Ammar A. Olabi - American University of Beirut

I. BACKGROUND
Ammar A. Olabi
315, FAFS, American University of Beirut
PO.Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
Phone: 01-374374 ext. 4500
e-mail: ammar.olabi@aub.edu.lb
Education
Cornell University, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. November 2000-August 2002
Post-Doctoral Fellow, Food Science Department.
Research: Dairy chemistry and processing
Cornell University, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. November 2000
Ph.D. in Food Science.
Dissertation: The optimization of a bioregenerative life-support space diet.
American University of Beirut, School of Agricultural and Food Sciences. 1994
M.S. in Food Technology.
Dissertation: Relationships of selected wheat constituents to burghul making quality.
American University of Beirut, School of Agricultural and Food Sciences. 1992
B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics with Distinction.
Lycee Abdel-Kader Hariri Foundation School, Baccalaureate 2 Math-Elementary. 1988
Professional Experience
American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon October 2012-present
Nutrition and Food Science Department
Associate Professor
American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon October 2009-September 2012
Nutrition and Food Science Department
Associate Professor / Chairperson of Department
American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon September 2005-September 2009
Nutrition and Food Science Department
Assistant Professor
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA September 2002-August 2005
Food Science and Nutrition Department
Assistant Professor

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Cornell University, Food Science Department, Ithaca, NY. November 2000-August 2002
Post-Doctoral Fellow
Researched a DMI funded project on Cheddar cheese.
Supported the research activities of other students working on different dairy chemistry and
processing projects.
Cornell University, Food Science Department, Ithaca, NY. Summer 1997-August 2000
Research Assistant
Researched a multidisciplinary NASA funded project.
Collected and analyzed a large sensory data set, 400 thousand data points.
Utilized several quantitative techniques including statistical techniques, linear programming and
work measurement.
Cornell University, Food Science Department, Ithaca, NY. Fall 1998-Spring 2000
Teaching Assistant
Coordinated class activities for an Agricultural and Biological Engineering/ Operations
Research undergraduate tutorial class and participated in some of the tasks required from the
students
Prepared and presented the class outcome including the projects of the undergraduate
students in the 29 th International Conference on Environmental Systems, Denver, Colorado,
July 12-15.
Cornell University, Near Eastern Studies Department, Ithaca, NY. Spring 1997
Teaching Associate
Co-taught a second semester introductory Arabic class with class instructor.
Administered exams.
American University of Beirut, Food Technology and Nutrition Department. Fall 1994
Research Assistant
Performed chemical analyses using HPLC.
American University of Beirut, Food Technology and Nutrition Department. Fall 1993
Teaching Assistant
Prepared chemicals and materials needed for a food processing laboratory class.
Assisted laboratory coordinator in conducting laboratory experiments.
United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Bekaa, Lebanon. July 1993
Survey Administrator
Interviewed farmers and filled questionnaires.
American University of Beirut, Biology Department. Fall 1992
Teaching Assistant
Taught the laboratory section of a freshman biology class.
Prepared and conducted laboratory experiments.
Designed and graded exams.

Skills
Computer literacy in: SAS, Minitab, Genesis RD, File Maker Pro, Microsoft Office.
Languages: speak, read, write Arabic, French and English fluently.
Honors
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The Ruth Herzog and Albert Flegenheimer Graduate Award, Food Science Department, Cornell
University.
B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics with Distinction.
Listed on the Dean’s honor list 4 times (undergraduate level).
II. PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Publications
(Refereed Journal Articles)
(*Produced while at AUB)
1. *Atamian, S., Olabi, A. and Kebbe Baghdadi, O. The characterization of the physicochemical and
sensory properties of full-fat, reduced-fat and low-fat bovine, ovine and caprine Labneh.
Submitted to the Journal of Dairy Science. (Under Review, A. Olabi as corresponding author).
2. *Olabi, A., Jinjarak, S. Jiménez-Flores, R. and J.H. Walker. Sensory evaluation of novel
buttermilk products by super critical fluid extraction. Submitted to the Journal of Dairy Research.
(Under Review, A. Olabi as corresponding author).
3. *Lammert, A., Olabi, A., Kalache, L., K. Brooks and P. Tong. Characterization of the sensory
properties of whey protein concentrates. Submitted to the International Journal of Dairy Science
& Technology (Under Review, A. Olabi as corresponding author).
4. *Kamleh, R., Olabi, A., Toufeili, I., Najm, N.E.O. Younis, Tarek and R. Ajib. 2012. The effect of
substitution of NaCl with KCl on physicochemical, microbiological and sensory properties of
Halloumi cheese. Journal of Dairy Science, 95(3):1140-1151 (A. Olabi as corresponding
author).
5. *Kaaki, D., Kebbe Baghdadi, O., Najm, N.O.E and A. Olabi. 2012. Preference mapping of
commercial Labneh products in the Lebanese Market. Journal of Dairy Science 95(2):521–532
(A. Olabi as corresponding author).
