Coptic Lives, a Core Curriculum course, offers students a gateway into what it would be like to live in historical Coptic society. Investigating history through archeological methods, students discover key elements of Coptic society: from what they ate to what they wore to what they believed. 

Mennat-Allah El Dorry ‘05, assistant professor and chair of Coptic studies at AUC who has trained as both an Egyptologist and archeologist, works to paint a lush tapestry of Coptic lives for her students by guiding them to investigate more than just key historical moments, but also the intricacies of everyday life. 

“The course helped me reconnect with my roots in a deeply personal way and see Coptic lives as lived, enduring experiences rather than distant narratives."

“A very large part of Coptic studies is about the history of the church, persecution, Coptic art and monasticism,” said El Dorry. “But I am intrigued by the daily lives of average people away from this traditional history of Coptic Egypt. We, as Egyptians, have a rich, long history of Coptic culture that is a part of this long and continuous fabric. While politics and religion change, I am interested in looking at the lives of people like myself — and like the students as well.”

In El Dorry’s class, students experiment with the tools historically used by Copts and visit important locations, such as the Coptic Museum and Coptic churches. With a mix of lectures, research and experiential learning opportunities, students paint a full picture of Coptic life, including food, language as well as arts and crafts. The course has no prerequisites and aims to get students at the start of their academic journey excited about archeology and history through the lens of the unique Coptic culture.

 “AUC's Egyptology program features something that few other international programs have: direct access to archaeology and culture.” 

“Coptic Lives didn’t feel like studying history; it felt like being invited into a story of resilience, faith and unwavering resolve,” said student Islam Nadim. “The course helped me reconnect with my roots in a deeply personal way and see Coptic lives as lived, enduring experiences rather than distant narratives. Dr. El Dorry’s passion and personal connection to the subject made that experience truly impactful.”

For El Dorry, the hands-on nature of the class is what makes it so special — the ability to bring Coptic culture to life. “AUC's Egyptology program features something that few other international programs have: direct access to archaeology and culture,” she affirmed. “I want us to focus more on these strengths and for AUC to become an important hub of Coptic archaeology — somewhere students and researchers who want to work specifically on Coptic archaeology can come to as their first choice.”

The Coptic studies program at AUC works to blend the fields of Egyptology, art history, science and religion through the lens of Coptic history. El Dorry herself first became interested in Coptic studies during her time at AUC. “When I was an Egyptology undergrad, a Coptic art class was being offered,” she explained. “The professor who taught it, Gawdat Gabra, was the first chair of Coptic studies at AUC, and he opened my eyes to such a fascinating world. It is an incredible honor to come full circle and now hold the position that first inspired me and to follow in the footsteps of such a scholar.”

When creating his AUC senior film thesis, Mark Ayman ’25 was concerned with one thing: telling a good story. He spent two years developing Cone, a short film that features a small argument between a garage worker and a professor that keeps getting bigger and bigger until the professor eventually spirals into madness. Little did Ayman know, his student film project would be one of 20 selected out of 2,500 submissions to premiere at the Cairo International Film Festival and one of only four Egyptian films selected. 

“The AUC film program helped me gain the conceptual skills I needed."

“The AUC film program helped me gain the conceptual skills I needed,” Ayman said. “Through open student workflow and critique sessions, I learned how to rework and rewrite my project, which is clear in the final product. Many young filmmakers just want to skip to the thrilling part and start shooting, but AUC taught me now to be grounded in development to make a stronger film.”

Cone was developed across three different classes in AUC’s film program, where Ayman studied. “A lot of classes have shaped this film. The script itself was written in a screenwriting class with Professor of Practice Tamer El Said, who supervised the project,” Ayman explained. “I continued developing the film and working on it after the class. Then I brought it into the film production course, where I met Zeina and Karma, and we continued working on it as part of the Senior Film Project class.”

Karma Abu Aly, ‘25 and current AUC senior Zeina Ramy served as the producers for the film throughout its development and filming. Ramy and Ayman met at the AUC Film Association. Ramy noticed Ayman would consistently take pictures of garages, prompting his friend to wonder just exactly what he was plotting. “He explained the idea of the film, and I really liked it. Then we had so much fun in the production course. Afterward, we just continued working on the film,” Ramy described.

“Working with the AUC film program had lots of privileges,” Ayman stated. “They provide equipment and shooting permits. We filmed part of the movie on campus, and they were super accommodating. I also was supported by my adviser throughout the entire project.” The shooting took three days, both at AUC and in Garden City. The crew consisted of 25 people, a mix of AUC students and professionals.

After filming wrapped, Ayman submitted it to the Cairo International Film Festival. “When I learned we were accepted, I was overwhelmed with happiness. The only thought that I had in mind was what I would say to the crew,” he explained. 

