Hesham Sallam, professor of vertebrate paleontology at AUC’s Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology, is the co-author of a recently published study that marks the first documentation of the internal anatomy of amphibious whales that lived more than 40 million years ago. The study not only reveals new findings on the evolution of the brain size and sensory systems of early whales, but it also challenges the long-standing assumption that complex brain development in whales occurred only after their full transition from land to aquatic organisms. 

Conducted by an international team of scientists from Egypt, Germany, Italy and the United States, the study provides insights into one of the most significant periods in the history of mammals — the transition of whales from land to sea. As the authors put it, the study represents “a remarkable leap forward” in our modern-day understanding of the early stages of whale neurological development.

“Egyptian fossils remain a gold mine for understanding major evolutionary transitions, such as the development of whales.” 

Using high-resolution computed imagery to examine the skull anatomy of whale fossils from Egypt’s Sahara Desert, the scientists have shown that the ancestors of modern whales developed larger brains than was previously thought while maintaining their land-based sense of smell, even after becoming semiaquatic.

“Thanks to modern technology, we can now detect features in fossil whales that were previously beyond our reach,” said Sallam.

The research is based on CT scans of two well-preserved fossil skulls unearthed from Egypt’s Sahara Desert, representing two species of early whales: Protocetus atavus, which lived approximately 43 million years ago, and Aegyptocetus tarfa, dating back to around 41 million years ago. Both belong to Protocetidae, a family of four-legged, mostly semiaquatic whales that are now extinct. The skull of Protocetus was originally excavated from Egypt over a century ago and is preserved in the collection of the Stuttgart State Museum of Natural History. “Egyptian fossils remain a gold mine for understanding major evolutionary transitions, such as the development of whales,” said Sallam.

The research team digitally reconstructed the internal anatomy of the skulls, enabling the first detailed view of both the cavity and olfactory (smell-processing) regions in the brains of these ancient whales. “Studying the brain anatomy of these ancient whales offers us a unique window into the historic moment when whales began to cognitively diverge from life on land while still retaining their ancestral sensory ties to it,” said Sallam.

The results showed that Protocetus had a relatively large brain compared to other whales of its time, revealing that brain enlargement in whales occurred prior to what has been historically documented. In addition, both Protocetus and Aegyptocetus had well-developed olfactory structures, indicating that early whales preserved their sense of smell inherited from their ancestors who lived on land. This represents a stark difference from modern-toothed whales (odontocetes), in which the sense of smell is nonexistent, and baleen whales (mysticetes), where it is significantly reduced.

“Studying the brain anatomy of these ancient whales offers us a unique window into the historic moment when whales began to cognitively diverge from life on land while still retaining their ancestral sensory ties to it.”

To interpret these findings, the researchers used a broad comparative framework that included a large dataset of contemporary and extinct mammals — both terrestrial and aquatic — to assess how brain size and olfactory structures in Protocetus fit into larger evolutionary patterns for mammals. Their observations reinforced the notion that cognitive and sensory changes in whales began well before they fully transitioned from land to aquatic organisms.

“These whales exhibited a blend of adaptations that underscored their aquatic abilities but also retained ties to the land,” the authors noted. Their anatomy shows that they were still capable of navigating both environments. For instance, early whales could detect airborne cues while on land, an ability that was probably important for reproductive or social behavior. However, this sense of smell would not have been beneficial underwater, as Protocetus and Aegyptocetus would have held their breath beneath the surface, making their sense of smell inactive.

The study emphasizes the importance of modern imaging techniques in helping scientists analyze fossil collections, leading to transformative discoveries. “Our findings reshape the narrative about whale evolution,” said Abdullah Gohar, co-author of the study, a PhD student at the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences and a member of the Sallam Lab.

AUC Professor Hesham Sallam and Abdullah Gohar, a PhD student at the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, are the two co-authors from Egypt

3D reconstruction of the brain endocast and olfactory tracts and bulbs of the early whale Protocetus atavus, digitally segmented from high-resolution CT scans. Top and middle: endocast within the skull in dorsal and lateral views. Bottom: isolated endocast showing the relative development of the brain and olfactory structures; Photos by Eli Amson, State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart

An international student from Yemen, biology senior Husn Turki described her AUC experience as “surreal,” offering unparalleled opportunities in the region. She was excited to be selected as the June 2025 undergraduate commencement speaker.