6. *Abou Jaoude, D., Olabi, A., Najm, N.O.E., Malek, A., Saadeh, C., Baydoun, E. and Toufeili, I.
2010. Chemical composition, mineral content and cholesterol levels of some regular and reducedfat
white brined cheeses and strained yogurt (Labneh). Dairy Science and Technology 90: 699-
706.
7. *Najm, N.E.O, Olabi, A., Kreyydieh, S. and I. Toufeili. 2010. Determination of visual detection
thresholds of selected iron fortificants and formulation of iron-fortified pocket-type flat bread.
Journal of Cereal Science 51: 271-276.
8. *Daroub, H., Olabi, A. and I. Toufeili. 2010. Designing and testing of an Arabic version of the
hedonic scale for use in acceptability tests. Food Quality and Preference 21: 33-43. (A. Olabi as
corresponding author).

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9. *Lteif, L., Olabi, A., Kebbe Baghdadi, O and I. Toufeili. 2009. The characterization of the
physicochemical and sensory properties of full-fat, reduced-fat and low-fat ovine and bovine
Halloumi Cheese. Journal of Dairy Science 92: 4135-4145. (A. Olabi as corresponding author).
10. *Nasser El Dine, A. and Olabi, A. 2009. The Effect of Reference Foods in Repeated
Acceptability Tests: Testing Familiar and Novel Foods Using Two Acceptability Scales. Journal
of Food Science 74: S97-106. (A. Olabi as corresponding author).
11. *Olabi, A., Najm, N., Kebbe Baghdadi, O. and J.M. Morton. 2009. Food Neophobia Levels of
Lebanese and American College Students. Food Quality and Preference 20: 353-362. (A. Olabi
as corresponding author).
12. *Olabi, A. and H.T. Lawless. 2008. Persistence of context effects after training and with intensity
references. Journal of Food Science 73: S185-189. (A. Olabi as corresponding author).
13. *Cody, T., Olabi, A., Pettingell, A., Tong, P., and J. Walker. 2007. Evaluation of rice flour for
use in vanilla ice cream. Journal of Dairy Science 90: 4575-4585. (A. Olabi as corresponding
author).
14. *Haddad, Y., Haddad, J., Olabi, A., Shuayto, N., Haddad, T. and Toufeili, I. 2007. Mapping
Determinants of Purchase Intent of Concentrated Yogurt (Labneh) by Conjoint Analysis, Food
Quality and Preference 18: 795-802.
15. *S. Jinjarak, A. Olabi, R. Jiménez-Flores, I. Sodini, and J.H. Walker. 2006. Sensory Evaluation
of Whey and Sweet Cream Buttermilk. Journal of Dairy Science 89: 2441-2450. (A. Olabi as
corresponding author)
16. *S. Jinjarak, A. Olabi, R. Jiménez-Flores, and J.H. Walker. 2006. Sensory, Functional and
Analytical Comparisons of Whey Butter to other Butters. Journal of Dairy Science 89: 2428-
2440. (A. Olabi as corresponding author).
17. *I. Sodini, P. Morin, A. Olabi, and R. Jiménez-Flores. 2006. Composition and functional
properties of buttermilk: a comparison between sweet, sour, and whey buttermilk. Journal of
Dairy Science 89: 525-536.
18. Vicens, C., Wang, C., Olabi, A., Jackson, P., and J. Hunter. 2003. Optimized bioregenerative
space diet selection with crew choice. Habitation 9 (31-39). (A. Olabi as corresponding author).
19. Olabi, A., Hunter, J., Jackson, P., Segal, M., Spies, R. et al. 2003. Work measurement
videotaping technique as a means for estimating food preparation labor time of a bioregenerative
diet. Habitation (17-30). (A. Olabi as corresponding author).
20. Waters, G., Olabi, A., Hunter, J., and M. Dixon. 2002. Bioregenerative food system cost based on
optimized menus for advanced life support. Life Support and Biosphere Science 8 (199-210).
21. Olabi, A., Barbano, D. 2002. Temperature induced moisture migration in reduced fat Cheddar
cheese. Journal of Dairy Science 85: 2114-2121.
22. Olabi, A., Lawless, H., Hunter, J., Levitsky, D. and B. Halpern. 2002. The effect of microgravity
and space flight on the chemical senses. Journal of Food Science 67 (2): 468-478. (A. Olabi as
corresponding author).
23. Horne, J., Olabi, A., Greenwalt, C. and H.T. Lawless. 2001. Visual haze detection threshold
assessment by ascending method of limits and a transformed staircase procedure in apple juice
simulations under “store like” conditions. Journal of Sensory Studies 16 (December): 447-460.
24. Hunter, J., Olabi, A., Spies, R., Rovers A., Levitsky, D. 1999. Diet design and food processing
for bioregenerative life support systems. SAE 1998 Transactions, Volume 107. Journal of
Aerospace, Section I, pp 296-307.

