E-BOOK- 39th CONVOCATION PROGRAMME BOOK

52 53 EMERITA PROFESSOR BIOGRAPHY OF PROF. DR. NORAINI MOHD. NOOR Noraini Mohd. Noor was awarded a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Biomathematics from Monash University, Australia in 1976. She attained an honours degree in Psychology from the University of Tasmania, Australia (1979). She read her Master's degree in Psychology from the University of Christchurch, New Zealand (1982), and her D. Phil. from the University of Oxford, United Kingdom (1993). Academia has always been in her being evident by her diverse teaching attachment and positions, at the University of Canterbury, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Malaya, and finally International Islamic University Malaysia (August 1990 – August 2017). She was awarded the professorship merit in 2001 by the International Islamic University Malaysia. Upon retirement, she continued her academic aspirations by being attached to the Ibnu Haldun Universitesi, Turkiye. Being conferred with the Chevening Award in 1996 and theCommonwealth Fellowship in 1999 has allowed her to complete two research attachments at the Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford. She also received the Highest Citation in Citation Index Journal Award for the university level (Social Science/ Humanities, Business, Economics & Administration) for two consecutive years (2008 – 2009). She was also a visiting scholar/ professor at the Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, South Africa. (July – September 2008) and the Department of Psychology, Portland State University, Oregon, US (September – December 2013). An ardent researcher and prolific writer, she has published more than 80 articles in refereed journals and presented her academic work at more than 60 conferences and training workshops. She is also the editor to numerous books along with her fellow academics, both locally and globally. Her interest in social psychology geared her focus on issues related to women and well-being, work-life balance, coping with work and life, exploration of the indigenous context of psychological constructs, and recently, exploring the science of the soul in her effort to rejuvenate the understanding and inclusion of soul in the quest of understanding human being. Her commitment to foster a deeper appreciation of the human psyche and its spiritual dimensions has undoubtedly enriched the field of psychology and the lives of countless individuals who have had the privilege of engaging with her work. Through her thought-provoking papers such as "What is Normal" and "The Notion of Man from Islamic Intellectual Tradition and Modern Science," just to name a few, an indelible mark is left on the field of psychology, inviting scholars and practitioners alike to engage in further profound discussions about the complexities of the human mind and spirit. Her work in elucidating the concept of "normalcy" challenges the conventional definitions and encourages people to view the human experience through a more holistic and culturally informed lens. This has not only broadened the masses understanding but has also paved the way for inclusive and empathetic approaches to mental health and well-being. Her exploration of the intersection between Islamic intellectual tradition and modern science has bridged gaps and fostered dialogue between seemingly disparate realms of thought. It has allowed academics and masses alike to appreciate the rich tapestry of human understanding and the potential for harmonious coexistence between faith-based perspectives and scientific inquiry.