One of the Commission’s eminent alumni has been designated Dean of Alexandria University’s Faculty of Science.  He is Dr. Mohamed Ismail Ibrahim (University of Florida AY2005-2006).  A professor of environmental sciences, while at the University of Florida Dr. Mohamed conducted research on “cretaceous palynolgy, organic thermal maturation and source rock potential studies on some wells of the western desert.”  Our warmest congratulations to Dr. Mohamed on the occasion of his promotion.

Ms. Doaa Mansour Mohammad, an AY2010-2011 Egyptian Fulbright Student, has prepared the famous Egyptian dish koshery for her fellow students at the University of California - Davis.  Ms. Doaa, who will soon begin an M.A. program in Islamic studies at the University of Chicago, is pursuing pre-academic training at UC - Davis.  Doaa “spent … the night cooking and crying with onions,” she reports.  “I went to school without doing my homework but my teachers forgave me because they loved the koshery....”  Her teachers and fellow students have begun “googling” koshery, where they have been led to many “famous restaurants in Egypt.”  Clearly, Ms. Doaa has brought the Commission’s motto – mutual understanding through mutual educational exchange – from the classroom to the dinner table.  Congratulations, Doaa.

Since reaching Egypt in August 2009, a U.S. Fulbright Student has pursued her interest in Egyptian football.  … both on and off the field.  She is Ms. Christine Potts, a graduate of the University of California - Berkeley (B.A. 1999) and Ohio University (M.A. 2009).  In Cairo to conduct research on the development women’s football while affiliated with Al Ahram Foundation, Christine has played with the El Dakheleya Women’s Varsity Professional Side, which finished third in its league.  More recently, she celebrated the victory of El Dakheleya Women’s Professional Under-21s, a match that made them champions of Egypt.  Christine studied Arabic in Morocco before assuming her Fulbright grant; she will pursue her Arabic and her research – as well as her football – in Cairo until September 2010.

On April 11 American Fulbrighters gathered at the Villa for a presentation on “Trends in Egypt’s Public Attitudes” by Dr. Gamal Abdel Gawad, Director, Al Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies.  Dr. Gamal shared the results of several public opinion polls conducted in 2009 and 2010 by the Al Ahram Center.  His remarks were very well received.  “I am very impressed by the materials presented by Dr. Soltan,” said one Fulbrighter.  “Great information … no question went unanswered,” said another.  The seminar was arranged by the Commission’s Cultural and Educational Program, which sponsors site visits, seminars, and other activities to help its American grantees understand Egypt and its culture.  The Commission is grateful to Dr. Gamal.

On March 20-21 American Fulbrighters and their families visited Ismailia, the Suez Canal, and Suez Canal University.  The trip was sponsored by the Commission’s Cultural and Educational Program, and was assisted by Dr. Abdel Fatah Moftah, Head of the University’s Department of English.  Highlights of the trip included a boat tour of the Canal, a visit to Suez Canal University’s Ismailia branch, and dinner and dialogue with local students and faculty.  “… excellent chance to meet Egyptian university students and have a constructive dialogue with them,” said one Fulbrighter.  “The opportunity to discuss such important topics with our Egyptian counterparts was very rewarding and enlightening,” said another.  “The discussion was one of the most interesting opportunities I’ve had since coming to Egypt” said a third. 

Two members of the Commission’s staff have earned Meritorious Service Increases.  They are Mr. Ibrahim Hafez of the Administrative Team and Ms. Noha El Gindi of the U.S. Team.  Meritorious Services Increases are awarded annually to staff members whose performance substantially exceeds normal requirements, and who enhance their teams’ contributions to the work of the Commission.  Ibrahim and Noha were chosen by their colleagues.  Ibrahim was noted because his “… performance exceeds normal requirements.”  One colleague called him a “Jack of all trades but mastering all of them.  Just name it … he knows what he should do in the right time and situation.”  Noha’s colleagues spoke of her “calm and confident manner” and of the “give great advice and experience [that she shares] whenever asked.”  “WOW!” exclaimed another coworker:  “People like her are so hard to find these days.”  Congratulations to Ibrahim and Noha.  High praise from colleagues is high praise indeed.

On June 20 the Commission joined with the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education to establish the Egyptian Fulbright Missions program (EFMP).  The project unites Commission expertise with Ministry funding to send fifteen Egyptian students to selected science and technology Ph.D. programs in the United States.  Eligible fields include desalination and water resources, food and agriculture, information and communication technology, life sciences, new and renewable energy, and space technology and applications.  The signing ceremony was convened in the Ministry’s chambers, and supervised by the Commission’s co-chairs, His Excellency Minister Hany Helal and Her Excellency Ambassador Margaret Scobey.  Application to the first iteration of EFMP will be entertained at https://apply.embark.com/student/fulbright/international until August 8, 2010.

An alumnus of the Commission’s Egyptian Scholar Program has been awarded the State Prize of Egypt.  He is Ibrahim Abdul Hamid Al Bahrawy of the Department of Hebrew Literature at Ain Shams University.  Dr. Ibrahim earned an M.A. degree in Jewish religious thought from Ain Shams in 1969 and a Ph.D. degree in Hebrew literature in 1972.  In AY1995-1996 he was an Egyptian Fulbright Scholar at the University of California - Berkeley.  Our warm congratulations to a distinguished alumnus.

On May 29-31 U.S. Fulbright families enjoyed a trip to Saint Catherine’s Monastery and Mount Sinai.  Highlights of the trip included a tour of the Monastery and a hike to the summit of Mount Sinai.  The hike was followed by a Bedouin dinner in the hills surrounding Mount Saint Catherine.  The trip, the final event in the Commission’s AY2009-2010 Culture and Education program, was facilitated by Dr. Mohamed Kotb, a geologist who manages the Saint Catherine Protectorate.  “Thank you for this once in a lifetime opportunity to visit these sites with the assistance of guided group tour!” said one Fulbrighter.  “It was a great experience for our family.”  “Thank you for another wonderful trip!” said a second.  “The whole program this year has been outstanding and this was one of the best….”  A third grantee noted:  “I loved the climb and what it did for us as a group in solidifying our bonds of friendship forged in shared agony!”

The Commission is pleased to note that an alumnus of the Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program (FLTA), Mr. Mohamed Abdalla Abdel Latif Ghoneim, has completed an M.A. degree at Emporia State University.  Formerly an English teacher at Port Said Language School in Cairo, Mr. Mohamed was an AY2008-2009 FLTA grantee at Emporia State.  Congratulations to him on the receipt of his degree.

On April 22-24 U.S. Fulbrighters enjoyed a retreat to Ain Sukna.  While in retreat grantees heard the Commission’s U.S. scholars share the results of their lecturing and research experiences.  “It was great to hear [about] the research that they’ve been doing,” said one Fulbrighter, “and very helpful for those of us … who are facing similar trials and tribulations of research.”  “I enjoyed hearing about other peoples’ projects,” said another.  “The relaxed atmosphere and the opportunities we had to share meals, stories and experiences further solidified our friendship as a group.”  A highlight of the weekend was a visit to Saint Anthony’s Monastery conducted by the Commission’s good friend, Father Maximous Elantony.

Dr. Susan J. Marsnik, an associate professor of ethics and business law at the University of St. Thomas’ Opus College of Business, has visited Beni Suef University under the auspices of the Commission’s Fulbright Specialist Program.  Invited by Dr. Mohamed Hossam Loutfi, Vice-Dean for Postgraduate and Research Affairs, and Dr. Eman Kandeel, Advisor to the Beni Suef President, Dr. Marsnik gave lectures and consulted with faculty members on civil law and the American legal system.  The Specialist program provides short-term opportunities for Egyptian institutions and American scholars to increase collaboration between the United States and Egypt.  The Commission is grateful for Dr. Marsnik’s contribution to the program.

A Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) is teaching Arabic at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point.  She is Ms. Azza Abdel Rahman Salman, an English teacher who earned a B.A. degree in English language and education from South Valley University in 2008.  More than two dozen Egyptians are currently participating in the FLTA program, which strengthens Arabic language instruction in American institutions while providing Egyptian teachers of English with opportunities to refine their skills, increase their English language proficiency, and expand their knowledge of American society.  The Commission congratulates her on the award of an FLTA grant.

A Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) is teaching Arabic at the Mercyhurst College in Indiana.  She is Ms. Asmaa Mohamed Farrag, a Teaching Assistant in the Faculty of Arts, Sohag University.  Ms. Farrag earned a B.A. degree in English language and literature from Sohag in 2006.  More than two dozen Egyptians are currently participating in the FLTA program, which strengthens Arabic language instruction in American institutions while providing Egyptian teachers of English with opportunities to refine their skills, increase their English language proficiency, and expand their knowledge of American society.  The Commission congratulates her on the award of an FLTA grant.

A Ph.D. candidate from the University of Texas - Austin has begun research in Cairo.  She is Ms. Tessa Farmer.  Ms. Farmer is conducting dissertation research titled “Cairo Ecologies:  Water in Social and Material Cycles.”  She is affiliated with Fulbright alumnus Dr. Hani Moubasher (University of California - Davis 2001-2002), Director of Cairo University’s Center for Environmental Hazard Mitigation.  Ms. Farmer holds a B.A. degree in anthropology from the University of Rochester (2001) and an M.A. degree, also in anthropology, from Texas.  She is visiting Egypt under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Education’s Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad program.  Ms. Farmer is accompanied by her husband, Mr. Mohamed Ibrahim Mousa Hemeda.  … a warm welcome to them!

A Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) is teaching Arabic at the University of Nebraska.  She is Ms. Amany Ahmed Khedr, an English teacher at Sakkara Language School in Giza.  Ms. Khedr earned a B.A. degree in English Language and Translation from Helwan University in 2004.  More than two dozen Egyptians are currently participating in the FLTA program, which strengthens Arabic language instruction in American institutions while providing Egyptian teachers of English with opportunities to refine their skills, increase their English language proficiency, and expand their knowledge of American society.  The Commission congratulates her on the award of an FLTA grant.

Ms. Carolyn Barnett, a graduate of Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, is pursuing intensive Arabic language studies at the Center for Arabic Study Abroad (CASA).  Ms. Barnett studied at the American University in Cairo in 2007 and pursued undergraduate research in Morocco in 2008.  She took her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown in 2009.  Her studies at CASA are supported by the Commission’s U.S. Fulbright Student Program.  The Commission extends its best wishes to Scott!