Ramy laughed, sharing how Ayman lied to the crew and told them they weren’t selected, just to quickly yell out “just kidding.” Ayman continued, “A lot of people have put so much effort and time into helping me. It’s incredible to have people who trust you with their time, expertise and effort, and then having it pay off.” 

Cone premiered at the Cairo International Film Festival on November 16, 2025. The cast and crew got to walk the red carpet, watch their film in the Cairo Opera’s Grand Hall and participate in a Q & A session. “Sharing my work with people who are interested in cinema and film is always great, especially the audience of the Cairo International Film Festival,” Ayman shared. “The screening of the film was very exciting, as I would hear the audience reacting to the different parts of the film either with shock, laughter or whispering words of excitement. To have your film seen among a hall of people is definitely a rich experience.”

“It’s so incredible to have the film featured in one of the oldest festivals in the region and the world, with something that started as simple as a student film,” he added. 

“It’s so incredible to have the film featured in one of the oldest festivals in the region and the world, with something that started as simple as a student film."

From here, Ayman, Ramy and AbuAly are hoping to find a place for Cone’s international premiere. Through meeting other directors and producers at the festival, they’ve been able to expand their network and learn about new possibilities. “Meeting people after the screening to hear their impressions and experiences watching the film is something I cherish,” Ayman said. “I was overwhelmed with words of love and encouragement from a diverse audience. Whenever I think I used to be one of the audience members of this festival, sitting on the chairs and watching, I feel very grateful.”

Alternative Policy Solutions (APS) sits under the high ceilings of an unassuming office in the historic palace on AUC’s Tahrir Square campus. The think tank is home to policy researchers looking to influence the world of development through in-depth research, consultations and evidence-based policy solutions to some of the most difficult challenges facing Egypt. Rabab El Mahdi ’96, founding director of APS and associate professor of political science, heads the team of researchers and employs some unlikely policy practitioners: undergraduate students in her Introduction to Development class.

“We’re challenging students in ways they haven’t experienced before,” El Mahdi stated, “There are so many benefits to having students at work at APS. They learn from the team, but also bring  fresh insights.” 

Class Structure

The Introduction to Development course is broken up into three parts: an introduction to development theory, a five-week practicum at AUC Tahrir Square and a final project to reflect on the experience. The students spend their Tuesdays in APS’s office, discussing policy with research professionals and learning firsthand the pace of working in a real policy office. They aid in the office’s operations, provide preliminary research for policy analysts and do background research for APS’s publications. 

Sitting in the APS office on the third floor of the palace, the student researchers brought a palpable energy to the airy office space. They were busy researching the development impacts of the Grand Egyptian Museum opening, Egypt’s involvement in debt swaps and possible programs to use for the APS podcast initiative. The hands-on experience of working on policy solutions in real time is unique to the program and a process that turns policy students into policy practitioners.

“The excitement of being in an actual workplace gives them a different drive during their time in the office” said El Mahdi. Students around her buzzed, hard at work. “Hands-on learning has so many benefits in terms of furthering their theoretical understanding of the subject-matter, they apply concepts they learned to current developmental challenges. Plus, there's a different energy at the office than in a classroom.”

Sitting in a cubicle in the corner of the office, junior Laila Mamdouh vigorously typed away at her assignment. “It’s making me learn so much so quickly, without it being stressful or overwhelming,” said Mamdouh. “It's not just a typical format where you go to class, take notes and then have an exam. We actually get to apply what we learn, which gives me so much more incentive.”

The excitement for their work was notable across students. “We were surprised to see just how big of a project this is,” stated junior political science major Omar Fahim. His chair faced the window that revealed the vibrant gardens of the Tahrir Square campus. “APS talks directly to ministers and the government, so it makes me think that our work could be presented to officials. It motivates me to put my all into it.”

More than just encouraging students to critically think about development concepts, the program offers real support to the small but mighty APS office. Mohamed Badereldin, a junior policy researcher at APS, complimented the students helping him on his policy papers. “It’s incredibly useful to have them here in the office,” he said. “Instead of going back and forth on email, I can tell them what I need instantly, and we can have a real conversation about the project. I also think it’s helpful for them to learn how to apply the theories they’ve been taught to real-world situations, which is exactly what we do every day at APS.”

Development concepts might seem abstract in the classroom setting, but these students are learning firsthand how to extract their real-world applications. More than just learning the impact of their field, students felt the responsibility to use their education to help policy practitioners and rise to meet that challenge. 

Having the APS in-office experience was critical for students to understand what being a professional in an office environment is like. For many students, this was their first time personally experiencing office dynamics and expectations. “Dr. El Mahdi’s our professor, but she’s also our boss,” stated student Ginevra Hanna. “She’s treating us just like she treats her employees. It makes me feel grown up, like I can actually do the work.”

