanon: a physicochemical and microbiological analysis.  Dib, Israa, Mohamad Fakih, Hiba Noureddine, Farah Nassib Nasr, Rana El Hajj, Alexandre Livet, Vanessa Alphonse, and Noureddine Bousserrhine.  Journal of Water and Health 2025: jwh2025320.
  9. Nationwide surveillance of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative pathogens in the Lebanese environment. Samadi, Zahraa F., Zeinab R. Hodroj, Ziad C. Jabbour, Hadi M. Hussein, Abdallah Kurdi, Dayana Shoukair, Ricardo F. Bitar, Hadi H. Chebaro, Jean Marie J. Al Semaani, Mohamad T. Al Hajjar, Housein H. Zeaiter, Lama Hamadeh, Rami Mahfouz, Lama H. Noueihed, Jad H. Hachem, Mahmoud I. Khalil, Rana El Hajj, Ghassan M. Matar, Antoine G. Abou Fayad Applied and Environmental Microbiology 2025: e01932-24.
  10. Silver and Yttrium‐Doped Silver Nanoparticles From Pine Needle Leaf Extract: Synthesis, Characterization, Antioxidant, Antiuropathogenic Bacterial, and Docking Activities. Darwich, Nourhane A., Malak Mezher, Alaa M. Abdallah, Zeinab Hachem, Ahmed F. El-Sayed, Rana El Hajj, Taymour A. Hamdalla, and Mahmoud I. Khalil. Bioinorganic Chemistry and Applications 2025, no. 1(2025): 1566870.
  11. Antimicrobial Potential of Actinomycetes Isolated from Marine Soils of Tyre City Beach, Lebanon: A Promising Source for Novel Bioactive Metabolites. Dhaini Hassan, Mahmoud I Khalil, Rana El Hajj. Applied Microbiology 2025, 5(1), 27; 5010027.
  12. S6K2 in Focus: Signaling Pathways, Post-Translational Modifications, and Computational Analysis. Khalil, Mahmoud I., Mohamed Helal, Ahmed F. El-Sayed, Rana El Hajj, Jasmine Holail, Marwa Houssein, Ahmed Waraky, and Olivier E. Pardo. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 26.1 (2024): 176.
  13. Biosynthesis; Characterization; and Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Docking Potentials of Doped Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Pine Needle Leaf Extract. Darwich, Nourhane A., Malak Mezher, Alaa M. Abdallah, Ahmed F. El-Sayed, Rana El Hajj, Taymour A. Hamdalla, and Mahmoud I. Khalil. Processes 12, no. 11 (2024): 2590.
  14. Green Synthesis of Yttrium Derivatives Nanoparticles Using Pine Needle Leaf Extract: Characterization, Docking, Antibacterial, and Antioxidant Potencies. Darwich, Nourhane A., Malak Mezher, Alaa M. Abdallah, Ahmed F. El-Sayed, Rana El Hajj, Taymour A. Hamdalla, and Mahmoud I. Khalil. Processes 12, no. 8 (2024): 1713.
  15. Isolation and Characterization of Bacillus subtilis BSP1 from Soil: Antimicrobial Activity and Optimization of Fermentation Conditions. Hellany, Heba, Jean Claude Assaf, Sara Barada, Dalia el-Badan, Rana El Hajj, Sonia Abou Najem, Antoine G. Abou Fayad, and Mahmoud I. Khalil. " Processes 12, no. 8 (2024): 1621.
  16. Characterization of Actinobacteria strains in Lebanese soil with an emphasis on investigating their antibacterial activity. Rayan Zahr, Sarah Zahr, Rana El Hajj, Mahmoud Khalil. Brazilian Journal of Microbiology.(2024).
  17. Phytochemistry and biological activities of Citrus sinensis and Citrus limon: An update.  Sarah Zahr, Rayan Zahr, Rana El Hajj, Mahmoud Khalil. Journal of Herbal Medicine (2023).
  18. Immunity against COVID-19: What Do We Know So Far? A Comprehensive Review on the Immunity Against COVID-19. Moumneh Mohamad Bahij, Ghassan Dbaibo, Darine Daher, Tarek Bou Dargham, Christine Atallah, Rana El Hajj, Lina Reslan, Zeina Bayram, and Abdul Rahman Bizri. Journal of Clinical Respiratory: Open Access (2022): 1-16.
  19. Characterization of the risk factors associated with Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in Lebanon, and evaluation of the antibacterial activity of Hawthorn extract against UTI-causing bacteria. Ramadan Jamila, Rana El Hajj, and Mahmoud Khalil. Bacterial Empire. Vol. 5 No. 3 (2022).
  20. Actinomycetes, Promising Therapeutic Agents: Characteristics and Active Metabolites. Zahr, Rayan, Sarah Zahr, Rana El Hajj, and Mahmoud Khalil. Journal of Biology and Todays World. Vol.11, Issue 6, 1-8 (2022).