Mr. Ian Bassingthwaighte, a graduate of the University of Montana, is conducting research while affiliated with Helwan University’s Faculty of Arts.  Mr. Bassingthwaighte graduated from Montana’s Davidson Honors College in 2008.  A grantee in the Commission’s U.S. Fulbright Student Program, Mr. Bassingthwaighte is pursuing an interest in Egypt’s community of Palestinian exiles.  The Commission extends its warm regards to Ian!

A Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence is teaching at Doane College in rural Nebraska.  Dr. Magda El Mahlawy, a lecturer in Arabic at the American University in Cairo, has been providing instruction in Arabic and insight about Arabic and Islamic culture at Doane since August 2009.  “Cultural connections with the Arab world:  that’s what Magda El Mahlawy hopes to help … students make,” says Jodi Fuson of Doane.  The Commission’s Scholar-in-Residence program sends scholars and professionals from Egypt to universities in the United States to internationalize campuses and curricula.  Scholars-in-Residence typically teach and consult in area studies programs, in interdisciplinary programs that focus on global issues, or in courses where participation of an Egyptian scholar can provide a cross-cultural or international perspective.  The Commission joins Doane College in thanking Dr. Magda for her participation in the program.

The Commission’s American Studies Circle has conducted a seminar on “Religious Tolerance:  thinking outside the box.”  Convened at the Villa, the event featured a short movie, “The Box,” presented by Inas Abou Youssef (Ocean County College 2006-2007), Head of Cairo University’s Women and Media Research Center and current leader of the Circle.  A panel discussion followed, featuring Emad Gad of the Al-Ahram Center for Poltical and Strategic Studies, Fadel Soliman, Director, Bridges Foundation, and Fulbrighter Scott Hibbard (American University in Cairo 2009-2010), an assistant professor from DePaul University.  During the seminar Fulbright alumni and others shared reflections on social and political dimensions of religious tension, and expressed the need to find solutions “outside the ‘box’.”  The American Studies Circle is the Commission’s oldest circle of Fulbright alumni.  Through activities like this, the Commission shares the expertise of its alumni and grantees with other members of Egypt’s academic community.

<b>Ms. Julie Brodie</b>, an associate professor in <b>Kenyon College</b>’s Department of Dance and Drama, has begun lecturing at the <b>Higher Institute of Ballet</b>, <b>Academy of Arts</b>.  Ms. Brodie was educated at <b>University of Illinois - Champagne-Urbana</b> (B.F.A. 1987, M.F.A. 1995), and is accomplished in the fields of ballet, modern dance, and labanotation (a system for recording movement in symbolic form).  While at the Higher Institute she will offer an “integrated approach to teaching modern dance:  technique, science and somatics, and labanotation.”  Ms. Brodie is in Egypt under the auspices of the Commission’s U.S. Fulbright Scholar Program.  Accompanying her are her husband Mr. Michael Gerald Hufnagel and their children, Brodie Hufnagel, Juleon Brodie, and Evi Brodie.  The Commission extends a warm welcome to them!

On February 15-18 <b>Dr. Nagwa Megahed</b>, currently an Egyptian Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence at the <b>University of Southern Mississippi</b>, lectured on educational reform and women’s rights at two Puerto Rican universities, <b>Universidad del Este</b> and the <b>University of the Sacred Heart</b>.  Dr. Nagwa is an assistant professor of education at Women’s College, <b>Ain Shams University</b>.  The Scholar-in-Residence program sends scholars and professionals from Egypt to universities in the United States to internationalize the institutions’ campuses and curricula.  Scholars-in-Residence typically spend three to ten months teaching and consulting in area studies programs, in interdisciplinary programs that focus on global issues, or in courses where participation of a foreign scholar can provide a cross-cultural or international perspective.  Dr. Nagwa has been at Southern Mississippi since August 2009.

In February the Commission’s Executive Director Dr. Bruce A. Lohof visited the British University in Egypt.  While at BUE, Dr. Lohof explained the Commission and its exchange programs to the University’s President, Professor Ahmed Hamza.  A physicist and former president of Mansoura University, Professor Ahmed was a Fulbrighter at Michigan State University in 1993.  Through visits like this, the Commission is able to reach wider and deeper into Egypt’s academic and professional communities.

A scholar from the University of Texas - Austin is conducting research in Cairo and Kuwait.  He is Dr. Samer Ali, a graduate of the University of Chicago (B.A. 1990), the University of Utah (M.A. 1997), and Indiana University (Ph.D. 2002).  The author of Arabic Salons in the Islamic Middle Ages, Dr. Ali is in Egypt pursuing research on “the Medieval Islamic Public Sphere:  poets, their public and the shaping of the government.”  Dr. Ali visited Egypt earlier under the auspices of Fulbright-Hays grants funded by the U.S. Department of Education.  His current visit is supported by the U.S. Fulbright Regional Research Program.

A student from Cairo University is pursuing her master’s degree studies in economics at Williams College.  She is Ms. Sara Bahaa Hamed Al-Nashar.  Ms. Sara earned a B.Sc. from Cairo University in 2003, majoring in economics.  She is in the United States under the auspices of the Commission’s Master’s Degree Program.  The Commission wishes her the best of luck in her studies.

A graduate of Johns Hopkins University is conducting research while affiliated with Cairo University’s Faculty of Economic and Political Science.  He is Mr. Moktar Sheikh-Salah.  Mr. Sheikh-Salah studied at the University of Jordan in 2007 and took his bachelor of arts degree from Johns Hopkins in 2008.  He is in Egypt under the auspices of the Commission’s U.S. Fulbright Student Program, and is conducting research on “Combating the Egyptian Food Crisis through Policy and Diet Changes.”

Dr. Jere Humphreys, a professor of music education at Arizona State University, is visiting Helwan University’s Faculty of Music Education under the auspices of the Commission’s Fulbright Specialist Program.  Invited by Dr. Nabila Alfy Kamel, Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Humphreys is working with Dr. Nahla Mattar, composer and assistant professor of music education, to lead intensive workshops and meet with members of the music program development and reform committee on developing the new undergraduate music program in Music Education.  While at Helwan, Dr. Humphreys is also acting as the keynote speaker for the First Conference on Music Education in Egypt, convened by the Faculty.  The Specialist program provides short-term opportunities for Egyptian institutions and American scholars to increase collaboration between the United States and Egypt.  The Commission is grateful for Dr. Humphrey’s contribution to the program.

American Fulbrighers and their families, together with Commission staff members, toured Dahshour, Memphis, and Sakkara recently.  The tour, led by Dr. Chahinda Karim, a professor of Islamic art and architecture at the American University in Cairo, included visits to the Tomb of Ti, the Pyramid of Teti, the layout of the Pyramid of Zozer, the city of Memphis and the Red Pyramid.  One Fulbrighter noted:  “the best part of the trip was the professional expertise of our guide and her description of the tomb murals at Sakkara.”  Another commented:  “my wife, daughter, and I … profoundly thank you for successfully planning and overseeing the Sakkara, Memphis, and Dahshour trip.”  The Commission’s Culture and Education Program helps its American grantees to see Egypt and to meet each other to build new friendships with other Fulbright scholars, students, and their families.

An Egyptian Hubert H. Humphrey fellow in the field of law and human rights is enjoying his fellowship year at the University of Minnesota law school.  He is Dr. Ibrahim El Ghazawi, an officer with the Ministry of Interior.  Dr. Ibrahim received a B.A. in law from the Police Academy in 1985, and in 2007 he completed a Ph.D. in law at Ain Shams University.  He is in the United States under the auspices of the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship.  The Commission congratulates Dr. Ibrahim on the award of a Humphrey fellowship.

A student from Alexandria University is pursuing her master’s degree studies in human resource management at the University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign.  She is Ms. Sara Raouf Salama.  Ms. Sara earned a B.Sc. degree from Alexandria University in 2006, majoring in business administration.  She is in the United States under the auspices of the Commission’s Egyptian Fulbright Student Program.  The Commission wishes her the best of luck in her studies.

Egyptian Fulbrighter Ms. Raghda Tarek El-Dessouky, a graduate of Ain Shams University, is studying Orientalism and Occidentalism in Tariq Ali’s Islam Quartet at the University of California - Berkeley.  Ms. Raghda earned a B.A. degree from Ain Shams in 2005, majoring in English literature.  She is in the United States under the auspices of the Commission’s Egyptian Fulbright Student Program.  The Commission wishes her the best of luck in her studies.

An Egyptian specialist in public health is a Hubert H. Humphrey fellow on the campus of Emory University.  She is Dr. Rania Hassanein of the National Blood Transfusion Service.  Dr. Rania earned degrees in medicine and surgery from Cairo University in 1996, and a master’s degree in clinical and chemical pathology in 2005.  The Commission congratulates her on the award of a Humphrey fellowship.

A Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) from Cairo is sharing her language and culture with students at Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville.  Ms. Reham Othman, an English teacher and curriculum development specialist, is teaching introductory Arabic to students at Southern Illinois and has received kudos from her students.  “I am … grateful for her patience as we learn a completely new alphabet and writing system,” said one of Ms. Reham’s students.  “I was intimidated by what appeared to be a very challenging language, but with Ms. Othman’s guidance, I am already reading and recognizing simple sentences.”  Using a variety of materials from Egypt – clothing and currency, pictures and videos – Ms. Reham is turning Arabic culture into a significant element of her curriculum.  “One of many positive aspects of this class is the experience of another culture that is so often negatively stereotyped,” said another student.  “Not only are the students learning a language that is less familiar to the Western world, but they are also capturing a glimpse into a very diverse and rich culture.”  More than two dozen Egyptians are currently participating in the FLTA program, which strengthens Arabic language instruction in American institutions while providing Egyptian teachers of English with opportunities to refine their skills, increase their English language proficiency, and expand their knowledge of American society.  The Commission is grateful for Ms. Reham’s contribution to the program.