“It’s a really big deal, not only for my family but also for the whole community that I’m from,” said Turki about graduating from AUC and being the undergraduate class representative for the upcoming commencement.“AUC is where I lived for the past four years, not just where I got my education. I’m really proud and happy to be graduating; it’s such a milestone.”

Turki attended the University on a full ride as a Tomorrow’s Leaders Scholar. While at AUC, she conducted research under Professor Ahmed Moustafa, chair of the Nancy Hopkins Department of Biology, and studied abroad at James Madison University in Virginia. Turki also volunteered with a refugee resettlement NGO based in Denver, Colorado while abroad, translating for refugees.

“That was the main message of my speech: feeling grateful as a graduate of this institution but also acknowledging our potential. We have so much as AUCians; we should choose to direct ourselves toward doing good.”

Coming from Yemen, Turki recalled seeing people around her, including her family and community, struggle. Yet, they provided her with support to be able to travel by herself and have extraordinary experiences. “I feel the need to share my story and be grateful to my family. At the same time, I really want to talk about how this institution gave me so much,” she said. “I learned a lot, both as a Tomorrow’s Leaders Scholar and an AUCian.”

To Turki, being at AUC has been both a privilege and a responsibility; it is an opportunity that allows students to create a positive impact in their communities. “That was the main message of my speech: feeling grateful as a graduate of this institution but also acknowledging our potential. We have so much as AUCians; we should choose to direct ourselves toward doing good.”

Research Revelations

One of the highlights of Turki’s undergraduate experience was her research, which is the first of its kind in Egypt, focused on the neuro-psychiatric microbiome. “We are studying the connection between the gut and the brain by studying the microbiome profile of people who have schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. We’re comparing to see if there is a link between the material that lives inside of us and the brain,” said Turki. 

While the research is still underway, Turki speculates that the results could potentially be used to develop a diagnostic signature or even personalized treatment to enrich healthy bacteria and deplete harmful ones.

“[AUC] covered every single aspect, even the flights home, which I did not expect at all. I felt like the institution actually cares about me.”

Turki hopes to publish the research, which her thesis supported, and she will continue to serve on the research team even after graduating. “Being part of the AUC biology department gave me the chance to participate in advanced research, learn from the process and, hopefully, get published eventually.”

Turki’s dream is to become a professional researcher, and she hopes to eventually apply for graduate school to complete a degree in bioinformatics. 

Through Thick and Thin

Turki shared some of the highlights of her time at AUC, starting with the scholarship program she is part of. “As a Tomorrow’s Leaders Scholar, I felt so lucky because I got to be among such incredible, inspiring members of the community who come from different parts of the region to live this journey together as a cohort,” said Turki.

The scholarship, offered by the U.S. Department of State, provides a full ride to competitive students from select Arab countries and territories to study at AUC or American universities in Lebanon. “I feel connected to my cohort,” said Turki. She is even in touch with the Yemeni Tomorrow’s Leaders Scholars who completed their studies in Lebanon over the past four years. 

Another component of the scholarship is the ability to study abroad at a university in the United States. At James Madison University, Turki said, “I felt so amazed by the fact that anyone can be part of research as an undergraduate. You don’t have to be a senior or have much experience.”

When asked about her favorite memory at AUC, Turki brought up an emotional and turbulent moment that shook the whole University but left a particularly lasting impact on her.

“When the Tomorrow’s Leaders Scholarship funding was paused by the U.S. government for two months, AUC actually decided to cover us completely,” Turki said. “We didn’t know what was going to happen and AUC stepped in and said, ‘We’re gonna cover you for everything, fully. You don’t have to worry about tuition. You don’t have to worry about anything.’” 

Turki described the moment as surreal and full of bliss. “They covered every single aspect, even the flights home, which I did not expect at all. I felt like the institution actually cares about me.” Despite the challenge of the moment, AUC’s reaction — taken with care and prioritization of its students top of mind — is what Turki deems to be her best moment at AUC.