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25. Toufeili, I., Habbal, Y., Shadarevian, S., and Olabi, A. 1999. Substitution of wheat starch with
non-wheat starch and cross-linked waxy barley starch affects sensory properties and staling of
Arabic bread. J. Sci. Food. Agric. 79 (13): 1855-1860.
26. Toufeili I., Olabi A., Shadarevian, S., Abi Antoun M., Zurayk R., Baalbaki I. 1997
Relationships of selected wheat parameters to Burghul making quality. Journal of Food Quality
20 (3): 211-224.
Working Papers
(Should be sent by end of Spring)
1. *Francis, F., Olabi, A. Sensory and biochemical evaluation of raw and processed Chicory-
Hindbeh (Cichorium Intybus) during frozen storage. To be submitted to LWT-Food Science and
Technology. (A. Olabi as corresponding author).
2. *Olabi, A., Neuhaus, T., Bustos, R., Cook, M. and T. Erps. An investigation of flavor complexity
and food neophobia. To be submitted to Food Quality and Preference. (A. Olabi as
corresponding author).
Conference Proceedings
1. Olabi, A.A. and J.B. Hunter. Cost and Quality of a bioregenerative diet. Presented as a talk (and a
conference paper in proceedings) in the 29 th International Conference on Environmental Systems,
Denver, Colorado, July 12-15 1999.
2. Olabi, A.A., J.B. Hunter and P. Jackson et al. Work measurement videotaping technique as a
means for estimating food preparation labor time of a bioregenerative diet. Presented as a talk
(and a conference paper in proceedings) in the 29 th International Conference on Environmental
Systems, Denver, Colorado, July 12-15 1999.
3. Hunter, J., Olabi, A., Spies, R., Rovers A., Levitsky, D. Diet design and Food Processing for
bioregenerative life support systems. Presented as a talk (and a conference paper in proceedings)
in the 28 th International Conference on Environmental Systems, SAE Technical Paper 982365,
Danvers, Massachusetts, July 13-16 1998. Note: Paper was selected to appear as a regular
publication in the SAE Transactions journal (publication 15 above). Only around 5% of the
proceeding papers get selected for this category.
Conference Presentations and Papers
(*Produced while at AUB, 14 abstracts)
1. *Francis, F. and Olabi, A. Sensory and biochemical evaluation of chicory during frozen storage.
Abstract accepted, to be presented as a poster at the Institute of Food Technologists Annual
Meeting, Chicago, July 13-16, 2013.
2. *Atamian, S., Olabi, A. and I. Toufeili. The characterization of the physicochemical and sensory
properties of full-fat, reduced-fat and low-fat bovine, caprine and ovine concentrated yoghurt
(Labneh). Abstract accepted, to be presented as a poster (by A. Olabi) at the Institute of Food
Technologists Annual Meeting, Chicago, July 13-16, 2013.

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3. *El Labban, S., Olabi, A., Safadi, B. and M. Awad. the effect of roux-en-y gastric bypass and
sleeve gastrectomy surgery on food preferences, dietary intake and gastrointestinal symptoms in
post-surgical morbidly obese subjects. Abstract accepted, to be presented as a poster (by A.
Olabi) at the Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting, Chicago, July 13-16, 2013.
4. *Srour, N., Olabi, A. and I. Toufeili. Developing a carob milk-based beverage using different
varieties of Lebanese carob pods and assessing its chemical and sensory properties. Abstract
accepted, to be presented as a poster (by A. Olabi) at the Institute of Food Technologists Annual
Meeting, Chicago, July 13-16, 2013.
5. *El Rouaiheb, H., Chalak, A., Olabi, A. and I. Toufeili. The purchase intent for extra virgin olive
oil is markedly influenced by tasting. Abstract presented as a poster at the 5th European
Conference on Sensory and Consumer Research, Bern, Switzerland, 9-12 September 2012.
6. *Lammert, A. Olabi, K. Brooks, S.Vink, and P. Tong. Sensory properties of chocolate flavored,
protein fortified, fluid milk based recovery beverages produced using indirect and direct thermal
processing. Abstract presented as a poster in ADSA/ASAS Joint Annual Meeting Denver,
Colorado July 11-15, 2010.
7. *Hamzeh, R., Kassaify, Z.G., Barbour E., and Olabi, A. Plasmid profile, antimicrobial and heat
resistance of selected Enterobacteriaceae in Sessame seeds, Tahini and Halaweh. Abstract
presented as a poster at the Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting, Chicago, Illinois
July 17-20, 2010.
8. *Lteif, L., Olabi A. and I. Toufeili. The characterization of the physicochemical and sensory
properties of full-fat, reduced-fat and low-fat ovine and bovine Halloumi cheese. Abstract
presented as a poster (by A. Olabi) at the Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting,
Anaheim, June 6-June 9, 2009.
