By Elizabeth Lepro, photo by Ahmad El-Nemr | This Q&A appeared in the Spring 2018 edition of AUC Today.

In this interview with Haynes Mahoney, AUC's special adviser for arts and community engagement, the newly appointed adviser discusses the plans for AUC's cultural future. You can read a full version of this interview here, and a recap of the very first Ramadan Nights event here.

What do you think are the positives and drawbacks of AUC New Cairo's location?

Haynes Mahoney: New Cairo is an expanding area, and Cairo itself -- Old Cairo -- is bursting at the seams and is constrained geographically. But what you mostly have in New Cairo are malls and cinema complexes and really not much else. So my job is to figure out how to make AUC attractive as a cultural and artistic hub to the burgeoning population that's moving out here, utilizing all of the resources and, first and foremost, the people who are here at AUC. We've got amazing talent. The challenge is to bring people in from
the community.

How will students be involved?

They're key players. They have the passion and ideas, and we really need to do
them justice by involving them in every phase of the Arts, Community Outreach and Campus Animation program.

How would a non-arts major benefit from AUC becoming a community cultural hub?

When you're a student, you're dealing with a lot of theory. You're seeing the world through the eyes of academics, which is fine. It's what a university does primarily. But with this initiative, whether you're a performer, a manager or a publicist, you're reaching out to an audience that is not just your parents or fellow students, but is outside the community. That really exposes you to marketing, to getting feedback, to dealing with the outside world, the media -- these practical aspects of putting on a program. It's a lot of hands-on experience, and that is key to a liberal arts education.

Will artistic and cultural events at AUC be affordable? For the most part, yes. We should be aiming at things from a very wide spectrum. We shouldn't exclude those who are on limited budgets or any intellectuals, artists and people who are culturally creative. We want to include everyone.
With all that's going on in the world, why is art still important?

It's not just important; it's really at the core. It gives people meaning. That's the problem we're facing now: Everybody is on their cell phones or devices, responding to the concerns of the immediate moment, but not having a longer perspective.

"Art is a universal way of letting people look at the meaning of their lives and how they relate to history as it's going on. People come and go; empires rise and fall; governments disintegrate. But art endures because it has an eternal message to it."

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By Aliah Salih, photos by Mohamed Fahmy | This story appeared in the Spring 2018 edition of AUCToday.

Photo by Mohamed Fahmy.

AUC's more than 38,000 alumni worldwide have always been a pillar of its global character and intellectual identity. To further strengthen this ever-expanding network, the University and a group of dedicated alumni have come together to establish AUC's first Alumni Council.

A 15-member volunteer service body representing alumni worldwide, the Alumni Council will help foster communication between the University and its graduates, increase AUC's global visibility and promote its strategic goals, as well as play a key role in the University's yearlong centennial celebrations beginning in 2019. Mirroring the effectiveness of Ivy League alumni bodies, the Alumni Council will also build connections between well-established alumni, young graduates and students.

AUC's alumni engagement team has selected nine founding members, serving two-year terms, based on their active record of volunteer participation in alumni activities and philanthropic support of the University. Founding members will begin their official term in Fall 2018. The remaining six council members will be elected next year, with their official term beginning in Fall 2019, also serving for two years.

Mohammed Ismail '87, the Alumni Council's first president, shares his goals and aspirations to connect AUC graduates in different parts of the world.

Ismail '87 is general manager and CEO of the Egyptian German Automotive Company and managing director and CEO of the Egyptian Kuwaiti Foundry. At AUC, he studied mechanical engineering and was president of the Student Judicial Board. After graduation, he headed the 1987 Class Chapter and founded the Facebook group "We of AUC Forever" since 2008. Using his vast network of friends, Ismail hosts events throughout the year -- not only for his classmates, but for all AUC graduates. He received the Distinguished Alumni Volunteer Award in 2012 for his longstanding dedication and commitment to AUC. Ismail also served as a member of the AUC Parents Association board.

What is the Alumni Council? How did the idea start?

Mohammed Ismail: The Alumni Council is a small volunteer service body that represents AUC alumni worldwide. Its main objective is strengthening ties between AUC alumni, increasing awareness and participation, as well as preserving and promoting AUC's rich heritage. The idea was initiated by some alumni and AUC's alumni engagement team in order to give AUC graduates the chance to own their programs and increase networking to mutually benefit the University and its alumni.

Why is the council an important step for alumni worldwide?

Alumni are stakeholders of the University. The council will play a crucial role in impacting AUC's future development. The Alumni Council will foster the educational, professional and social interests of our alumni by forming unbreakable ties that will be passed down to all future generations of AUC graduates. Our plan is to bring together and represent alumni's wide-ranging and diverse views and contribute to building an engaged, interactive and supportive community suited to a world-class University like AUC.

