MEET THE PROFESSIONAL
May 2021
Dr. Sara Abou Chakra
Dr. Sara Abou Chakra is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Technology at the Lebanese University and the Chair of IEEE Women In Engineering (WIE). Sara’s research is in Electronic Engineering and Communication Systems. Sara has 31 publications and 71 citations of her research.
Sara is a supporter of professional networking and our mentoring program within our community. We are very excited to feature her as our professional in this month’s “Meet the Professional” series.
Below are a few questions to help facilitate this interactive connection. At the end of the page you will have an opportunity to post your own questions for Dr. Abou Chakra.
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Describe your current Occupation & Degree/s and Universities.
- PhD in Electronics & Communication – Télécom Paris (ENST) – France, 2004
- Master’s Degree in Electronics – University Paris VI – France, 2000
- Bachelor of Engineering in Communications and Computer Engineering – The Lebanese University – Faculty of Engineering – Lebanon, 1995
A list of any awards/recognitions:
- Chair of Women In Engineering (WIE) – Lebanon
- Unique lady member of the National Committee for the first Lebanese Nano-Satellite
- Member of the Electrical Engineers Office – Order of Engineers and Architects of Beirut
- Chair of IEEE Communications Society (COMSOC) – Lebanon Chapter in 2017 and 2018.
- We Won the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) Communications Society Chapter Achievement Award in 2017: “For achieving excellence in Chapter activities and for contributions made in furthering the objectives of the Society”. It is worth noting that it was the first time an Arab IEEE COMSOC Chapter won this award!
- Dr. Abou Chakra is the Founder IEEE Middle East and North Africa COMMunications Conference (IEEE MENACOMM) in Lebanon. IEEE MENACOMM is a unique MENA region consortium of IEEE Communications Society in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia Chapters.
Discuss a moment or turning point in your life that led you to your career path:
Since my early years of school I had a passion for Math and Physics leading me to career in Engineering. My sisters recognized at a young age that I had a passion for teaching, which they said was obvious. Having those traits led me to pursue a degree in Electrical Engineering, which opened a wide spectrum of opportunities. I worked hard and continued my education by earning a PhD in Telecommunications, and now combine my technical skills in scientific research along with care and dedication in an academic career.
Discuss a role model or mentor who influenced your career choice:
I also admired my school teachers and university professors who taught me how to think and to learn things on my own. They were attentive and encouraging. Moreover, my PhD Advisor was an excellent example in his trust, passion and continuous support of my research endeavors. Furthermore, my dear Students motivate me every day. Last but not least, I believe that all people we meet help orienting us in a way or in another. Hopefully, we can all be for others a Wise, Inspiring and Exceptional guide!
Do you recall any specific challenges you encountered and overcame?
Our paths often have ups and downs. Growing up in Lebanon in the eighties affected our lives by default. However, I knew education was key to my future. It was hard work pursuing engineering degrees, especially living abroad for my graduate studies, it was not easy but fulfilling experience… “there is nothing more fulfilling than reaping the fruits of our labor”
Last but not least, having a well-established career in Lebanon is also challenging.
Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
It is not possible for Lebanese to make long term forecasting. I hope, as a professor, to continue applying technology for the benefit of our community.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in your field?
Beginning, in any field, is not usually simple; however, “we must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope”. Perseverance, rigor and keep trying are keywords.
In addition, technology is evolving very fast. You need to follow as much as you can; a solid education is a continuous learning. And, on top of all this, integrity should be your aim.
Tell us a little bit about your hobbies outside of your field:
Outside sciences, I love shopping and taking a walks by the sea. I also enjoy spending time with my friends. Moreover, I am an active member of the NGO “Sidq Association”.
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