Dr. Diala Hawi
Founding Chair of the Psychology program
Assistant Professor of Social Psychology
Doha Institute of Graduate Studies
Dr. Diala Hawi is Founding Chair of the Psychology program, and Assistant Professor of Social Psychology, and at the Doha Institute. She obtained her doctorate degree in Social Psychology from the Department of Psychology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and has a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the American University of Beirut (AUB).
As a social and political psychologist, her broader research deals with a host of social categories, including national, ethnic, religious, and racial groups, and situates them in their unique cultural and historical contexts. Specifically, she focuses on social issues that stem from conflict, with an emphasis on multiple group dynamics, as well as disadvantaged and oppressed status groups. Overall, her research contributes to our broader understanding of how groups relate to one another and what factors hinder the transition from conflict to peace.
Diala has published work on the role of group power in intergroup contact, the effect of intergroup contact on group-based activism, as well as reconciliation. Her more recent research projects examine the role of third-party effects in multiple-group relations, how nationalism and patriotism change over time, and the implications of multiculturalism in Arab states.
Prior to joining the DI as faculty, Diala founded the Psychology program at the DI. Her previous academic experience includes a 3-year post as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Clark University, and a 3-year Instructor post at AUB. Professionally, she has held posts as a clinical and research consultant at the Psychiatry Department at AUB-Medical Center, a Psychosocial Project Coordinator and Development Director on projects funded by UNICEF, and a Mediator and Facilitator for Democracy Education (funded by MEPI and NDI).
