Postgraduate Students Engage in AI-Focused Innovation Lab

In line with Pharos University in Alexandria’s commitment to advancing digital transformation and fostering innovation in higher education, postgraduate students took part in a “Student Innovation Lab” event, held in coordination with the International Relations Department during the visit of Professor Pierre Jean Dillenbourg, Professor of Learning Technologies at the Polytechnic Federal School of Lausanne (EPFL).

The event offered students a rich, hands-on experience exploring the latest applications of artificial intelligence in education and scientific research. Through interactive sessions and practical training on advanced digital tools, participants gained exposure to technologies designed to support academic output and accelerate research development.

As part of the program, students took on an interdisciplinary Mini Hackathon challenge, collaborating across disciplines to develop solutions to real-world academic problems and design prototypes for innovative projects. The exercise was followed by presentations and discussions examining both the practical and ethical dimensions of AI integration in academic settings.

The event underscored the high level of digital awareness and technological aptitude among PUA’s postgraduate community, reinforcing their readiness to compete in research and the labor market. It further reaffirmed PUA’s dedication to equipping its graduates with the skills and mindset needed to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving future.

3D Food Printing and Customer Experience

In a bid to advance scientific research and innovation within the hospitality sector, PUA’s Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management hosted a seminar showcasing the latest studies in food technology. Dr. Amr Mohamed Fouad, a lecturer in the Hotel Management Department, delivered a detailed presentation of his internationally published research on 3D food printing technologies and their impact on the customer experience.

The seminar centered on a qualitative study titled: “From Food Ink to Food Post: How 3D-Printed Food and Foodstagramming Enhance Customer Delight and Revisit Intention in Restaurants”. Dr. Fouad examined the rapid digital transformation sweeping the food industry, highlighting how 3D food printing devices have evolved into dual-purpose tools, thus enabling the preparation of healthy, sustainable meals while simultaneously serving as a powerful marketing instrument capable of generating genuine customer delight.

Presenting findings drawn from an international sample, Dr. Fouad argued that the creative and visually striking designs produced by 3D printing technology actively encourage customers to engage in “Food-stagramming” – the act of photographing and sharing meal experiences on Instagram. He noted that this digital interaction functions as a bridge to deeper brand loyalty, increasing the likelihood of repeat visits and opening new horizons for investors in the hotel and restaurant sectors to embrace unconventional technological solutions.

Closing his presentation, Dr. Fouad emphasized that these technologies contribute directly to sustainability goals by reducing raw material waste and delivering highly personalized meals tailored to individual dietary needs. He concluded that this body of research positions Egypt firmly on the map of advanced scientific inquiry in tourism and hospitality.

The seminar drew considerable engagement from faculty members and researchers, who praised the study’s approach in bridging behavioral theory with the rapid technological advancements defining the age of artificial intelligence.

Scientific Research Excellence Competition 2025-2026

PUA’s Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management held the 4th Academic Excellence in Scientific Research Competition for the 2025-2026 academic year, in a celebratory ceremony reflecting the Faculty’s deep appreciation for the efforts of its teaching and assistant staff across research, instruction, and community service.

The competition yielded two standout faculty honors: Dr. Ahmed Magdy received the Excellence in Scientific Research and Innovation Award, while Dr. Amr Fouad was named Researcher of the Year — a distinction earned through an impressive output of 16 published research papers over 2025 and 2026. Alongside the main competition, a series of additional awards were presented recognizing outstanding contributions in teaching, community engagement, and institutional work throughout the academic year.

The full list of honors was as follows:

  1. Excellence in Community Participation and Impact Award: Awarded to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Abdel Raouf, in recognition of his sustained contributions to community-oriented research projects in recent years.
  2. Best Faculty Member in Teaching Award: Awarded to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tamer El-Sawy.
  3. Excellence in Committee Work Award: Presented to Dr. Basant Shaheen, as Head of the Faculty’s Marketing Committee, and to T. A. Abdullah Mohamed, as a committee member, honoring their efforts in boosting the Faculty’s presence across social media platforms.
  4. Best Teaching Assistant Award: Awarded to T. A. Amr El-Maghriby.
  5. Student Support to the Faculty Award: Presented to Ahmed Abdel Halim, a senior student in the Tourism Department.

