Arax Tanelian, Ph.D.

Arax Tanelian, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Faculty of Sciences – Division of Natural Sciences

Office: Meh 202B
Tel. ext.: 280
arax.tanelian@haigazian.edu.lb

BIO

Arax Tanelian is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Natural Sciences. She received her PhD in Immunology & Microbiology from New York Medical College, where she also completed her postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Her research explores sex-specific mechanisms of susceptibility and resilience to stress-related disorders, such as PTSD and anxiety, with a focus on microbiome–brain interactions and neuropeptide signaling. Dr. Tanelian has supervised Master’s theses, lectured in courses, and trained students in laboratory research at both New York Medical College and the American University of Beirut. She has authored peer-reviewed publications, presented her work at national and international conferences, and received institutional and international awards recognizing her doctoral work. At Haigazian, she teaches Molecular Biology and Diagnostics, Immunology, and General Biology, emphasizing both a strong foundation in biological sciences and the development of practical skills for advanced study.

TEACHING INTERESTS

Immunology

Molecular Biology & Diagnostics

General Biology

RESEARCH INTERESTS   

• Mechanisms of susceptibility and resilience to stress-related disorders (PTSD, anxiety, and depression)
• Sex-specific factors shaping vulnerability to psychopathology
• Role of the gut microbiome and microbial metabolites in stress responses
• Identification of predictive biomarkers for early detection of PTSD and anxiety disorders

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS   

• Tanelian, A., Nankova, B., Miari, M., & Sabban, E. L. (2024). Microbial composition, functionality, and stress resilience or susceptibility: unraveling sex-specific patterns. Biology of sex Differences, 15(1), 20.
• Tanelian, A., Nankova, , Hu, F., Sahawneh, J. D., & Sabban, E. L. (2023). Effect of acetate supplementation on traumatic stress-induced behavioral impairments in male rats. Neurobiology of Stress, 100572.
• Tanelian, A., Nankova, , Cheriyan, A., Arens, C., Hu, F., & Sabban, E. L. (2023). Differences in gut microbiota associated with stress resilience and susceptibility to single prolonged stress in female rodents. Neurobiology of Stress, 24, 100533.
• Tanelian, A., Nankova, , Miari, M., Nahvi, R. J., & Sabban, E. L. (2022). Resilience or susceptibility to traumatic stress: Potential influence of the microbiome. Neurobiology of Stress, 19, 100461.
• Tanelian, A., & Abdelnoor, A. M. (2018). The Action of Bovine Cartilage on Tumor Cells In Vitro And In Am J Immunol. 14 (1.6).
• Tanelian, A., Jaber, D., Al Akl, N., & Abdelnoor, A. (2016). The Effect of Bovine Cartilage on the Growth of Mouse B16F10 Melanoma Cells in vitro and in vivo. Am. J. Immunol, 12(69.76).

 

ACADEMIC DEGREES

PhD, Immunology & Microbiology, New York Medical College, USA
MSc. Immunology & Microbiology,  American University of Beirut, Lebanon.
B.S. Biology, Haigazian University, Lebanon.