Dr. Ahmad Katsha
President of the Society
Building bridges of knowledge between Syria and North America
The Syrian American Academic Society (SAAS) is a registered non-profit organization in the United States. It brings together Syrian scholars and academics in North America and works to promote their scientific and developmental roles and expand their impact within Syria.
North America Syria Our vision
Building a connected and influential Syrian-American academic community that inspires and empowers Syrian-American scholars in research and higher education, and contributes to the advancement of education and scientific research in Syria.
Our mission
Bringing together Syrian scholars and academics in North America, regardless of their political views or regional and religious affiliations, to enhance communication and collaboration among them, highlight their achievements, provide academic and mentoring support to Syrian students, and contribute to the development of higher education in Syria through knowledge, expertise, and international partnerships.
Our goals
Enhancing the presence of Syrian talents in the United States and supporting Syrian students and universities by showcasing their achievements, providing academic mentorship, offering educational and technical support, and building bridges of research and educational cooperation between Syria and the United States.
100+ Syrian academics and researchers across North America, and the network keeps growing.
Dr. Anas Al-Fattal
Vice President of the Society
Ms. Rasha Alrifae
Board Member and Head of the Coordination Office
Ms. Aya Bak Kanj
Board Member and Public Relations Coordinator in Syria
Dr. Faiza Kalam
Board Member
Mr. Mahmoud Bakkar
Board Member
Dr. Alaaeddin Alsbaiee
Founding Member
Dr. Mhd Hasan Almekdash
Founding Member
Dr. Tarek Kandakji
Founding Member
Latest news
All news
Official Statement from the Syrian American Academic Society (SAAS)
SAAS strongly objects to remarks by U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claiming that Arabs do not produce science or literature, and calls on him to publicly correct them.
A Global Scientific Achievement for Dr. Alaaeddin Alsbaiee: the 2026 ACS Green Chemistry Challenge Award
Dr. Alaaeddin Alsbaiee, a founding member and former President of SAAS, and Professor William Dichtel of Northwestern University won the 2026 ACS Green Chemistry Challenge Award for their polyurethane recycling research.
New Academic Expertise in SAAS Leadership: Dr. Anas Al-Fattal Appointed Vice President
SAAS welcomes Dr. Anas Al-Fattal, Associate Professor of Marketing at the University of Minnesota Crookston, as Vice President of the Society, drawing on his more than 20 years of academic and administrative experience.
SAAS Welcomes Ms. Aya Bak Kanj to Its Board of Directors
SAAS welcomes Ms. Aya Bak Kanj, an entrepreneur and digital transformation expert, to its Board of Directors and announces her appointment as the Society’s Public Relations Coordinator in Syria.
Join a network of Syrian scholars in North America
Are you a Syrian academic, researcher, or graduate student in North America? Join SAAS to connect with colleagues, share your achievements, mentor students and help rebuild higher education in Syria.