9. *Najm, N. E. O., Olabi A. and I. Toufeili. Determination of sensory thresholds of selected iron
compounds and formulation of iron-fortified Arabic bread. Abstract presented as a poster at the
8 th Pangborn Sensory Science Symposium, Florence, Italy, July 26-July 30, 2009.
10. *Olabi, A., Kebbe Baghdadi, O. and N. Najm. Food neophobia levels of Lebanese and American
college students. Abstract presented as a poster (by A. Olabi) at the Institute of Food
Technologists Annual Meeting, New Orleans, June 28-July 1, 2008.
11. *Nasser El Dine, A., Olabi, A. and H.T. Lawless. The use of hedonic reference foods in
acceptability tests. Abstract presented as a poster (by A. Olabi) at the Institute of Food
Technologists Annual Meeting, New Orleans, June 28-July 1, 2008.
12. *Daroub, H. Olabi, A. and I. Toufeili, Designing an Arabic Version of the 9-point Hedonic Scale
for Use in Acceptability Tests. Abstract presented as a poster (by A. Olabi) at the Institute of
Food Technologists Annual Meeting, New Orleans, June 28-July 1, 2008.
13. *Olabi, A. and H. Lawless. Persistence of context effects after training and with intensity
references. Abstract presented as a poster (by A. Olabi) for the Institute of Food Technologists
Conference, Chicago, Illinois, July 28- August 1 2007.
14. *S. Jinjarak, P. Morin, A. Olabi, and R. Jimenez-Flores. Sensory evaluation of a novel ingredient
produced from buttermilk. Abstract presented as a poster in ADSA/ASAS Joint Annual Meeting
Minneapolis, Minnesota, July 9-13, 2006.
15. S. Jinjarak, A. Olabi, R. Jiménez-Flores, R. Gonzales, and W. Lires. Sensory evaluation of sweet
cream, whey, and cultured butters. Abstract presented as a poster in ADSA/ASAS/CSAS Joint
Annual Meeting Cincinnati, Ohio, July 24-28, 2005.

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16. Olabi, A., Barbano, D.M. Temperature induced moisture migration in reduced-fat Cheddar
cheese. Abstract presented as a talk in the American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting,
Quebec City, July 21-24 2002.
17. Olabi, A. Seminar about Ph.D. research findings, Army Natick Labs. Natick, Massachusetts,
August 13 2001.
18. Olabi, A., Hunter, J., Levitsky, D., Spies, R., and A. Rovers. A 30-day closed space diet study.
Abstract presented as a poster in the Institute of Food Technologists Conference, New Orleans,
Louisiana, June 23-27 2001.
19. Olabi, A., Hunter, J., Levitsky, D., Spies, R. and A. Rovers. Acceptability of near-vegan ALS
foods in a 30-day diet study. Abstract presented as a talk in the Life Support and Biosphere
Science 4 th International Conference, Baltimore, Maryland, August 6-9 2000.
20. Rivera, R., Fung, G., Plichta, J., Olabi, A., Hunter, J. and P. Jackson. Optimization of Ingredient
Processing in a Bioregenerative Diet. Abstract presented (by A. Olabi) as a talk in the Life
Support and Biosphere Science 4 th International Conference, Baltimore, Maryland, August 6-9
2000.
21. Vicens, C., Wang, C., Olabi, A., Hunter, J. and P. Jackson. A dynamic menu selection model for
the optimization of bioregenerative diets. Abstract presented (by A. Olabi) as a talk in the Life
Support and Biosphere Science 4 th International Conference, Baltimore, Maryland, August 6-9
2000.
22. Olabi, A.A., McCulloch, C.E., Levitsky, D.A. and J.B. Hunter. The use of control foods in
acceptability panels. Abstract presented as a talk in the Institute of Food Technologists
Conference, Dallas, Texas, June 10-14 2000.
23. Olabi, A.A., Levitsky, D.A., McCulloch, C.E. and J.B. Hunter. Modeling acceptance of
vegetarian meals and meal components for bioregenerative space life support diets. Abstract
presented as a talk in the Institute of Food Technologists Conference, Chicago, Illinois, July 24-
28 1999.
24. Olabi, A., Hunter, J.B., Lawless, H.T. and D.A. Levitsky. The effect of space flight and
microgravity on the stimulation of the chemical senses. Presented as a poster in the annual
meeting for the Association for Chemoreception Sciences in Sarasota, Florida, April 14-18 1999.
Non-Refereed Abstracts/Poster Presentations
(*Produced while at AUB)
1.*Francis, F., Olabi, A. and L. Karam. Sensory and biochemical evaluation of raw and processed
chicory – hindbeh (cichorium intybus) during frozen storage. Abstract presented as a poster in
IBSRA/IDRC Retreat, Food & Health in Rural Lebanon: Options to improve dietary diversity,
food security, livelihoods and ecosystem management, AUB, Beirut February 17, 2011 (Based on
partial thesis work of Francine Francis).