What kind of model will this council set for other higher education institutions in the region?

The council will definitely give a strong message to higher education institutions in the region regarding the value and importance of their graduates because alumni involvement is a vote of confidence in any university's mission. Alumni returning to support their alma mater bring with them credibility and justification -- two crucial pillars for the success of universities in all parts of the world.

As president, what are your goals and aspirations for the first year?

I want to bring thousands of alumni volunteers together to work on various committees and engage as many of them as possible in the life of the University. I want to serve fellow alumni across the country and around the world in mutually beneficial ways.
I want to support all alumni initiatives, not just the council's.

Ultimately, our aim is to further promote the goals of AUC -- the University we all cherish.

What priorities will you focus on?

There seems to be a misconception, especially among younger alumni, that life at AUC ends after graduation. So one of our main focuses is to change this perception. We want to establish a two-way communication channel with alumni in order to guarantee a high level of engagement and support. We already held several meetings as a council, where we discussed a number of projects in the pipeline. All our projects will center on increasing alumni engagement and involvement with AUC, particularly among younger graduates.

What are you hoping to accomplish during your two-year term?

We as a council, specifically the founding members, hope to be able to leave a long-lasting mark through the projects we are currently working on. These ongoing projects will continue to serve the AUC community and all its future generations for years to come.

How can alumni connect with you and other members of the council?

There will be a direct channel through which alumni can communicate, connect and reach out. We are currently working with AUC's alumni engagement team on several social media communication channels that will be announced shortly.

What will be the council's role in AUC's centennial celebrations?

We will be working closely with the alumni engagement team and the Alumni Engagement and Fundraising Task Force in organizing the festivities and events taking place to celebrate this joyous and memorable occasion. We're calling on you -- AUC alumni -- to participate and volunteer. We need your ideas and efforts. We need you to preserve and promote the rich heritage and values of our alma mater.

What message do you want to convey to all alumni through the council?

We should all work together to benefit from the power of the AUC alumni network and, in turn, benefit the University. We want to build lifelong relationships that not only bring the alumni community together, but foster meaningful connections with AUC to share and learn from each other. Let's all put our hands together -- for AUC.

 

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In this issue, we look at AUC-ians serving Egypt.

When we think of AUC, we obviously think of education -- a good education. But those who know AUC, and AUCians, well understand that service is just as important as education in the life of the University: service to our local communities and a dedication to broader causes at the national and international levels -- a form of "effective citizenship."

Charles Watson, AUC's founding president, envisioned AUC -- among other things -- to be of service to Egypt, preparing its youth for later positions in life. AUC graduates, he emphasized time and again, do not just earn academic degrees, but are driven by initiative, leadership and integrity of character -- whether on campus or in their communities. "No one may secure the diploma of this University without doing more than merely pass examinations on [a] subject matter," Watson said. "He must give evidence of a total development of life and character that makes him worthy of being called a college graduate. ... It is our aim to develop scholars who will have in their lives the mainspring of initiative which will say, 'I know, I can and I will.'"

AUC's local contributions in Egypt are numerous, from student club activities and faculty research to alumni initiatives and University outreach. While we can't cover everything in one issue, we try to shed light on some striking examples that are really making a difference and #MakingAUCProud.

Public school reform, blended learning, employment opportunities, transportation solutions and cleaner energy -- students, alumni and faculty are making their presence felt in all walks of life. Our faculty are also leading the way with their research: preserving Egypt's legacy through archaeology and historic inscriptions, fighting diseases such as hepatitis C, exploring Red Sea genomics, using nanotechnology for solar energy and working as ministers to bring about positive change.

The University as a whole -- with its libraries, schools, centers, programs and courses -- is working toward a better Egypt, just by doing what it does every day.

One of the stories in this issue that is close to my heart is that of scholarship and fellowship students coming to AUC from different Egyptian governorates. Reading about their determination and future plans for the advancement of Egypt makes me feel happy and proud that such talented youth are part of our beloved country and our diverse campus community.

Serving Egypt is only one way that shows how AUCians are pioneers in their own right, upholding Watson's motto of "I know, I can and I will."
We hope you enjoy the issue.

P.S. Watch out for AUC's yearlong centennial celebrations coming up soon, starting February 2019! Read more about it in "How to Turn 100."

 

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Nagah Allem

 

Associate Professor of Physics
Young Scientist Award, The World Academy of Sciences, 2015
Egypt's State Award in Advanced Technological Sciences, 2013

Using nanotechnology, Nageh Allam, former research scientist at MIT, is creating smart energy to produce renewable fuels and electricity from sunlight on a sustainable basis. Allam and his team are working on solar production of hydrogen as a clean and efficient fuel that can power everything -- from houses and electrical devices to cars and airplanes -- as well as the conversion of carbon dioxide into useful fuels.

