Delbert Abi-Abdallah

Delbert Abi-Abdallah, Ph.D, is Inaugural Chair and Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at Duquesne University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine (DUQCOM). Dr. Abi-Abdallah received a B.S. in Microbiology and Cell Science from the University of Florida and a Ph.D. in Immunology and Infectious Disease from Cornell University. He completed post-doctoral work at Cornell University in vaccine development.

Dr. Abi-Abdallah has extensive administrative, teaching, service, and research experiences that span multiple institutions. Prior to DUQCOM, Dr. Abi-Abdallah was an Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). At LECOM, he was also Director of the Master of Medical Science program, Director of Exams, and Course Director for multiple disciplines. He served as a medical school instructor in the lecture-discussion, directed-study, and problem-based learning pathways, as well as an instructor for the masters and doctoral degrees programs. Dr. Abi-Abdallah is a National Faculty member of the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) and continues to serve as an Item Writer for the NBOME. Dr. Abi-Abdallah was also an Assistant Professor of Biology at Thiel College, where he also served as the inaugural Director of the Greenville Neuromodulation Center Research Institute. Dr. Abi-Abdallah has served as a guest lecturer at Cornell University and an Adjunct Professor at Tompkins Cortland Community College. He has taught a variety of topics and courses, such as general biology, human biology, medical microbiology, medical parasitology, immunology, immunology of infectious diseases, cell biology, toxicology, medical terminology, and the practice of laboratory animal medicine.

Dr. Abi-Abdallah maintains a research program studying the host-pathogen relationship of and immune response to Listeria monocytogenes. He also researches the effectiveness of technology and virtual simulations in teaching complex scientific topics. He has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Abi-Abdallah is passionate about science outreach and believes strongly that scientists have a responsibility and an obligation to disseminate scientific information to the lay public. He is a host of a science podcast called The Bio Busters.

Dr. Abi-Abdallah is the recipient of various awards and honors. He has been fortunate to receive an Excellence in Teaching Award, a Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award, and a Citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representative for an “exemplary record of service contributions”, amongst others.