Industry Technical Reports
1. Ammar Olabi, Imad Toufeili and Loulwa Kalache. Shelf life tracking of a ready-to drink
galaxy UHT chocolate milk stored at different temperatures, (62 pages). March 2012.
2. Ammar Olabi and Imad Toufeili. Pomegranate Concentrate Study, (6 pages). January 2013.

Conferences/Workshops Attended
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Course Learning Outcomes workshop (CTL): October 15 and 22, 2011 (AUB).
The Body Composition Course of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD),
December 1, 2011 Beirut, Lebanon.
Attended a Workshop on Food Quality and Safety in the Lebanese Industry. Organized by the
Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Order of Engineers and Architects,
Beirut, Lebanon, April 2011.
Attended a Symposium on Consumer Protection and Food Safety. Organized by the Faculty of
Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut in collaboration with the
Lebanese Ministry of Economics – Consumer Protection. Beirut, Lebanon, March 2011.
Chaired a session on “Recent Developments in the Beverages Industry on the Technical and Food
Levels” Arab Beverage Conference, October 28, 2010, Chamber of Commerce, Beirut. Also
presented the Qatrah Beverage Product Innovation Competition 2010 at the Gala Dinner Hosted
by the Association of Lebanese Industrialists and the Regional Office of the Arab Federation of
Food Industries in Lebanon.
Attended the First Anniversary for LibanPack that was held on April, 15 2010 at the Movenpick
Hotel .
Attended the Lebanese Food Industry Awareness Day at the Biel (April 2010).
Attended the launching of the Food Advisory Unit in IRI (February 2010).
Attended the launching of the Agricultural Product Quality Control & Certification Program
(QCC), a project undertaken by ACDI-VOCA and funded by USAID. The event occurred on
Friday, October 23, 2009 at Le Royal Hotel (Dbayeh).
Workshop on Hygienic Production of Packaging. Presented by Mr. Terry Robins. Organized by
the Market Access and Compliance of Lebanese Export Project (UNIDO) (January 21-22, 2008).
Workshop on Value Added Products with Packaging: Communicating with the Consumer.
Presented by Dr. Maria Gonzales. Organized by the Market Access and Compliance of Lebanese
Export Project (UNIDO) (November 7, 2007).
Attended a 2-day “Sensory Evaluation of Wine” short course at UC-Davis (Spring 04).
Attended the “Chemical Senses” 1-day conference at UC-Davis (March 04).
Attended the Institute of Food Technologists Annual meeting (July 12-16 2004) in Las Vegas.
Grants
1. Glycemic index of bread: fiber or minerals? This is the question. Farouk Jabre Interdisciplinary
Research Grant. P.I.: Omar Obeid, Co-P.I.s: Sami Azar, Imad Toufeili, Ammar Olabi and Hala
Ghattas. $10,000. Grant Period: February 2013-January 2014.
2. Galaxy Chocolate Milk Shelf Life Study. M&M Mars Company, Dubai. P.I.: Ammar Olabi, Co-
P.I.: Imad Toufeili. $ 13,300. Grant Period: January 2011-February 2012.
3. The Effect of RYGB and SG surgery on Food Preferences and GI Symptoms in Post-Surgical
Morbidly Obese Subjects. University Research Board, American University of Beirut. P.I.:
Ammar, Olabi, Co-P.I.: Bassem Safadi, Surgery Department, American University of Beirut.
$8,400. Period: July 2011-June 2012.

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4. The Effect of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery on Taste Acuity and Food
Preferences in Morbidly Obese Subjects. University Research Board, American University of Beirut.
P.I: Ammar Olabi, Nutrition and Food Science Department, American University of Beirut. Co-
P.I.: Bassem Safadi, Surgery Department, American University of Beirut. $9,500. Grant Period:
10/10-9/11.
5. The impact of the current food environment on nutrition and health: policy options to improve
dietary diversity, food security, livelihoods and ecosystem management in Lebanon. American
University of Beirut - IBSAR and the University of Ottawa to the International Development
Research Centre, Ecohealth program, Canada. P.I.: Malek Batal, Faculty of Health Sciences,
University of Ottawa, Co-P.I.: Salma Talhouk (Landscape Design and Ecosystem Management,
AUB), Michael Robidoux (Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa), Co-Investigators:
François Haman (Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa), Zeina Kassaify, Ammar
Olabi, Omar Obeid (Nutrition and Food Science, AUB), Jad Chaaban (Agricultural Sciences,
AUB). $Cad 540,000. Grant Period: 3 years. My share $7,000.
6. The characterization of the physicochemical and sensory properties of full-fat, reduced-fat and
low-fat ovine and bovine Kashkaval Cheese. University Research Board, American University of
Beirut. P.I: Ammar Olabi, Nutrition and Food Science Department, American University of
Beirut. Co-P.I.: Imad Toufeili, Nutrition and Food Science Department, American University of
Beirut. $8,500. Grant Period: 10/08-9/09.
