Membership
Current professional members of IAH–Leb
Dr. Joanna Doummar, an Associate Professor of Groundwater Hydrology and Chair of the Department of Earth Sciences at the American University of Beirut (AUB), specializing in the sustainable management of water resources within karst and fractured aquifers. Her research integrates advanced numerical modeling, high-resolution monitoring, and artificial intelligence to evaluate the vulnerability of water supplies to contamination and the effects of climate change, particularly in semi-arid Mediterranean regions. As the Vice President of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH) for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, she is a recognized expert in her field, dedicated to advancing evidence-based policy and pioneering innovative solutions to address regional water scarcity challenges. https://www.aub.edu.lb/pages/profile.aspx?MemberId=jd31
Dr. Wisam Khadra, a distinguished hydrogeologist and Lecturer at the American University of Beirut (AUB), with over two decades of experience in academia and consulting. Renowned for his expertise in the sustainable management of karstic and fractured coastal aquifers, his work focuses on saltwater intrusion, hydrochemistry, and managed aquifer recharge (MAR), particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean region. He has developed innovative tools such as the Khadra-Stuyfzand (KS) scheme and the Mixing Enrichment Factor (MEF) to assess groundwater salinization and baseline conditions. Dr. Khadra is currently the Vice President of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH) Lebanon Chapter. https://www.aub.edu.lb/pages/profile.aspx?MemberId=wk20
Antoine (Tony) Serhal, a groundwater and hydrology expert specializing in resource assessment, development, protection, engineering, and valuation for public and private organizations. He has deep expertise in complex analytical tools and modeling software utilized for groundwater resource management and risk analysis. Mr. Serhal is an advocate for sustainable groundwater resource practices and available key-note speaker to help educate clients on proper groundwater conservation techniques. https://cimbria-consulting.com/antoine-serhal/
Ziad Khayat, an Economic Affairs Officer and Coordinator of IWRM for Improved Water Security at the Climate Change and Natural Resources Sustainability Cluster of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Wester Asia (ESCWA). Mr. Khayat joined ESCWA in 2015 focusing on water related sustainable development issues within the context of a Water-Energy- Food Security nexus approach and on transboundary water resources opportunities and challenges in the Arab region. He has also been involved in the United Nations-League of Arab States Regional Initiative for the Assessment of Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources and Socio-Economic Vulnerability in the Arab Region (RICCAR) exploring climate change effects on water resources and in particular groundwater. He currently leads the development of an Arab Groundwater Knowledge Platform and improving governance of groundwater resources in the Arab region. https://rcp.unescwa.org/maharat/experts/166
Michel Frem, a dedicated groundwater specialist and PhD researcher, focusing on sustainable water management through extensive expertise in groundwater modeling, site investigations, and coastal aquifer vulnerability. His work involves designing groundwater control solutions, analyzing contamination in karst systems using chemical indicators, and researching nature-based water storage solutions in semi-arid regions. As an active member and former Chair of the UNESCO Groundwater Youth Network, he advocates for youth involvement in global water discussions and has a strong professional background as a consultant and engineer, having worked with UNESCO and engineering firms like Dar Al-Handasah. https://www.un-ihe.org/people/staff/michel-frem
Assaad Kassem, a hydrogeologist and environmental specialist, holding a master’s degree from the American University of Beirut (AUB) and currently a PhD candidate at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). As a Project Manager at ELARD, he applies his expertise in quantitative hydrogeology, numerical modeling (MIKE SHE, FEFLOW), and water resources management to assess groundwater vulnerability, predict the impacts of climate change on water sources, and manage seawater intrusion using advanced machine learning techniques. His research and professional work focus on the sustainable management and protection of water resources in arid and semi-arid regions. https://ae.linkedin.com/in/assaad-h-kassem-81705582
Saeed Mhanna, a hydrogeologist and a PhD candidate at the Centre for Hydrogeology and Geothermics (CHYN) at the University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland, known for his innovative research into the impact of armed conflict on water resources. His work specifically focuses on the Syrian portion of the Orontes River Basin, where he uses remote sensing techniques like InSAR to detect land surface changes (uplift and subsidence) as proxies for significant groundwater recovery or depletion in data-scarce conflict zones. Mhanna integrates these satellite observations with hydrogeological modeling to understand how war-induced changes in land use and infrastructure affect groundwater dynamics and recharge, providing critical insights into environmental responses during and after conflict. https://www.unine.ch/chyn/presentation/people/saeed-mhanna/
Why Join Us
Becoming a member connects you with a global network of hydrogeologists and groundwater professionals. Membership provides numerous benefits, including access to the Hydrogeology Journal, exclusive discounts, and opportunities to participate in professional groups, events, and initiatives that promote knowledge sharing and collaboration. By joining, you also express your support for the mission of IAH–Leb to advance groundwater science and sustainable water management, both in Lebanon and worldwide.
Membership is open to everyone, regardless of discipline or level of expertise, who is directly or indirectly engaged in the study, research, or management of groundwater and wishes to deepen their understanding while contributing to the goals of the Association.
At the international level, IAH offers several membership categories for individuals and organizations, along with various discounts and a sponsorship program to assist those facing financial or practical challenges. In addition, IAH–Leb provides national sponsorship opportunities for current students; interested applicants are welcome to contact us for more information or to submit a request.
Join the IAH “family” now – you would be most welcome! https://lebanon.iah.org/find-out-more-and-join-us