Learning how to work in an office is just as important as learning to apply policy concepts to real-world scenarios. As an experience, it is something students will take into all future jobs, even if they end up working in different fields. “They get daily feedback from me and my colleagues, which helps them develop their research in real time. I’ve seen them grow tremendously,” added El Mahdi. “It’s important to encourage strong work ethic in AUC students. By putting them in this environment, we’re testing their limits and showing them what they’re capable of.”

Tahrir as a Classroom 

The opportunity to work in Tahrir was a draw in itself for students, bringing them into the busy hustle of the city. “Tahrir is 45 minutes away from my house, so I don’t get to come out here very often,” Mamdouh stated. “It’s really nice to have something to bring me to this campus. The aesthetic of the office is just incredible with Tahrir Square as a phenomenal view; it really pushes me in the mindset of doing quality work. And since it’s part of class, it’s a win-win.”

Other students echoed how much they enjoyed coming to the Tahrir Square campus and how a new environment encouraged them to give the class their focus and attention. “You know that if you’re coming all the way out here, you have to actually work hard,” shared Hanna. “If you don’t, then it feels like a waste.”

The Introduction to Development’s practicum is part of AUC’s Tuesdays at Tahrir initiative, aiming to bridge the gap between the two University campuses. By providing transportation from New Cairo to Tahrir and vice versa, and encouraging students and faculty to use the Tahrir Square campus as a fixture of their academics, the University is displaying the unity of One University, Two Campuses. It’s also an opportunity to allow students to take advantage of the historic Tahrir Square campus, a landmark and cultural oasis in the heart of Cairo.

“I love the Tahrir Square campus, but unfortunately, I don't come here enough. Sitting here doing work makes me feel like it’s my campus, my second home,” Mamdouh continued. “I’m thankful that AUC provides transportation because it motivates me not only to come to campus, but also to explore the Tahrir area, which is so interesting and historic.” 

The Tahrir Square campus, which has been AUC’s home since its establishment in 1919, hosts a number of AUC programs along with conferences, festivals and symposiums. Its grounds cover a decadent city block that sits parallel to Egypt’s central Tahrir Square. Inside the grounds is a lush lawn, the shade of many palm trees and the historic palace that hosts classrooms, theaters, a cafeteria and, of course, APS. The history of the building is evident in everything from the intricate wood-working detail to neo-Mamluk architecture and designs over the arched windows. The Tahrir Square campus wears its historical and political significance on its sleeve, something felt strongly by the class of politics students. 

“Bringing students downtown is not just a learning experience; it’s a life experience,” El Mahdi confirmed. “It has to do with working on their essential skills, how to navigate the space and deal with colleagues. Coming to Tahrir gets students familiar with the campus, which is important considering all the cultural events that are organized here. Having a course where the Tahrir Square campus is integral is an incredible opportunity because so many things, like consulting sessions with stakeholders, can only happen in Tahrir. This is the center of the city, and it’s a privilege to show that to students.”

To honor the International Day of People with Disabilities, the Psychology of Inclusion and Exclusion in Egypt undergraduate class set up an accessibility simulation, bringing together students and faculty from across the AUC community to gain a new perspective on what life is like with a disability — stepping into the shoes of others. 

The event, hosted by the Center for Student Wellbeing and Student Accessibility Services, started with each attendee being assigned a disability. Some were assigned visual impairments and given eye masks. Some participants were designated audio impairments and wore noise cancelling headphones. Others were given various mobility restrictions, such as being paralyzed from the waist down or having limited mobility in their hands. Together, the participants had to work together to make a salad, a task that might seem simple but had many added challenges. Participants worked together to navigate cutting vegetables, reaching across a wide table and communicating through the challenges that come with audio and visual impairments.

The simulation showed participants the ways people with disabilities have to go about their daily lives as well as how they can support each other. Participants had to rethink their typical teamwork processes to play to their strengths and accommodate gaps. Those with mobility impairments could help coordinate visually with those with audio impairments and auditorily to those with visual impairments. The experience showed how important accommodation, support, grace and understanding are to people with disabilities.

“The event was a focused, high-impact simulation designed to foster empathy and build awareness among participants regarding the challenges faced by individuals living with various disabilities,” explained Alexandra Gazis, associate director of Student Accessibility Services at AUC and course instructor. “The primary goal is to provide attendees who do not have a disability with a short, experiential understanding of how simple, everyday tasks can become exclusionary, especially when various barriers are present.”

The purpose of this simulation was to help raise awareness of the ways that disabilities impact daily life and the ways that the AUC community can think through necessary accommodations by being conscious of what it's like to live with disabilities.

“The simulation was a great way to raise awareness of the realities of living day to day as a student with a disability,” shared Grainne Condron, one of the students in the class. “I see this collaboration between staff and students as making strides toward real change.”

