STATA
Seada A. Kassie
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Dubai
Summary
Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a certified clInical research professional from Harvard Medical School. Candidate for a Ph.D. in psychology from University of Reading, U.K. Project focuses on enhancing dementia care practices in United Arab Emirates by designing and implementing a tailored and evidence-based dementia care education framework for healthcare staff working with persons with dementia. A strong track record of research publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Extensive experience in student teaching and mentorship in higher education. Committed to serving communities by enhancing healthcare services and practices in the region.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
8069
8069
years of post-secondary education
5
5
Certifications
3
3
Languages
Work History
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Middlesex University Dubai
Dubai
09.2023 - Current
- Delivered higher-level undergraduate and graduate courses via classroom, online and hybrid methodologies to satisfy course curricula and meet student needs.
- Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating real-life examples and case studies into lectures.
- Engaged in continuous professional development through attending workshops, webinars, and conferences to stay current with industry trends and best practices in higher education.
- Designed course materials such as syllabi, lecture notes, assignments aligned with both programmatic outcomes as well as course-specific objectives.
- Implemented active learning techniques in the classroom, increasing student participation and critical thinking skills.
- Managed undergraduate and graduate internship programs to enable participants to gain exposure to the psychology discipline.
- Initiated collaborative projects between students from different pathways, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and problem-solving skills.
- Conducted research in relevant field, integrating findings into course content and enriching student understanding of subject matter.
- Served on various university committees, supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing overall institutional effectiveness.
- Oversaw undergraduate and graduate student projects and advised on focus, methodology, and report generation to meet preset standards.
- Increased course enrollment by promoting department offerings at university events and open houses.
- Delivered engaging presentations at academic conferences, raising the profile of the institution within the broader academic community.
- Established partnerships with government healthcare facilities, providing internship opportunities for students to gain practical experience.
- Mentored junior faculty members on their research projects, contributing to their professional growth and development.
- Collaborated with faculty and staff to create meaningful learning experiences.
- Created and designed quizzes, tests and projects to assess student knowledge.
- Developed and implemented innovative teaching strategies to engage students in lectures and coursework.
- Participated in conferences and professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date with latest trends in field.
- Implemented instructional technologies in course delivery to engage and educate students.
- Led seminars and workshops to facilitate student learning and engagement and increase memory retention.
- Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
- Conducted individual research projects to actively contribute to institution's research work.
- Applied innovative teaching methods to encourage student learning objectives.
- Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and academic advisement.
- Created materials and exercises to illustrate application of course concepts.
- Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
- Taught diverse student population by employing various learning styles and abilities.
- Mentored undergraduate students, resulting in increased research participation and academic success.
- Presented research findings at national conferences, raising awareness on pertinent psychological topics.
- Participated in ongoing professional development programs to stay current on best practices in teaching and learning psychology.
- Published several peer-reviewed articles, contributing to the advancement of the field of psychology.
- Supported diversity initiatives within the department, fostering an inclusive learning environment for all students.
- Served on various departmental committees, aiding in decision-making processes and supporting overall department growth.
- Mentored less successful students one-on-one to improve understanding of materials.
- Prepared and delivered lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as neuropsycholgy, cognitive psychology, and research methods in psychology.
Lecturer in Psychology
Middlesex University Dubai
1 2016 - 08.2023
- Delivered lectures to an average of 120 students in first year undergraduate (UG) program, 40 students in second year UG, and 20+ students in third year
- Curated additional teaching materials/group exercises/multimedia for five different UG modules to maximize student learning experiences and enhance academic engagement through relevant learning mediums
- Delivered lectures on topics within the psychology program, including courses on Preparing for Academic Success, Bio and Cognitive Psychology, Psychological Statistics, Qualitative & Quantitative Research Methods, and Health & Sports Psychology
- Reviewed research ethics applications of final year UG students and grant approval or suggest revisions and resubmissions
- Provided workshops for running statistical analysis on SPSS
- Supervised social psychology students on academic poster presentation projects
- Supervised undergraduate and postgraduate students on final year dissertations
- Graded academic coursework / dissertation write-ups while also giving detailed feedback on initial drafts
- Moderated grades for business psychology module and biopsychology lab assignments
- Coordinated Research Matters - a biannual campus magazine on academic research (2016 – 2018)
- Organized guest lectures from professionals in the field, providing students with valuable networking opportunities and industry insights.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop innovative teaching methods, resulting in increased student engagement and satisfaction.
