Dr. Areej ElSayary

Dr. Areej ElSayary

Associate Professor | Researcher | Author | Educational Leader

I am a researcher exploring how artificial intelligence, cyberpsychology, and STEM education intersect to improve human learning, digital identity, and well-being. I believe that meaningful innovation happens at the intersection of research, technology, and human connection. My work is driven by the conviction that education should prepare people for the future and empower them to shape it.

Included in the 2026 Stanford-Elsevier World’s Top 2% Scientists List

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Grants
Awards

18+

years of experience

98+

publications

500K+

AED Grants

đź’° Grants

  • Abu Dhabi University Research Grant (2026), grant amount 40,000 AED. Project title: AI-Ready Pathways: Mapping University Students’ AI Literacy and Employability Competencies to Develop a Career Recommendation System for an AI-Driven Workforce. Awarded as Co-PI.
  • Emirati Research Grant Award (2024), grant amount 100,000 AED. Project title: Understanding In-Service Teachers’ Views on Generative AI in Teaching and Learning: A TPACK-GenAI Approach. Awarded as Co-PI.
  • Emirati Research Grant Award (2024), grant amount 100,000 AED. Project title: Ethical Implications of Integrating Generative AI in Higher Education Assessment: A Comprehensive Case Study. Awarded as Co-PI.
  • Research Incentive Fund Award from Zayed University (2024), grant amount 299,875 AED. Project title: The Impact of Prompt Engineering for Empowering Educators and Learners: A Comprehensive Tool on Teaching and Learning Effectiveness. Awarded as PI.
  • ISER’s Policy Impact Program Award, 2024 (20,000 AED). Project title: Navigating Digital and AI Ethics Through the Lens of Personality Traits and Well-being: Policy Framework for Young People in the UAE. Awarded as PI.
  • Social Innovation Award from Zayed University (2023), grant amount 124,600 AED. Project title: Influence of Cyber Behaviors on Young People’s Mental Health in the United Arab Emirates: The Mediating Role of the Big Five Personality Traits. Awarded as PI.
  • “Above and Beyond” Award from the College of Interdisciplinary Studies in 2026.
  • I received â€śExceed Expectations” for teaching, research, and service, College of Interdisciplinary Studies, Zayed University in 2022.
  • I received â€śExceptional” for teaching, research, and service, College of Interdisciplinary Studies, Zayed University, in 2024.
  • I have been nominated for the “Research Award” in 2024 by the College of Interdisciplinary Studies, Zayed University, in 2024.

🏆 Awards

Conference-Linked Selections for Publication, Journal of Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics (JSCI):

  • “Developing Preservice Teachers’ Design Thinking Mindset Using Interactive Technology”, selected among the best papers presented at ICSIT-ICETI 2022 for publication in JSCI.
  • “The Positive Social Psychology Intervention of Using Design Thinking to Improve Learners’ Wellbeing in Interdisciplinary Courses”, selected among the best 25–30% of registered papers at ICSIT-ICETI 2023 for publication in JSCI.
  • “Negative Effects on Productivity and Life Satisfaction Through Social Media”, selected among the best 25–30% of registered papers at WMSCI-AGIC 2024 for publication in JSCI.
  • “The Effect of Social Media on Anxiety and Stress”, selected among the best 25–30% of registered papers at WMSCI 2024 for publication in JSCI.
  • “Navigating Digital Identities: The Influence of Online Interactions on Youth Cyber Psychology and Cyber Behavior”, selected among the best papers presented at IMSCI 2024 for publication in JSCI.
  • “Impacts of AI Usage Ethically on Students”, selected among the best papers presented at ICSIT-ICETI 2025 for publication in JSCI.