From the small village of Batloun in the mountains of Lebanon to the American University of Beirut, Jouman Hassan carried the lessons her parents instilled in her.

Their guidance has served her well at the University of Georgia. At the graduation ceremony for the UGA Griffin campus in December, Hassan shared powerful wisdom from her mother. “Jouman, the word ‘impossible’ doesn’t exist in my dictionary — I erased it,” Hassan recalled her mother saying to her, and she has used the words as a talisman throughout her academic journey. 

Hassan’s parents both completed high school and vocational school but never had the opportunity to attend college. This factored into their motivation to instill the importance of education into their children.

“They deeply valued education and alway taught us having a degree is like holding a passport to the world,” Hassan explained. “Their greatest wish was for us to become knowledgeable, well-rounded individuals with a bright future ahead. They constantly reminded us that education opens doors and creates opportunities, hoping we would build a life even brighter and better than the one they had.”

Using her 'passport to the world'

Both of her siblings earned degrees before finding professional success, and Hassan's academic journey began in Lebanon's capital. It was at the American University of Beirut where Jouman Hassan first met Issmat Kassem, who would become her doctoral advisor in the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Kassem was a food safety faculty member in Beirut when Hassan joined the master’s degree program. 

“Before I even knew what my research direction was or who my advisor would be, I took his advanced food microbiology class. During the first lecture, he was discussing the issue of antibiotic resistance, and I was immediately intrigued by the topic, especially its impact on food and the animal sector,” said Hassan, who approached Kassem after class to ask if she could join his lab.

Kassem asked Hassan if she would commit to master’s research. “Jouman merely nodded her head in acceptance. She joined the lab, learned fast, worked hard, and was soon a reliable member of the team,” Kassem recalled. “In retrospect, I believe that nod of approval defines Jouman. A willingness to work hard and to commit with quiet determination.”

Impressed with Jouman’s commitment and teamwork, Kassem offered her a position as a doctoral student in his new lab when he accepted a faculty appointment at UGA. “I was met with the same quiet, but determined nod of approval,” he said.

Hassan said Kassem played an instrumental role in her academic journey.

“During my master’s program, I had the opportunity to engage in various research projects and was consistently encouraged to think independently. These experiences deepened my passion for my field and equipped me with the essential skill set to advance in my career,” Hassan explained. “Dr. Kassem’s encouragement and belief in my potential played a pivotal role in my decision to pursue a Ph.D. His guidance and support were invaluable, and he was always available to provide advice and constructive feedback.”

Studying a global threat to public health

While a student in Kassem’s lab, Hassan worked on an interdisciplinary research effort that focused on the spread of mobilized colistin resistance (MCR) genes, which can lead to drug resistance to colistin, a "last resort" antibiotic. This work, combined with various studies led by Kassem, highlighted the significant public health risks posed by antimicrobial resistance.

The findings played a key role in influencing regulatory changes and shaping public policy in Lebanon and other countries, driving efforts to address and mitigate the spread of resistant bacteria in the food chain, environment and health care systems.

Hassan’s success in Kassem’s lab led to her receiving the 2023 Jim Ayres Award for research.

Since graduating with her doctorate in food science in December, Hassan accepted a postdoctoral position in Kassem’s lab where she is continuing her research on antimicrobial resistance.

With an unwavering dedication to understanding the complexities of antimicrobial resistance, Hassan envisions a future where her work contributes not only to scientific progress but also to societal well-being and improved public policy. She is passionate about raising awareness of antimicrobial resistance on a global scale, hoping to bring much-needed attention to the critical issue that continues to affect millions.

Committing to life-saving research impact

Hassan has reflected on the lessons learned from mentors along her journey.

“As you embark on your next adventure, whether pursuing further studies or entering the workforce, the path ahead will undoubtedly bring its own deadlines, obstacles and moments of uncertainty,” Hassan said during her commencement speech. “But if your time here has proven anything, it’s that you are equipped to meet those challenges head-on.”

Read more about Hassan's latest research discoveries at newswire.caes.uga.edu. Learn more about programs of study and research opportunities at the UGA Center for Food Safety at cfs.caes.uga.edu.