- Implemented evidence-based teaching practices grounded in educational psychology principles, resulting in improved learning outcomes for students.
- Received consistently positive evaluations from students, demonstrating effective teaching strategies and strong rapport building skills.
- Coauthored articles with colleagues that were published in peer-reviewed journals, showcasing collaborative research efforts within the department.
- Maintained regular office hours to address student questions or concerns promptly, improving overall accessibility as an educator.
- Mentored less successful students one-on-one to improve understanding of materials.
Clinical Research Officer/IRB Coordinator
American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology
09.2016 - 08.2020
- Conducted phase IV post-marketing clinical trials for pharmaceutical drugs following ICH-GCP guidelines
- Successfully completed site’s participation in three global clinical trials that focus on safety and tolerability of two drugs used for managing multiple sclerosis
- Completed four global clinical trials (two retrospective and two prospective) focusing on drugs for multiple sclerosis and chronic migraine
- First point of contact for pre-study clinical evaluation, initiation visits, site-monitoring visits, interim visits, and site close-out visits
- Handled IRB-related documentation, patient data documentation, and reporting to management
- Took the lead on documenting and reporting the progress of trials and working closely with assigned CRAs from study sponsors
- Identified sources of funding and contribute to the process of securing funds for clinical research studies
- Maintained effective communication with stakeholders, chief medical officer, principal investigators, and research participants throughout the course of studies
- Ensured the ethical regulations for human subject research are met, as set forth by the Abu Dhabi Department of Health and Dubai Health Authority
- Undertook interdisciplinary clinical research related to the interests of neurology, psychiatry, and psychology
- Developed research design, objectives, and protocols for internal IRB review and as per the requirements set by external regulatory authorities
- Disseminated research findings using appropriate platforms; presented research findings in different national and international conferences between 2017 and 2024.
- Presented research updates at conferences or exhibit ongoing work at appropriate events
- Collaborated with clinical team on identifying gaps in literature for potential research projects
- Organized and facilitated investigator and coordinator meetings, conferences and events associated with research activities.
- Managed project budgets, ensuring cost-effective allocation of resources while maintaining high standards of quality.
- Evaluated existing research methods, identifying areas for improvement and implementing best practices.
- Directed multiphase clinical research trials from startup to closeout by overseeing training and certifying staff, recruiting patients for trials and managing sponsor relationships.
- Presented research findings at conferences, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge within the field.
- Contributed to policy recommendations informed by evidence-based analyses from conducted studies.
- Collaborated with statisticians to apply advanced analytical techniques for robust interpretation of complex datasets.
- Established strong working relationships with stakeholders, facilitating communication and collaboration on research projects.
- Planned and initiated research study protocols, monitored regulatory and subject binders and organized, implemented and administered data collection and analysis systems.
- Developed innovative research strategies to explore novel areas of study and drive scientific advancements.
- Coauthored publications in peer-reviewed journals, showcasing the impact of our team''s research efforts on advancing knowledge in the field.
- Mentored junior researchers, fostering professional growth and enhancing team dynamics.
- Coordinated with advanced practitioners and physicians during pre-study visits, staff orientation, study startup to close out, drug accountability, patient screening, enrollment and follow up, study reimbursement and data collection, sustaining HIPAA requirements at all times.
- Utilized various quantitative and qualitative research methods tailored to specific project objectives.
- Controlled clinical research protocols while maintaining compliance with federal, clinical and local regulatory agencies and Institutional Review Board (IRB) standards and assuring safety and wellbeing of all study participants.
- Expanded network connections through active participation in industry-related events.
- Conducted literature reviews to inform research design and ensure relevance to current industry trends.
- Improved collaborative efforts with interdisciplinary teams, resulting in high-quality research outcomes.
- Streamlined research processes for improved efficiency and reduced project timelines.
