COE/E Exchange Program Empowers Practical Applications in Renewable Energy Projects
For Omar Abdelhafez, a senior renewable and sustainable energy engineering student at Mansoura University, every challenge is an opportunity to innovate. His academic journey took a transformative turn through the Student Exchange Program with the support of the USAID-funded Center of Excellence for Energy (COE/E), which opened doors to world-class education and hands-on experiences.
“They supported us every step of the way,” Omar shared, reflecting on an experience that not only expanded his knowledge but also reshaped his perspective. The COE/E Student Exchange Program at Arizona State University (ASU) wasn’t just about coursework, it was a life-changing opportunity that empowered him to think bigger, aim higher, and turn ideas into impactful solutions.Back in Egypt, after his exchange semester Omar faced a significant challenge: his graduation project, originally centered on biomass and solar-powered water desalination systems, proved overly complex and difficult to implement. Armed with new insights from ASU, he and his team began re-evaluating their approach.
The innovative courses and hands-on experiences at ASU not only deepened his understanding of renewable energy but also inspired fresh ideas. “Courses like Energy Transition and Entrepreneurship at ASU helped me understand the importance of developing solutions that are both impactful and feasible,” Omar shared. These insights sparked discussions within his team and, with guidance from faculty, they made the transformative decision to pivot their project toward wind turbine walls—a practical, scalable solution perfectly suited to Egypt’s renewable energy goals and utilized the country’s favorable environmental conditions.
Omar’s experience at ASU was pivotal in his ability to contribute effectively to the project. A defining moment was his participation in the Wind Energy course led by Professor Ronald Calhoun, associate professor in the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy at Arizona State University.
“The project we worked on at ASU was very similar to what I’m doing now in my graduation project,” Omar explained.
At ASU, he designed and simulated vertical-axis wind turbines, using advanced tools such as LIDAR systems for wind measurement. These practical experiences gave him the confidence and technical expertise to play a leading role in his team handling how they will approach simulations systematically for his graduation project in Egypt. Revisiting those techniques allowed him to quickly adapt and make progress, a crucial factor given the tight project timeline. This ability to apply advanced simulation techniques reflects the impact of Omar’s exchange semester, demonstrating how practical experiences can streamline complex processes and support timely project development.
Beyond technical skills, Omar credited the presentation and pitching techniques he practiced during his ASU coursework with helping his team stand out in COE/E Senior Student Graduation Project Competition. “At ASU, we learned to refine presentations to align with specific evaluation criteria, which was important during the competition,” he shared. This preparation allowed his team to convey their vision and qualify in the center’s competition emphasizing the practicality and potential impact of their wind turbine wall project.
The Energy Transition course at ASU led by Dr. Clark A. Miller, Professor at the School for the Future of Innovation in Society at Arizona State University, also left a lasting impression on Omar. It provided a broader understanding of renewable energy’s socio-economic implications, teaching him how energy access impacts societal equality. “This course showed me that renewable energy solutions are about more than just technology, they’re about improving lives,” Omar reflected. These lessons reinforced the significance of his project, which aims to reduce Egypt’s carbon footprint while addressing local energy needs.
Omar’s journey, from his semester at ASU to qualifying for COE/E Senior Student Graduation Project Competition, showcases the transformative impact of the Center of Excellence for Energy’s initiatives. By equipping students with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to innovate, COE/E is fostering a generation of leaders ready to shape Egypt’s renewable energy future. As Omar continues his path, his story is a testament to the power of education and collaboration in driving meaningful change.
Find out more about the COE/E Student Exchange Program