via Solar System NASA
The United Nations General Assembly declares February 11th as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, encouraging more women to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). So here, we honour some of Egypt's most impressive female scientists to commemorate the day. We, and the rest of the world, are genuinely proud of the significant contributions in research and breakthroughs made by the many Egyptian talents in their fields. Read to learn more about these inspiring women and their achievements!
1- Bassant Helmi
via Digital Arabia Network
Bassant Helmi is a pioneering Egyptian computer scientist who formed the non-profit organisation Global Project Partners eV in early 2001, which first consisted of only 20 employees. Since, more than four thousand individuals have joined the group, making it one of the two largest German-Arab networks. Her plan is to digitise almost everything to safeguard individuals during the spread of diseases like the Covid-19 pandemic.
2- Nora Shawki
via Twitter
The Egyptian archaeologist is a National Geographic Explorer who spent many years digging in the Nile Delta to uncover ancient artefacts. She has completed excavations in Egypt and northern Sudan as a field archaeologist. Nora now oversees her own digs at satellite sites in the Delta after making several vital finds at previous locations.
3- Yasmine Yehia
via Facebook
With her research titled "The Potential Strength of Rice Straw", Yasmine Yehia won first place in the Earth and Environmental Sciences category of the 2015 "Intel Science and Engineering Competition". Yasmine is the first and only Arab female to win this award since its establishment many years ago.
Additionally, NASA has named a collection of asteroids, "MOUSTAFA 31910," under her family name as a permanent gesture expressing and honouring her continuous achievements within the Earth and Environmental Sciences field. Even more impressive, Yasmine was only 17 years old at the time!
4- Dalia El-Shafei
via YouTube
Dr Dalia El-Shafei Mustafa, President of the Canadian Academy of Self-Development, stated that engineering is a "way of life" for her upon being awarded the Platinum Medal of Queen Elizabeth for her significant contributions to Canadian society. Queen Elizabeth II herself awarded her the highest honorary prize in the field, the Alexander Graham Medal, for her scientific work and engineering.
Dalia explains that her objectives in life are research, diligence, and making a mark; therefore, she has shifted her focus from engineering to psychology throughout her doctoral work. This shift falls under the broader heading of leadership and development.
5- Tahani Amer
via Facebook
With the help of the Virginia Space Consortium, Tahani Amer completed an internship with NASA during her college years. This experience paved the way for her to attend graduate school and eventually land a job at NASA's Langley Research Center. Aeronautics, space research, technology advancement, and Earth science were the main subjects of her early professional life. Through her father's influence, she achieved many firsts in her field.