Additionally, AUC will be lighting the plaza and Bassily Auditorium in purple on December 3 to celebrate the International Day of People with Disabilities. AUC will be the first institution to light its buildings purple for this occasion in Egypt, marking once again its commitment to accessibility and visibility. 

As researchers and psychologists work to improve the lives of those with autism around the world, the need for country-specific support networks and training has become clear. Heba Kotb ‘84, associate professor of practice in psychology, helped to develop an Egypt-specific autism training program in partnership with the World Health Organization and international universities. 

“It’s critical that we tailor autism care to specific cultural environments, which is exactly what this research developed," Kotb explained. “The importance of this program comes not only from the context-specific research, but also the ability to share it with families who need the support.”

Autism care in Egypt has been heavily concentrated in major urban areas, with limited access to support for those outside of Cairo. This study — which was in partnership with AUC, the University of Maryland, McGill University’s Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population, Autism Speaks and WHO — sought to train families to care for the needs of youth with autism. The study sent out 16 Master Trainers to conduct five-day intensives in rural areas, with the intention of providing caregivers — mainly mothers — with the knowledge to support their children. 

Kotb worked with the international partners to design the training for the Egypt-specific program. “Egypt has a very different societal context around caregiving than, say, the United Kingdom,” Kotb affirmed. “It was essential that we consulted on this context so that Egyptian families could best access the support they needed.” 

Kotb also helped to assess the effectiveness of the program after it was concluded, interviewing eight mothers in Upper Egypt and 10 in Alexandria. She then provided thematic analysis on the data, which was published into a paper last August, concluding that programs like the country-specific master training do have a strong impact.

“The interviews were really eye opening; I couldn't believe the impact of the program. Families don't get many services, especially for children with disabilities. In many cases, they are neglected,” Kotb said. 

Reflecting  on her experience within the study, Kotb said that parents shared with interviewers that their children couldn’t speak and would spend all day at home doing nothing until this program began training them how to better interact with their kids.. “The parents described it as a miracle,” Kotb said. “The children were suddenly speaking and playing, and became toilet-trained. They started to learn that they can actually do anything.”    

Kotb has been specializing in researching children with disabilities for over 30 years. After getting her bachelor’s in psychology from AUC, she worked as an educator in a school for students with disabilities before eventually pursuing her PhD in education from Leeds University in the United Kingdom. Since then, she has been researching how to make schools accessible for all students. “I found working with children with disabilities to be incredibly rewarding. All my research has been in the area of disability studies, and it’s such satisfying work.”

Ultimately, Kotb hopes that this study will serve as a pilot program that will lead to many other training programs like it. Now that the study is concluded, WHO and Egypt’s Ministry of Health will potentially work together to expand the training. Kotb is eager to continue helping. “I think the training program should be spread to all cities. Children with autism are everywhere. Many people don't realize that children with autism can be educated and trained, and can become productive members of society. We need to continue working to provide support.”

The sound of pens scribbling on paper fills the wood-latticed windows of AUC Tahrir Square. Nina Ellis, assistant professor of English and comparative literature, gestures to the ceiling: a gold-trimmed mosaic of red, green and blue. “Notice the light in the room,” she tells her class. “What colors do you see? What textures do you feel? If it's gold, does it shine? Does it reflect the light?” 

_{Students from the Creative Writing class observe and draw inspiration from Oriental Hall in AUC's historic palace.}

AUC Tahrir Square was once a palace overlooking Cairo’s downtown area for almost 150 years. Now it is a historical hub for the arts in Cairo, where a Creative Writing class taught by Ellis conducts a field study on characters and setting. The field trip is structured for students to explore the University’s oldest building through the perspectives of characters developed over the course of the semester.

"What colors do you see? What textures do you feel? If it's gold, does it shine? Does it reflect the light?” 

Students explored the history-laden rooms of Oriental Hall and Ewart Memorial Hall and drew inspiration from the campus. AUC psychology sophomore Mazen Massen watched microbuses and motorcycles zip around downtown Cairo through the eyes of his character, a spirit of stasis who believes things change in patterns. “I felt my character would gravitate to that, looking at the big picture of all the people,” Massen says.

AUC integrated marketing communications senior Layla Khaleb wrote in Oriental Hall, where her character focused on the room’s smallest details, “like the smell of the wooden chairs, the mosaics and the glass all over the walls,” Khaleb says. 

_{The Khairy Pasha Palace was constructed in the 1870s by Khedive Ismail to house his confidant and Minister of Education Ahmed Khiary Pasha.}

Ellis was inspired and struck by the beauty of the Tahrir Square campus during the new faculty orientation. “Dazzled is the word, which I think must be the intention,” Ellis says. “I thought, ‘I'm teaching creative writing, and I want to sit down and write, and usually I find that to be a good indication of something students will enjoy.”

