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Inheriting Resilience: Dr. Rana Dajani’s Breakthrough on Generational Trauma
In this episode of Pathfinders, we delve into the inspiring journey of Dr. Rana Dajani, a pioneering epigenetics researcher and professor in molecular biology. Rana is a great example of what it means when you lead with curiosity instead of fear and shows us how we can heal through connection and community. From her early life steeped in curiosity and an openness to learn, combined with stories of displacement and trauma to her groundbreaking discovery of the transmission of generational trauma and resilience through epigenetics, Dr. Dajani's work bridges the gap between lived experiences and scientific inquiry. We explore her multifaceted roles as a mother, scientist, teacher, social entrepreneur, and feminist, and her impactful We Love Reading initiative. Join us as we uncover the profound implications of her research on humanity's ability to adapt, survive, and find meaning amidst adversities.
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Rana Dajani
02:42 Early Life and Influences
05:27 Curiosity and the Pursuit of Knowledge
08:29 Journey into Molecular Biology
13:43 Epigenetics and Generational Trauma
20:24 Groundbreaking Research and Discoveries
25:43 Challenging the Victimhood Narrative
26:07 Proposing a New Framework for Trauma Survivors
27:23 The Importance of Agency and Mental Health
29:02 Faith and Meaning-Making in Survival
33:08 The Role of Community in Resilience
37:24 Epigenetic Research and Interventions
40:12 We Love Reading: A Local Solution
42:39 Personal Reflections and Advice
52:09 Concluding Thoughts on Resilience
About dr. Rana Dajani:
Dr. Dajani is a professor in molecular biology and a pioneering epigenetics researcher. She is the founder of the global “We Love Reading” initiative and has received more than 20 major international awards. She’s also been recognised among the world’s most influential Arab women. Her work stands at the intersection of lived experience and science.
She is also the author of multiple books including her book called Five Scarves, which challenges the narrative of what a woman should be and reflects the five roles she balances in life: mother, teacher, scientist, social entrepreneur, and feminist.
Links to information about dr. Rana Dajani:
Hashemite University profile: https://staff.hu.edu.jo/CV_e.aspx?id=0gnQeXkZsCc=
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rana-dajani/?originalSubdomain=jo
Book Five Scarves: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Five-Scarves-Impossible-Reverse-Redefine/dp/153613774X
We Love Reading initiative: https://welovereading.org
Ted Talk: If We Can Reverse Cell Fate, Why Can’t We Redefine Success: https://www.ted.com/talks/rana_dajani_if_we_can_reverse_cell_fate_why_can_t_we_redefine_success?language=en
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By Jessa van MeertenIn this episode of Pathfinders, we delve into the inspiring journey of Dr. Rana Dajani, a pioneering epigenetics researcher and professor in molecular biology. Rana is a great example of what it means when you lead with curiosity instead of fear and shows us how we can heal through connection and community. From her early life steeped in curiosity and an openness to learn, combined with stories of displacement and trauma to her groundbreaking discovery of the transmission of generational trauma and resilience through epigenetics, Dr. Dajani's work bridges the gap between lived experiences and scientific inquiry. We explore her multifaceted roles as a mother, scientist, teacher, social entrepreneur, and feminist, and her impactful We Love Reading initiative. Join us as we uncover the profound implications of her research on humanity's ability to adapt, survive, and find meaning amidst adversities.
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Rana Dajani
02:42 Early Life and Influences
05:27 Curiosity and the Pursuit of Knowledge
08:29 Journey into Molecular Biology
13:43 Epigenetics and Generational Trauma
20:24 Groundbreaking Research and Discoveries
25:43 Challenging the Victimhood Narrative
26:07 Proposing a New Framework for Trauma Survivors
27:23 The Importance of Agency and Mental Health
29:02 Faith and Meaning-Making in Survival
33:08 The Role of Community in Resilience
37:24 Epigenetic Research and Interventions
40:12 We Love Reading: A Local Solution
42:39 Personal Reflections and Advice
52:09 Concluding Thoughts on Resilience
About dr. Rana Dajani:
Dr. Dajani is a professor in molecular biology and a pioneering epigenetics researcher. She is the founder of the global “We Love Reading” initiative and has received more than 20 major international awards. She’s also been recognised among the world’s most influential Arab women. Her work stands at the intersection of lived experience and science.
She is also the author of multiple books including her book called Five Scarves, which challenges the narrative of what a woman should be and reflects the five roles she balances in life: mother, teacher, scientist, social entrepreneur, and feminist.
Links to information about dr. Rana Dajani:
Hashemite University profile: https://staff.hu.edu.jo/CV_e.aspx?id=0gnQeXkZsCc=
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rana-dajani/?originalSubdomain=jo
Book Five Scarves: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Five-Scarves-Impossible-Reverse-Redefine/dp/153613774X
We Love Reading initiative: https://welovereading.org
Ted Talk: If We Can Reverse Cell Fate, Why Can’t We Redefine Success: https://www.ted.com/talks/rana_dajani_if_we_can_reverse_cell_fate_why_can_t_we_redefine_success?language=en