 

Taught Courses:

Fall 2025-2026
  • General Biology 
  • Microbiology 
  • Food Microbiology 
  • Advanced Microbiology 
  • Biology 1
  • Biology 2
  • Research Techniques 
  • Seminar in Biology/Biochemistry 

 

 

Spring 2024-2025
  • General Biology 
  • Virology
  • Plant Physiology
  • Advanced Topics in Molecular Biology
  • Ecology
  • Individual Studies

 

 

Fall 2024-2025
  • General Biology 
  • Biology 1
  • Biology 2
  • Microbiology
  • Advanced Microbiology
  • Research Techniques
  • Seminar in Biology/Biochemistry

 

 

Fall 2023-2024
  • General Biology 
  • Biodiversity and Pollution
  • Advanced Microbiology
  • Research Techniques
  • Biology 1
  • Microbiology
  • Global Warming
  • Seminar in Biology

 

Spring 2022-2023
  • Ecology   
  • Food Microbiology
  • General Biology
  • Introduction to Biology
  • Environmental Issues of Lebanon
  • Global Warming
  • Individual studies
  • Advanced Topics in Molecular Biology
  • Plant Biology

Fall 2022-2023
  • General Biology 
  • Microbiology
  • Seminar in Biology   
  • Introduction to Biology
  • Biochemical Principles of Nutrition   
  • Biodiversity and Pollution
  • Advanced Microbiology
  • Research Techniques
  • Plant Biology

Spring 2021-2022
  • Ecology
  • Virology
  • General Biology
  • Introduction to Biology
  • Individual studies
  • Advanced Topics in Molecular Biology  
  • Plant Biology
  • Special Topics in Microbiology

Fall 2021-2022
  • Molecular Biology, Immunology, and Microbiology
  • General Biology 
  • Microbiology
  • Seminar in Biology
  • Introduction to Biology
  • Biochemical Principles of Nutrition
  • Biodiversity and Pollution
  • Advanced Microbiology
  • Research Techniques   
  • Plant Biology

 

Spring 2020-2021
  • Ecology
  • Food Microbiology
  • General Biology   
  • Introduction to Biology  
  • Individual studies   
  • Advanced Topics in Molecular Biology
  • Plant Biology
  • Special Topics in Microbiology

 

Fall 2020-2021
  • General Biology 
  • Biodiversity and Pollution
  • Advanced Microbiology

 

 

Dr. Rana El Hajj is currently an Associate Professor of Microbiology in the Department of Biological Sciences at Beirut Arab University. Dr. El Hajj completed her Master of Science in Genomics and Health at Lebanese University in 2015, followed by a Doctorate Degree in Microbiology at Montpellier University, France in 2018. Subsequently, Dr. El Hajj undertook a two-year Postdoctoral Fellowship at the American University of Beirut, focusing on cancer and parasitology research.

Dr. El Hajj’s research interests encompass the fields of Microbiology and Oncology. Within Microbiology, she investigates critical questions in Bacteriology, focusing on developing effective antibacterial treatment strategies utilizing herbal extracts, and Parasitology, by addressing two significant parasitic infections through re-evaluating current treatment modalities for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis and Toxoplasmosis. In Oncology, Dr. El Hajj explores novel therapeutic strategies for Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Adult T-cell Leukemia, as well as the pathogenesis of sebaceous neoplasms. 

In her fields of interest, Dr. El Hajj has published over 40 papers in peer-reviewed journals, in addition to supervising approximately 21 graduate students at the Master’s and PhD levels.

In addition, Dr. El Hajj teaches a variety of courses for undergraduate and postgraduate students using innovative teaching modalities. Committed to enhancing student learning, Dr. El Hajj promotes collaboration and active engagement in her teaching, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future careers.

Research Interests: Host–parasite interactions, and mechanisms of pathogenesis.                                   

                                  Therapeutic activity of herbal extracts in combating antimicrobial resistance.  

                                   Molecular bases of tumorigenesis, and investigation of novel therapeutic approaches.

                                 

Selected Publications:

