A Warm Welcome in Arizona for Fall 2024 Energy Exchange Students 

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 No. 1 ranking institution in innovation among American universities, ahead of Stanford, MIT, and Caltech. 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.

The students began their journey with a comprehensive orientation, which introduced them to ASU’s academic structure, campus facilities, and Sun Devil culture. This warm welcome was designed to help the students smoothly transition into their new environment. They received guidance on class schedules, housing, and safety protocols while being introduced to the rich traditions of ASU, such as the ‘Echo from the Buttes’ hike up ‘A’ mountain, where they left their handprints as a symbol of joining the ASU community.

During the semester, students will pursue courses that reflect their diverse academic interests and career goals. These include 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.

For Ain Shams University master’s student Nada Ashraf, the exchange presents an unparalleled opportunity to advance her research in biomass conversion. “I’m eager to finalize my research with the help of ASU professors and their exceptional lab facilities,” she said.

Field visits to leading US energy facilities are also planned to supplement their studies with practical experience. They are set to visit 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 tour 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. These hands-on experiences will allow them to grasp the intricacies of energy system design, construction, and operations, helping them bring back advanced knowledge to Egypt’s energy sector.

“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 is being considered for a job shadowing opportunity at Tesla, exemplifying how the exchange program not only enhances technical skills but also opens doors for future career opportunities. 

Beyond academics, the students spent their first week at ASU engaging in vibrant social and cultural activities. They toured ASU’s state-of-the-art campus, including a stop at the innovative Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building IV, attended their first American football game, and mingled with peers from the Arab Student Association. These cultural exchanges helped them adjust to their new surroundings and build lasting connections with ASU’s diverse student body.

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. The afternoon began with introductions and an ASU trivia ice-breaking activity. This interaction allowed the students to showcase their diverse backgrounds and set the stage for rewarding exchanges. Other than the social aspect, the luncheon provided an opportunity for students to gain insights from ASU professors and discuss their upcoming academic and research plans. 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.

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.

 

For more information on the Student Exchange Program and other center activities, visit the Center of Excellence for Energy.