7. The characterization of the physicochemical and sensory properties of full-fat, reduced-fat and
low-fat ovine and bovine Halloumi Cheese. University Research Board, American University of
Beirut. P.I: Ammar Olabi, Nutrition and Food Science Department, American University of
Beirut. Co-P.I.: Imad Toufeili, Nutrition and Food Science Department, American University of
Beirut. $8,200. Grant Period: 10/07-9/08.
8. Taste acuity before and after gastric banding and Roux-en-Y bastric bypass Surgery in morbidly
obese subjects. Lebanese National Council for Scientific Research. P.I.: Ammar Olabi, Nutrition
and Food Science Department, Co-Investigator: Bassem Safadi, Surgey Department, American
University of Beirut. $4667. Grant Period: 12//06-12/07.
9. Designing an Arabic Version of the 9-point Hedonic Scale for Use in Acceptability Tests.
University Research Board Grant, American University of Beirut. P.I: Ammar Olabi, Nutrition
and Food Science Department, American University of Beirut. Co-P.I.: Imad Toufeili, Nutrition
and Food Science Department, American University of Beirut. $5834. Grant period: 10/06-9/07.
10. The use of hedonic reference foods in acceptability tests. University Research Board Grant,
American University of Beirut. P.I: Ammar Olabi, Nutrition and Food Science Department,
American University of Beirut. Collaborator: Harry Lawless, Food Science Department, Cornell
University. $7000. Grant period: 1/06-9/06.
11. Taste acuity before and after gastric banding and roux-en-y gastric bypass surgery in morbidly
obese subjects. University Research Board Grant, American University of Beirut. P.I: Bassem
Safadi, Surgey Department, American University of Beirut. Co-Investigator: Ammar Olabi,
Nutrition and Food Science Department, American University of Beirut. $7000. Grant period:
1/06-9/06.
12. Sensory evaluation of novel products derived from whey cream processing. ARI grant. P.I.:
Ammar Olabi, Co-Investigator: Rafael Jimenez, Dairy Science Department. Release time of 9
WTU and $114,572. Grant period: 7/03-7/05.
13. An investigation of flavor complexity and neophobia: a focus on the role of spiciness. State
Faculty Support Grant. P.I: Ammar Olabi, Co-Investigator: Thomas Neuhaus, Food Science and
Nutrition Department. Release time of 6 WTU and $2500. Grant period: 9/03-9/04.

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14. An assessment of the acceptance of spiciness in younger and older neophobes and neophiles.
State Faculty Support Grant. P.I: Ammar Olabi, Co-Investigator: Thomas Neuhaus, Food Science
and Nutrition Department. Release time of 3 WTU and $2000. Grant period: 9/04-9/05.
15. Sensory evaluation methods research: preventing contextual drift in intensity ratings. Ammar
Olabi, Collaborator: Harry Lawless, Food Science Department, Cornell University. $2000 from
Cornell University College of Agriculture Hatch Funds. Grant period: 9/04-9/05.
16. Evaluation of rice flour for use in frozen dairy desserts. P.I.: Phil Tong, Dairy Science
Department. Collaborator: Ammar Olabi. 10/02-12/03.
III. TEACHING
Courses and Laboratories Taught
American University of Beirut (Nominated for the Teaching Excellence Award in 2009-10)
NFSC 305, Sensory Evaluation of Food (taught lectures and labs).
NFSC 370, Food Product Development (taught lectures and labs).
NFSC 291, Elements of Food Engineering (taught lectures).
NFSC 288, Technology of Foods (taught lectures).
NFSC 395, Graduate Seminar (coordinated course).
NFSC 299, Undergraduate Tutorial (coordinated course).
NFSC 296, Undergraduate Seminar (coordinated course).
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
FSN 154, Food Processing Calculations (taught lectures and labs).
FSN 204 & FSN 230 Food Processing Operations (taught lectures).
FSN 411, Sensory Evaluation of Food (taught lectures and labs).
FSN 408, Food Composition Science and Product Development (taught lectures and labs).
Student Mentoring
M.S. Graduate students (Advisor; 10 students at AUB, 1 student at Cal Poly)
Ruba Hajj Ahmad, (Expected June 2013), AUB.
Sibelle El-Labban, (June 2012), AUB.
Loulwa Kalash, (June 2012), AUB.
Nadine Srour, (June 2012), AUB.
Francine Francis, (February 2012), AUB.
Samson Atamian, (June 2010), AUB.
Diana Kaaki, (October 2009), AUB.
Lama Lteif, (February 2009), AUB. 2009 Sutherland Award for Publication 4 (Given
to the best FAFS Graduate Thesis every year).
Hamza Daroub, (February 2009), AUB.