The competition forms part of the Faculty’s broader strategy to embed a culture of quality and excellence, and to motivate its academic and administrative staff to sustain high-performance standards that positively impact education, research, and community service alike. The event closed with a reaffirmation of the Faculty’s commitment to holding the competition annually, fostering an academic environment that champions creativity and innovation in pursuit of its institutional excellence vision.

PUA Researcher Awarded Erasmus Scholarship

In a prestigious international academic milestone, Hana Ahmed Mohamed El-Alaily, a Master’s researcher in the English Department at PUA’s Faculty of Languages and Translation, has been selected for the esteemed Erasmus+ scholarship, funded by the European Union. This opportunity allows her to conduct her research at the historic Trinity College Dublin in Ireland.

The significance of this scholarship lies in the profound scientific and societal impact of Hana’s research topic: “Building an AI-Based Cognitive Model to Improve Educational Tools for Dysgraphia: A Psycholinguistic Approach”

Her research explores the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to understand and address Dysgraphia, a learning disability that poses a significant challenge for many students. The study aims to innovate a smart assistive educational tool to enhance students’ writing and cognitive abilities, facilitating their academic success and future professional integration. This achievement positions the Master’s program at the Faculty of Languages and Translation at the forefront of academic programs that merge cutting-edge technology with humanities to serve individuals with special needs.

Dentistry Awards Master’s Degree to Ahmed Sayed El-Shahat

In a distinguished academic atmosphere, PUA’s Faculty of Dentistry celebrated the awarding of a Master’s Degree in Prosthodontics and Dental Implants to Dr. Ahmed Sayed Ahmed El-Shahat. This recognition followed the successful defense of his thesis titled “Comparing Two Different All-On-Six Implant Supported Bar Frameworks as Regarded the Wear Resistance and Screw Loosening of The Internal Connection (Comparative In-Vitro Study).” The laboratory research aimed to conduct a precise comparison between the internal surface wear of Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) and Nano-carbon as framework materials, evaluating their impact on stress distribution in implant-retained prostheses with hexagonal implants in the mandible through comprehensive strain gauge analysis.

The study further compared wear resistance and screw loosening in internal connection frameworks made of high-performance polymers, specifically Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) and Nanoksa G Plus, which contain zirconia and carbon nanoparticles. This research holds significant value in modern implantology, particularly concerning All-on-Six designs, which are among the most successful methods for achieving excellent stability and balanced load distribution in edentulous patients. The defense concluded with the committee’s decision to grant the researcher a Master’s Degree, acknowledging his scientific contribution toward restoring aesthetics, function, and psychological comfort while minimizing complications in oral rehabilitation.

Dentistry Awards Master’s Degree to Researcher Mohamed Mostafa

In a new academic achievement aligned with the digital transformation in dentistry, PUA’s Faculty of Dentistry celebrated the awarding of a Master’s Degree in Prosthodontics and Dental Implants to Dr. Mohamed Mostafa Mohamed Abdelsalam. This followed the successful defense of his thesis titled: “Comparison of the Adaptation Accuracy Between Denture Bases Fabricated by Conventional, Milling, And 3-D Printing Techniques” (In-Vitro Study)”.

The study aimed to conduct a comprehensive comparative evaluation of denture base Adaptation Accuracy among three different manufacturing methods: traditional techniques, digital Milling, and 3D Printing. To ensure precise results, 18 edentulous maxillary models were prepared and divided into equal groups. The researcher utilized standardized digital and laboratory measurements to compare the three techniques, providing valuable data on which method ensures the best fit and stability for prosthetic patients.

The examination committee concluded by awarding the Master’s degree, praising the research for its practical clinical relevance and for supporting the university’s vision of integrating advanced digital technologies into dental education and practice.