Dr. Rashika El Ridi (Harvard University 1994-1995), a professor of immunology at Cairo University, is one of five scientists worldwide to receive the L’ORÉAL-UNESCO Awards for Women in Science.  Dr. Rashika, a member of Cairo University’s Faculty of Science, was cited “for paving the way toward the development of a vaccine against the tropical disease Schistomiasis/Bilharzia.  Dr. Gunter Blobel, winner of the 1999 Nobel Prize in Medicine and President of the Life Sciences jury for L’Oréal-UNESCO awards, has said:  “For a dozen years, the L’Oréal-UNESCO Awards have recognized and promoted exceptional women who, by the excellence of their research, contribute to the advancement of science.”  Congratulations to our alumna Dr. Rashika El Ridi on the occasion of her selection.

A Ph.D. candidate at the University of Chicago has begun research in Cairo.  He is Mr. Joseph Yackley.  Mr. Yackley holds a B.A. degree in philosophy from Northwestern University and an M.A. in Middle Eastern Studies and Public Policy Studies from Chicago.  He is in Egypt preparing his doctoral dissertation, “A Comparative Political Economy of Sovereign Bankruptcy in late 19th Century Egypt and Ottoman Turkey.”  Mr. Yackley is conducting his research under the supervision of Dr. Gamal Abou Shakra, a professor of history at Ain Shams University and Director of the University’s Middle Eastern Studies Center.  He is in Egypt under the auspices of the Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Education.  … a warm welcome to Joe Yackley!

Fulbright Alumnus Ali Elghrabawy has defended his thesis before Cairo University’s Faculty of Agriculture.  His research, which focuses on the biological control of mosquitoes, was based on investigations performed in 2007-2008 while a Fulbrighter in Rutgers University’s Center for Vector Biology .  At Rutgers, Mr. Ali was affiliated with Dr. Randy Gaugler, a Fulbright alumnus (Cairo University - 2005-2006) who directs the Center for Vector Biology.  Congratulations to Mr. Ali; warm thanks to Dr. Gaugler.

Dr. Douglas Weeks, Babcock Professor of Piano at Converse College, visited the Cairo Conservatoire recently under the auspices of the Commission’s Fulbright Specialist Program.  Invited by Dr. Inas Abdel Dayem, Dean of the Conservatoire, Dr. Weeks worked with Dr. Eman Samy, Head of the Piano Department, to present master classes and workshops for piano students.  While in Egypt Dr. Weeks also performed at a gala concert celebrating the Commission’s 60^th anniversary.  A distinguished alumnus, Dr. Weeks was a Fulbright Scholar at the Conservatoire in 1999 and returned to Egypt as a Specialist in 2004.  The Specialist program provides short-term opportunities for Egyptian institutions and American scholars to increase collaboration between the United States and Egypt.  The Commission is grateful for Douglas’ continuing interest in its programs.

An Egyptian Fulbright Student has attended the Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America in Montreal.  He is Mr. Samy Metwally, an editor at IslamOnline.Net who is pursuing a master’s degree in Islamic studies at the Hartford Seminary.  While at the Assembly Mr. Samy emphasized the need in North America for Imams better qualified in Shari`ah law, and particularly for scholars capable of providing fatwa appropriate to Muslim life in North America.  Muslims in the U.S., he said, should be encouraged to “accept diversity, respecting others and integrating into society….”  They should be “good examples for American citizens and … should respect the common values of diversity, peaceful coexistence, and positive political participation, and to play their expected roles in the welfare and prosperity of the country.”  Mr Samy is studying at the Hartford Seminary under auspices of the Commission’s Fulbright Egyptian Student Program.

Ms. Mai Mogib, a teaching assistant in Cairo University’s Faculty of Economics and Political Science, has consulted with several Coptic leaders in California.  Ms. Mai is affiliated with the University of California - Los Angeles, pursuing post-graduate research on “Inclusion and Marginalization Policies:  the Egyptian Situation.”  Her research has included interviews with Grace Bishop Sirapion at the St. Maurice Orthodox Church in Pomona, and Mr. Mouir Bishay, head of the Coptic Association in California.  Ms. Mai is pursuing research at UCLA under the auspices of the Commission’s Egyptian Student Program.

On November 8 Dr. Ibrahim Negm, Senior Advisor to Sheikh Ali Gomaa, the Grand Mufti of Egypt, spoke to 20 American Fulbrighters on “Human Rights in Islam.”  Dr. Ibrahim’s remarks were well received.  He “came across as a very intelligent, knowledgeable, and wise scholar-teacher,” said one Fulbrighter.  “I was also very impressed with him for delivering a confident, eloquent, and extemporaneous presentation in flawless English.”  Said another:  “Wonderful … clearly presented, very interesting and informed presentation.  I learned a great deal.”  And a third Fulbrighter remarked:  “Excellent insight into Islamic thinking and how it is communicated to the mass audience.”  The seminar was arranged by the Commission’s Cultural and Educational Program, which sponsors site visits, lectures, and other activities to help its American grantees understand Egypt and its culture.  The Commission is grateful to Dr. Ibrahim.

One of the Commission’s Master’s Degree students has presented a paper at the Language Research Forum hosted by Michigan State University.  He is Mr. Ayman A. Mohamed, a teaching assistant at Zagazig University who is pursuing a master’s degree in linguistics at the University of North Texas.  Mr. Ayman’s presentation, “Incidental Vocabulary Acquisition in ESL Conversation Classes,” was “well received by the audience,” he reported.  He also noted that the forum was a good opportunity for him to describe “Egyptian culture and tradition to the other participants.”  Mr. Ayman is studying at North Texas under the auspices of the Commission’s Master’s Degree Program, which is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development.  Congratulations to Mr. Ayman.

On September 30 American Fulbright grantees and their family members enjoyed a walking tour of Coptic and Islamic Cairo.  The program was sponsored by the Commission’s Culture and Education Program, and conducted by Dr. Chahinda Karim, Professor of Islamic Art and Architecture, American University in Cairo.  It included visits to the Hanging Church, St. Sergius Church, the Ben Ezra Synagogue, Sultan Hassan and El Refaie Mosques, and a walk through El Muizz Street.  One Fulbrighter commented:  “I thought that our conversation in the Fatimid mosque was candid, informative, stimulating, and delightful.”  Another Fulbrighter said that it was “one of the most enlightening, enjoyable, and memorable walking tours I have had in a long time!”  Through its Culture and Education Program, the Commission helps its American grantees understand Egypt and its culture.

A student from Cairo University has begun master’s degree studies in international peace and conflict resolution at Arcadia University.  She is Ms. Noura Mohamed Suam.  Ms. Noura earned a B.Sc. degree from Cairo University in 2007, majoring in political science.  She is in the United States under the auspices of the Commission’s Egyptian Fulbright Student Program.  The Commission wishes her the best of luck in her studies.

An associate professor from West Chester University of Pennsylvania has begun conducting research at Helwan University.  She is Dr. Virginia Marie daCosta.  Dr. daCosta was educated at the State University of New York - Albany (B.A. 1980), California State University - Long Beach (M.A. 1990) and the University of California - Santa Barbara (Ph.D. 1997).  She is in Egypt as a U.S. Fulbright Scholar and will conduct research on “Women in Egypt: Traditional Crafts and Fine Arts.”  The Commission extends a warm welcome to Ginger!

A student from the American University in Cairo has begun her master’s degree studies in journalism at Columbia University.  She is Ms. Noha Elsayed El Hennawy.  Ms. Noha earned a B.A. degree from AUC in 2004, majoring in journalism.  She is in the United States under the auspices of the Commission’s Egyptian Fulbright Student Program.  The Commission wishes her the best of luck in her studies.

A professor from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania has begun conducting research at the Faculty of Archeology, Cairo University.  He is Dr. Karl G. Lorenz.  Dr. Lorenz was educated at the University of Colorado (B.A. 1983), and the University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign (M.A. 1988, Ph.D. 1992).  He is in Egypt as a U.S. Fulbright Scholar and will conduct research on “Examining Cultural Unification in Late Predynastic Societies of Lower Egypt.”  Dr Lorenz is in Cairo with his wife, U.S. Fulbright Scholar Dr. Kathleen Marie Cain, and their three children, Nick, Maria and Kieran.  The Commission extends a warm welcome to Dr. Lorenz, Kathleen, Kieran, Maria and Nick!

A student from Ain Shams University has begun her master’s degree studies in applied linguistics at Columbia University.  She is Ms. Nesrine Kamal Basheer.  Ms. Basheer earned a B.A. degree from Ain Shams in 2000, majoring in English.  She is in the United States under the auspices of the Commission’s Egyptian Fulbright Student Program.  The Commission wishes her the best of luck in her studies.

Dr. Kathleen Marie Cain, Acting Vice Provost and Associate Professor, Gettysburg College, has begun lecturing and conducting research at the Institute of Postgraduate Childhood Studies, Ain Shams University.  Dr. Cain was educated at the College of the Holy Cross (B.A. 1981), and the University of Illinois (M.A. 1986, Ph.D. 1990).  She is in Egypt as a U.S. Fulbright Scholar and will lecture and conduct research on children’s development with particular attention to social cognition in children with special needs.  She is in Cairo with her husband, U.S. Fulbright Scholar Dr. Karl Lorenz, and their three children, Nick, Maria and Kieran.  The Commission extends a warm welcome to Dr. Cain, Karl, Kieran, Maria and Nick!

An assistant professor from DePaul University has begun lecturing at the American University in Cairo.  He is Dr. Scott W. Hibbard.  Dr. Hibbard was educated at the University of Colorado (B.A. 1984), Georgetown University (M.A. 1988), the London School of Economics and Political Science (M.Sc. 1989) and the John Hopkins University (Ph.D. 2005).  He is in Egypt as a U.S. Fulbright Scholar and will lecture in American Studies.  The Commission extends a warm welcome to Dr. Hibbard!

A student from Ain Shams University has begun master’s degree studies in Law at Harvard University - Massachusetts.  He is Mr. Mohamed Sami Helal.  Mr. Helal earned an LL.B. degree from Ain Shams University in 2009, majoring in Law.  He is in the United States under the auspices of the Commission’s Egyptian Fulbright Student Program.  The Commission wishes him the best of luck in his studies.

