Prof. Dr. Amer Marei (Sawalha)
Professor of Environmental Hydrochemistry and Hydrogeology with extensive academic, research, and leadership experience in water resources, environmental science, quality assurance, and higher education development.
Since 1995, he has been affiliated with Al-Quds University, where he has held senior academic leadership roles and contributed to the development of academic programmes, laboratories, quality assurance systems, environmental research, and international cooperation initiatives.
Academic Qualifications
PhD (Dr. rer. nat.) in Environmental Hydrochemistry and Hydrogeology
University of Münster, Germany | 1989 – 1993
Thesis: Influence of Hydrochemical Composition of Precipitation and Seeping Water on the Hydrochemistry of Groundwater in Calcareous Aquifers.
Specialisation: Hydrogeochemistry and environmental pollution.
German Language Studies
University of Münster, Germany | 1987 – 1989
MSc in Geology and Mineralogy
University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan | 1985 – 1987
Thesis: Fluoride Concentration in Groundwater in Jordan.
BSc in Geology and Mineralogy
University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan | 1980 – 1984
Academic and Leadership Experience
Vice President for Academic Affairs
Al-Quds University | 2002 – 2005
- Led academic departments, information services, academic and counselling services, institutional research, curriculum development, innovation, and the Academic Affairs Office.
Head of the Quality Assurance Unit
Al-Quds University | 2015 – Present
- Provides leadership and expertise on university quality assurance and enhancement policies and procedures.
- Advises university leadership on academic and non-academic matters.
- Supervises curriculum, instruction, and quality requirements for research degree provision.
- Works with faculties and administrative departments to strengthen quality assurance and institutional improvement.
- Represents the university in relevant internal and external academic networks.
Head of the Environmental and Water Laboratory
Al-Quds University | 1997 – Present
- Plans, manages, and supervises laboratory activities and groundwater chemical testing.
- Supervises technical staff, research assistants, and master’s students, and co-supervises PhD students with partner universities.
Founder and Former Head of the Department of Earth Science and Environment
Al-Quds University | 1997 – 2001
- Established the department and developed its teaching plan, courses, laboratories, and academic outlines.
- Developed Environmental Laboratory I, Environmental Laboratory II, and the Environmental and Water Research Laboratory.
- Contributed to establishing the Master’s Programme in Environmental Studies and coordinated the Environmental Studies Programme.
Professor, Department of Earth Science and Environment
Al-Quds University
- Member of the Faculty Council and contributor to academic affairs, environmental education, and research development.
Additional Contributions
- Member of the Higher Education Accreditation Committee at the Ministry of Higher Education.
- Member of the Academic Reform Committee and Scholarships Committee at Al-Quds University.
- Organised environmental awareness activities, educational field trips, and student-focused environmental initiatives.
- Supported academic exchange agreements, doctoral scholarships in Germany, and funded opportunities for master’s students.
- Completed professional training in integrated sustainable resource management and water integrity.
Selected International Projects
- Capacity Building in WASH and Climate-Smart Agriculture Education and Research in Palestine — Nuffic Programme, 2019 – 2021.
- WaSec: Innovation in Water Education — Erasmus+ Programme, 2018 – 2021.
- Water-Energy-Food Nexus in the Middle East — in cooperation with Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 2019.
- Floriculture Cultivation Using Treated Wastewater and Innovation Technology — Netherlands-supported project, 2019 – 2020.
- Precision Irrigation and Fertiliser Optimisation in Date Palm Cultivation — PADUCO-2, 2017 – 2019.
- Modelling Hyporheic Exchange Flows of Natural Streams — with the University of Aberdeen, British Council, 2017.
- Evaluation of Groundwater Resources Using Environmental Isotopes — International Atomic Energy Agency, 2013 – 2019.
- Strategic Reform of Environmental Studies in Palestinian Higher Education — TEMPUS Programme, 2010 – 2012.
- Sustainable Management of Available Water Resources with Innovative Technologies — German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
- Groundwater Availability and the Fate of Pesticide Input — funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
Areas of Expertise
- Environmental hydrochemistry and hydrogeology
- Groundwater quality, salinity, and environmental isotopes
- Water resources management and environmental pollution
- Higher education quality assurance and academic accreditation
- Curriculum development and academic programme design
- Environmental laboratories and research supervision
- International research cooperation and project management