CAIRO: Supporting its goal of providing equal opportunities to distinguished students, The American University in Cairo (AUC) has launched the Al Alfi Biotechnology Fellowship program that provides funding for five qualified Egyptian students to attend AUC's reputable biotechnology program on a full scholarship. In addition to covering tuition fees, the scholarship allows students to work as full-time researchers at AUC, supporting the university's biotechnology research and endeavors. The selection of the fellowship recipients is based on their GPA and research skills, specifically their ability to translate biotechnology knowledge and research into products, explained Rania Siam, associate professor in the Biology Department and director of the biotechnology graduate program at Business leader and vice chairman of AUC's Board of Trustees, Moataz Al Alfi, funded the program and noted that it provides another level of success for the university. “It is another milestone in AUC's history in educating the future leaders of Egypt and the Arab Region,” he said. “AUC's biotechnology program will be recognized world-wide in the coming years as Dean Medhat Haroun, Professor Siam and their colleagues continue their groundbreaking research.” Yasmine Mustafa Mohamed, a fellowship recipient, explained that receiving the fellowship helped her become financially independent, and she no longer has to rely on her parents to cover the cost of her studies. She further noted that the fellowship saved her the struggle of work-study balance; as now she is working at AUC and engaging with the university's biotechnology research, which complements her skills and expertise. Another winning candidate, Nourhan Mohamed Mofeed, said that the fellowship has given her a boost to continue excelling in her academic life, explaining that, “Not only has my AUC biotechnology study widened my research horizons, but it has also enhanced my writing and presentation skills, and has broadened my knowledge and perspective.” AUC's biotechnology researchers are finding real-world applications for their projects, enabling them to address crucial issues in the fields of pharmaceutics, diagnostics, agriculture and the environment. Preparing its graduates to be industry leaders in the field of biotechnology, the biotechnology program at AUC utilizes the university's high-tech facilities, particularly the newly established high-throughput genomic facility in the Biology department and the Yousef Jameel Science and Technology Research Center (YJSTRC). To achieve its ambitious vision, the AUC biotechnology program has merged its efforts with other research centers and universities, such as the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), a world-class graduate-level research university in Saudi Arabia. Siam explained that, “AUC is building excellence in science and research in Egypt and the region, developing scientists that are capable of executing cutting-edge research essential for Egypt and the region and reacting to their communities' needs.” BM