"The international community is aware of the crisis arising from the use of fossil fuels and is increasingly focusing on the development of zero-carbon emission technologies using renewable energy sources. If harnessed efficiently, solar energy is capable of meeting global energy needs for the foreseeable future."

 

 

Salima Ikram

 

 

Distinguished University Professor of Egyptology
Visiting Professor, Yale University, 2017-2018
International Honorary Member, American Academy of Arts & Sciences

World-renowned Egyptologist and author Salima Ikram has participated in numerous archaeological excavations, working with international and local missions on ancient Egyptian human and animal mummies. In addition to playing a key role in the discovery of new tombs and sites across the country, Ikram founded the Animal Mummy Project at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo -- the first-of-its-kind at the museum and in Egypt -- and is currently excavating in the Valley of the Kings.

"Egyptology has given me the chance to travel around the world as a field archaeologist, museum researcher and lecturer. Travel broadens the mind and allows us to take the best from each place and integrate it into our lives. But I always come back to the land of the Pharaohs. The more I travel, the more I love Egypt."

 

Sahar Nasr

 

Sahar Nasr '85, '90
Adjunct Faculty of Economics
Egypt's Minister of Investment and International Cooperation

Minister Sahar Nasr has made several strides to enhance Egypt's business environment and investment climate, with the ultimate objective of promoting private sector participation. One of her most notable achievements is the passing of the long-awaited Investment Law, which brings new features to the investment landscape and introduces incentives to make Egypt one of the top investment destinations in the region. Nasr has focused on strengthening the country's ties with its current international partners, as well as exploring new opportunities for cooperation. This includes consolidating Egyptian-Gulf relationships, expanding and deepening ties with African states, and exploring new relationships with Asian partners.

 

"Always work on the ultimate goal of serving others -- the most rewarding goal of life. Always strive to make your home, your workplace, your country a better place."

 

Bernard O'Kane

 

Professor of Arab and Islamic Civilizations
Iran's Farabi International Award, 2018
Board Member, Writing Center,
Bibliotheca Alexandrina, 2014-2016

Bernard O'Kane spearheaded a project to preserve and document unpublished, fragile inscriptions on Islamic monuments in Cairo up until the 1800s. O'Kane and his team of students spent seven years photographing, transcribing and translating the inscriptions. The data was then migrated to a software that generated a fully compatible and searchable database in both the original Arabic epigraphy as well as an English translation. The online database contains 3,271 inscriptions from 509 monuments and more than 13,500 photographs and drawings.

 

"Many of the Islamic monuments in Cairo were deteriorating and threatened to disappear, and there was no documentation of the inscriptions. I felt I needed to do something to help with their preservation. The online database is a useful tool for scholars, historians, art historians and linguists to study this rich and extraordinary legacy."

 

Hassan Azzazy

 

Professor and Chair, Department of Chemistry
First Place, Arab Entrepreneurship and Innovation Award, 2015
Global Innovator Award, Texas Christian University, 2014

Through D-Kimia, Egypt's first University spinoff that utilizes research and technologies developed at AUC, Hassan Azzazy and his team of scientists have created novel and affordable solutions for hepatitis C diagnosis, including a fully automated, robotic machine. Performing six primary lab functions to isolate specific RNA or DNA as markers of viral or bacterial infections from a patient's blood, the machine is controlled by a computer to avoid human intervention in handling the highly infectious material. The machine self-sterilizes at the end of the process.

"We are focusing on the hepatitis C virus because Egypt has the highest infection rate in the world. Diagnosis of the disease is the cornerstone in managing and preventing the spread of the virus. If people know whether they test positive or negative, they will act accordingly so as not to put others at risk."

 

Rania Siam

 

Professor of Biology
Visiting Scientist, Berlin Center for Genomics
in Biodiversity Research, 2014
Visiting Research Scholar, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, 2012

Rania Siam explores environmental genomics and microbial life in Red Sea brine pools, located 2,300 meters beneath the water's surface, with temperatures reaching up to 70 degrees Celcius. Through her work, Siam identifies novel microbes and bacterial communities and their associated genes, in addition to mapping new genes that have diverse biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications.

"A limited number of studies have addressed life in one of the youngest and most exotic oceanic systems -- the Red Sea. This line of research allows the utilization of our regional natural resources for the expansion of science and technology."

 

 

 

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By Ioanna Moriatis | This story appeared in the July 2017 edition of AUC Today.

