Hassan Rashid Ali

About

Hassan Rashid Ali, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Natural Sciences, School of Social and Natural Sciences, at the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA). He holds a PhD in Marine Science, specializing in Chemical Oceanography and Toxicology, from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia; an MSc in Chemistry from Makerere University, Uganda; and a BSc with Education in Chemistry and Mathematics from the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He also holds professional diplomas in blended learning, ICT & Pedagogical development and certificates in Procurement and Financial Management. Professor Ali has more than two decades of experience in teaching, research, academic administration, consultancy, and institutional leadership. Before becoming Associate Professor in December 2025, he served SUZA as Senior Lecturer, Lecturer, Senior Laboratory Scientist, and Dean of the School of Continuing and Professional Education. As Dean, he was also Chairperson of the School Board and a member of the University Management and Senate. His multidisciplinary research encompasses environmental, analytical and marine chemistry; persistent hazardous substances; antifouling biocides; pesticides; heavy metals; marine ecotoxicology; groundwater quality; coral reef ecosystems; climate change; and ocean acidification. He has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and supervised postgraduate research in marine pollution, environmental chemistry, climate change, seaweed-derived bioplastics, groundwater quality, and coastal ecosystem health. He is also a co-inventor of a patented seaweed-based renewable bioplastic and its production method. Professor Ali has coordinated major educational and capacity-building initiatives, including the Partnership for Enhanced and Blended Learning, the Huawei Digital Education Project, and World Bank-supported teacher-development projects. He has also served as lead consultant for the Zanzibar Improving Student Prospects program. At the national level, Professor Ali is Vice Chairperson and Board Member of the National Examinations Council of Tanzania, Chairperson of its Audit Committee, and a member of its Executive Committee. He also serves on the Program Advisory Committee for the Samia Scholarship Extended initiative and the Zanzibar Bureau of Standards Technical Committee on Food Standards. His career reflects a sustained commitment to scientific research, educational innovation, institutional development, environmental sustainability, and public service.

Achievements and impact

Awards and recognition

• 1. Dec, 2009 – Mar, 2013: PhD, Marine Science (Chemical Oceanography & Toxicology), Institute of Oceanography and Environment, University of Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia.
• Thesis: OCCURRENCE OF BOOSTER BIOCIDES AROUND PENINSULAR MALAYSIA: Implication of its toxicity on selected coral reef organisms.
• 2. Aug, 2007 – Sept, 2009: MSc in Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
• Thesis: Determination of chemical composition of cave waters: a case study of Zanzibar Island Tanzania.
• 3. Sept, 1999 – June, 2003: BSc. (Ed.), Faculty of Science (Chemistry & Mathematics), University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.