An Associate Professor from the University of South Alabama has begun lecturing at the Faculty of Economics and Political Science, Cairo University.   He is Dr. Mir Zohair Husain.  Dr. Husain was educated at Franklin College, Switzerland (Associate of Arts, 1972), University of Pennsylvania (B.A. 1973, M.A. 1975, 1979 and Ph.D. 1985).  He is in Egypt as a U.S. Fulbright Scholar and will lecture on “International Relations”,  “Comparative Politics”, and “The Muslim World.”   The Commission extends a warm welcome to Dr. Husain!

A student from Cairo University has begun Ph.D. non-degree studies in Inclusion & Marginalization Policies: A Case of the Egyptian Situation at University of California - Los Angeles. She is Ms. Mai Mogib Mossad.  Ms. Mogib earned a B.Sc. degree from Cairo University in 2003, majoring in Political Science.  She is in the United States under the auspices of the Commission’s Egyptian Fulbright Student Program.  The Commission wishes her the best of luck in her studies.

An Associate Professor from the University of Houston-Clear Lake has begun lecturing at the American University in Cairo.   He is Dr. John Michael McMullen.  Dr. McMullen was educated at the University of Kansas (B.Sc. 1989), and Emory University (M.Sc. 1991, Ph.D. 1995).  He is in Egypt as a U.S. Fulbright Scholar and will lecture on “Religion and Immigration in American Society.”   The Commission extends a warm welcome to Dr. McMullen!

A student from Cairo Conservatoire has begun master's degree studies in Violin Performance at Indiana University - Bloomington.  He is Mr. Khaled Samir Saleh.  Mr. Saleh earned a B.A. degree from Cairo Conservatoire in 2005, majoring in Violin.  He is in the United States under the auspices of the Commission’s Egyptian Fulbright Student Program.  The Commission wishes him the best of luck in his studies.

A student from Ain Shams University has begun master's degree studies in International Policy and Practice at George Washington University - Washington.  He is Hesham Mostafa Elzeftawi.  Mr. Hesham earned a B.A. degree from Ain Shams University in 1997, majoring in Spanish Language.  He is in the United States under the auspices of the Commission’s Master’s Degree Program.  The Commission wishes him the best of luck in his studies.

A graduate student from Barnard College has begun conducting research at Institute of Coptic Studies.   She is Ms. Miriam Aranoff.  Ms. Aranoff was educated at Barnard College (B.A. 2007). She is in Egypt as a U.S. Fulbright Student and will conduct research on “National and Cultural Identity as Expressed in the Domestic Architecture of Cairo.”   The Commission extends a warm welcome to Miriam!

A student from Alexandria University has begun master’s degree studies in Architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  She is Ms. Dina Ezz Eldin Elzanfaly.  Ms. Elzanfaly earned a B.Sc. degree from Alexandria University in 2006, majoring in Architecture.  She is in the United States under the auspices of the Commission’s Egyptian Fulbright Student Program.  The Commission wishes her the best of luck in her studies.

Fulbright alumnus Dr. Ibrahim Mostafa Abd Al Wahab Saleh (Universidad Metropolitina 2009) spoke recently at a conference on “Human Rights and Communication” convened at the National Autonomous University of Mexico.  Designed to promote debate on human rights and media studies – e.g., the right to communicate, freedom of expression, freedom to hold opinions, freedom of information, involvement of citizens in decision-making processes, promotion of the cultural diversity by media – the conference featured Dr. Ibrahim and 16 other international speakers.  Dr. Ibrahim, an assistant professor of journalism and mass communication at the American University in Cairo, spoke on language diversity.  He participated in the Commission’s Fulbright Visiting Specialist Program in 2009.

A doctoral student at the Iowa State University has reached Egypt to conduct research at the Faculty of Agriculture, Suez Canal University.  She is Ms. Elise Regen.  Ms. Regen was educated at Utah State University (B.S. 2003, M.S.S. 2005), and is completing a Ph.D. degree in sustainable agriculture at the Iowa State University.  While at Suez Canal University Ms. Regen will study “Rural Egyptian Women and Household Livelihood Strategies with Livestock.”  Ms. Regen is in Cairo under the auspices of the Commission’s U.S. Student Program.  The Commission extends a warm welcome to her!

A doctoral student at the Iowa State University has reached Egypt to conduct research at the Faculty of Agriculture, Suez Canal University.  She is Ms. Elise Regen.  Ms. Regen was educated at Utah State University (B.S. 2003, M.S.S. 2005), and is completing a Ph.D. degree in sustainable agriculture at the Iowa State University.  While at Suez Canal University Ms. Regen will study “Rural Egyptian Women and Household Livelihood Strategies with Livestock.”  Ms. Regen is in Cairo under the auspices of the Commission’s U.S. Student Program.  The Commission extends a warm welcome to her!

On July 9 the Commission’s Science Circle collaborated with Cairo University to host a seminar on “Swine Flu and Avian Influenza:  History, Awareness, Control.”  The discussion was led by alumna Dr. Mariam El Deeb (University of Minnesota AY1995-1996), Chairman of the Department of Animal and Poultry Production in Assuit University’s Faculty of Agriculture, and Dr. Mahmoud Riad, Supervisor of Infectious Diseases and Immunology at the National Research Center.  The Science Circle is currently led by alumnus Dr. Hani Moubasher (University of California - Davis 2001-2002), Director of Cairo University’s Center for Environmental Hazard Mitigation (CEHM).  The circle stays abreast of critical scientific issues, and shares its expertise with alumni and others within the academic community.

On July 13 the Commission inaugurated a new alumni circle.  The Teachers Circle will bring together alumni representing teachers of English and other disciplines.  Chairing the Circle’s inaugural meeting were the Commission’s Manager for Alumni Affairs, Ms. Safaa Abbadi, and Fulbright alumnus, Mr. Haitham Salah El-Din (University of New England AY2007-2008), an instructor in the English for Specific Purposes Research Center at Mansoura University.  The initial meeting, “Shaping the Future, Sharing our Views,” discusses ways in which the alumni can share their experience with classroom teachers through Egypt.

The Commission’s American Studies Circle has conducted the second of its seminars on the term The Portrayal of the ‘Other’” by focusing on U.S. President Barack Obama’s recent visit to Egypt.  “Obama’s Visit in Egyptian Media” was led by Fulbright alumna Inas Abou Youssef (Ocean County College 2006-2007).  Dr. Inas, head of Cairo University’s Women and Media Research Center, is the current leader of the circle.  The seminar was attended by Fulbright alumni, 2009-2010 grantees, and others, all of whom shared analyses and opinions of the President’s visit and its impact on the future of the Middle East and Islamic countries.  Through activities like this, the Commission shares the expertise of its alumni and grantees with other members of Egypt’s academic community.

Dr. Amy Elouafi, an assistant professor of history, gender studies, and Middle East studies at the Syracuse University, has begun advanced Arabic studies in the Center for Arabic Study Abroad’s CASA III program.  Elouafi was educated at the University of Michigan (B.A. 1999) and the University of California - Santa Cruz (M.A. 2002).  In 2007 she was awarded a Ph.D. degree from the University of California - Berkeley for her dissertation on “Being Ottoman:  family and the politics of modernity in the province of Tunisia.”  A warm welcome to Dr. Elouafi.

Dr. Gaye D. Walton-Price, a member of the faculties of Berkeley City College and Contra Costa College in California, has resumed advanced Arabic studies in the Center for Arabic Study Abroad’s CASA III program.  Walton-Price holds M.A. (1980) and Ph.D. (1990) degrees in Arabic language and linguistics from Georgetown University, and has taught Arabic at the American University in Cairo, the Middle East Institute, the University of California - Davis, and the University of the Pacific.  A warm welcome to Dr. Walton-Price on her return to Egypt.

Ms. Marwa Atef Khairallah Abdel Aziz Khairallah, a participant in the Commission’s Master’s Degree Program, has been awarded a Master of Business Administration degree with honors by Emory University’s Goizueta Business School.  During the University’s graduation ceremonies Ms. Marwa received the “The Global Multicultural Leader Award” for making “a lasting impact by creating and implementing ideas and programs that increased the understanding of cultures.”  During her studies at Emory, she coordinated a faculty-led trip to Egypt, in which more than 40 MBA classmates participated.  The Commission is grateful to Ms. Marwa for fully implementing its mission of mutual understanding through mutual educational exchange.

Dr. Shauna F. Huffaker, an assistant professor of history at the University of Windsor, has begun advanced Arabic studies in the Center for Arabic Study Abroad’s CASA III program.  Huffaker was educated at Boise State University (B.A. 1994) and the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (M.A. 1995).  In 2008 she was awarded a Ph.D. degree from the University of California - Santa Barbara for her dissertation on “The Lay of the Land:  property, gender and household in Cairo’s al-Darb al Ahmar District, 1450-1600.”  A warm welcome to Dr. Huffaker on her return to Egypt.

HarperCollins has published The Last War, a novel by Fulbright alumna Ana Menendez.  A former columnist with the Miami Herald, Menendez was a 2008-2009 U.S. Fulbright Scholar at the American University in Cairo’s Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Center for American Studies and Research.  Menendez was educated at Florida International University (B.A. 1992) and in 2000 she received an M.F.A. in creative writing from New York University.  She is author of two earlier novels, In Cuba I Was a German Shepherd and Loving Che.  She contributes regularly to The New Republic, the New York Times, and Gourmet.  Congratulations to Ana on the publication of The Last War.

On May 26 the Commission’s Executive Director Dr. Bruce A. Lohof called on Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, the President of Al Azhar University.  During their meeting Dr. Lohof and the President discussed the various ways in which the Commission and the University are cooperating with each other.  In particular, they discussed the new Egyptian Fulbright Student program in Islamic studies, which in 2009 will send Al Azhar graduates to the Hartford Seminary, the University of Arizona, and the University of Chicago.  Through visits like this, the bilateral Fulbright Commission is able to reach wider and deeper into Egypt’s academic and professional communities.

Two members of the Commission’s staff have earned Meritorious Service Increases.  They are Ms. Dina Gafaar of the Egyptian Team and Mr. Moussa Mohamed Moussa of the support staff.  Meritorious Services Increases are awarded annually to staff members whose performance substantially exceeds normal requirements, and who enhance their teams’ contributions to the work of the Commission.  Dina and Moussa were chosen by their colleagues.  Dina was noted for “her quiet but confident voice and pleasant smile that transforms difficult tasks into easy ones.”  “She has always demonstrated a great team spirit and continuously provides support to her colleagues.”  Colleagues praised Moussa’s efficiency, honesty, and punctuality.  “In my eyes,” said one, “he’s an exemplary employee and is a true asset to this Commission.”  Congratulations to Dina and Moussa.  High praise from colleagues is high praise indeed.