- Fostered relationships with sponsors by procuring new trials and negotiating budgets and contracts with new and existing sponsors.
- Enhanced research quality by implementing rigorous data collection and analysis methodologies.
- Increased funding opportunities by writing persuasive grant proposals and securing external partnerships.
- Designed and delivered trainings and presentations to institutional staff and supported research program development.
- Advised and supported staff on legal parameters of research.
- Built institution's research portfolio in accordance with long-term strategic plan.
- Edited, reviewed and supported grant applications to provide comprehensive funding for research objectives.
- Established connections with liaisons to industrial and commercial stakeholders, allowing industry trends to inform research and vice versa.
- Produced reports of findings and gave presentations of results.
- Created and distributed surveys for data collection and analysis.
- Utilized specialized software to capture and process data.
Graduate Research Assistant
Middlesex University Dubai
11.2015 - 08.2016
- Drafted research proposals, information sheets, consent forms and de/briefing sheets for research studies
- Prepared ethics approval and risk assessment forms for data collection
- Wrote critical reviews of academic research articles
- Marked dissertations of final year undergraduate students
- Attended various workshops, conferences, and presentations on core Psychology subjects
- Managed various projects in collaboration with faculty members
- Completed administrative and research duties per professor request.
- Participated in regular meetings with project supervisors, providing progress updates and discussing potential challenges or areas for improvement.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to advance research objectives and achieve project milestones.
- Recorded data and maintained source documentation following good documentation practices.
- Contributed to professionally-written scientific paper for publication.
- Assisted in manuscript preparation, contributing to the publication of influential articles in peer-reviewed journals.
- Presented research findings at conferences and workshops, fostering professional growth and collaboration within the academic community.
- Conducted extensive background research on specific topics, establishing a strong foundation for project success.
- Enhanced research quality by conducting thorough literature reviews and synthesizing findings.
- Reviewed and synthesized relevant research articles to inform the development of research questions and hypotheses.
- Managed multiple research projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and adherence to high-quality standards.
- Utilized advanced statistical software to analyze large datasets, uncovering key insights for informed decisionmaking.
- Performed accurate quantitative analysis of targeted data research, collection and report preparation.
Assistant Specialist Educator
The Developing Child Centre
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Delivered the EYFS educational program/curriculum in collaboration with Lead Educator
- Organized learning aids, resources and supplies and made imaginative uses
- Supported children’s daily activities, routine class divisions and structure to be put in place
- Devised and produced visual aids and teaching resources
- Set up classroom in preparation for activities
- Displayed children’s work to celebrate successes and learning achievement
- Assisted in planning and delivering individual education plans and other student-specific plans
- Helped maintain, monitor and evaluate students’ records and progress
- Observed, assessed and recorded each child’s progress
- Delivered intensive educational programs during spring / summer camps
- Motivated and stimulated children’s learning abilities, often encouraging learning through experience
- Supported the development of children’s basic skills, including physical coordination, speech and communication
- Attended to children’s personal needs, including social, health, hygiene, first - aid and welfare matters
- Enhanced team collaboration through consistent communication with colleagues via email, phone calls, and face-to-face meetings.
- Assisted management with various projects, leading to improved overall team productivity and collaboration.
- Helped to maintain files and handle administrative requirements.