AUC's Residential Life Cross-Cultural Program (RCCP) breaks exchange and travel down to its very basics: people. With dialogue as their map, AUC dorm residents and their counterparts from Southwestern State College in Kathmandu, Nepal had the chance to explore and discover new things beyond geographical constraints. The RCCP had the Nepali students visit AUC and, in turn, a group of AUC students visited their peers in Nepal, immersing themselves in a new country and getting to know more about the world and themselves in the process.

"When you visit a place, you usually use the word 'traveling,' but what you really mean is that you're visiting as a tourist or touring," said Chadi Ben Ghanam, an AUC student majoring in management of information and communication technology who traveled to Nepal. "When we traveled, we felt that we really engaged in a cultural experience, interacting with people, learning the language and exploring places tourists don't typically explore."

Students in Egypt visiting the Sphinx through the Residential Life Cross-Cultural Program.

Open to AUC students living in the University Residences, the Residential Life Cross-Cultural Program created an opportunity for students to develop a new mindset while traveling. "The notion of cross-culture has become an increasingly important aspect of discussion," said Lamish Hamdy, Living Learning Communities officer at the Office of Residential Life. "Through the Living Learning Communities program, dorm residents are exposed to different cultures and environments, stimulating them both intellectually and socially."

She added that the program allows students who might not have been able to travel to benefit from being outside of their own country. "The program allows dorm residents to enjoy an intellectually fruitful experience abroad at a lower cost, making it affordable to the wider dorm community," Hamdy said. "Our aim is to enhance the development of students living on their own and away from their homes and families."

For the students, meeting new people was an opportunity to form cherished friendships. "The most amazing part of this program was meeting the students from Nepal here in Cairo first," said Iyed Hamadi, a business administration sophomore and an international student from Tunisia. "We were able to befriend them and get to know them very well. It was a beautiful moment landing at the airport in Nepal because we all knew each other. As soon as we arrived, we all greeted each other, hugging."

Students from Nepal and from Egypt met and became friends before going to each other's home cities through the Residential Life Cross-Cultural Program.

Echoing similar sentiments, Hanin Sonbol, construction engineering major, also emphasized the value of tolerance and open-mindedness. "Everyone had a different religious belief, but we all interacted well with one another. The best part of the trip for me was the cultural exchange and being able to develop new friendships."

All dorm residents were invited to participate in the outings and tours organized for Southwestern State students inside and outside of Cairo. The students and supervisors who were selected to participate in the program come from different countries, including Egypt, Tunisia and Palestine. This not only enhanced their cross-cultural perspective, but also motivated them to socialize even more within their own University and dorm community. "We didn't know each other at the beginning but now, we don't end our days before going to the Housing Commons area to see each other, even for five minutes," Sonbol said.

The trip also offered students a chance to consider what they had learned in classes in real-world situations and to see things from a different standpoint. "As a political science student," reflected Lilia Errahaiem, economics major, "I've studied what might constitute an underdeveloped country. Going to Nepal and seeing things myself was so different; it really changed my political perceptions. In many of my classes, I'm now trying to focus my research on Nepal."

Students didn't expect that their participation in the program would also open the door to beneficial networking opportunities. The students visited both the Nepali ambassador in Egypt and the Egyptian ambassador in Nepal, in addition to other Arab ambassadors in Nepal. "The trip offered students a diplomatic experience," noted Hamdy, adding that students were able to approach this experience through a variety of lenses: academic, cultural, professional and diplomatic.

Students from Nepal standing on AUC's campus.

Political Science Professor at Tribhuvan University in Nepal, Dhan Prasad Pandit, was central in pushing to establish a partnership between AUC and university students in Nepal. "The idea of visiting AUC, one of the most reputable universities in Egypt, was very exciting," declared Pandit.

AUC students were also thrilled at the chance to share their campus with students from another university and country. "The Nepali students were so impressed by AUC and loved the campus," recalled Hamdy.

 

 

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More information about the Residential Life Cross-Cultural Program:

o The first RCCP was held during the 2014-2015 academic year with the University of Kelantan in Malaysia.

o In the 2015-2016 academic year, the Office of Residential Life launched its second RCCP with the University of Ibn Tofail in Morocco.

o The third RCCP was held with Southwestern State College in Nepal in 2016-2017.

o AUC's Office of Residential Life signed its fourth RCCP agreement with the Office of Residential Life at the University of Pretoria in South Africa for the 2017- 2018 academic year. Currently, 14 AUC dorm residents are in South Africa, beginning phase one of the fourth RCCP.

 

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By Ioanna Moriatis | This story appeared in the July 2017 edition of AUC Today.

"The future is blended," as Global Focus magazine put it in its article on the growing role of technology in education.

