Community Mourns Professor and Women in Stem Role Model: Dr. Hind Al-Abadleh

What people had to say about Dr. Al-Abadleh:

“Dr. Al-Abadleh was a pioneering scientist who made the world a safer place through her research,” says Jasmin Zine, a friend and professor of Sociology and Religion and Culture at Laurier. “She and I both started teaching at Laurier in 2005 and we bonded as colleagues, racialized scholars and Muslim sisters. I will always remember her pure heart, generosity of spirit, humility and kindness.”

“Dr. Al-Abadleh changed my life in ways I never expected,” says Yara Khalaf, a Laurier PhD candidate in Chemistry who worked alongside Hind since her time as an undergraduate student. “Her passion for science was contagious. Because of her, I found my purpose. She taught me to think critically and to care deeply about the work we do and the people we impact. I am heartbroken that I can no longer hear her voice, her guidance or her laughter.”

"On behalf of the Islamic Institute of Toronto I express heartfelt condolences to the relatives and friends of Dr. Hind al-Abadleh, of Wilfred Laurier University, a true genius in her field of study. We interacted on many occasions due to her interest in the work of the Islamic Institute of Toronto (IIT), and despite the distance from Waterloo to Toronto, she attended a number of our programs together with her father. Dr. Jasmine Zine, a friend and fellow professor has enumerated many of Dr. Hind's accomplishments, and I certainly testify to her interest not only in her field in which she excelled (her Google Scholar Profile lists over 120 Research Papers!), but also her interest in the Muslim Community and the work of various institutions, especially those pursuing education and environmental sustainability. She is indeed a role model and an inspiration to young Muslims everywhere. Here TEDx talk over ten years ago was groundbreaking for a Muslim woman in Hijab." From Br. Farhad, Chair of the Board of Islamic Institute of Toronto (IIT)

Dr. Al-Abadleh was an advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM, particularly within her field Chemistry, read her piece "A personal account of contributions to equity, diversity and inclusion within the Canadian chemistry community" online here

Dr. Al-Abadleh had become an icon for Canadian women in stem, particularly after her TEDx Talk 10 years ago (see video below).