Amany Nasser-El-Dine (June 2008), AUB.
Supanika Jinjarak (2005), Cal Poly.

Olabi, p.11
M.S. Graduate students (Committee Member, Thesis Option; 10 students at AUB, 3 students at
Cal Poly)
Kathryn Jaafar (Expected, Summer 2013), AUB.
Hiba Nashef (Expected, Summer 2013), AUB.
Nesrine Abou Mehdi, (October 2012), AUB.
Janay Haidar, (June 2012), AUB.
Hiba El Rouaiheb, (February 2011), AUB.
Jad Dandache, (June 2010), AUB.
Darine Barakat, (February 2010), AUB.
Reem Hamzeh, (October 2009), AUB.
Nour El Ouyoun Najm, (October 2008), AUB. 2009 Abdul Hadi Debs Award for
Publication 6 (Given to the best FAFS Graduate Student paper every year).
Bilal Kanso, (October 2008), AUB.
Rajdeep Muhar (2006), Cal Poly.
David Ormonde (2005), Cal Poly.
Brian Stepien (2004), Cal Poly.
M.S. Graduate students (Committee Member, Non-Thesis Option; 10 students at AUB)
Nour Khalifeh (2013), AUB.
Ghada Nachabeh (2013), AUB.
Lea Makhoul (2013), AUB.
Suzana Agha Kasbah (2012), AUB.
Lama Kasbah (2011), AUB.
Melanie Assaf (2010), AUB.
Yasmine Boughadir (2010), AUB.
Sabine Jabbour (2007), AUB.
Diana Khoury (2007), AUB.
Ghinwa Hdayed (2007), AUB.
B.S. Undergraduate Tutorial Project/Senior Thesis Advisor
Senior projects (undergraduate thesis) supervision at California Polytechnic State
University: 22 students.
Undergraduate tutorial projects (advisor) supervision at AUB (Fall 05-present): 70
students.
Undergraduate seminars (advisor) supervision at AUB (Fall 05-present): 60 students.
Advising: I have been advising 30-40 students per semester for last two years. (More details in
Teaching Portfolio).
Other Instruction Related Activities
Gave as an invited guest a presentation “Learning Outcomes at FAS and FAFS: Process and
Success Stories” to FAFS and FAS Chairpersons and PLO Committee faculty members
(March 8, 2012).
Regular reviewer for URB proposals (Reviewed 3 for last cycle, 2012-13 proposals).

Olabi, p.12
Served as a Jury Member for the Second Annual AUB Basic Biomedical Research Day, AUB,
February 25, 2012.
Regular Guest Lecturer in AGSC 201 and recently AGSC 236 (Fall 2011-12).
Attended the Learning Outcomes Workshop by the Center of Teaching & Learning (October 15
& October 22, 2011).
Together with Dr. Naja, I have assisted in the evaluation of the NFSC 301 learning outcomes and
deliverables offered to graduate students of the NFSC department. Upon this evaluation, the
course instructor will modify the course content to better address the statistical methods needed
for our graduate students (Fall 2011-12).
Participated in the drafting of the Agribusiness program (Spring 08).
Participated in the drafting of a proposal for a new course for Agricultural Sciences students
(Introduction to Nutrition and Food Science, Spring 08).
Attended most of the Center of Teaching and Learning Workshops for AY 05-08 (AUB),
including the list below:
1. Teaching Large Classes (January, 2006),
2. Teaching Portfolio Workshop (December, 2006),
3. Forum on Teaching Effectiveness (March, 2007),
4. Faculty Seminar on Learning and Teaching Excellence (7-week seminar, 2 hour meetings,
March-April, 2006).
Had individualized Web CT sessions (two) September 2005.
Had individualized Moodle session, September 2006.
Attended the Dale Carnegie course offered to faculty and staff of the College of Agriculture (Cal
Poly, Winter 04).
Attended the “Maintaining Instructor Effectiveness” course offered by Dr. Don Maas (Cal Poly,
Spring 04).
Developed a course proposal for the Sensory Evaluation of Wine (Cal Poly, FSN/WV 413).
IV. SERVICE
Service to the University
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Chair of professional development departmental committee, (AY 02-03).
Co-advisor for Food Science product development team, (AY 02-03).
Advisor for Food Science product development team, (AY 03-05).
Member of department unification departmental committee, (AY 02-03).
Member of the IFT program review departmental committee, (AY 02-03).
Member of advisory council to action departmental committee, (AY 02-03).
Fall preview day and open house departmental coordinator (AY 03-05).
Food Science Club Junior Advisor (AY 03-05).
Member of the College of Agriculture computing advisory committee (AY 03-05).
Member of the College of Agriculture open house committee (AY 03-05).

American University of Beirut
Olabi, p.13
NFSC
Chairperson of the NFSC Department (AY 09-12).
Chair of the NFSC Program Review Committee (AY 11-13).
