Contact
f.howari@ajman.ac.ae
06 705 5466
Ajman Campus
Fares Mohd Howari

  • Fares Mohd Howari

  • Dean, College of Humanities and Sciences
    Director, General Education Program
  • Ext: 5466
  • CV

Dr. Fares Howari is the Dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences and Director of General Education Programs at Ajman University. With over 25 years of experience in academia, research, and administration, he is a distinguished scientist, engineer, and academic leader, dedicated to advancing academic development and fostering innovative approaches to education. Prior to his current role, Dr. Howari served as Interim Vice Provost and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Fort Valley State University (FVSU), where he led strategic reforms to enhance program performance and faculty development. He also served as the Founding Dean of the College of Natural and Health Sciences and Acting Dean of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities at Zayed University, where he spearheaded interdisciplinary initiatives and drove institutional growth. Dr. Howari’s academic career includes research and faculty positions at the University of Texas at Austin, where he contributed to pioneering work in environmental sciences and policy. His expertise spans natural resources management, uranium geology, sustainability, and environmental sciences, areas in which he has secured significant external research funding. Renowned for his innovative leadership, Dr. Howari is committed to integrating sustainability principles, cutting-edge research, and interdisciplinary collaboration to drive both educational and environmental advancement. His contributions have made a lasting impact on the institutions and communities he has served, establishing him as a thought leader in academic and scientific circles.

Education
  • PhD in Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso, USA.
  • MSc in Earth and Environmental Sciences/Environmental Geochemistry, Yarmouk University, Jordan.
  • BSc in Earth and Environmental Sciences/Environmental Geochemistry, Yarmouk University, Jordan.
Experience
  • Dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences and Director of University General Education Programs, Ajman University, UAE, 2024–Present.
  • Interim Vice Provost and Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, Fort Valley State University, USA, 2022–2024.
  • Dean, Founding Dean of the College of Natural and Health Sciences | Acting Dean, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Zayed University (Concurrent Appointment), 2014–2022.
  • Chair, Department of Applied Sciences & Mathematics, Abu Dhabi University | Director, Environmental Science Program / Managing Director, Center of Excellence for Environmental Health and Safety, Abu Dhabi University (Concurrent Appointment), 2011–2014.
  • Coordinator of the Environmental Sciences Program | Professor of Environmental Sciences, University of Texas of the Permian Basin, 2009–2011.
  • Associate Professor of Environmental Sciences / Bureau of Economic Geology | Research Coordinator, Center for International Energy and Environmental Policy, University of Texas, Austin, 2007–2009.
  • Associate Professor of Environmental Sciences, Joint Appointment, College of Science and College of Engineering, UAEU, 2002–2007.
Teaching Area
  • Environmental Sciences, Geosciences, Natural Resource Management, Uranium Geology, Desert Landscape Management, Water Resources, Environmental Geochemistry, GIS Applications in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Environmental Impact Assessment, Environmental Health and Safety, Risk Management, Remote Sensing.
Research
  • Climate Change Impacts / Investigating the effects of climate change on natural resources, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, including studies on water scarcity and hydrochemical processes.
  • Sustainable Resource Management / Developing strategies for the sustainable management of natural resources, with a focus on water, soil, and environmental health.
  • Pollution Studies and Remediation / Analyzing sources of pollution in soil and water, and developing effective prevention and remediation strategies.
  • Uranium Geology and Resource Exploration / Conducting research on uranium geology in the Middle East and North Africa, with an emphasis on resource exploration and development.
  • Environmental Geochemistry / Studying the chemical processes affecting environmental quality, including the interactions of pollutants with soil and water systems.
  • Remote Sensing and GIS Applications / Utilizing advanced spatial tools to enhance environmental mapping, monitoring, and decision-making processes across various ecological contexts.
Publications
Conference Presentation
  • Global Space Conference, UAE: R&D – Partnerships, Benefits, and Considerations. This session will discuss the roles, activities, and achievements of the space agency and local universities within the Emirates Science and Innovation Group. The aim is to consolidate efforts in the space sector through a series of quarterly workshops.
  • Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, conducted by NASA, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, Texas, USA.
  • The International Conference on Geological and Environmental Sustainability, June 18-19, 2020, Dubai, UAE: An Insight into Solid Earth & Soil Materials for Futuristic Advancements.
  • The ASEAN and Indian Higher Education Leaders’ Conference on the theme “Achieving Research Excellence” within ASEAN & Indian Universities, held at JGU. The platform also aims to develop a mechanism to support and encourage meaningful dialogue and cooperation among universities across borders for improved outcomes in teaching and research.
  • The UNEP Education and Youth Initiative held in Nairobi in advance of the UN Environment Assembly. The meeting was attended by UNEP's 25 Regional Advisers, UNEP staff from four regions, UNESCO, three youth participants from Nairobi universities, with contributions from the World Bank and the Behavioral Insights Team virtually.
  • Forum of Belt and Road for Deans of Environment Schools, held in Shanghai, China. The forum was organized by UN Environment-Tongji Institute of Environment for Sustainable Development (IESD). It primarily aimed to explore and share knowledge about the resources and needs of environmental sectors in different countries along the Belt and Road, with a focus on ZU’s capabilities.
  • "Climate Change and Soil Salinity Dynamics - Threats and Challenges," held at the Arabian Gulf University in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain. The event was organized by the Arabian Gulf University and the International Center for Bio-saline Agriculture, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The presentation titled "Experimental and Computational Method to Enable Un-mixing of Hyperspectral Data of Common Salts" was featured during the conference.
Memberships, Awards and Honors
  • Awarded by Zayed University for outstanding performance.
  • Distinguished Yarmouk University Alumni 2019 – Honored at Yarmouk University in Jordan as a distinguished alumnus.
  • Appreciation Award from the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation.
  • Academic Leadership Award from the Alleem Business Congress.