Blended learning, a mix of online and face-to-face instruction in the classroom, has become the new buzzword in education because of its student-centered approach. A meta-analysis report published in 2010 by the U.S. Department of Education found that "classes with online learning (whether taught completely online or blended), on average, produce stronger student learning outcomes than do classes with solely face-to-face instruction" and that blended learning "had a larger advantage relative to purely face-to-face instruction than did purely online instruction." Recent studies have also shown that with blended learning, students tend to be more engaged, with 59 percent of teachers reporting that students were more motivated to learn in a blended learning environment (Blackboard K-12).

Taking up recent global trends in education, AUC has committed itself to enhancing the digital experience of its students. President Francis J. Ricciardone has made technology a central focus as the University re-evaluates its strategy moving forward.

Among the blended and online learning initiatives that have recently been launched are two projects in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education (AGFE), enabling AUC to become a regional hub in digital learning and education through its international partnerships and pioneering initiatives.

"As one of the top universities in the region and the best University in Egypt -- a country with the highest youth population in the Arab world -- AUC can be one of the most important players in promoting blended learning in Egypt," affirmed Samar Farah, research manager and acting online learning manager at AGFE.

What is Blended Learning?

Blended learning is an educational approach that aims to combine digital tools and online education with traditional face-to-face instruction in the classroom. "Unlike web-enhanced learning for which students meet face-to-face 100 percent of the time, AUC defines blended learning as replacing a percentage of class time -- around 30 to 50 percent -- with online instruction," explained Aziza Ellozy '64, '67, professor of practice and founding director of AUC's Center for Learning and Teaching.

The use of technology in the classroom is spreading rapidly across universities and higher education institutes. A 2014 study conducted by the EDUCAUSE Center for Analysis and Research concluded that "more students than ever have experienced a digital learning environment. The majority say they learn best with a blend of online and face-to-face work."

Ahmed Tolba '97, '01, associate provost for strategic enrollment management and chair of AUC's Digital Education Executive Committee, stressed that blended learning is not meant to compartmentalize the academic experience into distinct digital or in-class elements. "Blended learning means that the component of online and digital education is increased to support face-to-face interactions, not to divide the two and decrease a professor's workload," said Tolba. Blended learning, he added, can actually be more challenging for instructors to implement because it requires focused preparation.

Though challenging to implement, blended learning can augment the academic experience significantly, allowing for more focused attention on the needs of individual students. The introduction of innovative technological tools and teaching methods in the classroom can also help instructors better measure and monitor student progress, making sure students are acquiring the knowledge and skills they need and identifying any learning gaps they have. "If done effectively, blended learning methods can create space for more flexible, self-paced, personalized learning and assessment tools. This is especially valuable in large university classrooms, in which faculty members have little one-on-one time with students," noted Farah.

AUC the opportunity to "widen the pool of students who can access its programs by offering new and more affordable pathways to higher education for those who would not otherwise be able to attend the University."

AUC has enhanced its focus on blended learning, bringing technology into the classroom to enhance education.

The initiative can extend its reach to students who are off campus, don't have time to commute or are part-time students. "Online and digital learning can open possibilities to reach students we weren't able to reach before," said Ellozy.

Financial barriers currently prevent many young students in the Arab world from obtaining an education from a top university in the region or elsewhere. Building programs for blended learning represents an opportunity to begin weakening these barriers, allowing for more equalized access to education. "On an institutional level, blended learning provides possibilities for universities to admit a larger and more diversified number of students, including students who cannot come to campus on a daily basis such as young mothers and refugees," explained Farah. "This is especially relevant in the Egyptian context, where using blended learning could help address challenges in a sustainable and effective way."

AUC as a Digital Learning Hub

AUC is not new to blended and online learning techniques. In the past several years, the University has made great strides toward incorporating blended learning approaches into course curricula and integrating them into the academic experience for students.

Most courses at AUC incorporate the use of some online management system such as Blackboard. Fifteen blended learning courses have already been designed, and 24 are in progress. Additionally, the University has been able to deliver four purely online courses taught by AUC faculty members, referred to as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), available to the public in partnership with Edraak, an initiative of the Queen Rania Foundation.

With these projects and several other initiatives in progress, Tolba noted that

"We are already among the top universities in the region when it comes to blended and online learning." The Digital Education Executive Committee now hopes to continue advancing AUC's position in the region. "What we need now are partnerships," he affirmed. "Maintaining ourselves as a part of the global network allows us to stay up-to-date. We want to identify ourselves as a strong and established leader in this trend of digital learning."