On April 30 members of the Commission’s Science Circle enjoyed late lunch on the Nile.  Organized by the Circle’s leader, alumnus Hani Moubasher (University of California - Davis 2001-2002), Director of Cairo University’s Center for Environmental Hazard Mitigation, the cruise was an opportunity for members of the circle to socialize with each other and to hear Dr. Hani discuss “Human Impact on the River Nile.”  While on board, the Circle exchanged plans for future activities.  It is anticipated that the next meeting will be convened at Smart Village, northwest of Cairo.  The Science Circle is among the most active of the half-dozen field-specific alumni circles supported by the Commission.  Through activities like this, the Commission shares the expertise of its alumni with other members of Egypt’s academic community.

An associate professor in Cornell University’s Department of Near Eastern Studies has joined the Center for Arabic Study Abroad’s CASA III program.  She is Dr. Deborah A. Starr.  Dr. Starr was educated at the University of Pennsylvania (B.A. 1990) and the University of Michigan (M.A. 1994, Ph.D. 2000), and has studied Arabic at Penn and the University of Michigan, as well as at Middlebury College  She is in Cairo with her husband Elliot Shapiro and her daughter, Hannah.  The Commission extends a warm welcome to Deborah and her family.

U.S. Fulbrighter Dr. Evonne H. Whitmore (Ahram Canadian University 2008-2009) has participated in a lecture series coordinated by the Commission and the American University in Cairo.  Dr. Whitmore’s presentation, “Promoting International Practices in Egyptian Journalism,” was heard by students and faculty from the University’s Department of Journalism.  Graduate coordinator of Kent State University’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Whitmore is in Egypt under the auspices of the Commission U.S. Fulbright Scholar program.  Dr. Nailah Hamdy, Chairman of the AUC Journalistm Department, also participated in the seminar.

On March 15 the Commission’s Cultural and Educational Program collaborated with Cairo University’s Program for Civilization Studies and Dialogue of Cultures to organize an American-Egypt Dialogue.  U.S. Fulbrighters joined graduate and undergraduate students from the University to discuss three sub-topics:  external interventions in the Arab world, freedom of expression, and integration of minorities.  A general dialogued followed, moderated by Fulbright alumna Dr. Pakinam El Sharkawy, an associate professor of political science.  “… a rewarding experience,” said one Fulbrighter.  “…would definitely participate again,” said another.  Said a third:  “I hope this becomes a regular event ... I found it very instructive.”  The Commission’s Cultural and Educational Program sponsors site visits, lectures, and other activities to help its American grantees understand Egypt and its culture.

On March 26 the Commission’s Science Circle collaborated with Cairo University’s Center for Environment Hazard Mitigation to host a lecture on “The Nile Basin:  Status and Future Challenges” by Fulbright alumnus Dr. Hany Hamroush (University of Virginia 1990-1991).  Dr. Hany is Director of archaeological geochemistry at the American University in Cairo and a science advisor at the American Embassy.  Following a lively discussion of economic and environmental challenges facing the Nile Basin, the Center’s Director, Fulbright alumnus Dr. Hani Moubasher (University of California - Davis 2001-2002) and current leader of the Circle, briefed Circle members on the activities of the Center.  Through activities like this, the Commission shares the expertise of its alumni with other members of Egypt’s academic community.

Dr. Hanu R. Pappu, a plant virologist at Washington State University - Pullman, is lecturing and conducting research at Alexandria University.  In Alexandria Dr. Pappu will study viral diseases that threaten Egyptian agriculture while affiliated with Dr. Faiza Fattouh of the University’s Faculty of Science.  Educated at Agriculture University, Hyderabad (B.Sc. 1982) and the Indian Agricultural Institute, New Delhi (M.S. 1985), Pappu received his Ph.D. degree from the University of Alberta in 1990.  At Washington State University he chairs the Department of Plant Pathology and holds the President Sam Smith Chair in Plant Virology.  He is in Alexandria under the auspices of the Commission’s U.S. Scholar Program.  The Commission extends a warm welcome to him.

On March 27-28 U.S. Fulbrighters enjoyed an overnight visit to Saint Anthony Monastery.  The visit was preceded by a lecture, “Monks, Miracles, and Monuments:  Egyptian monasticism and the Monastery of St. Antony at the Red Sea,” by Fulbright alumna Ms. Heather Badamo (Helwan University 2007-2008).  A tour of the monastery was conducted by Father Maximous Elantony.  The Commission and its American Fulbrighters are grateful to Ms. Badamo and Father Maximous for their careful introduction to the world’s first monastery.

On March 10, the Commission’s American Studies Circle collaborated with the Cairo University’s Program for Civilization Studies and Dialogue of Cultures to convene a seminar on “The Portrayal of the ‘Other’.”  Speakers included alumna, Dr. Inas Abou Youssef (Ocean County College 2006-2007), head of the University’s Women and Media Research Center, and Dr. Brian Edwards, Associate Professor, Northwestern University.  Dr. Inas is the current leader of the American Studies Circle; Dr. Edwards is a U.S. Fulbright Specialist at the University.  During the seminar, Fulbright alumni, as well as other faculty members and students from the departments of economics, mass media, and political science shared reflections on the portrayal of Americans and Egyptians in Egyptian and American public opinion.  The seminar was facilitated by alumna, Dr. Pakinam El Sharkawy (Study of U.S. Institute 2001-2002), an associate professor of political science.  Through activities like this, the Commission shares the expertise of its alumni and grantees with other members of Egypt’s academic community.

In early March American Fulbrighters and their families visited the famous oasis of Siwa in the Western Desert.  The program was sponsored by the Commission’s Culture and Education Program.  While enjoying the oasis, the Fulbrighters heard presentations on Bedouin culture and the history of Siwa by Mr. Abdel Aziz El Demeri, Director, Siwa Antiquities and author of Siwa Past and Present.  Through its Culture and Education Program, the Commission helps its American grantees understand Egypt and its culture.

Dr. Ibrahim Mostafa Abd Al Wahab Saleh, an assistant professor of journalism and mass communication at the American University in Cairo, has returned to Egypt from participation in a Fulbright Visiting Specialist Program at the Universidad Metropoltina in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  As a visiting Fulbrighter, Dr. Ibrahim lectured at the university, and met faculty members and students.  He also made a series of public lectures and gave interviews to local students.  Describing his experience, Dr. Ibrahim recalled that he had spoken with a variety of Americans in “different audiences, yet I was able to get the message across.  At the personal level, I made friendships with many people there, and will certainly stay in touch.”  The Commission thanks Dr. Ibrahim for his contribution to the Fulbright Visiting Specialist Program.

On February 14 Dr. Sherif K. Shaheen, Director of Cairo University’s New Central Library, spoke to American Fulbrighters on “Information Resources in Egypt:  your shortest way to knowledge.”  Prior to the Seminar Dr. Sherif guided his visitors through the new facility.  “It is a great resource and I am glad to be introduced to it” said one grantee.  “It really opened my eyes to the wide variety of research sources available” said another.  The seminar was arranged by the Commission’s Cultural and Educational Program, which sponsors site visits, lectures, and other activities to help its American grantees understand Egypt and its culture.

Mr. Ahmed Abdelfattah Ahmed Haggag, head of the Receiving Unit, Library Sector, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, has begun his master’s degree studies in library and information science at Long Island University.  Mr. Haggag earned a B.A. degree from United Arab Emirates University in 2005, majoring in Business Administration.  He is in the United States under the auspices of the Commission’s Master’s Degree Program.

A recent graduate of Occidental College has reached Egypt to conduct research at the Faculty of Economics and Political Science, Cairo University.  She is Ms. Tamara Shogaolu.  Ms. Shogaolu earned her B.A. degree in 2008, majoring in economics.  While at Cairo University she will study the “Impact of Remittances on the Evolving Role of Women in the Egyptian Economy.”  Ms. Shogaolu is in Egypt under the auspices of the Commission’s U.S. Student Program.  The Commission extends a warm welcome to her!

A graduate of Wesleyan University has reached Egypt to conduct research at the Faculty of Economics and Political Science, Cairo University.  She is Ms. Arusha Gordon.  Ms. Gordon earned her B.A. degree from Wesleyan in 2005, majoring in government, international relations, and peace and security studies.  Since her graduation Ms. Gordon has worked for the United Nations Population Fund, the American Civil Liberties Union, and, most recently, for “Obama for America.”  While at Cairo University she will study “The Grassroots of Development:  Women and Microfinance in Egypt.”  Ms. Gordon is in Egypt under the auspices of the Commission’s U.S. Student Program.  The Commission extends a warm welcome to her!

On February 5 the Commission’s Board of Directors and staff hosted a reception at the Cairo Marriott Hotel in honor of its AY2007-2008 Egyptian alumni.  The event provided the perfect opportunity to introduce new alumni to Egypt’s Fulbright community, including Egyptian grantees from former years and American Fulbrighters who are currently in Cairo.  In his welcome remarks, Executive Director Bruce A. Lohof introduced the new alumni to the Commission’s alumni circles in American studies, arts, education and science.  “Whether you’re interested in the arts or humanities, sciences or social sciences,” he said, “the Commission has a circle of hospitable alumni for you.”

Two U.S. Fulbright Specialists, Dr. James A. Saunders, a professor of molecular biology at Towson University, and Dr. Benjamin Matthews, a plant physiologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, are currently conducting a workshop at Fayoum University.  The workshop, which is focused on molecular biology and bioinformatics, is being conducted under the direction of Dr. Sanaa Haroon, the Director of Fayoum’s Nematology & Biotechnology Center.  More than 150 participants from Egypt and the Middle East are in attendance.  Matthews and Saunders are visiting Egypt, accompanied by their families, under the auspices of the Commission’s Fulbright Specialist Program, which provides short-term opportunities for Egyptian institutions and American scholars to increase collaboration between the United States and Egypt. The Commission extends a warm welcome to them.