“Dazzled is the word, which I think must be the intention."

AUC Tahrir Square was first erected in the 1870s by Khedive Ismail, then sold to Greek businessman Naestor Gianaclis in 1899 and used as a cigarette factory, then bought in 1919 to serve as the University’s first campus. 

Students and dignitaries alike have graced its halls— 800 people crowded Oriental Hall to hear Helen Keller speak in 1952. Martin Luther King Jr. visited the Tahrir Campus in 1959 to reconvene with his former college friend AUC professor of psychology, Jimmy Beshai.  Edward Said delivered a commencement address in Ewart Memorial Hall in 1999.

_{The American University in Cairo bought the palace in 1919 to house the University's first campus.}

After the University moved to the New Cairo campus in 2008, the Tahrir campus transformed into the center of the University’s public engagement, hosting community events, performances and guest lectures.

“It continues to serve Cairo and to serve the community,” Ellis says of AUC Tahrir Square. “And I think it’s really important that these students return to this campus. I say return because it is part of the history of their identity as AUC students.”

While integrated marketing communication senior Marian Elammawy has visited the Tahrir campus many times during her four years at AUC, she looks forward to these field trips as a shake-up from her normal AUC routine. “I was really happy when I was standing with my friends during assembly hour. I was excited and told them, ‘I have to go to Tahrir today!’”

_{The Creative Writing class walks outside of AUC's historic palace.}

This month’s opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the largest archaeological museum complex worldwide and the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilization, marks the beginning of a new era in Egyptology. 

“It is exciting, as it is an enormous museum that contains a vast number of objects from the dawn of Egyptian history to the start of Christianity in Egypt,” said Salima Ikram (YAB ’86), distinguished University professor of Egyptology and the Amelia Peabody Chair in Egyptology at AUC. 

The museum was first announced by the Ministry of Culture in 1992, and construction began in 2005. For over 20 years, the government, researchers, Egyptologists and the Egyptian community have been working together to turn the GEM dream into a reality. GEM will host collections of Egyptian artifacts from the Predynastic period to Coptic Egypt and notably will have the complete King Tutankhamun collection, which has spent the last century touring internationally.

News@AUC spoke with faculty, students and alumni to learn about this major milestone: what GEM means for Egypt, Egyptology and the world.

Bringing Education to Egypt

GEM will host over 100,000 Egyptian artifacts, including many newly restored pieces that have never been shown publicly before. “It is the first time for many of the artifacts to be on display, and the sheer number of objects in one place allows for studying the evolution of an object type or comparison between types.”

With over 12 main halls, as well as a children’s museum, GEM will provide resources for study in every aspect of Egyptology — from daily life to burial traditions to ancient treasures. Students will greatly benefit from having all these resources in one place, including the conservation center, which is the largest center in the Middle East dedicated to the restoration of antiquities.

Sara Abdelaziz ’11, who previously worked in GEM’s Technical Office and is currently head of communications at the American Research Center in Egypt,  explained how important such hands-on learning is to Egyptology students, sharing her experience as an Egyptology student at AUC: “While students elsewhere learned art history through books, our classes were held at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, studying artifacts firsthand. Instead of only translating ancient languages from notebooks, we worked directly on inscriptions from temple walls.”

This experience was incredibly formative for Abdelziz, and she knows GEM will function as a new educational beacon. “The museum can serve as a hub for international researchers to collaborate with Egypt’s egyptological scientific community through conferences, joint publications, and shared exhibitions, fostering growth in the discipline,” she said.

“The museum can serve as a hub for international researchers to collaborate with Egypt’s egyptological scientific community through conferences, joint publications, and shared exhibitions, fostering growth in the discipline."

Bringing the international community into Egypt is sure to have positive benefits not only on tourism, but also on the strength of research and understanding within the Egyptology field. “GEM will certainly attract more visitors, who will then gain a better understanding of ancient Egyptian art, culture and technology by engaging with the grand variety of objects on display,” said Ikram.

A New Research Hub 

While much of the focus on GEM has been its breathtaking exhibits and incredible artifacts, the museum also hosts state-of-the-art restoration and conservation laboratories equipped to handle all the specific needs of Egyptologists, such as research on mummies, wood, stones, wall paintings and metals. 

Ikram explained the significance of GEM’s new research facilities. “Through the labs, many new discoveries can be made. Analysis can reveal the types of pigments used, how they were mixed and whether they were imported,” she said. “Imports shed light on trade relationships and networks, which also provide insights into the Egyptian economy.”

Abdelaziz described that having on-site research facilities can lead to incredible discoveries that can easily be shared with the public. She gave an example of these capabilities: “Some pendants and jewelry displayed inside the thematic galleries arrived into the museum as tangled beads. With time, they were meticulously reconstructed into magnificent broad collars, reflecting how they were originally worn.”