AUC is often perceived as a portal or gateway, acting as a point of connection for various regions. It is because of this unique position that AUC's involvement in trending, innovative educational strategies can signal a call to action for other universities and stakeholders in the region. "As a leader in higher education in Egypt and one of the first to invest in blended learning, the University should work with accreditation bodies to accredit quality online learning courses and can raise awareness among top private sector companies of the value of this new teaching and learning model," said Farah.

To read about AUC's conference with MIT on blended learning, click here.

 

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By Ioanna Moriatis | This story appeared in the July 2017 edition of AUC Today.

Most of us have wondered time and again how an object was made or built, but how often do we take a step to truly understand? Two students at AUC are turning theory and curiosity into reality, loosening the bounds of creativity and imagination with the establishment of AUC's FabLab.

A FabLab is an engineering workshop or laboratory space equipped with tools and machines for digital fabrication, and AUC is the first University in the Arab region to house its own FabLab, thanks to Mohamed Ragab and Abdel Rahman Shalaby, mechanical engineering students and founders of the University's FabLab.

FabLab founders Shalaby and Ragab, photo courtesy of Wadie Azmy.

The project is part of the Mechanical Engineering Association, and the lab itself is entirely student-run, overseen by a technical team of engineering students. The team is responsible for monitoring usage of the lab, handling maintenance of the machines and training newcomers on how to properly operate all tools and machines. Each visitor to the FabLab must complete certain sets of hours in order to be able to use the machines without team supervision.

This addition to the campus can be a useful supplement to the classroom experience for AUC students. "The FabLab expands and provides many opportunities," explained Ragab. "You never know what someone can come in and create. This will increase creativity and extend the boundaries of thinking when it comes to designing and discovering new processes."

All FabLabs around the world share designs and documentation for their projects, allowing other labs to download materials and research on how to conduct their own projects. As a part of the accredited FabLab community, every lab is required to complete one major project every six months.

What remains for the AUC FabLab is to attain accreditation by MIT, home to the first FabLab. In order to achieve this, the FabLab team at AUC will need to obtain two more of the necessary machines. Accreditation will allow AUC entrance into the FabLab community, an invitation to the annual conference held in a different city around the world and access to a course titled How to Make Almost Anything. "We believe this course could be very useful at AUC," explained Ragab. "The course traces the entire thought process behind creating something and rapid prototyping, detailing the cycle of designing, implementing and redesigning to make corrections."

The FabLab is a not-for-profit entity. While the team does need to charge for use of the space, all money is poured back into the lab and used to buy materials and support projects. The lab has already begun operating, opening its doors to several students making use of the machines for their courses and theses.

3D printing at the University's new FabLab.

For two years, Ragab and Shalaby dedicated themselves to gathering funds for the opening of the lab and discussing logistics with different members of the community. The biggest challenges for the two students were securing funding and finding a space. "I remember we were originally given a three-minute meeting with a group of AUC faculty members to make our proposal," shared Ragab. "We ended up staying for more than an hour, answering questions and discussing plans. They showed a lot of support for our ideas. This support from the University and faculty members was essential in making the FabLab a reality."

To visit the FabLab's Facebook page, click here. For more news and updates on the FabLab, click here.

 

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By Katherine Pollock | This story appeared in the July 2017 edition of AUC Today.

"The highlight of my time in Washington, D.C. would be the Women's March," said Zainab Al Haddad, integrated marketing communication major who spent a semester abroad in the United States as part of the Tomorrow's Leaders Scholarship Program. "As a Muslim Arab, I went there with a cause: to use my voice for Arab women and to stand up for women's rights and equality."

For many AUC students like Al Haddad, studying abroad is a transformative component of their University experience, gaining knowledge both in the classroom and by living in a foreign country.

Al Haddad, along with political science students Fatema Nooruddin and Abrar Abdulla, were given the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. to study at the American University (AU) as part of the Tomorrow's Leaders Scholarship Program, a four-year scholarship program sponsored by the Office of Assistance Coordination, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. Students from the Middle East and North Africa are selected for this program based on their academic excellence, leadership potential and proven track record in community service and volunteer work. One benefit of this leadership program is studying for a semester abroad in the United States for eligible Tomorrow's Leaders students.

After going through a competitive application process, all three students -- originally from Bahrain -- decided to enroll at the American University in Washington, where they took classes in its political science program. "I was selected by the Tomorrow's Leaders Scholarship Program because they saw potential in me, which encouraged me to continue building my leadership skills," said Abdulla. "Therefore, it is essential for me to be constantly active and facilitate the way for positive change, development and a better understanding for a better world.

Whenever I get the opportunity to help those in need and fight injustice, I will make sure to stand by those who are oppressed and be the voice for the voiceless. I believe that each one of us can bring about positive change, even if small, but we need to act."

