Kamil Assaad Jbeily was born in Beirut, Lebanon. Completing a B.S. in Chemistry and Master of Science in Chemistry and Chemistry Education, Kamil taught in the Lebanese secondary schools. In 1980, he immigrated to the United States to attend The University of Texas at Austin, where he earned his Ph.D. in Science Education in 1986. At UT Austin, Kamil supervised student teachers in the Central Texas area for over 5 years.

After almost ten years with the Texas Education Agency (TEA), first as a science specialist, then as director of science projects, in 1991 Kamil encountered his greatest challenge and greatest opportunity in this Land of Opportunity — founding the Texas Regional Collaboratives for Excellence in Science Teaching. Under his leadership, this joint project between TEA and The University of Texas at Austin has grown into a dynamic, statewide network of P-16 partnerships which have improved the knowledge, skills, and performance of over 12,000 teachers and benefited over one million students.

Dr. Jbeily has never lost touch with the classroom; he has served as Adjunct Professor of Chemistry at Austin Community College since 1985. As well, he is a sought-after motivational speaker, having made over 200 presentations on excellence, equity, diversity, communication, and reform in education, and on developing leadership and forging partnerships.

http://ci06.edb.utexas.edu/jbeily/