Administration Support
The Developing Child Centre
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Completed registration process for all new families coming into the Early Intervention Program
- Corresponded / communicated with families throughout the entire application / registration process
- Ensured all registration / application documents are complete and accurate
- Coordinated assessments, IEP review meetings and appointments with therapists / specialists within the EIN department
- Administratively supported the Director of Education by coordinating and scheduling appointments
- Managed family files and reports for children enrolled in EIN, including invoicing clients, supporting Accounts and following up receivables
- Scheduled EIN team meetings and wrote minutes
- Liaised with other professionals about the welfare of children
- Participated in meetings / trainings arranged for welfare and general progress of children assigned
- Communicated and consulted with parents of children assigned
Education
Ph.D. - Psychology
University of Reading
United Kingdom 09.2022 - 08.2025
Master of Science (M.Sc.) - Applied Psychology
Middlesex University
United KingdomBachelor of Arts - International Studies
American University of Sharjah
United Arab EmiratesPost-graduate Certificate - Higher Education
Middlesex University
United KingdomPost-graduate Certificate - Global Clinical Scholars Research Training
Harvard Medical School
United States Of AmericaSkills
Statistics Workshops
Students Mentorship
Interactive Teaching Methods
Advanced Statistical Analysis
E-learning
Multimedia
Research Ethics
Scientific Writing
Research Design
Research Publication
Instructional Design
Lectures and Presentations
Biofeedback and EEG
Certification
Good Clinical Practice for Social and Behavioral Research in Clinical Trials, Society of Behavioral Medicine, USA
Community Involvement
- Abu Dhabi’s Health Work Force Volunteering Program, 01/01/20, Present
- Dubai Volunteers, 01/01/18, Present
- Community Services Club, Social Services - American University of Sharjah, 01/01/04, 01/01/08
Conference Appearances
- Kassie, S. (2024). Rethinking pedagogical approaches in Higher Education: Educators as transformative agents for the media-multitasking generation. Oral presentation at the Teaching and Learning Conference 2024, Middlesex University Dubai, UAE.
- Kassie, S., & Astell, A.J. (2024). Knowledge of dementia and personhood among healthcare staff in the United Arab Emirates. Poster presentation at the 36th Global International Alzheimer’s Disease Association Conference, Krakow, Poland.
- Kassie, S. (2024). Knowledge of dementia and personhood among healthcare staff in the United Arab Emirates. Oral presentation, Weekly Research Seminar, Middlesex University Dubai, UAE.
- Kassie, S. Improving dementia care services in the UAE. (2023). Oral Presentation at the Annual Post-graduate Research Conference, School of Psychology and Clinical Sciences. University of Reading, U.K.
- Kassie, S. (2023). The importance of person-centred care in dementia care practices. Invited oral presentation to clinical staff at Dubai Seniors’ Happiness Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
- Kassie, S., & Hyland, L. Biopsychosocial implications of living with Multiple Sclerosis: An Interpretative phenomenological study. (2021). Key-note presentation at Integrated Sciences Department, College of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Bahrain.
- Kassie, S. (2018). Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of major depressive disorder: Preliminary results from the United Arab Emirates. Conference presentation at the 4th International Emerging Research Paradigms in Business and Social Sciences Conference, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
- Alsaadi, T., Kassie, S., Mohammed Ali, O., Mozahem, K., Al Fardan, S., & Ahmed, A.M. (2018). Psychiatric comorbidity in neurological disorders: Towards a multidisciplinary approach to illness management in the United Arab Emirates. 3rd International Educational Neuroscience Conference, Emirates College for Advanced Education.
- Alsaadi, T., Kassie, S., & Servano, R. (2018). Efficacy and tolerability of perampanel monotherapy in patients with IGE: Post-marketing experience From the United Arab Emirates. 13th European Epileptology Conference, Vienna, Austria.
- Khaldoun, M., Al Fardaan, S., Kassie, S., Mohammed Ali, O., Khan, N., & Alsaadi, T. (2018).vNarcolepsy in the United Arab Emirates: A descriptive case series. Abu Dhabi International Mental Health Conference, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
- Khandoker, A., Hadjileontiodios, L., Kassie, S., & Alsaadi, T. (2018). Investigating sleep fragmentations by autonomic arousals in depressed patients with sleep apnea. Computing in Cardiology Conference, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
Research Publications