A Voice for Women

The study abroad students at the Women's March on Washington.

All three students emphasized the formative experience of being in the U.S. capital during such a significant time in the country's history. "Washington, D.C is the heart of politics, and being there during such a critical time in the United States gave us a chance that does not come by every day," said Al Haddad. "We made it a goal to experience as much as we can from this democratic change and to be a part of it by using our voices for Arabs and women. It is important to engage and integrate ourselves into this community to meet people. We were seen as advocates for Arabs, and it was essential to present Bahrain, Egypt and AUC in a positive and powerful light."

Taking part in the Women's March, the three students were touched by the heartfelt welcome. "In the march, we were welcomed warmly by the people there; the support for Arabs and Muslims was overwhelming," said Al Haddad. "All the fears I had as a Muslim coming to the United States during this time were put to an end because I saw the beauty in the people there. The Women's March was full of powerful messages and positive energy. The masses of people marching for women's rights and democracy was a breath of fresh air. There was no hate or fear; citizens were standing to defend their rights and embracing the differences between them. The march was truly an astonishing moment that portrayed democracy at its finest."

Echoing these sentiments, Nooruddin said, "Our goal at the Women's March was to show the world who we are. We are diverse. We are strong. We are determined. The Arabic word "hurra" translates to 'I'm a free woman,' which also means that I can make my own choices on my own."

Firsthand Politics

In addition to the Women's March, the three AUC juniors were able to attend important events, such as the U.S. Presidential Inauguration, immigration ban protests, as well as high-level educational seminars with U.S. ambassadors, navy generals and other top government officials. "We also got to attend an AU Interfaith Chapel Service in memory of Martin Luther King, Jr., which built bridges and fostered peace among various religious communities," said Abdulla.

The most exciting part of the experience for the three students was witnessing politics firsthand. "We were able to closely observe and experience the various political processes and dynamics, which was beneficial for me as a political science student," explained Abdulla. "This broadened my horizons and allowed me to have a new outlook on political systems beyond the Middle East."

The students by the Stone of Hope at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on MLK Day.

As Nooruddin put it, they saw history in the making. "We were so lucky to be in Washington, D.C. during this specific time period because we were definitely witnessing history and getting to participate and experience all of those changes," she said. "The reaction to those changes is a priceless, unforgettable experience."

Nooruddin also highlighted the educational opportunities they have gained during their time at AU. "Taking courses like Modern Jewish Civilization, for example, which was taught by a passionate Jewish professor who is specialized in this field of study an was amazing experience," she said.

Shattering Stereotypes

While they have faced many challenges during their time in Washington, such as misconceptions and stereotypes, Nooruddin also emphasized that "we have mostly received love from people, and I think we are so lucky because of how diverse and accepting people are in D.C."

Echoing this sentiment, Al Haddad added that one of the biggest challenges she faced was "dealing with the misconceptions and fears that surround Arabs." She explained, "I would be questioned by my American peers about tradition, faith and political issues. I spoke and debated with them, answering their questions in order for them to have a better understanding of Arabs and realize just how diverse we are. I would always say, 'The Middle East is made up of different countries, cultures and societies. You should visit us one day.'"

International Exposure

Another highlight of the students' study-abroad experience was meeting and bonding with people from around the world. "Some of the close friends we made are from countries like Guatemala, Argentina, Korea, Cambodia, Nepal and, of course, people from all around the United States," Abdulla noted.

Reflecting on her experience, Abdulla added, "Through my discussions with people from different cultures and religious and political affiliations, I became more aware of many issues, such as gender and interfaith issues, refugees and immigrants, and more. Now, I can transfer my personal experiences and share the knowledge I gained back at AUC and in my home country. Being abroad also expanded my networks, which will help me academically and professionally after graduation. I am privileged to have countless exceptional experiences and to be able to pursue my studies in Egypt and the United States. Spending a semester abroad broadens one's knowledge and develops one's personality. I would encourage those who are capable of traveling abroad to give it a shot; it is really worth it."

For more information about studying abroad at AUC, click here.

 

This story appeared in the July 2017 edition of AUC Today.

AUC offers students 60 organizations to get involved with, from service to athletics to music and dance. Here's what some students had to say about their experiences outside the classroom. To read more about AUC's new cocurricular transcript, click here.

"The Cairo International Model Arab League (CIMAL) taught me that communication and inclusivity are key to a successful organization that positively contributes to the entire community."

Aly Amer, political science and integrated marketing communication, CIMAL head delegate

"By putting me on a platform for change, the Cairo International Model United Nations (CIMUN) provided me with a safe environment to debate and fight for issues that I believe in, while simultaneously exposing me to new issues that I was unaware of."

