Reem Jaafar

About

Dr. Reem Jaafar has more than 13 years of experience in higher education, with substantial contributions in teaching, research, accreditation, and program management. One of her key achievements in her career thus far has been co-leading LaGuardia’s self-study for the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, bringing commendations in six standards and underscoring our commitment to academic excellence.

Her work is driven by a passion for evidence-based practices that expand STEM access, support, and equity, particularly at Hispanic-serving institutions. As a former College Senate representative, Dr. Jaafar has always advocated for shared governance and inclusive decision-making. In 2022, she became the Director of Research for the Queens STEM Academy, a $4.6 million project increasing the diverse pipeline of students in STEM fields.

Her core competencies include program/project management, professional development, resource management, diversity/equity/inclusion, problem-solving, and evidence-based student success strategies.

Dr. Jaafar holds a Ph.D. in Theoretical and Computational Physics and an Advanced Certificate in Project Management. She is a lifelong learner, currently studying Disability Services in Higher Education. She is also  a proud member of AALHE, NADOHE, and AMATYC and serves on the board of the NJ American Council on Education Women’s Network. Dr. Jaafar is dedicated to achieving diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging goals through strategic policy and process management. Her leadership, innovation, and mentorship have been recognized with various honors, including the 2022 Exceptional Woman Award from NYS Assemblymember Nolan and the 2019 ASAP Partner Award.

Dr. Jaafar’s research, rooted in an equity-minded approach, encompasses a broad spectrum of interests that align with her extensive experience in the field. It includes enhancing STEM education and access, particularly at Hispanic-serving institutions, continuous improvement in teaching and learning methodologies, and comprehensive assessments of student outcomes. In addition to these areas, her scholarship extends to the field of theoretical and computational physics.