Dr. Sarah Abu Kaf has been named to the Women in Science Hall of Fame 2014 by the US Embassy. U.S. Embassy Amman’s Environment, Science, Technology and Health Office for the Middle East and North Africa launched the “Women in Science Hall of Fame” initiative in 2010 to honor outstanding women in science throughout the region. Women from a variety of scientific disciplines are recognized for their accomplishments and efforts to serve as role models for women and girls pursuing science education and careers.
Abu Kaf from the Conflict Management and Resolution Program was the first clinical psychologist in the Bedouin Arab society. She and her sister were the first women in their village to obtain doctoral degrees. Dr. Abu Kaf recently returned from a Fulbright scholarship for post-doctorate work at Harvard University in the United States. Based on her research with Bedouin women, Dr. Abu Kaf developed a mental health services model to better prevent and treat depression among vulnerable populations. She also initiated an intervention program to address coping with academic stress and dropout among Bedouin Arab students in higher academic institutions.
She was one of 11 women so honored this year.
