Curriculum Vitae

Contact information:

Working Address (Fulltime):

Director of International Relations Office 

3rd Floor

Presidency Building 

The University of Raparin

Main Street

Ranya – Al Sulaymaneyah

KRG – Iraq

Email: araz.ahmad85@uor.edu.krd

Education & Qualification:

• PhD Degree in E-Journalism and Political Knowledge

Thesis Title: The Role of Electronic Websites in formation Political Knowledge in the Kurdistan Region (Practical and Analytical Study)

Salahaddin University-Erbil, Iraq, Kurdistan Region, August 2018

•  Master Degree in Social Media and Political Participation

Thesis Title: The role of social media in the Arab Spring Uprisings: Egyptian Revolution as a case study.

Sheffield Hallam University – Sheffield city, UK, Merit, October 2012

• Bachelor Degree in Media Studies

Dissertation Title: The Role of Correspondents in the covering News in Iraq

University of Sulaimani, Iraq, Kurdistan Region, July, 2008

Scientific Rank:

• Assistant Professor: May 19, 2020      

Positions, and Work Experiences:

Director of International Relations office, University of Raparin - Iraq – Kurdistan Region. 2023 - Present

Coordinator of Erasmus Plus TeachersMod Project. at University of Raparin, Funded by The European Commission. 2023 – Present

Lecturer, Founder and Director of Media and Publications/ University of  Raparin. 2013-2022

Director of International Relations office, University of Raparin - Ranya- Iraq – Kurdistan Region. 2014 – 2017

Founder and Director of Career development Center at University of Raparin. 2015 – 2016

Coordinator for Erasmus Mundus Marhaba Program at University of Raparin, Funded by The European Commission. 2014 – 2017

Correspondent, Alam al Tawasol – Lebanon magazine Ainkawa – Erbil office. 2013 – 2014

Editor of Prwsha – Weekly Newspaper. Ranya, Iraq- Kurdistan Region Editor. 2006 – 2007

A Member of liberal Newspaper committee and In charge of News Room. Sulaimaniyah – Iraq-Kurdistan Region. 2004 -2007

Kurdistan journalists syndicate - Sulaimaniyah – Iraq- Kurdistan - Region An active member. 2006-2022

Union of Kurdistan General Media Office “Kurdistani New” a Kurdish Daily Newspaper. 2005 – 2022

Sulaimaniyah – Iraq- Kurdistan Region - Incharge of Newsroom. 2013 – 2022

International Federation of Journalists, Member, Brussels, BELGIUM. 2012 -2013

British Association of Journalists. 89 Fleet St, London EC4Y 1DH, United - Kingdom Membership. 2004 - 2024

I have written many reports, articles and columns on politics, cultural and social issues for different websites, blogs and Newspapers such as, Awene, Hawlati, NRT, Xendan, PukMedia and Kurdistani New…. 

Skills:

Team Work: I have worked in various types of teams from research teams to national Projects also for more than six years I lead my university’s media, Radio and international relations and Career development Centre’s teams.

 Leadership:  (Currently responsible for a team of 21 staff Members) and more of 500 students

 Quality control: Good command in quality control processes

 Communication skills: Good communication skills gained through my experience as a journalist and a Teacher as well because I have worked as a group.

Computer skills:  Competent with most Microsoft Office programs and some experience with HTML. Photoshop,

InDesign, Dream weaver, Audio Audition. SPSS software, Adobe Premiere Pro and Internet.

  Other skills:  Photography, Writing novel’s, stories.

Training:

• Media Campaigns for Social Change, RNTC Media Training Center, Netherlands. 2021

• Public Interest Journalism, RNTC Media Training Center, Netherlands. 2020

• Professional Training Course in International Relations and European Studies, and Internationalizations, University of Cagliari, Italy. 2016 

• Italian Learning course, University of Cagliari, Italy. 2016 

• Persian Learning Course, University of Raparin, Iraq. 2018

• Teaching Methodology Course, University of Raparin, Iraq. 2013

• UN Convention against Torture Training for Journalists, Heartland Alliance International, Erbil, Iraq. 2014

• Health and Safety Courses within Academic Debate Subject, University of Raparin. 2014

• Academic English Language Course, TESOL Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, UK. 2011

• SPSS and Data Analysis Course, University of Raparin. 2022

Volunteer Experience:

