COE/E Fall 2024 Exchange Students Kick Off Semester at Arizona State University

The USAID Center of Excellence for Energy (COE/E) Fall 2024 Exchange Students arrived in Tempe, Arizona, on August 15, 2024, ready to begin their transformative academic and research journey at Arizona State University (ASU). The group consists of 13 students: six undergraduates and three graduate students from Ain Shams University and three undergraduates and one graduate student from Mansoura University.

They started off the semester with a warm ASU welcome and an in-depth orientation to help them transition to their new environment and maximize their international experience. The orientation covered essential academic and logistical details, including class schedules, housing, and ASU traditions that will immerse students in the vibrant Sun Devil culture. From meeting their professors and advisors to learning about academic resources, the orientation was crucial in setting them up for a successful and enriching semester abroad. They also learned about safety protocols, communication channels, and the exciting excursions planned throughout the semester.

During the semester, students will pursue courses that reflect their diverse academic interests and career goals. Some of these are Electric Power Devices, Energy Systems/Power Electronics, Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, Power Electronics and Power Management, Technology Entrepreneurship, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Wind Energy, Energy Transitions, and Entrepreneurship & Value Creation. Field visits to leading energy facilities are also planned to supplement their studies with practical experience. Visits will include First Solar, a testing lab and solar panel field, where students will learn about various technologies and observe tests for damaged solar panels. They will also visit the Ocotillo Power Plant, a modernized gas turbine facility, and the Red Rock Solar Plant, a 182,880-panel joint solar facility by Arizona State University and Arizona Public Service. They will witness the integration of renewable energy technologies, explore the Solana Generating Station’s innovative solar thermal system, and engage with engineers to understand the design, construction, and operation of these advanced energy facilities.

“I believe that developing my skills at ASU, particularly in industry entrepreneurship, electric vehicles, and AI applications in mechanical engineering, will benefit my professional growth and equip me to contribute to Egypt’s energy transition,” expressed Mansoura University’s mechanical power engineering PhD student Moustafa Amer who has already secured a job shadowing opportunity at Tesla, where he will gain valuable real-world experience with electric vehicle battery systems.

After settling in, the students spent their first week at ASU engaging in various social and cultural activities designed to help them thrive in their new international environment. The Fall 2024 exchange cohort officially joined the Sun Devil family, taking part in the ‘Echo from the Buttes’ tradition where they hiked ‘A’ mountain and left their handprints on ASU’s iconic ‘A’. One of the University’s oldest traditions, this marks the beginning of their journey as Sun Devils and ASU scholars ready to contribute to the energy field. They also toured the ASU Tempe Campus, including a stop at the innovative Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building IV. They watched their first live American football game at Mountain America Stadium, Home of the ASU Sun Devils, and enjoyed getting to know their ASU peers from the Arab Student Association over lunch, music, and socializing.

COE/E hosted a special welcome luncheon for the exchange cohort with ASU faculty, staff, and students to kick off the exciting semester ahead. The luncheon served as a platform for the students to connect with key members of the COE/E program, including Project Director Dr. Sayfe Kiaei and several professors from Arizona State University’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. The friendly atmosphere helped foster new relationships between the students and their ASU mentors, as well as fellow students and staff. To break the ice, the afternoon started with a fun activity where the winning team took home a prize. Following that, each student introduced themselves to the room, sharing their academic focus and research interests. This interaction allowed the students to showcase their diverse backgrounds and set the stage for rewarding exchanges. The event concluded with a group photo on the historic steps leading into ASU’s campus—a picture-perfect way to commemorate the start of their journey. Beyond the social aspect, the event provided a unique opportunity for students to gain insights from ASU professors and discuss their upcoming academic and research plans. They left the event with renewed excitement about the opportunities that lie ahead this semester.

ASU faculty in attendance included Dr. Sayfe Kiaei, Dr. Brent Sebold, Dr. Qiong Nian, Dr. Ryan Milcarek, Dr. Bertan Bakkaloglu, Dr. Mike Ranjram, Dr. Anamitra Pal, Dr. Harvey Bryan, Dr. Shuguang Deng, Dr. Lacy Greening, and Dr. Elham Fini. COE/E Project Manager Alana Burnham and COE/E Exchange Program Coordinator Katie Wright were also present to welcome the students and support the event.

As the students embark on this exciting exchange adventure at ASU, they are poised to gain valuable academic, research, and cultural experiences. With the support of their mentors and peers, they are ready to make a lasting impact when they return to their home institutions and contribute to the future of Egypt’s energy research and innovation.

“I have only been doing simulations for my research on fuel cells. But, I really want to do practical work to confirm my findings with actual lab results. The exchange program at ASU is ideal due to its fully equipped lab and expertise. This opportunity will benefit my research, and I can share the knowledge gained to improve our department’s labs for future fuel cell research.” – Haya Hesham, Ain Shams University Electrical Engineering PhD Student