Dr. Biswa Nath Datta, Presidential Research Professor, Northern Illinois University, has visited Egypt to conduct workshops at Assuit University and Menoufia University.  The workshops, which were attended by students and faculty members of the universities’ departments of mathematics, presented an overview of state-of-the-art computational methods and the associated software for control systems design and analysis.  Dr. Datta and his wife, Dr. Karabi Datta, visited Egypt under the auspices of the Commission’s Fulbright Specialist Program.  The program provides short-term opportunities for Egyptian institutions and American scholars to increase collaboration between the United States and Egypt.  The Commission is grateful for Dr. Datta’s participation in the Fulbright Specialist program.

A graduate student from the University of Texas - Austin has begun intensive Arabic language studies at the Arabic Language Institute in Cairo.  He is Mr. Dart Risley II.  Mr. Risley earned a B.A. degree from the University of Texas - Austin in 2007, majoring in Middle Eastern studies and history, and is pursuing an M.A. degree, also in Middle East Studies, at the University of Texas - Austin.  He is in Egypt under the auspices of the Commission’s U.S. Student Program.  … a warm welcome to Mr. Risley!

A graduate student from <b>Alexandria University</b> has begun her master’s degree studies in biochemisty at <b> Creighton University</b>.  She is <b> Ms. Dalia Youssef Selim Youssef</b>.  Ms. Dalia earned a B.A. degree from Alexandria in 2003, majoring in biochemistry.  She is in the United States under the auspices of the Commission’s Master’s Degree Program.  The Commission wishes her the best of luck in her studies.

A professor from Indiana University - Purdue University has begun research at the Alexandria University and Ain Shams University.  He is Dr. Mohamed A. El-Sharkawy.  Dr. El-Sharkawy will conduct research on “Video Compressing and Eye Tracking Applications” while affiliated with Alexandria and Ain Shams.  Dr. El-Sharkawy was educated at Alexandria University (B.Sc. 1969, M.Sc 1974), and Southern Methodist University (Ph.D. 1985).  He is accompanied in Egypt by his wife, Ms. Reem Sobhy Kasem, and their son, Amr.  Dr. El-Sharkawy is in Egypt under the auspices of the Commission’s U.S. Scholar Program.  The Commission extends a warm welcome to him and his family.

Ms. Deena Omar, the Commission’s Egyptian Team member responsible for the Hubert H. Humphrey Program, traveled to the United States recently to enhance her familiarity with the program.  While in the U.S. she participated in the Program’s “Global Leadership Forum", attended by Humphrey Fellows – including two Egyptians – from 90 countries.  Following the forum, Deena consulted with colleagues at the U.S. Department of State and a variety of Washington-area cooperating agencies, and visited with Humphrey Fellows at American University.  Traveling onward to the University of Minnesota, Deena enjoyed consultations at the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs.  The Humphrey Program provides mid-career professionals from Egypt and other countries an opportunity to enhance their professional capabilities through specialized, non-degree programs at selected U.S. universities.  Thanks to the efforts of the Commission’s Egyptian Team, Egypt is a full partner in the program.

In late December the Commission’s Science Circle, in coordination with Cairo’s prestigious National Research Center, hosted a lecture at the Center by U.S. Fulbright Scholar Dr. Frederick DeWolfe Miller.  Dr. Esmat Abdel Gafaar, the Center’s Vice President for International Relations, and nearly 50 Fulbright alumni and other scientists heard Dr. Miller’s presentation on the “Reduction of Hepatitis C Virus Transmission.”  Dr. Miller is Chairman of the Doctoral Program in Epidemiology at the University of Hawaii.  As a Fulbright Scholar, he conducted research on the “Epidemiology and Control of Hepatitis C Epidemic in Egypt” while affiliated with the National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute.

Earlier this month American Fulbrighters gathered at the Villa for a seminar on “The Egyptian Film Industry as a Reflection of Society.”  The seminar, which was hosted by the Commission’s Cultural and Educational Program, featured Mr. Tamer Ezzat, Fulbright Alumnus (New York University 2001-2002) and Director/Producer, In House Productions LLC.  “I would be interested in seeing and hearing more about his own work,” said one Fulbrighter of Mr. Tamer.  “… very informative presentation,” commented another.  The Commission’s Cultural and Educational Program sponsors site visits, lectures, and other activities to help its American grantees understand Egypt and its culture.

A graduate of Northwestern University is pursuing a diploma in Economics in International Development at the American University in Cairo.  He is Mr. Grant Whiting.  Mr. Whiting earned a B.A. degree from Northwestern in 2006, majoring in international relations and political science, and in 2008 he earned an M.Phil. degree, also in interational relations, from the University of Cambridge.  He is in Egypt under the auspices of the Commission’s U.S. Student Program.  The Commission extends a warm welcome to Mr. Whiting!

A graduate of Arizona State University has reached Cairo to conduct research with Cairo University’s Faculty of Mass Communication.  He is Mr. Ian Lee.  While in Egypt Mr. Lee will analyze Cairo’s Arabic and English press.  Mr. Lee studied broadcast journalism at Arizona State, graduating in 2007.  He is in Egypt under the auspices of the Commission’s U.S. Student Program.  … a warm welcome to Mr. Lee!

A graduate of Arizona State University is pursuing a diploma in Forced Migration and Refugees Studies at the American University in Cairo.  She is Ms. Cara Lee Steiner Kiggins.  Ms. Kiggins earned a B.A. degree in anthropology from Arizona State University in 2007.  She is Cairo, accompanied by her husband Mr. Justin Kiggins, under the auspices of the Commission’s U.S. Student Program.  The Commission extends a warm welcome to Justin and Cara!

An alumna of the Commission’s Egyptian Scholar Program, Dr. Hala Hassan (Case Western Reserve University 2006-2007), participated in an International Family Night hosted recently by Case Western Reserve.  Dr. Hala is an assistant professor of engineering at Ain Shams University.  While at Case Western Reserve she conducted research on “Fracture and Fatigue of Nano-Composite Aluminum Alloys” with Dr. John L. Lewandowski, a professor in the Department of Material Sciences and Engineering.

A graduate of Boston College has reached Egypt to conduct research at Cairo University’s Center for the Elderly.  She is Ms. Maryclaire C. Abowd.  While at the Center Ms. Abowd will study:  “Understanding the Social Identity of the Elderly in Egypt.”  Ms. Abowd holds a B.A. degree in international studies, and Middle East and Islamic studies from Boston College, and has studied Arabic at the American University in Cairo and at Cornell University.  She is in Egypt under the auspices of the Commission’s U.S. Student Program.  … a warm welcome to Ms. Abowd!

A graduate the University of Michigan has reached Egypt to conduct research at Wadi Hitan National Heritage Park under the supervision of the Ministry of State for Environmental Affairs.  He is Mr. John Graf.  Mr. Graf holds a B.Sc. degree in geological sciences from University of Michigan and is in Egypt under the auspices of the Commission’s U.S. Student Program.  … a warm welcome to Mr. Graf!

On November 22 American Fulbrighters and their families visited the Al Fayoum protectorate of Wadi El Rayan, located 100 kilometers southwest of Cairo.  The program was sponsored by the Commission’s Culture and Education Program, and included site visits to the Acacia Tree, the Petrified Trees, the Escarpment, and the Protectorate of Wadi al-Hitan (Whale Valley).  The Wadi al-Hitan visit was led by Mr. John Graf, a current Fulbrighter (University of Michigan AY2008-2009), who is conducting research on the site.  “For many people like me,” one Fulbrighter said, “this was the first-ever desert expedition.  The trip was fun and educational.”  Another Fulbrighter thanked John Graf in particular:  “John’s tour of Wadi al-Hitan was interesting and excellent!”  The Commission’s Culture and Education Program helps its American grantees to see Egypt and to meet each other to build new friendships with other Fulbright scholars, students, and their families.

A graduate of Valparaiso University has reached Egypt to conduct research with Cairo University’s Faculty of Arts.  He is Mr. Jon Hallemeier.  Mr. Hallemeier’s subject is:  “Beyond Folklore:  the Sirat Bani Hilal in contemporary Egyptian society.”  Mr. Hallemeier graduated from Valparaiso in 2007, and is in Cairo under the auspices of the Commission’s U.S. Student Program.  … a warm welcome to him!

Mr. Sherif El Negahy, a 2008-2009 Fulbright student, has obtained full access to the Los Angeles Superior Court’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Department.  “I believe it will be a great experience for me,” Mr. Sherif reports, “as I have full access to all their materials and cases, and I am meeting with the judges.”  Mr. Sherif hopes to learn more about the role of arbitration and mediation in the ADR process, and “to draw this picture upon my return” to Egypt.  An LL.B. graduate of Ain Shams University, Mr. Sherif is a public prosecutor with the Ministry of Justice.  He is completing LL.M. studies at Pepperdine University and hopes to return from the U.S. better prepared to encourage ADR in Egypt.

A graduate student from the University of California - Santa Barbara has begun research at Academy of Arts’ Higher Institute of Arabic Music and at the Music Teachers College, Helwan University.  She is Ms. Lillie S. Gordon.  She will study “Negotiating Modernity:  the Adoption and Adaptation of the Violin in Egyptian Music.”  Ms. Gordon earned a B.A. degree in anthropology and music from the College of William and Mary in 2002 and in 2007 she received an M.A. in ethnomusicology from Santa Barbara.  She has also studied Arabic at the American University in Cairo.  Ms. Gordon is in Cairo under the auspices of the Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Award Program.  The Commission extends a warm welcome to her!

On October 23 Fulbright alumnus Dr. Osama Madany (Western Michigan University 2001) of Menoufia University hosted a seminar on the “American Media as Perceived by Egyptians.”  The seminar, which included sessions on how American media portray the Middle East and how Egyptians perceive those representations, was attended by more than 200 faculty members and students from the Menoufia University Faculties of Arts and Education.  Principal speakers at the seminar included U.S. Fulbrighter Ms. Ana Maria Menendez (American University in Cairo 2008-2009), a columnist with the Miami Herald, and Dr. Jerry W. Leach, director of AUC’s Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulazia Alsaud Center for American Studies.  Through activities like this, the Commission shares the expertise of its alumni, Fulbrighters, and friends with other members of Egypt’s academic community.