Dentistry Awards Master’s Degree to Researcher Ahmed Adel Shawky

Pharos University in Alexandria (PUA) proudly announces that the Faculty of Dentistry has awarded a Master’s Degree in Endodontics to Dr. Ahmed Adel Shawky. This achievement follows the successful defense of his thesis titled: “Study of Micro Leakage of Different Filling Materials Using Different Retrograde Preparation Techniques (In-Vitro Study)”.

This study aimed to compare the apical microleakage between root end follicles prepared using an ultrasonic retrograde tip and those prepared using an ErCrYSGG laser, as well as to evaluate the ability of three retrograde filling materials and a fast-setting material, Biodentine (BD), Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA), Total Fill Bio-ceramic Root Repair Material BC (RR), to close, using a fluid transfer model.

This study investigated the effect of different root-end preparation techniques, in addition to retrograde filling materials, on achieving apical closure during micro-endodontic treatment. When conventional root canal treatment fails, surgical intervention often becomes the only means of preserving the tooth. Achieving reliable apical closure is crucial to prevent microleakage that could impede healing. Modern techniques such as ultrasonic instruments and lasers have been introduced to improve the accuracy and closure outcomes in such procedures.

Master’s Degree Awarded to Dr. Abdulmalik Abdulrahman in Endodontics

Pharos University in Alexandria (PUA) continues to excel in dental research as the Faculty of Dentistry celebrates the awarding of a Master’s Degree in Endodontics to Dr. Abdulmalik Abdulrahman Abdulrahim. The degree followed a successful defense of his thesis titled: “Comparative Evaluation of the Efficacy of Static Digital Guide vs. Freehand Approach in Endodontic Microsurgery (In-Vitro Study).”

The research aimed to evaluate the efficacy of “Static Digital Guides” compared to the traditional freehand method in endodontic microsurgery, specifically focusing on anatomical variations near the “Mental Foramen.” Using 48 high-precision 3D-printed mandibular models, the study assessed three key indicators:

  • Safety: The digital guide significantly increased the safety distance from the mental foramen across all groups.
  • Precision: It notably reduced the size and volume of the Osteotomy (bone cutting), preserving more natural structure.
  • Efficiency: A substantial reduction in total surgical time was recorded compared to the freehand approach.

The examination committee concluded by awarding the Master’s degree, emphasizing that these findings reinforce precision, safety, and efficiency in modern endodontic microsurgery, regardless of anatomical complexities, making digital guidance a vital choice in contemporary clinical practice.

Advancing Zirconia Prosthetics: Master’s Degree Awarded to Researcher Mahmoud Bayoumi

PUA’s Faculty of Dentistry proudly celebrated the awarding of a Master’s Degree in Prosthodontics and Dental Implants to Dr. Mahmoud Mohamed Mahmoud Bayoumi. This recognition followed the defense of his research titled: “Effect of Air Borne Practical Abrasion on The Bond Strength of Customized Two-Piece Zirconia Implant Abutment to Zirconia Superstructure” (In-Vitro Study).

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of aerobic corrosion by aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) particles on the bond strength between two-piece zirconia abutments and zirconia crowns fabricated using CAD/CAM technology with a self-adhesive resin mortar containing a methacryloxidediyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP) primer.

Sixteen two-piece zirconia abutments were fabricated using pre-measured titanium bases, which were then mounted on custom-designed zirconia crowns using EXO-CAD software, according to the required standard dimensions for the titanium base. Sixteen dental implants were placed in sixteen acrylic resin blocks to receive the zirconia hybrid abutments

A Promising Study on Myocardial Protection

PUA’s Faculty of Pharmacy hosted the Master’s thesis defense of researcher Barbara Botros, Teaching Assistant in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. Her research, titled “The Potential Protective Effect of Astaxanthin and Aspirin, Alone or Combined, via Modulating Inflammatory Pathways in Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Infarction in Rats,” provides significant insights into cardiovascular health.

The supervisory and examination committee included eminent professors from Alexandria University, PUA, and the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST). The study revealed that high doses of Astaxanthin possess cardioprotective properties comparable to Aspirin due to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Most notably, the research demonstrated that combination therapy (Aspirin & Astaxanthin) achieves a synergistic effect that surpasses individual treatments. This combination effectively targets the NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 inflammasome signaling pathway, restores hemodynamic efficiency, and regulates heart rate.