Following two days of high-level dialogue and expert analysis, the inaugural IMF MENA Economic Annual Research Conference co-organized by the International Monetary Fund and AUC, concluded with a strong call for coordinated, evidence-based policy responses to the region’s old and new pressing economic challenges. 

Held on May 18–19, 2025, the conference served as a critical platform for advancing rigorous research tailored to the realities of the Middle East and North Africa. It brought together global policymakers, academics, government officials and thought leaders to bridge the discussion on global economic issues with regional realities. The event marked a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the IMF and a leading University in the region, reflecting a shared commitment to deepening the link between academic research and policy development. 

 "This is about generating ideas that are globally informed but deeply rooted in the realities of our region."

Jihad Azour, director of the IMF’s Middle East and Central Asia Department, noted that trade tensions and increasing uncertainty affecting the global economy, alongside ongoing regional conflicts and climate risks, are creating new layers of complexities for MENA policymakers. Azour called for building a regional platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas that connects MENA to world-class research centers to provide reliable analysis and develop workable and innovative policy responses to old and new economic issues facing the region. “We are deeply grateful to President Ahmad Dallal and AUC for their commitment to fostering dialogue, research and policy innovation in the region,” Azour said.

AUC President Ahmad Dallal highlighted the event’s role as a vital platform in fostering collaboration between governments, academia and the private sector. "This is about generating ideas that are globally informed but deeply rooted in the realities of our region," Dallal noted.

Dallal affirmed that this type of multi-stakeholder engagement is at the heart of AUC’s mission and reflects the University’s commitment to research, education and open dialogue as drivers of stability, resilience and inclusive growth.

“We are deeply grateful to President Ahmad Dallal and AUC for their commitment to fostering dialogue, research and policy innovation in the region."

Under the theme “Steering Macroeconomic and Structural Policies in a Shifting Global Economic Landscape,” discussions centered on four pivotal issues shaping the future of the MENA region and the global economy:

• Fiscal Policy: With public debt at historic highs, experts stressed the importance of rebuilding fiscal buffers while tackling social inequalities, aging populations, and climate pressures. Proposals included reforms in fiscal frameworks and measures to mobilize revenues, including through multinational taxation and more progressive tax systems.  
• Monetary Policy: Participants reflected on the lessons of recent inflationary shocks, emphasizing the need for more preemptive and well-communicated policy responses to global shocks and sector-specific disruptions, particularly for emerging markets.
• Industrial Policy: Speakers examined the renewed interest in industrial policy as a tool to drive inclusive growth, innovation, and climate resilience. The discussion highlighted the need to balance vertical strategies with horizontal reforms that promote private investment, trade integration, and productivity.
• Green Transition and AI: The intersection of climate action and digital transformation sparked debate about their potential to reshape labor markets. Recommendations included investing in human capital, developing targeted safety nets, and aligning policy tools to support job creation in low-emission sectors.

Throughout the sessions, there was a clear consensus that the MENA region’s economic resilience depends on institutional reforms, cross-border cooperation, and investment in skills and innovation. Participants also underscored the importance of embedding policy in local realities — an approach that both the IMF and AUC pledged to champion moving forward.

In addition to prominent global and regional academics, as well as economists and government officials from across the region, and representatives of international and regional organizations, the conference brought together policymakers, including Egypt's Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat '95; Youssef Boutros-Ghali, member of the Specialized Council for Economic Development; Mahmoud Mohieldin, United Nations special envoy on financing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda; and Martin Galstyan, governor of the Central Bank of Armenia.

As Nigel Clarke, IMF deputy managing director concluded, "This conference is a milestone demonstrating the IMF's commitment to deepening engagement with the research and academic community, as we strive to ensure that the IMF support is not only responsive to the needs of member countries, but also built on rigorous tested analytics and importantly, it's aligned with local realities. Through this kind of multi-stakeholder dialogue, we aim to better understand how all our expertise and resources can be directed towards the most pressing challenges of the region.”

Visit the conference website for more details and to watch Day 1 and Day 2 of the discussions. 

Mahmoud Mohieldin, United Nations special envoy on financing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda; Egypt's Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat '95; and Youssef Boutros-Ghali, member of the Specialized Council for Economic Development