Assistant Professor
Department of Psychological Sciences

Before arriving in Cleveland, Obeid was a visiting associate professor at Lehman College, where she conducted research on child language development to reduce stigma toward disabilities on a national and international level. Obeid also received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology from the American University of Beirut, and her master’s and PhD in developmental psychology from City University of New York.

What are your specific teaching and/or research areas and interests?

I teach courses in child psychology and adolescent psychology. As a researcher, I study developmental disabilities from a cross-cultural perspective. My research has two primary aims: (1) understanding differences in cognitive and motor factors that predict language skills in young children, and (2) examining conceptions of autism and the role that culture plays in shaping attitudes toward developmental disabilities, with the aim of having environments be more inclusive and supportive of autistic individuals.

What do you look forward to at Case Western Reserve University?

I’m most looking forward to working with CWRU’s amazing and highly motivated students; this is something I have enjoyed at CWRU quite a lot. Although I’m not new to CWRU, I’m excited about this new role, where I will be able to mentor students in research and continue developing and maintaining community partnerships in the work that I do.

Do you have any personal goals, hobbies, family, interests that you would like to share?

Outside of work, I love being active. I enjoy spending time outdoors. I also enjoy socializing and connecting with friends, and trying out new cuisines. I used to paint using oil on canvas, and I plan to pick up painting again as I settle into this new role.

What’s one piece of advice you have for students?

As a psychologist, I often remind students that learning is hard, and that’s okay. Like any other skill, it takes practice, repetition, and most importantly, active engagement to master new material. Sometimes, when learning takes time, we get frustrated, but be patient with yourself and stay curious.