The significance of this research lies in highlighting promising pharmacological interventions to mitigate the risks of myocardial infarction, a leading cause of mortality worldwide. The examination committee praised the scientific rigor of the thesis and awarded the researcher a Master’s degree in Pharmacology and Toxicology, noting that these findings serve as a robust foundation for future clinical studies to benefit the medical community and public health.

1st Master’s Thesis in Interior Décor Department

In a significant academic milestone reflecting the continuous growth of PUA’s Postgraduate Studies and Scientific Research, the Faculty of Arts and Design discussed its first Master’s thesis in the Decor Department (Interior Architecture specialty). This achievement reaffirms the university’s commitment to enriching scientific research and providing innovative solutions that serve the hospitality sector and enhance environmental quality.

The thesis, submitted by researcher Mariam Mohamed Abbas, is titled: “The Role of Biophilic Design Technology in Improving the Environmental Performance of Hotels.” The research explores the seamless integration between “Biophilic Design”—which aims to reconnect humans with nature within indoor spaces—and “Smart Technology.” This integration serves as a modern strategy to improve air quality, circadian lighting, and visual connectivity with nature, significantly enhancing the psychological and physical well-being of guests.

Further, the researcher highlighted the mechanisms of incorporating interactive environmental elements such as living walls, interactive ceilings, and smart materials. The study demonstrates how merging nature with technology achieves true environmental sustainability and optimizes energy efficiency in hotels. This pioneering research reflects the faculty’s vision of combining art and technology to address contemporary environmental challenges, creating healthier interior spaces that respond to user needs, marking a qualitative addition to the field of Interior Architecture.

A Master’s Thesis Defense

In support of emerging research talent, the Petrochemical Engineering Department at PUA’s Faculty of Engineering held a thesis defense for Eng. Nada Yehia Mohamed Hassan’s Master’s research titled “Using Eco-Friendly Nano-Polymers in Industrial Water Treatment”.

 

The defense panel featured distinguished academics, namely:

  1. Dr. Nabil Mahmoud Abdel Moneim, Professor of Chemical Engineering, Cairo University (Supervisor & Examiner)
  2. Dr. Ihsan Mohamed Reda Nasef, Head of Petrochemical Engineering Department, Pharos University in Alexandria (Supervisor & Examiner)
  3. Dr. Marwa Farouk El-Qady, Professor of Chemical Engineering, Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (Examiner)
  4. Dr. Noha Said Youssef, Professor of Petrochemical Engineering, Pharos University in Alexandria (Examiner)

 

Additionally, the session was attended by Prof. Hamdy Zidan, Vice Dean for Postgraduate Studies and Research, alongside distinguished faculty members and industry experts, who enriched discussions with practical insights on adapting cutting-edge technologies for industrial applications.

 

The department congratulated Eng. Nada Yehia on her academic achievement, expressing hopes for her continued contributions to environmental protection and sustainable industrial innovation.

Petrochemical Engineering’s Master’s Theses Defended

As part of its ongoing commitment to advancing scientific research and enhancing the quality of postgraduate studies, the Petrochemical Engineering Department at PUA’s Faculty of Engineering has recently hosted the defense of five master’s theses addressing advanced research topics in the fields of sustainability and energy. This initiative reflects the department’s continuous efforts to support scientific innovation and prepare specialized professionals capable of tackling emerging challenges in the petrochemical sector both locally and globally.

The theses presented were distinguished by their originality and focus on practical, industry-applicable solutions—underscoring the department’s high standards in scientific inquiry. The following is a summary of the theses and the members of each examination committee:

1. T. A. Taqi Salama Mohamed Salama

Thesis Title: Fabrication of New Polymeric Composites for Use in 3D Printing Applications

Examination Committee:
• Prof. Dr. Nabil Abdel Moneim (Examiner and Supervisor)
• Prof. Dr. Taghreed Zewail (Examiner)
• Prof. Dr. Badawi Kamoun (Examiner)
• Prof. Dr. Ihsan Nasef (Examiner and Supervisor)