"The numerous laboratories equipped with modern equipment should deepen our understanding of ancient Egyptian technology and material culture."

By providing both a place to store and interact with the artifacts, as well as an on-site conservation lab with advanced research facilities, GEM will become a hub for scholars interested in Egyptology. “The numerous laboratories equipped with modern equipment should deepen our understanding of ancient Egyptian technology and material culture,” Ikram said. 

Never-Seen-Before Collections

The monumental size of GEM — 500,000 square meters, making it the largest archaeological museum in the world — means that it will be able to showcase artifacts that have not been displayed before or not been displayed together in a space big enough to hold the complete collection. Perhaps one of GEM’s biggest draws is that it will host the entirety of King Tutankhamun’s collection for the first time since Howard Carter opened his tomb in 1922. 

Dina Touta, heritage consultant for GEM’s operator, Legacy Development and Management, explained, “Seeing Tutankhamun’s full collection reunited for the first time will be an extraordinary experience. It offers a rare opportunity to understand the artistry, symbolism and humanity behind his treasures in their original cultural context.”

Ikram elaborated on the importance of the collection: “I am looking forward to seeing the entire Tutankhamun collection in one place. It will help us better visualize and understand the ensemble. This can lead to more profound research not only on this particular assemblage, but also as to what other royal burials might or might not have contained. In addition, comparisons between different types of objects, be it in terms of motifs or technologies used to create them, can be made more easily.”

GEM will host a number of other innovative and never-before-seen artifacts, including an exhibit displaying Khufu’s two solar boats—one long displayed at Giza and the second being shown to the public for the first time. The Collection of Queen Hetepheres and the Collection of Yuya and Thuyu have been undergoing restoration, and will also be unveiled at GEM as part of the new displays. 

“For me, some of the material in the Old Kingdom galleries are of particular interest, such as painted fragments from a mastabas in Dahshur, as they are being displayed together in a well-lit context for the first time,” said Ikram. 

“The diverse styles and techniques employed in the decoration of Old Kingdom tombs emphasize the innovations that exemplify the art of this period, and it is a delight to be able to see so many stunning examples of Old Kingdom art in one place.”

By having a space to display all these artifacts, scholars will be better able to compare and contrast different parts of Egyptian history and study the historical evolution. Students will have the opportunity to learn about these artifacts firsthand, and the Egyptians will be able to interact with their history in new and immersive ways. 

Part of GEM’s remodel includes interactive storytelling elements in the exhibits. Abdelaziz confirmed how these elements can improve the experience for museum-goers. “From digital reconstructions of tombs to handpainted videos of ancient voyages, these comprise exciting experiences for everyday visitors to engage with the understanding of ancient history in a new way,” she said. “I personally love the thematic galleries because every time I go back to the museum, I discover new artifacts that I had not noticed before.”
 

Shifting Egyptology’s Focus Back to Egypt

A number of studies have discussed how Egyptology as a discipline has historically been exported out of Egypt, with foreign scholars often taking artifacts out of the country under the justification that better research facilities are available abroad. GEM will serve as a beacon that dissuades these claims, proving definitively that Egypt has the capacity to study its history and share it with its people. 

Touta highlighted the excitement that the Egyptology community feels around this shift in perception and material capabilities. “The Grand Egyptian Museum will elevate Egyptology’s global reputation by placing the country at the forefront of research, preservation and interpretation of its own heritage,” she said. “With its unparalleled collection, advanced conservation facilities and academic collaborations, GEM will serve as a leading center for scholarship and innovation. It will shift the focus of Egyptology back to Egypt, reinforcing its role as both the heart and authority of the discipline.”

“With its unparalleled collection, advanced conservation facilities and academic collaborations, GEM will serve as a leading center for scholarship and innovation. It will shift the focus of Egyptology back to Egypt, reinforcing its role as both the heart and authority of the discipline.”

This shift is a source of national pride, affirming that this museum is a place to honor all Egyptians — ancient and modern. Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has been integral in the strategic planning of the museum, and the government has declared November 1, 2025 as a national holiday to celebrate the museum’s opening. The museum will open to the public on November 4. 

“The opening ceremony was symbolic, inaugurating a chapter in which Egyptians celebrate their own national pride and care for their ancient history,” Abdelaziz said. “We’ve struggled far too long to prove that foreign museums are not the only ones worthy of keepsaking Egyptian artifacts. While GEM is not Egypt’s only remarkable collection, it stands as a powerful symbol of scientific dedication, research, planning and curation — ranking among the world’s most prestigious museums.”

