Prof. Rasha Azzam at Helwan University,Egypt
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Early Academic Pursuits 🎓
Prof. Rasha A. Azzam’s academic journey began with her outstanding performance in chemistry at Helwan University, Egypt, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Chemistry in 1993. Her excellence in academia was recognized early on, as she graduated with class honors and was placed on the Dean’s List. Driven by her passion for organic chemistry, she pursued a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Organic Chemistry at Helwan University, completing it in 1996. Her academic curiosity and dedication led her to further her studies internationally, earning a prestigious Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry in 2003 from the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium. Her diverse educational background laid the foundation for a career defined by groundbreaking research and academic excellence.
Professional Endeavors 🧑‍🔬
Prof. Azzam’s professional career spans over two decades of teaching, research, and leadership in various prestigious academic institutions across the globe. She is currently a Professor of Organic Chemistry at the Faculty of Science, Helwan University, where she has been contributing since 2021. Prior to this, she held the position of Associate Professor of Organic Chemistry at the same institution from 2016 to 2021, demonstrating her upward trajectory in academia.
Her teaching and research influence extended beyond Egypt. She has held positions as an Associate Professor at Taibah University in Saudi Arabia, Nigerian Turkish Nile University in Nigeria, and the American University in Nigeria, where she was a co-founder of the Petroleum Chemistry Program. Additionally, she has served as a Visiting Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2024, further showcasing her international academic reach.
Contributions and Research Focus 🔬
Prof. Azzam’s research focuses on organic and medicinal chemistry, with a particular emphasis on green synthesis, nanomaterials, and antiviral agents. One of her key research interests is the development of new methods for synthesizing compounds with potential anticancer and antimicrobial properties. Her recent project, “Synthesis of new sulfa derivatives under ultrasonic irradiation as potential anticancer/antimicrobial agents,” funded by Helwan University in 2021, highlights her innovative approach to organic synthesis.
Prof. Azzam’s work also explores environmentally friendly technologies, as demonstrated by her research on “green technology based on nanoporous biodegradable polymeric membranes” for wastewater treatment, funded by the Academy of Scientific Research Technology (ASRT). She has also conducted pioneering work on nanomaterials and their applications in industrial processes, such as her research on thermoplastic elastomers based on petrochemicals and the development of anti-COVID-19 agents incorporated into nanofibrous mats.
Her research output is extensive, and she has presented several projects on global platforms, including her work on antiviral therapeutic agents and nanomaterials. Her research contributions are shaping the future of organic chemistry, particularly in the domains of green chemistry and medical applications.
Accolades and Recognition 🏆
Prof. Azzam’s excellence in research and community service has been recognized through numerous awards and honors. In 2023, she received the prestigious Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd Scientific Award for her contributions to scientific production that serves community development within the framework of sustainable development goals. In the same year, she was honored with Helwan University’s Outstanding Scientific Achievement Award in Basic and Applied Sciences.
She has also been recognized for her mentoring and supervision of students, receiving Best Master Thesis Awards for two of her master’s students, Rasha Essam (2020) and Heba Elboshi (2023). Her commitment to advancing research was further acknowledged when she received the Research Excellence Awards for her students, Rokia Ramadan (2019) and Rasha Essam (2020). Additionally, Prof. Azzam was awarded a Silver Medal from the Academy of Scientific Research Technology (ASRT) in 2018 for her outstanding contributions to science.
Her impact extends internationally, with her receiving the Outstanding Faculty Member Award from the American University in Nigeria in 2007, and a research scholarship from the Catholic University of Leuven in 2001.
Impact and Influence 🌍
Prof. Azzam’s influence is felt not only through her research but also through her active participation in the scientific community. She serves as a Review Editor for Organic Chemistry on the Editorial Board of Frontiers in Chemistry and as an editor for the Journal of Chemistry and The Scientific World Journal, both published by Hindawi. She is also a grant evaluator for the Fulbright Binational Scholarship Program, where she helps assess the next generation of academic leaders.
Her commitment to education and community service is reflected in her involvement in organizing training workshops for high school teachers and instructing lab sessions for the AUN Community School. Prof. Azzam is also a member of the Egyptian Society for Basic Sciences, where she contributes to the development of the scientific community in Egypt.
Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟
Prof. Rasha A. Azzam’s legacy is built on her unwavering dedication to advancing organic chemistry, fostering academic excellence, and mentoring the next generation of scientists. Her research has laid the groundwork for significant developments in green chemistry, nanomaterials, and medicinal chemistry. With her continued focus on innovative solutions for pressing global challenges, such as wastewater treatment and the development of antiviral agents, she is poised to make even more impactful contributions in the years to come.