Hiba Qassar, PhD, Academic Assistant

Hiba holds a PhD. in museum studies from Florence University in collaboration with University College of London in Qatar, and a BA in archaeology from the University of Aleppo. Her thesis argued the potential of engaging local communities in cultural activities and archaeological knowledge to protect cultural heritage in the time of war. 

Previously, Hiba was responsible for an audience development project in Musei del Bargello, Florence, and developed a training courses for various museum operators in Florence related to the perception of heritage and museums for non-European audiences. Before joining our academic team at CEA CAPA, she was the associate director of educational programs at the International Institute of Mesopotamian Area Studies where she worked mainly on designing and developing educational programs dedicated to promoting international dialogue through cultural heritage among the young generation. She also worked as a researcher for the European University Institute in Florence and her research interests include the social role of cultural heritage, diversity and education development. She has also written and published various articles.

As a global citizen, Hiba hopes to use her life experience, in addition to her academic and administrative experience, to enhance the academic life of CEA CAPA students in Florence.