The opening of the museum also displays the power of the international community, who have come together to support GEM’s launch. The Japan International Cooperation Agency served as a major investor in the project, and the guest list for the inaugural night of the museum included the royal families of Japan, Belgium, Spain, Denmark, Jordan, Bahrain, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Luxembourg, Monaco and Thailand. Presidents from Djibouti, Somalia, Palestine, Portugal, Armenia, Germany, Croatia, Cyprus, Albania, Bulgaria, Colombia, Equatorial Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Eritrea and Malta were also all in attendance. 

How Can You Get Involved? 

After the energy of the opening dies down, the best way for students and community members to celebrate GEM is simple: by visiting the museum! In the coming months, there will be ample opportunities for students to explore GEM and learn about the rich history of its artifacts. 

Ikram also believes that those interested in researching Egyptology will have a place at GEM. “It is hopeful that scholars will be able to continue to research objects and collections, with the added enhancement of the technologically advanced GEM conservation laboratories that allow for imaging and materials analyses,” she said. 

Touta noted that the AUC community can plan classes, research opportunities and outings around the museum. She recommends joint courses in Egyptology, heritage management and museum studies. “By uniting research, education and innovation under one roof, the museum bridges the past and present, allowing Egypt’s ancient civilization to speak to modern audiences in new and meaningful ways,” she said. 

AUC Press has grown to be the largest English-language academic book publisher in the Middle East, and books on Egyptology have consistently topped its best seller list. Explore selections from the AUC Press Egyptology catalog to learn how animals lived under the reign of pharaohs, the story of Queen Nefertiti, the kingdom of Ancient Nubia and more.

Ancient Nubia: African Kingdoms on the Nile

Edited by Marjorie M. Fisher, Peter Lacovara, Salima Ikram and Sue D’Auria

A lushly illustrated gazetteer of the archaeological sites of southern Egypt and northern Sudan and named a 2012 American Publishers (PROSE) Awards winner for Best Archaeology & Anthropology Book.

Gods and Myths of Ancient Egypt

Robert A. Armour 

The revised edition of a classic text, introducing the lively characters of Egyptian mythology in new photographs and drawings that vibrantly depict the ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses.

Death and Burial in Ancient Egypt

Distinguished University Professor of Egyptology Salima Ikram (YAB '86)

This book was named a Book Riot 100 Must-Read Book on Ancient History and explores death in ancient Egypt, supported by Ikram's experience with funeral archaeology and mummification.

Nefertiti, Queen and Pharaoh of Egypt

Aidan Dodson

Egypt's sun queen is magnificently revealed in a new book by renowned Egyptologist, Aidan Dodson, who explores Nefertiti's cultural fame amid ancient efforts to erase her story from history.

Ancient Egyptian Jewelry

Nigel Fletcher-Jones

View the artistry and splendor of ancient Egyptian jewelry in 50 masterpieces, each with its own ancient significance of spirituality, wealth and power.

Divine Creatures: Animal Mummies in Ancient Egypt

Edited by Salima Ikram

The ancient Egyptians not only mummified humans, but also animals, bringing them to the afterlife as offerings, pets and sacred animals. Studies of these animal mummies teach Egyptologists about the lives of animals in ancient Egypt and the cultural practices of the world they inhabited.

Animals of Egypt: Then and Now

Richard Hoath and Salima Ikram

The book is a rich guide to 60 species of animals present in modern and ancient Egypt, featuring tomb art and modern descriptions of the animals. 

AUC has established the Amelia Peabody Endowed Professorship and Research Fund in Egyptology — the first such professorship in the Middle East and Africa and one of few in the world.

Thanks to the generosity of a donor who wishes to remain anonymous and with the support of the Fourmi Legacy Foundation, the professorship and research fund will provide expanded opportunities for teaching, research, fieldwork and excavations. “The purpose of this endowment is to advance fieldwork, research and teaching that deepen our understanding of Egypt’s past and strengthen the foundation for future scholarship,” said AUC President Ahmad Dallal.

The inaugural professorship has been awarded to Distinguished University Professor of Egyptology Salima Ikram (YAB ’86), a world-renowned Egyptologist and field archaeologist. 

“I am honored and delighted to be the first incumbent of the Amelia Peabody chair in Egyptology,” said Ikram. “The generosity of the donor ensures that Egyptology will have a secure place at AUC. The professorship has been instituted in order to sustain and develop Egyptology at AUC, and I very much hope to continue fostering Egyptology at the University as well as exposing AUCians to the richness of ancient Egyptian culture and emphasizing its links to the present.”

Ikram first came to AUC as a year-abroad student in 1985, when she “fell in love with Egypt,” and returned as a faculty member in 1995. She has helped shape AUC’s Egyptology department through her field work, partnerships with international stakeholders and commitment to public engagement. Ikram has published numerous articles and books on Egyptology and led field initiatives such as the North Kharga Darb Ain Amur Survey, the Amenmesses Project, the Animal Mummy Project and currently administers the Theban Mapping Project. Her research interests include animal mummification, funeral archeology rock art, the environment, diet and disease, with studies that have led to groundbreaking discoveries that changed scholastic understandings of daily life in ancient Egypt. 

