center director smart engineering systems research center, Nile University, Egypt
Dr. Irene Samy Fahim is an Associate Professor of Industrial and Service Engineering Management at Nile University, Egypt 🇪🇬. With a profound background in mechanical and industrial engineering, she is also the Director of the Smart Engineering Systems Research Center. A dedicated researcher, educator, and sustainability advocate, she has led numerous projects focusing on biodegradable plastics, circular economy, and green innovation 🌱. Irene combines academic excellence with entrepreneurial experience and is recognized globally for her contributions to sustainable development and women empowerment in STEM 💡👩🔬.
Profile
Scopus
🎓 Education
Dr. Fahim earned her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from The American University in Cairo (AUC) in 2015 with a stellar GPA of 3.99/4.0 🎓. She previously obtained her M.Sc. (2010) and B.Sc. (2003) in Mechanical Engineering from AUC, maintaining GPAs above 3.6. Her thesis work has revolved around natural fiber composites and nanocomposites for industrial use. She also holds a Diploma of Development Practice from Regis University, USA, achieved in 2018 🌍📘.
💼 Experience
Dr. Irene’s academic journey includes roles such as Associate Professor and Assistant Professor at Nile University and AUC. She is also the Director of the Smart Engineering Systems Research Center at NU 🔬. Her non-academic career includes two decades as Business Development Manager at Metal Tube S.A.E and sustainability consulting in waste management and environmental strategy development 🌿📊. She is actively involved in training on biodegradable plastics and industrial sustainability.
🔍 Research Interests
Her research is deeply rooted in sustainability, nanotechnology, polymer composites, biodegradable materials, and industrial innovation. Dr. Fahim is passionate about finding green alternatives to synthetic materials, enhancing industrial practices through circular economy principles, and applying AI for environmental modeling 🔄🧪. She also focuses on the valorization of agricultural waste for material applications and advancing green manufacturing.
🏆 Awards
Dr. Irene has received numerous prestigious recognitions, including the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award (2021), the Encouragement State Award (2020), and the Hazem Ezzat Award for research excellence (2021) 🏅🌍. She has also secured multiple international research grants and fellowships like the Newton Fund, British Council, and US Embassy’s alumni program. She’s actively contributed to green entrepreneurship competitions and global sustainability platforms such as COP27 and IEEE HAC 🌐🌱.
📚 Publications
A study on the technical and financial feasibility of producing lactic acid from sugarcane and beet molasses – Results in Engineering, 2025.
Enrichment of Biological Activity of Strontium-Doped Borate Glass – Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance, 2025.
Biodegradable Polymers from Cellulose for Bioplastics – Egyptian Journal of Chemistry, 2025.
Activated carbon from coffee waste and bagasse for dye removal – Results in Chemistry, 2025.
Sustainable nanocellulose coating for EPS geofoam – Waste Management, 2025.
Wood composite using cotton waste & bio-binders – International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2025.
AGV and Industry 4.0 Framework for Warehouses – International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 2024.
High strain compression on Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys – Materials Today Communications, 2024.
🏁 Conclusion
Dr. Irene Samy Fahim is a highly qualified and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work exemplifies a rare blend of scientific excellence, practical innovation, leadership, and societal impact. Her commitment to sustainability, circular economy, and women’s empowerment in STEM positions her not only as a top researcher but also as an agent of change in the academic and industrial ecosystems. Minor additions such as patent documentation or broader international collaborations could further strengthen her already compelling profile.