• Youth organization - IWPR and NPA (Norwegian People's Aid). Iraq. 2004-2007

•  Project coordinator -  Rebaz foundation. Iraq. 2006-2008

•  Kora organization for national issues. Iraq. 2013 -2015

•  Media Youth Organization, Iraq. 2013 – 2015

•  Organization for Human Rights issue inside Kurdistan-Iraq. 2013-2015

•  Manager of Radio (Dangi Zanko – University Radio). 2014 - 2017

• Correspondent Radio Nawa – Tan u Po Program. 2007-2009

Language:

 Mother tongue: Kurdish-Sorani

Knowledge of other languages:

Other language(s)                             UNDERSTANDING                                                               SPEAKING                                                           WRITING

                                                   Listening                      Reading                        Spoken interaction    Spoken production 

English language                 C1                       C1                              C1                          C1                              C1

Arabic language                  B1                        B1                              B1                          B1                               B1

Persian Language                   B1                        B1                              B1                          B1                               B1

Italian Language                        A1                            A1                              A1                          A1                               A1    

Levels: A1/2: Basic user - B1/2: Independent user - C1/2 Proficient user

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Publications:

Books:

1. The Role of social media in the Arab Spring Uprisings: Egyptian Revolution as a Case study. 2012. Non-Published.

2. The Role of Reporters in the covering News. 2010. Non- published

3. Local Journalism in Kurdistan, Published, March 2018

4. The E-Journalism and Political Knowledge – Published 2019

5. Media in the time of Crisis. Published 2021

Research papers:

1.      Relationships between social media usage, attitudes toward information on social media, and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Published: June 10, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.glt.2024.05.003

2.  Public engagement with pictures and videos about COVID-19 vaccination on social media: A cross-sectional study in a developing country. Published: April 19, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1080/20479700.2024.2331913

3.  Examining Violence against Journalists in Conflict Areas: Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan. The Journal of Communication and Media Studies. Published November 8, 2023. https://doi.org/10.18848/2470-9247/CGP/v08i02/49-64

4.  The role of investigative media in providing dimensions of public interest journalism in the Kurdistan Region. Zanco Journal of Human Sciences. Published December 15, 2023. https://doi.org/10.21271/zjhs.27.SpB.5

5.  Public engagement in government officials’ posts on social media during coronavirus lockdown. Journal Plos one. Published January 23, 2023. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0280889 . [Q1; Clarivate Analytics: SCIE; SCOPUS: IF: 3.752]

6.  The Effect of the Social Responsibility Theory in Forming Public Interest Journalism. Journal of University of Raparin. Published March 29, 2023. https://doi.org/10.26750/Vol(10).No(1).Paper21

7.  Parity of esteem A global COVID-19 vaccination approach for people with mental illnesses, based on facts from 34 countries; recommendations and solutions. Industrial Psychiatry Journal. Published December 14, 2023. https://journals.lww.com/inpj/abstract/9000/parity_of_esteem__a_global_covid_19_vaccination.99946.aspx

8.  An Empirical Study on Consumer Buying Behaviour during COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of Positive School Psychology. Published July2, 2022. https://journalppw.com/index.php/jpsp/article/view/8807 . [Q2; SCOPUS]

9.  THE IMPACT OF ISIS ON IRAQ’S NATIONAL SECURITY: REVIEW OF THE PERIOD FROM 2014 TO 2017. Published December 01, 2022. https://e-jlia.com/index.php/jlia/article/view/753. [SCOPUS]

10.  Examining perceptions towards war/peace journalism: A survey of journalists in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, International Communication Gazette. Sage Publishing, Published 07 June 2021, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/17480485211015618. [Q1; Clarivate Analytics: SSCI; SCOPUS: IF: 1.863]

11.  The Impact of Social Media on Panic During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Iraqi Kurdistan: Online Questionnaire Study. Journal of Medical Internet Research. Published on 19.05.20 in Vol 22, No 5 (2020): May. https://www.jmir.org/2020/5/e19556/. [Q1; Clarivate Analytics: SCIE; SCOPUS: IF: 7.08]

12.  Suicidal behavior during COVID-19 pandemic in Iraq: An analysis of newspaper reports. Published January 18, 2021. Aug 22, 2021. Journal of GLOBAL PSYCHIATRY. https://globalpsychiatry.co.uk/article_15359.html.

