PhD in dietetics and nutrition from Florida International University in 2001
Past Experience
Dr. Koutoubi is originally from the Middle East (Syria) and spent eight years in Eastern Europe (Romania).
He has a broad understanding of basic and advanced nutritional biochemistry and food habits and practices among different ethnic groups.
His research focuses on coronary heart disease among tri-ethnic groups including African Americans, Caucasians and Hispanics.
Current Roles
Dr. Koutoubi is an associate professor and a core faculty member in the School of Natural Health Arts and Sciences and has been teaching at Bastyr University since 1999. He teaches a variety of courses to naturopathic doctoral (ND) students, graduate and undergraduate nutrition students, and the AOM master's program students.
Dr. Koutoubi serves as an academic advisor for the undergraduate students, supervises master's thesis students, and conducts research in the area of heart disease.
Dr. Koutoubi also works with the faculty senate and faculty development committee.
Classes Taught
Advanced Nutrition: Macronutrients & Micronutrients; Cultural Perspectives on Food; Research Methods in Nutrition for graduate and undergraduate students; research methods in AOM; Macro-Micronutrients for NDs; Nutrition Education Practicum; Nutrition, Physical Activity and Disease; and Nutrition and the Life Cycle
Interests
Dr. Koutoubi's research interests include cardiovascular disease and nutrition, homocysteine metabolism, prevention and wellness, lipoprotein metabolism, cultural food and health, and genetically engineered (GE) foods research.
Philosophy
Dr. Koutoubi believes that his role in the classroom is mainly as a facilitator of learning, and he also tries to be a transmitter of knowledge. He does everything he can to facilitate learning by being clear and organized, by using varying teaching methods, and by being available for questions and by providing resources for students' learning and feedback on their performance. He believes communication is essential to the learning process and that taking responsibility for learning is crucial.
Dr. Koutoubi also likes to help his students develop and apply critical thinking skills that will help them throughout their careers. He enjoys one-on-one interaction with students and small class size. This gives him the opportunity to help students understand and apply their knowledge in practice, clinic and life. For Dr. Koutoubi, teaching is fun, challenging and satisfying, especially when he sees results.
