Dr. Rana El Hajj is an Associate Professor of Microbiology at Beirut Arab University, Lebanon. Her research focuses on antimicrobial resistance, molecular microbiology, and the development of novel antimicrobial agents, including plant extracts and green-synthesized nanoparticles. She has authored over 45 scientific publications and supervised numerous Master's and PhD research projects. Her academic experience also includes postdoctoral research at the American University of Beirut in parasitology and molecular oncology. She is actively involved in teaching, research, graduate supervision, and academic service.

Research interests focus on antimicrobial resistance, molecular epidemiology, bacterial pathogenesis, and biofilms, with an emphasis on developing novel antimicrobial agents from medicinal plants, green-synthesized nanoparticles, and microbial metabolites. Areas of expertise also include environmental microbiology, One Health surveillance, molecular biology, parasitology, and the investigation of bioactive compounds with antimicrobial and anticancer potential.

Dr. Rana El Hajj holds a PhD in Microbiology and Infectious Diseases from the University of Montpellier, France. Her academic background is complemented by postdoctoral research experience at the American University of Beirut, specializing in parasitology, molecular oncology, and infectious diseases. She is currently an Associate Professor of Microbiology at Beirut Arab University, with extensive expertise in microbiological and molecular techniques, scientific research, and graduate education.

Teaching areas include Microbiology, Advanced Microbiology, Food Microbiology, Virology, Microbiology & Immunology, Advanced Topics in Molecular Biology, Research Techniques, Special Topics in Microbiology, Biochemical Principles of Nutrition, Ecology, Plant Physiology, Biodiversity and Pollution, General Biology, Introduction to Biology, Global Warming, Environmental Issues of Lebanon, Seminars in Biology and Biochemistry, Senior Projects, and Individual Studies.

Academic and research accomplishments include securing a research funding from Beirut Arab University Intramural Grant (2025), and the LIRA 17 program (2025), in addition to receiving the Prix Cèdre Travel Grant (2016), and contributing to a patented innovation in antimicrobial nanotechnology with applications in dentistry.