On October 12 American Fulbrighters gathered at the Villa for a seminar on “Making Egypt's Streets Safer for Everyone:  campaign against sexual harassment.”  The seminar, which was hosted by the Commission’s Cultural and Educational Program, featured a presentation by Ms. Engy Ghozlan, Project Coordinator for the campaign against sexual harassment, “Safe Streets for All.”  The campaign was initiated in 2005 by the Egyptian Center for Women's Rights. The speaker “handled questions very well,” said one Fulbrighter, and the points raised “were very illuminating to the discussion at hand.”  “I would like to thank the Commission for acknowledging harassment as an issue,” commented another, and a third grantee said that it was “very interesting to hear more Egyptian opinions on the issues and changes in the Egyptian Society.”  The Commission’s Cultural and Educational Program sponsors site visits, lectures, and other activities to help its American grantees understand Egypt and its culture.

A graduate of the University of Minnesota and Wesleyan University has reached Egypt to conduct research at the Academy of Arts’ Higher Institute of Arabic Music and the Om Kolthoum Museum.  She is Ms. Nicole LeCorgne.  Ms. LeCorgne earned a B.A. degree in world music and dance from Minnesota in 2004, and an M.A. in ethnomusicology from Wesleyan in 2005.  While in Egypt she will study “The Life of Music in Cairo - a photographic ethnography.”  Ms. LeCorgne is in Cairo under the auspices of the Commission’s U.S. Student Program.  … a warm welcome to her!

A graduate student from Assuit University has begun her master’s degree studies at the University of Florida in the field of accounting.  She is Ms. Heba Yousef Abdel Rahim.  Ms. Heba earned a B.A. degree from Assuit University in 2005, majoring in accounting.  She is in the United States under the auspices of the Commission’s Master’s Degree Program.  The Commission wishes her the best of luck in her studies.

On October 30-31 American Fulbrighters and their families visited Alexandria.  The program was sponsored by the Commission’s Culture and Education Program.  While in Alexandria the Fulbrighters enjoyed dinner hosted by Fulbright alumna Dr. Rachida El Diwani (Chatham College 2002-2003), a professor of comparative literature at Alexandria University.  They also enjoyed a tour of the world famous Bibliotheca Alexandrina organized by its Chief Librarian, Dr. Sohair F. Wastawy.  Through the Commission’s Culture and Education Program, American grantees benefit from unique access to sites to people and places throughout Egypt.

A graduate student from the <b>High Cinema Institute</b> has begun his master’s degree studies at the <b>New York Film Academy</b>.  He is <b> Mr. Mostafa Youssef</b>.  Mr. Youssef earned a B.A. degree from High Cinema Institute in 2006, majoring in film directing.  He is in the United States under the auspices of the Commission’s Master’s Degree.  The Commission wishes him the best of luck in his studies.

A graduate of <b>Cairo University</b> has begun his master’s degree studies at the <b>University of Florida</b> in the field of mechanical engineering.  He is <b>Mr. Mohamed Ebead Khalil</b>.  Mr. Mohamed earned a B.A. degree from Cairo University in 2004, majoring in industrial engineering.  He is in the United States under the auspices of the Commission’s Master’s Degree Program.  The Commission wishes him the best of luck in his studies.

A graduate student from Cairo University has begun his Master’s Degree studies at the University of Illinois - Champaign-Urbana in the field of architectural engineering.  He is Mr. Mohamed Ali Yehia Mostafa.  Mr. Mohamed earned a B.A. degree from Cairo University in 2004, majoring in architectural engineering.  He is in the United States under the auspices of the Commission’s Master’s Degree Program.  The Commission wishes him the best of luck in his studies.

A graduate of Wesleyan University has reached Egypt to conduct research at the Academy of Art’s Higher Institute for Theatre Studies.  He is Mr. Ian Renner.  Mr. Renner will pursue research on “Helping Working Children through Theater.”  Mr. Renner holds a B.A. degree from Wesleyan, where he studied history, and has also studied Arabic and history at the American University in Cairo.  He has returned to Egypt under the auspices of the Commission’s U.S. Student Program.  … a warm welcome to Mr. Renner!

A graduate of Georgetown University and the University of Oxford has reached Egypt to conduct research at the Women and Memory Forum.  She is Ms. Raha Rafii.  Ms. Rafii graduated from Georgetown in 2004, with a degree in international politics and Muslim-Christian relations, and earned M.St. degrees in Jewish studies, Islamic law, and Oriental studies in 2005 and 2006.  While in Cairo she will investigate “Feminist Narratives and Women’s Movements in Egypt”  She is in Cairo under the auspices of the Commission’s U.S. Student Program.  The Commission extends a warm welcome to her!

A girls football team in Lafayette, Indiana, has a new assistant coach.  He is Mr. Mokhles El Sysy, a participant in the Commission’s Fulbright Student Program.  The team, “Talk to Tucker,” plays in the Greater Lafayette Recreational Soccer Alliance’s U12 Girls League.  Mr. Mokhles graduated from Assuit University in 2006, majoring in horticulture.  He is currently studying the “molecular control of flowering in apple” while affiliated with Dr. Peter M. Hirst at Purdue University’s Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture.  Dr. Hirst is the “Talk to Tucker” head coach.  Go Tucker!

A graduate student from Cairo University has begun her Master’s Degree studies at Georgetown University in the field of Law.  She is Ms. Heba Mohamed Hazza.  Ms. Hazza earned a B.A. degree from Cairo University in 2004, majoring in Law.  She is in the United States under the auspices of the Commission’s Master’s Degree Program .  The Commission wishes her the best of luck in her studies.

On September 15 the Commission convened an orientation in honor of its 2008-2009 American Fulbright grantees.  The orientation was hosted by Ambassador Margaret Scobey, who spoke to the grantees on “Fulbrighters as Cultural Ambassadors.”  Twenty-nine American Fulbrighters participated in the program.  The highlight of the orientation was a “Sharing the Experience” session featuring three 2007-2008 Alumni:  Mr. Matthew Axelrod (U.S. Department of Defense), Ms. Patricia Kubala (University of California - Santa Barbara), and Ms. Samantha Rose (University of St. Andrews).  Other sessions featured representatives from the Embassy’s American Citizen Services section (“American Citizen Services:  How Can We Help?”) and the Health unit (“How to Stay Healthy in Egypt”).  A Ramadan Iftar, co-hosted by the Commission’s American Studies Circle, followed the orientation.  Convened at Cairo’s historic Citadel, the Iftar was graced by four members of the Commission’s Board of Directors:  Dr. Mohamed G. Abou Ali (Ministry of Higher Education), Ms. Elizabeth Khalifa (Institute of International Education), Ms. Helen Lovejoy (U.S. Embassy), and Mr. Thomas Thomason (Egyptian Refining Company).

A graduate student from Zagazig University has begun his Master’s Degree studies at the University of North Texas in the field of Linguistics.  He is Mr. Ayman Ahmed Abd El Samie.  Mr. Abd El Samie earned a B.A. degree from Zagazig University in 2004, majoring in Agriculture.  Mr. Abd El Samie is in the United States under the auspices of the Commission’s Master’s Degree Program for 21 months beginning on August 18, 2008.  The Commission wishes him the best of luck in his studies.

A graduate of University of Cincinnati is pursuing a Diploma in Forced Migration and Refugees Studies at the American University in Cairo.  He is Mr. Mitchell Sipus.  Mr. Sipus earned a BFA degree from the Art Academy of Cincinnati in 2004 and graduate degrees in urban planning from the University of Cincinnati in 2008.  He also holds a certificate in historic preservation, also from the University of Cincinnati.  Mr. Sipus is in Egypt under the auspices of the Commission’s U.S. Student Program.  The Commission extends a warm welcome to Mr. him!

A graduate of Williams College has begun intensive Arabic language studies at the Arabic Language Institute in Cairo.  She is Ms. Anne C. Peckham.  Ms. Peckham studies Arabic at the American University in Cairo and at Middlebury College.  She earned a B.A. degree from Williams in 2008, majoring in political science, with concentrations in international studies and Middle Eastern studies.  She is in Egypt under the auspices of the Commission’s U.S. Student Program.  The Commission extends a warm welcome to her!

Dr. Noor-Aiman Iftikhar Khan, an assistant professor of history at Colgate University, has begun research at Cairo University.  While in Cairo she will study “Indian Nationalism and Anti-Imperial Movements” and “Internationalism in Egyptian Nationalism” while affiliated with Cairo University’s Faculty of Arts.  Dr. Khan was educated at University of Chicago (B.A. 1992, M.A. 1994, Ph.D. 2006).  She is in Egypt with her husband, Nady Abdel-Ghaffar, as well as their son, Iftikhar Nady Abdel-Ghaffar.  The Commission extends a warm welcome to them.

Dr. Frederick DeWolfe Miller, Professor and Chair, Doctoral Program in Epidemiology, University of Hawaii, has begun research at the National Institute of Hepatology and Tropical Medicine.  He is conducting research on “Epidemiology and control of Hepatitis C Epidemic in Egypt.”  Educated at University of Tennessee (M.Sc. 1969) and the University of Michigan (MPH 1974, Ph.D. 1978), Dr. Miller  established the Department of Public Health Sciences and Epidemiology at the UH School of Medicine.  He is a co-discover of the largest epidemic of hepatitis C virus in the world, located in Egypt.  The Commission extends a warm welcome to Dr. Miller.

A Student from Cairo University has begun master’s degree studies in animal science at the University of Nevada - Reno.  He is Mr. Mohamed Nagib Gohar.  Mr. Mohamed earned a B.A. degree from Cairo University in 2004, majoring in animal science.  He is in the United States under the auspices of the Commission’s Master’s Degree Program.

A U.S. Fulbright Student has begun his studies at American University in Cairo.  He is Mr. Khalil Tawil.  Mr. Tawil graduated from United States Military Academy in 2008 and has begun studies toward a master’s degree in economics and international development at AUC.  The Commission extends a warm welcome to him.