2. Eng. Lina Moataz Khamis El-Biyar

Thesis Title: Preparation of a Low Dielectric Constant Polymer Nanocomposite Using In-Situ Polycondensation

Examination Committee:
• Prof. Dr. Ahmed Amin Abdel-Azim Zaatout (Examiner)
• Prof. Dr. Wagih Abdel-Alim Sayed Ahmed Siddiq (Examiner)
• Prof. Dr. Abbas Anwar Ezzat (Examiner and Supervisor)
• Prof. Dr. Shaaban Ali Attia Nasser (Examiner and Supervisor)
• Dr. Fathi Shukry (Supervisor)

3. T. A. Ahmed Wahba El-Sayed Gabr

Thesis Title: Modeling and Simulation of Carbon Dioxide Removal from Natural Gas Using Membranes

Examination Committee:
• Prof. Dr. Shaaban Ali Attia Nasser (Examiner)
• Prof. Dr. Mona Darwish (Examiner)
• Prof. Dr. Ahmed El Shazly (Examiner and Supervisor)
• Prof. Dr. Noha Saeed (Examiner and Supervisor)

4. T. A. Mohamed Khater Hassan Abdel Aati

Thesis Title: Production of Biojet Fuel Using a Hydrodynamic Reactor

Examination Committee:
• Prof. Dr. Ahmed Amin Abdel-Azim Zaatout (Examiner)
• Prof. Dr. Abbas Anwar Ezzat (Examiner and Supervisor)
• Prof. Dr. Ahmed Hassan El Shazly (Examiner)
• Prof. Dr. Nour Shafiq Imam El Gendy (Examiner and Supervisor)

5. T. A. Donia Ehab Khairy

Thesis Title: Evaluation of the Performance of Natural Antioxidants in Improving the Stability of Biodiesel During Storage

Examination Committee:
• Prof. Dr. Abbas Anwar Ezzat (Examiner and Supervisor)
• Prof. Dr. Ahmed Hassan El Shazly (Examiner)
• Prof. Dr. Taghreed Zewail (Examiner and Supervisor)
• Prof. Dr. Nour Shafiq Imam El-Gendy (Examiner)
• Dr. Aya Soliman (Supervisor)

This dynamic research activity reflects not only the department’s but also the university’s shared dedication to fostering pioneering scientific output that contributes to industrial advancement and community development, while affirming the college’s central academic role in preparing highly skilled researchers in the field of petrochemicals.

 Electronic Resources at Bibliotheca Alexandrina and How to Search Them

PUA’s Postgraduate Studies Department, in cooperation with the Library Sector at Bibliotheca Alexandrina, organized a lecture entitled “Electronic Resources at Bibliotheca Alexandrina and How to Search Them”. The lecture was delivered by Dr. Shahinaz Ibrahim Abdel Aziz, Head of the Electronic Resources Unit at Bibliotheca Alexandrina’s Libraries Sector.

The event began with a welcome speech by Prof. Dr. Mohamed Gaber Abu Ali, Vice President for Postgraduate Studies and Research, who emphasized PUA’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Bibliotheca to support researchers and graduate students. He also highlighted the importance of developing a robust research infrastructure for faculty members and assistants, contributing to advancements in scientific research and enhancing the university’s international ranking.

The lecture was attended by a diverse audience, including faculty members, teaching assistants, postgraduate students, and undergraduate students from various PUA faculties. Key topics covered during the lecture included an introduction to the electronic collections available at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and guidance on accessing these holdings. It also included A detailed overview of databases such as Academic Search Complete, Taylor & Francis, Al Manhal, and the Elsevier databases with remote access options, and provided information on a wide range of open-access databases.

The session was marked by active participation from attendees, with numerous questions and interventions enriching the discussion. At the conclusion of the event, Prof. Dr. Mohamed Gaber awarded Dr. Shahinaz Ibrahim Abdel Aziz a certificate of appreciation. Commemorative photos were taken to celebrate the occasion.

This lecture reflects PUA’s dedication to equipping its academic community with the tools and resources necessary for effective research and academic excellence.