RHU proudly recognizes the journey and achievements of its class of 2019 biomedical engineering alumna, Reem Al Halabe, who is currently a PhD candidate in Bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh in the USA, specializing in tissue engineering.
Today, she is engaged in advanced research at the intersection of biology and engineering. Ms. Al Halabe’s work centers on utilizing dental stem cells to create dental organoids—lab-grown, three-dimensional tissue models that closely replicate essential features of human dental organs. These sophisticated models allow researchers to study dental diseases more precisely and facilitate the development of innovative tissue engineering and regenerative therapies, highlighting the increasing importance of their work within the biomedical research community.
Throughout her doctoral journey, Ms. Al Halabe has actively participated in scientific dialogue and knowledge sharing. She has presented her research at several scientific conferences, including the 2025 American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) annual meeting held in New York. At this prestigious event, she was awarded the AADOCR Pittsburgh Chapter Award for Excellence in Clinical or Basic Science Research at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, in recognition of the quality, rigor, and potential impact of her research.
Alongside her academic and research activities, Ms. Al Halabe has demonstrated a strong commitment to personal growth, innovation, and leadership. She completed the Changemaker Series, a masterclass program offered by the Big Idea Center, earning a certificate that confirms her training in innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial leadership. These skills strengthen her scientific expertise and prepare her to translate research into real-world impact.
Beyond the laboratory, Ms. Al Halabe actively contributes to the university community leadership. She is the President of the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) Student Chapter at the University of Pittsburgh for the 2025–2026 term, where she spearheads initiatives to improve communication between graduate students and faculty, support students’ academic and professional development, and promote a collaborative and inclusive graduate environment. She also represented the Pitt BMES Student Chapter at the national BMES annual meeting in San Diego, further engaging at the national level.
As she advances in her academic and professional journey, she remains committed to pushing biomedical research, fostering collaborative academic environments, and shaping the future of tissue engineering technologies.
Ms. Al Halabe proudly reflects on her time at RHU as a foundational chapter in her career. She expresses her gratitude for the education and support that have helped define her ambitions and achievements.