A graduate student from Harvard University will begin intensive Arabic language studies at the Center for Arabic Study Abroad (CASA) in Cairo.  He is Mr. John Chen.  Mr. Chen earned a B.A. degree in history from Harvard in 2008.  He will attend the CASA Program hosted at the American University in Cairo.  Mr. Chen is in Cairo under the auspices of the Commission’s U.S. Student Program.  The Commission extends a warm welcome to him!

A student from Assuit University has begun master’s degree studies in horticulture at Purdue University.  He is Mr. Mokhles El Sysy.  Mr. Mokhles earned a B.A. degree from Assuit in 2006, majoring in horticulture.  He is in the United States under the auspices of Commission's Fulbright Student Program.

A graduate student from the University of Texas - Austin has begun intensive Arabic language studies at the Arabic Language Institute in Cairo.  She is Ms. Christina Hannum.  Ms. Hannum earned a B.A. degree from Texas in 2007, majoring in Spanish, with a minor in Arabic.  She is in Egypt under the auspices of the Commission’s U.S. Student Program.  The Commission extends a warm welcome to her!

A journalist from the Miami Herald has begun lecturing at the American University in Cairo.  She is Ms. Ana Maria Menendez, the Herald’s metro columnist.  Ms. Menendez was educated at Florida International University (B.A. 1992) and in 2000 she received an M.F.A. in creative writing from New York University.  She is in Egypt as a U.S. Fulbright Scholar, teaching American studies in AUC’s Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Center for American Studies and Research.  A warm welcome to Ms. Menendez!

A graduate of Georgetown University has reached Egypt to conduct research with the Faculties of Medicine at Ain Shams University and Cairo University.  She is Ms. Christina Hanna.  While in Egypt she will conduct a study:  “Engaging Egyptian Working Boys in Tobacco Addiction Awareness Activities.”  Ms. Hanna holds a B.S. degree in international health biology from Georgetown and is in Cairo under the auspices of the Commission’s U.S. Student Program.  The Commission extends a warm welcome to her!

A student from Ain Shams University has begun master’s degree studies in neuroscience at the State University of New York - Buffalo.  He is Mr. Islam Nabil Badr.  Mr. Islam earned a B.A. degree from Ain Shams in 2005, majoring in pharmaceutical science.  He is in the United States under the auspices of the Commission’s Master’s Degree Program.

A student from Modern Academy at Maadi has begun master’s degree studies at American University.  He is Mr. Amr Aly Elgandy.  Mr. Elgandy earned a B.A. degree from Modern Academy in 2002, majoring in computer science.  While at American University he will be working in the field of conflict resolution.  Mr. Elgandy is in the United States under the auspices of the Commission’s Master’s Degree Program.  The Commission wishes him the best of luck in his studies.

In late July the Commission conducted a pre-departure orientation for Egyptian graduate students selected to participate in AY2008-2009 exchanges.  The orientation included a presentation on “American Education, Culture and Society,” as well as information on U.S. visas and grant details.  American Fulbright student Matthew Axelrod (Cairo University 2007-2008), and Fulbright alumni Yasmine Moataz (CUNY 2005-2006) and Hazem Shebl (San Jose State University 2006-2007) shared their experiences with the new students.  On day two U.S. Ambassador Margaret Scobey welcomed 24 students and 12 scholars to the Embassy.  In her remarks the Ambassador noted:  “I think your American colleagues will reach out to you….  You have so much to teach them.  You come from a country of enormous antiquity and cultural depth, from the heart of the Middle East, the top of the continent of Africa, on the shores of the Mediterranean....  Egypt really has it all, and people will be fascinated by what you have to tell them."  Ambassador Scobey encouraged the Fulbrighters "share ... stories of your life, your families, and where you come from."  The Egyptian Student Program provides opportunities for recent university graduates, master’s and doctoral degree candidates, and young professionals and artists to study in the United States.  Nearly 30 students will participate in the program in 2008-2009.

Dr. Rob Haley, an assistant professor at the University of North Florida and Director of Research for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, is visiting Tanta University under the auspices of the Commission's Fulbright Specialist Program.  While at Tanta University, Dr. Haley will conduct a three-week health-care seminar, “Health Care Systems, Leadership and Health Care Research:  a Global Perspective.”  The Fulbright Specialist Program provides short-term opportunities for Egyptian institutions and American scholars to increase collaboration between the United States and Egypt.  Each year nearly a dozen American academics visit Egyptian institutions as Fulbright Specialists.

On July 9-11 twenty-three U.S. Fulbright scholars and students who will be in Egypt in AY2008-2009 attended a pre-departure orientation in Washington, DC.  Presentations by the Executive Director, Dr. Bruce A. Lohof, and U.S. Team members Ms. Noha El Gindi and Ms. Laila Hussein covered academic, cultural, social and administrative elements of a Fulbright year in Egypt.  Alumni Susan Kollin (AUC 2007-2008), Alice Mandell (CASA 2006-2007) and Shaimaa Mohamed (Georgetown University 2007-2008) shared their Fulbright experiences with the new Fulbrighters.  "Thank you very much for your time and effort in making our ... visit to Egypt as smooth as possible," said one grantee.  "Your commitment to providing the most courteous, prompt, and professional help ... is highly commendable and very much appreciated."

In June 11-24 sixteen students from the University of Houston - Clear Lake participated in a study tour of Egypt conducted by Fulbright alumnus Dr. Everett B. Penn (Cairo University 2004-2005), Assistant Professor of Criminology and Affiliate Faculty of Cross Cultural Studies, School of Human Sciences and Humanities.  Among the highlights of the tour were two educational and cultural dialogues organized by the Commission and convened at the Villa.  Commission alumni, together with their Egyptian students, participated in the dialogues.  The sessions concluded with performance of Arabic music and an Egyptian dinner at the Villa, where the Egyptian and American participants shared their views of culture, music and food.  Through events like these, the Commission and its alumni help each other to pursue mutual understanding through mutual educational exchange.

A U.S. Fulbright Student has reached Egypt to begin research at the Higher Institute for Theatre Studies, Academy of Arts.  He is Mr. George Potter.  Mr. Potter graduated from Indiana State University in 2002 and earned an M.A. degree from Indiana State in 2005.  While at the Institute Mr. Potter will study “Staging the Present:  Politics in Contemporary Egyptian Drama.”  Prior to pursuing his research Mr. Potter is studying Arabic at the International Language Institute under the auspices of the Commission’s Critical Language Enhancement Award (CLEA) Program.  The Commission extends a warm welcome to him.

On June 11 the Commission’s Executive Director, Dr. Bruce A. Lohof, visited the Central Metallurgical Research and Development Institute in Helwan.  His hosts at the Institute were Vice President Dr. Ibrahim Ahmed Ibrahim and Fulbright alumnus Dr. Abdel Salam Hamdy Makhlouf (Boise State University 2006-2007).  While in Helwan, Dr. Lohof explained the Commission and its exchange programs to nearly thirty members of the Institute staff.  Through visits like this, the Commission is able to reach wider and deeper into Egypt’s academic and research communities.

On June 7-10 the Commission conducted a pre-departure orientation for 185 candidates selected for participation in the AY 2008-2009 Community College Initiative (CCI) Program.  The orientation covered academic, cultural, and social elements of the participants’ anticipated experience in the United States.  Mr. John Groarke, Deputy Director of the U.S. Agency for International Development in Cairo, greeted the participants on behalf of the U.S. Embassy.  Other partners in CCI were represented by Mr. Stephen Hanchey (AMIDEAST); and Dr. Karene Grad and Ms. Michelle Johnson (U.S. Department of State).  The CCI Program offers practical education to Egyptians in technical fields at U.S. Community Colleges to enhance and develop their professional skills while providing an opportunity to better  understand American culture and society.

U.S. Fulbright Scholar Dr. Jacinto F. Fabiosa was featured speaker at a regional workshop on “Expansion in Biofuel and Soaring Food Prices:  Implications for Agricultural and Food Policies in the Near East and North Africa.”  The workshop, convened on June 2-4 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, was sponsored by the Near East and North Africa Regional Network for Agricultural Policies (NENARNAP) of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).  More than thirty agricultural policy country   representatives, together with representatives from FAO and the World Bank, heard Dr. Fabiosa identify the main drivers of the development of the biofuels sector in the United States and their impact on global agricultural markets.  Fabiosa is co-director of the Food and Agriculture Policy Research Institute (FAPRI), a recognized center of policy analysis based at Iowa State University.  He is currently conducting research at Cairo University on emerging food consumption patterns in Egypt and its implication for trade.

Dr. Naghmeh Sohrabi, Assistant Director for Research at Brandeis University’s Crown Center for Middle East Studies, has begun her tenure as a Fellow in the Center for Arabic Study Abroad CASA III program.  The program, which is supported by the Commission and hosted by the American University in Cairo, offers advanced Arabic language study to post-doctoral American scholars.  Dr. Sohrabi was educated at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (B.S. 1994) and Harvard University (M.A. 1996), and earned a Ph.D. degree in history and Middle Eastern Studies at Harvard in 2007.  In addition to Arabic, Dr. Sohrabi speaks Persian and Turkish.  A warm welcome to Dr. Sohrabi.

Dr. Safwat Shakir, Director of Texas Gulf Coast Environmental Data Center (TEXGED) at Prairie View A&M University has visited Ain Shams University.  While at Ain Shams Dr. Shakir conducted a two-week workshop on biometrics studies and biostatistics.  Faculty members and graduate students from universities throughout Egypt participated in the workshop.  Dr. Shakir visited Egypt under the auspices of the Commission’s Fulbright Specialist Program, which provides short-term opportunities for Egyptian institutions and American scholars to increase collaboration between the United States and Egypt.  Each year nearly a dozen American academics visit Egyptian institutions as Fulbright Specialists.

On June 1 the staff of the Binational Fulbright Commission in Egypt honored Bruce A. Lohof for his contribution to the Fulbright Program in Egypt since assuming the position of Executive Director in September 2005.  Under his wise stewardship, the Commission has continued to pursue mutual educational exchange “one grantee at a time,” as he often says, “so that each ‘Fulbrighter’ remembers his/her year(s) in Egypt – or in America – as a positive, life altering experience.”  Dr. Lohof received a certificate, signed by all staff members, recognizing him for his outstanding leadership of the Commission, and for his “fairness, ethics and genuine humanity.”  Thank you, Bruce, for being an exceptional boss and a wonderful role model!