13.  Quality of Online Media Reporting of Suicidal Behavior in Iran during COVID-19 pandemic in Reference to the World Health Organization Guidelines. Published May 28, 2022. Journal of GLOBAL PSYCHIATRY ARCHIVES: https://globalpsychiatry.co.uk/article_18081.html

14.  The Impact of the Media on Women's Political Participation in Iraq and the Middle East. Published March 28, 2022. Journal of University of Raparin: http://journal.uor.edu.krd/index.php/JUR/article/view/752

15.  Predictors of mental health symptomatology among Kurdish patients who recovered from COVID-19 in Iraq. June 27 2022. Journal of Discover Psychology- Springer: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s44202-022-00043-5

16.  Influence of media on the value of life among COVID-19 survivors: A case study of Iraqi Kurdistan Region. Published November 2021. Rawal Medical Journal, 46 (4), 770-775. https://www.rmj.org.pk/?mno=134840 . [Q4; Clarivate Analytics: ESCI; SCOPUS]  

17.  THE ROLE OF MEDIA IN PEACEBUILDING IN IRAQ AFTER ISIS. Published September 21, 2021. Journal of Liberty and International Affairs, Vol 7, Issue 3. https://www.ceeol.com/search/article-detail?id=984269. [SCOPUS]

18.  Psychological violence against Arab women in the context of social media: web-based questionnaire study. Published Aug 19, 2021. Journal of Medical Internet Research.  https://www.jmir.org/2021/8/e27944. [Q1; Clarivate Analytics: SCIE; SCOPUS: IF: 7.08]

19.  Panic Buying in Bangladesh: An Exploration of Media Reports. Journal of Frontiers in Psychiatry. Published January 18, 2021. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.628393/full. [Q1; Clarivate Analytics: SCIE - SSCI; SCOPUS: IF: 5.435]

20.  Effects of the Facebook Boycott Campaign on Turkish Products and its Influence on Demand of Kurdish Consumers 2020. Published June 30, 2021. UKH Journal of Social Sciences, 5(1), 98-106. https://doi.org/10.25079/ukhjss.v5n1y2021.pp98-106. [DOAJ]

21.  Comparing COVID-19 Control Model Between Iraq and Iran. Published January 02, 2022: https://journals.ukh.edu.krd/index.php/ukhjss/article/view/421. [DOAJ]

22.  Freedom of Expression in the UK and Protection of Privacy in Human Rights: Princess Diana’s Case as an Example. Journal of University of Raparin. Published on December 26, 2020: http://journal.uor.edu.krd/index.php/JUR/article/view/paper%20%2011.

23.  Quality of media reporting of suicide in Iraq. International journal of social psychiatry. Published on March 18. 2021. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/00207640211003928. [Q1; Clarivate Analytics: SSCI; SCOPUS: IF: 10.461]

24.  Perceived Impact of Social Media on Panic Buying: An Online Cross-Sectional Survey in Iraqi Kurdistan. Frontiers in Public Health. Published 2021, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2021.668153/abstract. [Q2; Clarivate Analytics: SCIE - SSCI; SCOPUS: IF: 6.461]

25.  The Social Media and Digitalization of Political Participation in Youths. Journal of society. 8 (1), 83 – 93, 2020 . http://www.society.fisip.ubb.ac.id/index.php/society/article/view/160

26.  The Effect of Media Censorship on Freedom, Tishk International University Journal, icabep, Vol, 1, No,1. Pp. 168: https://www.ishik.edu.iq/business/icabep/selected-papers-2019/

27.  The Use of Social Media and its Effect on University Students' Academic Skills in Iraqi Kurdistan Region. Published June 30, 2021. Journal of University of Raparin. http://journal.uor.edu.krd/index.php/JUR/article/view/Paper_7?fbclid=IwAR3kMmRjbPSCdQo-glo606-VOyh66x2EyZJJrJVxcSfaloZ_IDXhxcfAQr8

28.  The Role of Media in Crisis Management in the Kurdistan Region (Financial Crisis as a Case Study), Journal of University of Raparin ,Vol, 6, No,1, pp. 451-483:  http://journal.uor.edu.krd/index.php/JUR/article/view/24

29.  The role of social media in the Arab Spring uprisings, CEE e|Dem and e|Gov Days 2019: Cyber Security and eGovernment. Proceedings of the Central and Eastern European e|Dem and e|Gov Days 2019, May 2-3, 2019, Budapest (OCG Conference Proceedings) (Englisch)Taschenbuch – 13. Mai 2019: https://www.amazon.de/CEE-Dem-Gov-Days-2019/dp/3708918983/ref=olp_product_details?_encoding=UTF8&me=

30.  Reporting as a tool of censoring different views about Islam Religion(Facebook Pages and accounts reported as a case), Journal of University of Raparin, Vol, 6, NO, 2, pp 392 – 413, September 30,2019 at: http://journal.uor.edu.krd/index.php/JUR/article/view/75