Member, Ad-Hoc Committee for preparing a proposal for Public Health Nutrition Graduate
Program (AY 11-12-present).
Member, Ad-Hoc Committee for Double Major in the NFSC department (AY 12-13-present).
Member of the Nutrition and Dietetics-Coordinated Program Departmental
Accreditation Ad-Hoc Committee (AY 09-10-present).
Member, Ad-Hoc Committee for non-CP Nutrition Internship (AY 10-11-present).
Member of the FSMT Internship Restructuring Ad-Hoc Committee (AY 11-12).
Course Learning Outcomes Departmental Representative (along with Dr. Nasreddine,
AY 2011-12).
Member, Nutrition and Food Science Strategic Planning Committee (AY 07-08).
Secretary, Nutrition and Food Science AREC Committee (AY 06-08).
Member/Secretary, Nutrition and Food Science Committee for Collaboration with the MACLE
project (UNIDO) (AY 07-08).
Chair, Institute of Food Technologists Accreditation for FSMT Program (AY 07-09).
FAFS
Program Learning Outcomes Faculty Representative (AY 09-present).
Member, FAFS Administrative Committee (AY 09-12).
Member, Academic and Curriculum Affairs Committee (AY 09-12).
Secretary, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences (AY 05-06).
Secretary, FAFS Research Committee (AY 06-09), Member (AY 09-10).
Chair, Student Affairs Committee, FAFS (AY 07-10).
Member, Student Affairs Committee, FAFS (AY 05-07).
Member, Admissions Committee, FAFS (AY 07-10).
Member, Graduate Studies Committee, FAFS (AY 07-10).
Member, FAFS Agribusiness Program Committee, FAFS (AY 07-08).
Marshall, FAFS Commencement Committee (AY 05-12).
University
Second Tenure Task Force FAFS Representative (AY 10-11-present)
Member, University Food Services Committee (AY 10-12).
FAFS Representative, University Capital Budget Committee (AY 10-12).
Member of the Food Security and Policy in the Middle East Program (AY 10-11-present).
Member of the Lebanon Action for Salt and Health Group (LASH) (AY 12-13-present).
Member of University Graduate Board (AY 07-10).
Member of NCC (Nature Conservation Center, AY 07-08-present).
Member, University Student Affairs Committee, AUB (AY 05-08).

Service to the Community /Service to the Profession
Olabi, p.14
Qatrah Beverage Product Innovation Competition 20009-present. P.I: Ammar Olabi, NFSC, Co-
P.I.: Zeina Kassaify, NFSC. Co-Investigators: Imad Toufeili, Mohamad Abiad, NFSC, Ali
Chalak, AGSC. Developed guidelines rules and procedures for the Beverage Innovations and
Development Competition for the nonalcoholic beverages industry in the other Arab countries
(Qatrah Annual Competition) and served on the judging panel.
Member of the Lebanese “Food Constitution/Codex Alimentarius” Committee (AY 07-present).
Member of the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture Committee for Milk and Milk Products
(December 2009-present).
Member of the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture Committee for Food Industries (AY 09present).
Member of the Food Security and Policy in the Middle East Program (April 2010-present).
Reviewer for the Journal of Food Science
Reviewer for the Journal of Dairy Science
Member of the Institute of Food Technologists (Sensory and Quality Assurance divisions).
Member of the American Dairy Science Association.
Member of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences.
Member of the Lebanese Association for Food Science and Nutrition.
Consultancies
Iraq PM Public Officials Advancement Workshop. Acted as the workshop departmental
coordinator with REP and taught/trained for 1 day on two occasions: March 15 and April 20,
2012.
Development of condiments using pomegranate concentrate. P.I.: Ammar Olabi, Co-P.I.: Imad
Toufeili, NFSC, March 16, 2012-January, 2013.
Qatrah Beverage Product Innovation Competition 20009-present. P.I: Ammar Olabi, NFSC, Co-
P.I.: Zeina Kassaify, NFSC. Co-Investigators: Imad Toufeili, Mohamad Abiad, NFSC, Ali
Chalak, AGSC. Developed guidelines rules and procedures for the Beverage Innovations and
Development Competition for the nonalcoholic beverages industry in the other Arab countries
(Qatrah Annual Competition) and served on the judging panel.
Worked as a collaborator in a consulting project for the development of a new sports beverage
with better performance results for Inalco Pharmaceuticals, (San Luis Obispo, August 15-
September 15, 2008).
Gave a Sensory Evaluation of Food Short Course. A 2-day course given in January-February 07
to food industry professionals of Vitech Inc., as part of the activities of the Action for Sustainable
Agro-Industry in Lebanon (ASAIL).
Media Appearances
Gave a short television interview about canned foods for the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation
(LBC) nightly News (June 10, 2011).
Gave a short television interview about canned foods for the “Before You” consumer awareness
program on Future News Television (December 19, 2008).