- Biopsychosocial implications of living with multiple sclerosis: A qualitative study using interpretative phenomenological analysis, Kassie, S., Alia, J., & Hyland, L., BMJ Open, 11, 8, e049041, 08/01/21
- Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy: A pilot study on neurologists' knowledge and experience in the Eastern Mediterranean region, Saleh D., A., Kassie, S., Hassan, A., & Alsaadi, T., Seizure, 94, 57–65, 08/01/21, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seizure.2021.11.011
- Opportunities and challenges of conducting clinical research on neuropsychiatric disorders in the Middle East and North Africa Region, Kassie, S., Alsaadi, T., & Ammar, A., Sage Research Methods Cases, 08/01/20, https://doi:10.4135/9781529743715
- Knowledge and experience with Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) among neurologists in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Saleh, D., Kassie, S., & Alsaadi, T., QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, 113, 08/01/20, https://doi.10.1093/qjmed/hcaa063.067
- Antiseizure drugs use during pregnancy and congenital malformations: A retrospective review from the United Arab Emirates, Alsaadi, T., Kassie, S., Farooq, F., Nasreddine, W., Wani, S., & Salih, B.T., Epilepsy Research, 20, 159: 106259, 08/01/20
- Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of major depressive disorder: Preliminary results from the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed Ali, O., Kassie, S., Luthra, V., Karrani, A., Orr, K., Alsaadi, T., Arida, A., Hamdan Medical Journal, 13, 1, 46-51, 08/01/20
- Touchscreen typing pattern analysis for remote detection of the depressive tendency, Mastoras, R.E., Lakovakis, D., Hadjidimitriou, S., Charisis, V., Kassie, S., Alsaadi, T., Khandoker A., Hadjileontiadis, L.J., Scientific Reports, 9, 13414, 08/01/19
- Efficacy and tolerability of perampanel in patients with genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE): A retrospective, single-center study from the United Arab Emirates, Alsaadi, T., Kassie, S., & Servano, R., Epilepsy and Behavior Reports, 12, 100330, 08/01/19, https://dx.doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.ebr.2019.100330
- Psychiatric comorbidity in neurological disorders: Towards a multidisciplinary approach to illness management in the UAE, Alsaadi, T., Kassie, S., Mohammed Ali, O., Mozahem, K., Al Fardan, S., & Ahmed, A.M., Frontiers in Psychiatry, 10, 263, 08/01/19, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00263
- Investigating sleep fragmentation by autonomic arousals in depressed patients with obstructive sleep apnea, Khandoker, A. H., Hadjileontiadis, L., Kassie, S., & Alsaadi, T., Computing in Cardiology, 45, 08/01/18, 10.22489/CinC.2018.175
- Depression and anxiety as determinants of health-related quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis: United Arab Emirates, Alsaadi T, El Hammasi, K, Shahrour T, Shakra M, Turkawi L, Nasreddine W, Kassie, S, Raoof, M., Neurology International, 9, 2, 08/01/17, 10.4081/ni.2017.7343
- Potential factors impacting health related quality of life among patients with epilepsy, Alsaadi, T., Kassie, S., El Hammasi, K., Shahrour, T., Shakra, M., Turkawi, L., Nasreddine, W., Raoof, M., Seizure, 53, 13-17, 08/01/17
- Influencing factors of materialism among residents of the UAE: The role of mortality salience and spirituality, Shrivastava, A., Pietschnig, J., Yousuf, A., Kassie, S., Journal of Articles in Support of the Null Hypothesis, 13, 2, 08/01/17
Software
R
SPSS
AMOS
Python
Timeline
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Middlesex University Dubai
09.2023 - Current
Ph.D. - Psychology
University of Reading
09.2022 - 08.2025
Ethics and Human Subjects Protection, The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), USA
08-2021
Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Parts 1 – 3, Harvard University, Boston, USA
05-2021
Good Clinical Practice for Social and Behavioral Research in Clinical Trials, Society of Behavioral Medicine, USA
03-2021
Mental Health First Aid, the Lighthouse Arabia, Dubai, UAE
06-2018
Training on Protecting Human Subjects in Clinical Research, the National Institute of Health (NIH)
07-2017
Clinical Research Officer/IRB Coordinator
American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology
09.2016 - 08.2020
Graduate Research Assistant
Middlesex University Dubai
11.2015 - 08.2016
Assistant Specialist Educator
The Developing Child Centre
01.2014 - 01.2015
Administration Support
The Developing Child Centre
01.2014 - 01.2015
Lecturer in Psychology
Middlesex University Dubai
1 2016 - 08.2023
Master of Science (M.Sc.) - Applied Psychology
Middlesex University
Bachelor of Arts - International Studies
American University of Sharjah
Post-graduate Certificate - Higher Education
Middlesex University
Post-graduate Certificate - Global Clinical Scholars Research Training
Harvard Medical School
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