31.  The Impact of Internet on Social Relationships among University Students in the Kurdistan Region. Cihan University-Erbil Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 3(2), 8-19. Published on 2019-12-10. https://doi.org/10.24086/cuejhss.v3n2y2019.pp8-19

32.  Which governments may control the mass media Iraqi Kurdistan and Iran as a case? (Journal of Economic Development, Environment and People, Vol 4, No 2 -2015). http://jedep.spiruharet.ro/

33.  The use of media in the so-called ‘Arab Spring’ of 2010 and 2011 with that of the uprisings in Eastern Europe during the 1950s and 1960, Journal of Koya University, No 37 -2015), http://jhss.koyauniversity.org/index.php/jhss

34.  The role of social media in the recent uprising 2014. Presented in Istanbul at international conference on media, communication, design and technology.  (Journal of Economic Development, Environment and People, Vol 4, No 2 -2015). http://jedep.spiruharet.ro/

35.  Publishing violence at the Kurdish Media and its Role in strengthening Islamic state of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Kurdish Academics Journal. Third round, part B, No 3, June 2015.

36.  Kurdish websites, the level of growth and stages of development (theoretical input) Journal of Arts, Literature, Humanities and Social Sciences JALHSS, Vol 20, No, 2018, pages: 135-150, publisher: Emirates College for Education Sciences, http://www.jalhss.com/Online-First.html

37.  The role of Media in creating political Knowledge, Journal of University of Raparin, Vol, 5, No. 14(2018), http://journal.uor.edu.krd/

38.  The role of a reporter in news gathering in Iraq, Journal of University of Raparin, Vol, 1, No, 2, http://journal.uor.edu.krd/

39.  The Impact of the Media on Women's Political Participation in Iraq and the Middle East. Journal of University of Raparin, Vol, 9, No, 2. http://journal.uor.edu.krd/index.php/JUR/article/view/752

International peer-reviewed publications

I am working as a Reviewer in reputable Journals, some are mentioned bellow:

·         Sage Journals

·         JMIR Publications

·         Fronters Journals

·         MDPI Journals

·         PLOS One

·         Dove Press Journals 

·         MBC Journals

·         Springer Nature

·         International Communication Gazette

·         Taylor & Francis Journals

·         Journal of Communication and Media studies

·         Dove Press

·         MDPI

·         The Lancet

Quest Editor and Advisor:

-          Frontiers in Communication Journal

-          Sage Open Journal

-          Journal of University of Raparin

-          Advisor of Journal of Immersive Media & Creative Arts

Conferences, Workshops, Symposiums and Seminars:

• International conference of ‘Governance of public policies during and after conflicts in the Middle East’, 4th, 5th, and 6th of April 2021, Faculty of Public Administration and Development Economics, Doha Institute of Graduate Studies. Doha, Qatar.

• Fourth International Scientific Conference, Sulaimani Ancient History, Today and Tomorrow, University of Sulaimani, College of Humanities, Iraq, 2019 (Paper Presenting on Media and Crisis)

• International Conference on Communication, Media, Technology and Design, Istanbul – Turkey, 2014 ( Paper Presenting on Social Media and Arab Spring )

• CEE e|Dem and e|Gov Days 2019, National University of Public Service, Budapest, Hungary (Paper presenting on Social Media)

• 2nd conference on accounting Business, Economic and Politics, Tishik International University, Iraq, 2019 (Paper presenting on Media Freedom and Censorship)

• International Conference on Media Studies, organized by Interdisciplinary Research Foundation and London Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, 2-3 June 2017 – Warsaw, Poland. (Paper presenting on How Governments control Media)

• Toward Modern education in Kurdistan, Keynote Speech, Ranya, 5 Azar Hall, 2019 (Paper presenting on Impact of Media on Education)

• 4th Dabran International Conference, Tawar Hall, Sulaimani, Iraq, 2019 (Paper presenting on Reporting as a tool for Preventing different thoughts about Islam Religion)

• 1st international conference: towards best nursing practice: current reality and future reality, University of Raparin, Iraq, 2019 (Paper presenting on Nurses and Communication skills)

• Third Student conference, University of Raparin, Iraq, 2019

• 1st Conference on Violence and Exiting Violence, Dabran Platfrom, Slemani, Ramada Hotel Hall, Iraq, 2019

• 1st Conference of Kurdish digital media from freedom of speech to terrorizing of personality, University of Raparin, 2018 (Paper presenting on Social Media and Personality Terrorizing during Election Campaigns)