  1. Genomic Insights into bla NDM-5-Producing Escherichia coli ST648 Isolates from Human and Wildlife Sources in Lebanon. Zahraa Samadi, Ziad C. Jabbour, Zeinab R. Hodroj, Hadi M. Hussein, Abdallah Kurdi, Lama Hamadeh, Rami Mahfouz, Mahmoud I. Khalil, Rana El Hajj, Ghassan Matar & Antoine G. Abou Fayad.  Microorganisms 13, no. 12 (2025): 2824.
  2. Unveiling the Antibacterial Potential of Green-Synthesized Silver Chloride, and Silver Chromium Nanoparticles from Pelargonium graveolens Extract through Molecular Docking and Bioactivity Studies. Mariam A. Ramadan, Zeinab Hachem, Alaa M. Abdallah, Nour El Ghouch, Ahmed F. El-Sayed, Mahmoud I. Khalil, Rana El Hajj. Microbiology Spectrum.  https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.01142-25.
  3. Draft genome sequences of New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated from water and wastewater sources. Zahraa F. Samadi, Ziad C. Jabbour, Zeinab R. Hodroj, Hadi M. Hussein, Abdallah Kurdi, Lama Hamadeh, Rami Mahfouz, Mahmoud I. Khalil, Rana El Hajj, Ghassan M. Matar, Antoine G. Abou Fayad.  Microbiology Resource Announcement 0:e00574-25.
  4. Molecular Epidemiological Surveillance of Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria in Southern Lebanon.  Anwar Al Souheil, Hadi Hussein, Ziad Jabbour, Sara Barada, Jose-Rita Gerges, Ghada Derbaj, Abdallah Kurdi, Hassan Jamil Kazma, Nour Nahouli, Ali Hasan Najem, Abdallah Medlej, Wael Zorkot, Rana El Hajj, Mahmoud I Khalil, Ghassan M Matar, Antoine Abou Fayad. Antibiotics 2025, 14(11), 1124.
  5. Antitumor Potential of Bioactive Crude Extracts Derived from Actinomycetes. Dhaini, Hassan K., Bahaa Fahed Hassanieh, Rana El Hajj, and Mahmoud I. Khalil. 2025. Bacteria 4, 4: 51. https://doi.org/10.3390/bacteria4040051.
  6. Unveiling the Antibacterial and Antioxidant Potential of Mentha longifolia: A Comprehensive Characterization of Ethanolic and Hexane Extracts. Itani, Dania, Rana El Hajj (2025).  Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology (9(8), 847–856. https://doi.org/10.55214/2576-8484.v9i8.9469.
  7. Modulatory effects of Micromeria barbata and 3-acеtyl-11-kеto-boswеllic acid on advanced glycation end products-induced inflammatory cytokine response in THP-1 cells.  Saad, May, Ghewa A. El-Achkar, Rana El Hajj, Abir Abdel Rahman, Mahmoud I. Khalil, and Nadine Nasreddine. (2025). Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology, 9(6), 1815-1835
  8. Health risks associated with seasonal water quality in the Hasbani River,Lebanon: a physicochemical and microbiological analysis.  Dib, Israa, Mohamad Fakih, Hiba Noureddine, Farah Nassib Nasr, Rana El Hajj, Alexandre Livet, Vanessa Alphonse, and Noureddine Bousserrhine.  Journal of Water and Health 2025: jwh2025320.
  9. Nationwide surveillance of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative pathogens in the Lebanese environment. Samadi, Zahraa F., Zeinab R. Hodroj, Ziad C. Jabbour, Hadi M. Hussein, Abdallah Kurdi, Dayana Shoukair, Ricardo F. Bitar, Hadi H. Chebaro, Jean Marie J. Al Semaani, Mohamad T. Al Hajjar, Housein H. Zeaiter, Lama Hamadeh, Rami Mahfouz, Lama H. Noueihed, Jad H. Hachem, Mahmoud I. Khalil, Rana El Hajj, Ghassan M. Matar, Antoine G. Abou Fayad Applied and Environmental Microbiology 2025: e01932-24.
  10. Silver and Yttrium‐Doped Silver Nanoparticles From Pine Needle Leaf Extract: Synthesis, Characterization, Antioxidant, Antiuropathogenic Bacterial, and Docking Activities. Darwich, Nourhane A., Malak Mezher, Alaa M. Abdallah, Zeinab Hachem, Ahmed F. El-Sayed, Rana El Hajj, Taymour A. Hamdalla, and Mahmoud I. Khalil. Bioinorganic Chemistry and Applications 2025, no. 1(2025): 1566870.
  11. Antimicrobial Potential of Actinomycetes Isolated from Marine Soils of Tyre City Beach, Lebanon: A Promising Source for Novel Bioactive Metabolites. Dhaini Hassan, Mahmoud I Khalil, Rana El Hajj. Applied Microbiology 2025, 5(1), 27; 5010027.
  12. S6K2 in Focus: Signaling Pathways, Post-Translational Modifications, and Computational Analysis. Khalil, Mahmoud I., Mohamed Helal, Ahmed F. El-Sayed, Rana El Hajj, Jasmine Holail, Marwa Houssein, Ahmed Waraky, and Olivier E. Pardo. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 26.1 (2024): 176.
  13. Biosynthesis; Characterization; and Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Docking Potentials of Doped Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Pine Needle Leaf Extract. Darwich, Nourhane A., Malak Mezher, Alaa M. Abdallah, Ahmed F. El-Sayed, Rana El Hajj, Taymour A. Hamdalla, and Mahmoud I. Khalil. Processes 12, no. 11 (2024): 2590.
  14. Green Synthesis of Yttrium Derivatives Nanoparticles Using Pine Needle Leaf Extract: Characterization, Docking, Antibacterial, and Antioxidant Potencies. Darwich, Nourhane A., Malak Mezher, Alaa M. Abdallah, Ahmed F. El-Sayed, Rana El Hajj, Taymour A. Hamdalla, and Mahmoud I. Khalil. Processes 12, no. 8 (2024): 1713.
  15. Isolation and Characterization of Bacillus subtilis BSP1 from Soil: Antimicrobial Activity and Optimization of Fermentation Conditions. Hellany, Heba, Jean Claude Assaf, Sara Barada, Dalia el-Badan, Rana El Hajj, Sonia Abou Najem, Antoine G. Abou Fayad, and Mahmoud I. Khalil. " Processes 12, no. 8 (2024): 1621.
  16. Characterization of Actinobacteria strains in Lebanese soil with an emphasis on investigating their antibacterial activity. Rayan Zahr, Sarah Zahr, Rana El Hajj, Mahmoud Khalil. Brazilian Journal of Microbiology.(2024).
  17. Phytochemistry and biological activities of Citrus sinensis and Citrus limon: An update.  Sarah Zahr, Rayan Zahr, Rana El Hajj, Mahmoud Khalil. Journal of Herbal Medicine (2023).
  18. Immunity against COVID-19: What Do We Know So Far? A Comprehensive Review on the Immunity Against COVID-19. Moumneh Mohamad Bahij, Ghassan Dbaibo, Darine Daher, Tarek Bou Dargham, Christine Atallah, Rana El Hajj, Lina Reslan, Zeina Bayram, and Abdul Rahman Bizri. Journal of Clinical Respiratory: Open Access (2022): 1-16.
  19. Characterization of the risk factors associated with Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in Lebanon, and evaluation of the antibacterial activity of Hawthorn extract against UTI-causing bacteria. Ramadan Jamila, Rana El Hajj, and Mahmoud Khalil. Bacterial Empire. Vol. 5 No. 3 (2022).
  20. Actinomycetes, Promising Therapeutic Agents: Characteristics and Active Metabolites. Zahr, Rayan, Sarah Zahr, Rana El Hajj, and Mahmoud Khalil. Journal of Biology and Todays World. Vol.11, Issue 6, 1-8 (2022).

