Dr. Rasha Istaiteyeh is an Associate Professor of Economics at The Hashemite University in Jordan. A scholar of economic development and human capital.
Highlights from life
- 1973: Born in Kuwait in, Dr. Rasha Istaiteyeh relocated with her family to Jordan following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990. She completed her General Certificates of Secondary Education in 1990 before pursuing a Bachelor of Sciences in Economics with honors from the University of Jordan in 1994. Subsequently, she obtained a Master of Arts in Economics from the same institution in 1999.
- Dr. Istaiteyeh commenced her professional journey in the banking sector before transitioning to a role as a research assistant in a Jordanian-Canadian project focusing on labor market and human resources development. Her personal background as a migrant instilled in her a deep interest in exploring migration-related issues.
- In 2007, Dr. Istaiteyeh embarked on her doctoral journey at the Department of Development Economics, Migration, and Agricultural Policy (DEMAP) at the University of Kassel, Germany. She successfully earned her PhD in Development Economics in 2011, graduating with Magna Cum Laude honors. Her doctoral thesis, titled "Economic Development and Highly Skilled Returnees: The Impact of Human Capital Circular Migration on the Economy of Origin Countries: The Case of Jordan," reflects her dedication to understanding the economic implications of migration.
- In 2012: Joining The Hashemite University, Dr. Istaiteyeh currently serves as an Associate Professor in Economics within the Department of Economics. She imparts knowledge to undergraduate students through courses covering Economic Development, Jordan’s Economy, Macroeconomics, and Microeconomics.
- In 2021: Dr. Istaiteyeh's expertise extends beyond academia. she lent her consultancy services to esteemed organizations such as the International Development Research Centre & Cuso International and the World Refugee & Migration Council. Prior to this, she collaborated with the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development, a Civil Society Organization, to address the challenges of debt among vulnerable women in Jordan.
- Furthermore, Dr. Istaiteyeh actively contributes to Catalyst2030 as an Associate Member, where she focuses on implementing the Theory of Change to enhance Social Entrepreneurship (SS) in the MENA region. Her multifaceted contributions underscore her commitment to academia, research, and social impact initiatives.
Research Fields
Economic Development Investigation
Examining factors that contribute to the growth and sustainability of economies, such as investment, trade, and policies aimed at poverty alleviation and fostering prosperity.
Inquiries on Human Capital
Studying the knowledge, skills, and capabilities of individuals and their impact on economic productivity and social well-being. This includes analyzing education systems, workforce training programs, and strategies for enhancing human potential.
Health Economics
Exploring the intersection of economics and healthcare. This entails assessing the efficiency, equity, and effectiveness of healthcare systems, as well as analyzing healthcare financing, insurance markets, and the economic determinants of health outcomes, especially for vulnerable and refugee people.
Women in STEM
Addressing the underrepresentation of girls and women in MENA region. This involves investigating societal barriers, educational interventions, and policy measures aimed at fostering inclusivity and gender equality in STEM education and careers.
Professional Membership
Western Economic Association International
Associate Member in “Catalyst2030”
International Association for the Study of Forced Migration (IASFM)
Association of Jordanian Women Academics
Awards
July 2023
RAWABIT: U.S.-Jordan University Cooperation Network (UCN).
Fulbright Partnership Development Grant.
2011
Best Expertise Award by “Migration for Development” Programme by Centre for International Migration and Development (CIM)-Germany.
August 2010 - January 2011
DAAD-STIBET Scholarship.
October 2004 - April 2006
DAAD Scholarship
June 1994
Honour Award “First out of 54 students” in the Economic Department. During Undergraduate Studies.