• Second student's conference, University of Raparin, 2018, Iraq

• An international conference on Kurdish and Persian Language and Literature in the Mirror of Aryan Thought and Culture, University of Raprin, 2018

• New Media and Cultural Issues, University of Sulaimani, Iraq, 2017 (Paper presenting on Social Media and Globalization)

• First student's conference, University of Raparin, Iraq, 2017

• The role of women in Kurdish Uprisings, University of Raparin, 2017

• Confronting Terrorism in Kurdistan Region, University of Raparin, Iraq, 2017 (Paper presenting on How ISIS used Social Media for Empowering Terrorism)

• Paris Study abroad event 28-29 January 2017, Paris, France

•  Erasmus Mundus Marhaba Conference, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain, 2014

 Workshops and Symposiums:

•  Iraq Publishing Workshop,  University College London,Nahrein Network and Suleiman Polytechnic University, May 2019, Iraq

•  Role of University in making IT staff members Workshop, University of Raparin, Iraq, 2019

• Environments problems and its solutions in Raparin Area Symposium, University of Raparin, Iraq, 2019

• Uprising among Aims and Results Symposium, University of Raparin, Iraq, 2019

• Women Rights international symposium, University of Raparin, Iraq, March - 2019

• Tigris workshop: Project writing, international marketing, the use of management information system for smart administration of internalization, University of Charmo, Sulaimani, Iraq, 2019

• Impact of methodology and new technology in researching Workshop, University of Raparin, Iraq, 2019

• Literature criticism and Yalda night workshop, University of Raparin, Iraq, 2018

• Music and its impact on children's psychology Symposium, University of Raparin, Iraq, 2018

• Implementing bologna process in Kurdistan Universities Workshop, University of Raparin, Iraq, 2018

• Archaeological projects in Raparin area, University of Raparin, Iraq, 2019

• Professional development training course, University of Raparin, Iraq, 2019

• Impact of nonverbal communication and body language on teaching methods Seminar, University of Raparin, Iraq, 2019

• Thought training course, University of Raparin, Iraq, 2019

• The impact of family violence on children Symposium, University of Raparin, Iraq, 2018

• Jahfari Marriage project Symposium, University of Raparin, Iraq, 2017

•  Academic Debate and Critical thinking Workshop, University of Raparin, Iraq, 2017

•  Improving journalism skills Training Course, University of Raparin, Iraq, 2017

•  NewsMaking Workshop, University of Raparin, Iraq, 2017

• EndNote software application workshop, University of Raparin, Iraq, 2017

•  Religions and conflicts in Kurdistan symposium, University of Raparin, Iraq, 2017

• Environment and Tourism symposium, University of Raparin, Iraq, 2017

•  Children's Rights symposium, University of Raparin, Iraq, 2017

• Youth ability and leadership workshop, University of Raparin, Iraq, 2017

• Art of presenting Workshop, University of Raparin, Iraq , 2016

• International Relations, European Studies Course, Ares Studies, University of Cagliari – Italy, 2016

• The role of media in creating political knowledge Seminar, University of Raparin, Iraq, 2018

• Female genital mutilation and its impact on children's psychology Workshop, University of Raparin, Iraq, 2018

• Media and Corruption Seminar, Rania, 5 Azar Hall, Iraq, 2017

• Erasmus Mundus Marhaba project, University of Raparin, Iraq, 2017

Projects:

• Erasmus Programs – 2014 – 2017

• Film presenting Project, University of Raparin, 2017-2019

• Erasmus Plus TeachersMod project – 2023- present

Honors and awards:

• I got awards and appreciation letters from the University of Raparin, the Minstry of Higher Education, Newspapers, Media organizations, and civil society organizations.

• I was named as one of the top 2% of the world’s most influential scientists by Stanford University for 2023: https://elsevier.digitalcommonsdata.com/datasets/btchxktzyw/6?fbclid=IwAR3KT9wcMaH_dmb8114EwxkY4FAxZJnJq0C8piejZTVvV0V2M7zxfYW1zDw

• I was named as the 2nd top ten researcher at the University of Raparin, in the field of social sciences and humanities. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1FIkb2AS8yyLnDfmpFLYsxGS4TzI9DgB7tQFEQ0-wraY/edit?usp=drivesdk 

Memberships

•   University of Raparin Journal Editorial Staff member

•  Member of Kurdistan Teachers Union

•  An Active member of Kurdistan Journalist's Syndicate

•  International Federation of Journalists, Member, Brussels, BELGIUM