 

Taught Courses:

Fall 2025-2026
  • General Biology 
  • Microbiology 
  • Food Microbiology 
  • Advanced Microbiology 
  • Biology 1
  • Biology 2
  • Research Techniques 
  • Seminar in Biology/Biochemistry 

 

 

Spring 2024-2025
  • General Biology 
  • Virology
  • Plant Physiology
  • Advanced Topics in Molecular Biology
  • Ecology
  • Individual Studies

 

 

Fall 2024-2025
  • General Biology 
  • Biology 1
  • Biology 2
  • Microbiology
  • Advanced Microbiology
  • Research Techniques
  • Seminar in Biology/Biochemistry

 

 

Fall 2023-2024
  • General Biology 
  • Biodiversity and Pollution
  • Advanced Microbiology
  • Research Techniques
  • Biology 1
  • Microbiology
  • Global Warming
  • Seminar in Biology

 

Spring 2022-2023
  • Ecology   
  • Food Microbiology
  • General Biology
  • Introduction to Biology
  • Environmental Issues of Lebanon
  • Global Warming
  • Individual studies
  • Advanced Topics in Molecular Biology
  • Plant Biology

Fall 2022-2023
  • General Biology 
  • Microbiology
  • Seminar in Biology   
  • Introduction to Biology
  • Biochemical Principles of Nutrition   
  • Biodiversity and Pollution
  • Advanced Microbiology
  • Research Techniques
  • Plant Biology

Spring 2021-2022
  • Ecology
  • Virology
  • General Biology
  • Introduction to Biology
  • Individual studies
  • Advanced Topics in Molecular Biology  
  • Plant Biology
  • Special Topics in Microbiology

Fall 2021-2022
  • Molecular Biology, Immunology, and Microbiology
  • General Biology 
  • Microbiology
  • Seminar in Biology
  • Introduction to Biology
  • Biochemical Principles of Nutrition
  • Biodiversity and Pollution
  • Advanced Microbiology
  • Research Techniques   
  • Plant Biology

 

Spring 2020-2021
  • Ecology
  • Food Microbiology
  • General Biology   
  • Introduction to Biology  
  • Individual studies   
  • Advanced Topics in Molecular Biology
  • Plant Biology
  • Special Topics in Microbiology

 

Fall 2020-2021
  • General Biology 
  • Biodiversity and Pollution
  • Advanced Microbiology