As I begin to look into Dr. Ayah Alassali's career, I am impressed by one thing in particular: how she combines science, practice and social commitment. The GJU graduate is now researching sustainable recycling solutions in the field of circular economy at Hamburg University of Technology – and at the same time uses her voice to raise awareness at eye level.
From GJU to the world
Ayah completed her Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Chemical Engineering at the German Jordanian University (GJU) in 2010. Prior to this, she completed an exchange semester at Magdeburg-Stenda University of Applied Sciences as part of the study exchange semester in Germany, followed by a 6-months mandatory internship at our official industry partner Hikma Thymoorgan Pharmacy GmbH in Vienenburg, a small town in the beautiful Harz Mountains. She was never to let go of her connection to Germany completely. After completing her bachelor's degree, she first returned to Amman, where she worked as a teacher and research assistant at the GJU and then gained further practical experience at Hikma Pharmaceuticals, in Amman, Jordan. Ayah has always been motivated to pursue higher education in sustainability and environmental sciences, which lead her to apply for a scholarship at Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) in Abu Dhabi. There Ayah started her Master’s studies in Chemical Engineering, focusing on the research field of biofuels from halophytes (salt-tolerant plants). Her research won the best research prize in the batch of 2014.
Research for a circular economy
Ayah now lives and works in Hamburg. As a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Circular Resource Engineering and Management (CREM), at Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), she is investigating potentials and limitations to plastic waste recycling. The aim is to find solutions to the plastic waste challenge and to implement a successful circular economy on this material.
She doesn't only work in the lab, but she is part of industrial and hands-on projects, which require project management skills, scientific practices and analytical thinking. Furthermore, Ayah considers herself as an educator. She is involved in international capacity building projects, many of which were offered in the MENA region. As part of the GIZ Waste to (positive) Energy project, she was involved in the organization and implementation of capacity building measures in Jordan. The project was implemented together with the TUHH, the University of Rostock and the TU Dresden, either on site or digitally during the pandemic. In one of these contexts, Ayah was invited to Amman as an expert on circular economy to speak to representatives of Jordanian municipalities. Ayah also lead the project PlaSePal (Plastic Waste Separate Collection System in the Palestinian Territories), funded by the UNEP, which focused on creating a pilot separate collection system for plastic wastes in Nablus city.
Environmental education on social media
In addition to her research and international project work, Ayah also promotes environmental education on social media: She runs the channel @thewastenote on Instagram, where she provides in-depth, everyday information about recycling, waste separation and consumer behaviour. Her posts show: Sustainability is not an abstract concept but affects everyone in their everyday lives.
A voice for change
“Don’t be discouraged if your path doesn’t unfold in a straight line. Sometimes, progress takes longer than expected – but when success arrives, it fits you better than you ever imagined”. Dr. Ayah Alassali’s journey is proof of that. Through international education, interdisciplinary research, and unwavering personal commitment, she demonstrates how meaningful change is possible. For GJU students preparing for their year abroad, her story is a powerful reminder: “Stay curious, take responsibility, and trust that even the winding path can lead to real impact”.
Marie Dierck | Student Relations Manager at GJU Project Office
