Dr. Abdelhay received his B.Pharm (Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences) from Alexandria University in Egypt and his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Auburn University. In fact, Dr. Abdelhay’s entire family, his father, mother and two sisters are all pharmacists. His wife Rasha is a clinical and a retail pharmacist and she is currently employed at Walmart Pharmacy. They have a daughter, Hana who is a fifth grader.
Dr. Karim Abdelhay was born in Alexandria, Egypt, where he graduated from high school. He and his family lived in multiple countries, including the United States of America, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. Dr. Abdelhay attributes these experiences to his father’s profession as a Professor of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry and states that “it helped me to learn that adaptability was one of my qualities and would play a big role in shaping my future.”
When asked what inspired him to choose his major, he stated, “I grew up in a household that had multiple pharmacists. My dad was and still is in academia working as a Professor of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry and my mom is a hospital pharmacist. Growing up and watching how both academia and clinical careers can have major impacts on society, as well as make a difference in the lives of millions, made me passionate and excited about pursuing such a career. My passion for Chemistry and Mathematics was a great contributor to my success and interest in Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry. At that point, I did not realize that this was meant to prepare me for another future career that integrates the passion and knowledge of both drugs and chemistry which is Forensic Chemistry.”
Dr. Abdelhay was hired by Eastern Kentucky University in August 2018. He believes, “The EKU Department of Chemistry (now the Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science) was the perfect fit to develop my career in Forensic and Analytical Chemistry. The department faculty, staff and students are a second family to me. My wife is also employed as a pharmacist and my daughter is enjoying her school and friends. Richmond was the ultimate destination for our family, and we consider it our home just like our hometown, Alexandria!”
Dr. Abdelhay is an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science where he is currently serving as the interim department chair. He admires the friendly community, and that EKU is a school of opportunity. He enjoys “interacting with students and being able to make a difference in the future and lives of many students. Although it is a huge and stressful responsibility, I do enjoy my administrative role as well!”
When asked about his greatest job satisfaction or/and his greatest achievement, Dr. Abdelhay indicated, “Watching my students succeed and pursue brilliant careers. My appointment as interim department chair was a great satisfaction as it reflected the trust of the upper administration and my colleagues in me to continue serving them and our students.” In the time that he has been at EKU he has seen tremendous and continuing growth in enrollments in the forensic science program.
In his free time Dr. Abdelhay enjoys going to the gym at least three times a week, as well as watching soccer and barbecuing. He also enjoys travelling with his wife and daughter domestically or internationally.
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