Omar Zaky, political science, CIMUN secretary-general

"Being at Volunteers in Action (VIA), in whatever position, is a great experience. During the four years I spent with VIA, I learned a lot of things. Most importantly, I learned that a very small act can change someone's life. In fact, VIA has been my energy booster for these years; the happiness that we see in the eyes of the people whom we help, especially orphans, gives us the motivation to keep our spirit and passion for the club's activities. I will be forever grateful for being part of this big family one day, and as we always say, "Once a VIAn, Always a VIAn."

Mariam Gad, marketing, VIA president

"Working in the Robotix Club showed me what it means to hold a responsibility, to dream, to plan and to execute what you see as beneficial. I saw how organizations can grow and prosper. I valued the human capital and power of connections. The club showed me how people work very hard when they have a dream that they believe in. The experience has changed a lot in my personality. Thanks to AUC for having such diverse clubs that suit everyone."

Mohamed AbdelShafi, electronics and communications engineering, Robotix Club's vice president for operations

What have you learned outside of the classroom at AUC? To share your experience with AUC's student clubs and organizations, send us an email at news@aucegypt.edu. We love to hear from you!

By Heather Hunt| This story appeared in the July 2017 edition of AUC Today.

Heather Hunt (SAB '08, '09; ALU '11) is currently pursuing her master's in Middle East studies at AUC, where she previously studied Arabic and spent two semesters abroad. She is also a researcher for AUC's Neighborhood Initiative. Hunt graduated with honors from Southern Methodist University, where she also received a Master of Liberal Studies. Dedicated to fostering mutual exchange and cross-cultural understanding, Hunt has spent the last decade studying the Middle East and North Africa at institutions in the United States and Egypt. A Fulbright Fellow and Gilman Scholar, Hunt is a member of the Middle East Studies Association, World Affairs Council and American Research Center in Egypt.

I have been curious about the world since I was a young child. Raised as the daughter of an East German immigrant in a small town in Texas, I can honestly say that I have no idea where my passion for Egypt and the Middle East came from. All I know is that some of my earliest memories are of Cleopatra, the pyramids and hieroglyphics. My childhood fascination with ancient Egypt grew into a desire to pursue a degree in history with the dream to someday visit Egypt. By the time I went to college at Southern Methodist University, I was determined to realize those dreams, and I began the first of two undergraduate semesters studying abroad in Egypt.

In many ways, living in Cairo has been my own kind of "borderless" classroom. When I first came to the city in 2008, I had no technological devices like a smartphone to help me navigate the complex megacity or distract me from the physical world. I fell in love with Egypt and returned in 2009, and then again in 2016 to pursue my master's degree at AUC. Life in Cairo is easier now than it was nearly a decade ago. WhatsApp, in particular, has made it easier to connect with people across the globe. However, I would never trade the experience I had exploring Cairo on my own terms, without the aid of my phone. It forced me outside of my comfort zone and required me to rely on my own capabilities. I took the time to look up and around at the physical world. People today tend to rely on technology or lose themselves in virtual "entertainment" online instead of navigating life and appreciating the beauty of their surroundings.

My early adventures in Cairo left me feeling empowered, unafraid to conquer anything I set my mind to. I also left with an appreciation for the beauty of life and nature, something that is only understood by taking the time to get outside and look around. Life is created by the small choices we make. If I hadn't chosen to study abroad at AUC, I wouldn't be the strong, independent woman I am today. Getting outside of your comfort zone is one of the most important factors contributing to personal growth.

Recently, I have been researching the relationship between technology, learning and the human experience. We live in an age of rapid change and globalization. Many of us today have access to information at our fingertips, giving us the ability to learn whatever our hearts desire. But with knowledge comes responsibility. While technology can augment our learning experience, it is important to continue engaging directly with the environment around us, especially in a place like Cairo. By being "plugged in," it is possible to unknowingly create virtual walls.

When discussing the possibility of a classroom made borderless by technology, it is also crucial to continue emphasizing the importance of having meaningful experiences in the real world. If you do not regularly interact with others in person, you not only forget how to do this, but start to believe that you don't really need to, thus building up walls around yourself. For centuries, the world has been a borderless classroom -- a free space to roam and explore.

Borders, boundaries and divides create manufactured walls of fear. The only way to tear them down is through education, preferably in a borderless classroom that utilizes the beautiful world surrounding us. I encourage everyone to constantly reflect on the way they are using technology. Einstein came up with his theory of relativity by spending time in the natural environment, not by being plugged in scrolling through Facebook. The world is our greatest classroom -- borderless, without boundaries and divides. There is so much to learn if you just get out and travel.