Affirming the importance of Ikram’s work to the AUC community and the Egyptology field at large, Dallal said, “Dr. Ikram’s work exemplifies the purpose of this new endowment: rigorous scholarship that serves knowledge and society.”

Through this professorship, Ikram will be endowed with the financial backing to continue her groundbreaking work and follow the footsteps of its fictional namesake: Amelia Peabody. 

Peabody is the star of a series of historical mystery novels set in the late 19th century that feature an unconventional and daring Egyptologist, fascinated by Egypt and eager to uncover ancient mysteries. Written by the New York Times best-selling novelist and Egyptologist Barbara Mertz (under the pen name Elizabeth Peters) and published between 1975-2010, the series inspired an entire generation to engage with the wonders of Egyptology. Curious and determined, the name of Amelia Peabody is meant to invoke this same passion for Egyptian history and culture in its awardees. 

“It is a matter of joy that the chair is named after a fictional optometrist, Amelia Peabody,” said Ikram. “The creator of the Amelia Peabody character was a very dear friend of mine, Barbara Mertz, one of the first women to earn a PhD in Egyptology from the University of Chicago. She popularized Egyptology, and we found that Amelia and I had many things in common, from our love of ancient Egypt to mysteries, and the handy belt meant for archaeology.”

As a field, Egyptology is a cornerstone of the AUC community. Books on the subject remain among AUC Press’s all-time best sellers, including several by Ikram, such as Ancient Egypt: An Introduction, Death and Burial in Ancient Egypt, and Divine Creatures: Animal Mummies (as editor). Other Egyptology best sellers include Ancient Nubia: African Kingdoms on the Nile, Gods and Myths of Ancient Egypt, Nefertiti, Queen and Pharaoh of Egypt, and Ancient Egyptian Jewelry.

Emphasizing the importance of Egyptology as a field, Ikram noted, “Teaching Egyptology at AUC is not only to create new Egyptologists, but also to expose Egyptian students to different aspects of their culture and history, to instill a sense of pride in their heritage and to make them more conscious of its value — not only to them and Egypt, but to the world.”

Music Major

The music program within the Department of Arts has remodeled its music technology and musical arts in performance majors into a singular music major. Students within the major now have the option to choose a concentration in either music technology or music performance. Non-music majors still have the option to minor in either music technology or music performance. 

Restructuring the major is designed to consolidate what both programs originally shared and streamline the majors process to define their concentration.

"Aligning the concentrations and putting them under one roof allows for a much streamlined format so students can plan a four-year degree,” said David Rafferty, associate professor of practice and director of the music program. “With the restructuring, all music students can be in the same prerequisite classes together, such as Arabic and Western Music Theory, before breaking out into specific genres and specializations.” 

By giving all students the same baseline, the program can continue to grow and flourish as a united music community. “It's a fresh start that allows us to focus on our strengths — such as Arabic music, jazz, pop and rock — which many of our students are passionate about,” said Rafferty.

Sustainable Energy Minor

The Department of Petroleum and Energy Engineering’s new sustainable energy minor was created for students who are interested in sustainable energy and environment. The program is open to any students in the School of Sciences and Engineering (SSE), except those already majoring in petroleum engineering. For students curious about sustainable development, energy policy and climate innovation, this program offers a mix of core engineering and economics courses that suit those interests. 

“Graduates of the program will be well-prepared for careers in the renewable energy sector, sustainability consulting, environmental policy and energy systems design,” said Abdelaziz Khlaifat, professor and department chair. “The sustainable energy minor is designed to give students a solid foundation in energy systems, renewable technologies and sustainability practices. It offers a pathway for SSE students to be more environmentally conscious and align with industry standards emphasizing sustainability, innovation and systems integration.”

Genomics and Biotechnology Specialization 

Genomics and biotechnology are now being offered as a specialization for biology majors, alongside ecology and conservation biology. 

In the growing genome-based fields within academia and industry, a concentration in genomics can offer key insight into the fundamentals of biological science. Students will have the opportunity to choose from classes like Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology of the Gene, and Cellular and Molecular Immunology, and Tumor Biology, in addition to the biology core requirements. 

“This specialization isn’t just about preparing students for careers in academia or industry,” said Ahmed Moustafa, professor of bioinformatics and genomics data science. “It also aligns directly with Egypt’s national vision and the global shift toward precision medicine. With the Egypt Genome Project underway, there’s a significant investment in genome-centered healthcare that will open new opportunities in research, diagnostics and therapies. Our goal with this program is to ensure that our students are equipped for these opportunities. They will graduate with the knowledge and skills to participate in these advancements and help shape the future of precision medicine in Egypt, across the region and around the world.”