Current Scholars

Political Science • Alexandria University
Although initially oriented toward a career in pharmacy, the “pandemic pause” coupled with a series of fortuitous conversations led Karim to pivot toward political science—a discipline that he now fully embraces. He lists “Politics of The Middle East” and “Power, Identity, Resistance” as two courses he is particularly eager to take during the coming year. Karim is committed to sustainable development, hopes to volunteer with Camp Kesem, and plans on participating in Chicago Debate Club.

Political Science • Cairo University
In her essay, Mary quotes Albert Einstein’s observation that “Politics is more difficult than physics,” and she states that the intricate interplay of power, ideology, and human behavior both captivates her and inspires her to “be part of the next generation of scholars and practitioner that unraveling political complexities.” Mary’s father and grandfather are both teachers, and she hopes to follow in their footsteps. Her hobbies include tennis, handball, and running.

Economics • Cairo University
Karen has known about the Sawiris Scholars program since the day she was accepted at Cairo University, and is thrilled to be part of the 2024-25 cohort. She is looking forward to meeting new people from different cultures and backgrounds and describes herself as “eager to experience the kind of intercultural exchange that will broaden her personal perspectives and intellectual horizons.” Outside of the classroom, Karen plays piano (10 years of formal study), volunteers extensively, draws, and plays squash.

Economics • American University of Cairo
Mina embraces the study of Economics because it feeds his curiosity about how the world works. An aspiring entrepreneur, he hopes to use his time in Chicago to cultivate a better, more nuanced understanding of the complexities of business and markets, and to developing robust analytical skills, a strategic mindset, the ability to lead and adapt. Outside of the classroom, Mina has also worked as a freelance model for several local brands and enjoys acting and filmmaking.

Economics • American University of Cairo
Madonna looks forward to taking courses, developing her leadership skills through the LEADS program, and deepening her engagement with the broader community. She describes herself as someone who loves to seize all possible opportunities, citing her decision to enroll in a theater course at AUC, which brought out a hidden talent for acting that she hopes to purse in Chicago. She is a member of the AUC women’s volleyball team and hopes to join the UChicago’s team next year.

Economics • Alexandria University
Youssef is a Research Assistant and Campus Lab Desk Coordinator at the Center for Decision Research at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. While his academic focus is on behavioral and development economics, he uncovered a keen interest in social psychology, which complements his understanding of economic decision-making and human behavior. Youssef is balancing undergraduate studies with the rigor of graduate-level MBA classes at Booth. Motivated by his commitment to environmental advocacy, Youssef participated in the University of Chicago's Energy and Climate Trek in Washington, D.C., where he engaged with leaders driving sustainability and innovation.

Economics • Alexandria University
Maria is looking forward to taking courses in the Economics Department and the Booth School. She is also looking forward to participating in extracurriculars such as Nexus Dance Collective, the Entrepreneurship Team, the Economics Club and Women Who Lift. She is passionate about preparing, presenting, and participating in TV broadcasts and she has appeared in three episodes of a series that airs in Egypt. 

Political Science • Cairo University
Youssef is looking forward to deepening his knowledge of political science and critical thinking through coursework and intellectual engagement beyond the classroom. He is also a filmmaker (writer, director, producer) who wrote compellingly about how movies shaped the person he is today: by expanding his horizon, imparting knowledge of history, geography, pop culture; and by helping him improve and fine-tune his colloquial English proficiency.

Economics • Cairo University
After a successful year and half of studies in the Faculty of Medicine, Abdelrahman discovered his passion for Economics during lockdown and changed course accordingly. He looks forward to interacting with professors and classmates in Economics and at the Booth School. Outside of the classroom Abdelrahman is an accomplished (and decorated) Speedball player—with two gold medals, a silver, and a bronze—in four different international tournaments in Poland and Egypt.

Economics • Alexandria University
Farah writes that “a year of study at UChicago would offer grounds for not just understanding the world but also expanding my perspectives and learning to reach my own conclusions.” Beyond the classroom, she is an online English tutor who values her interactions with (and cultural perspectives gleaned from) the language pupils that she’s worked with in Turkey, Brazil, Japan, and other parts of the world. After graduation, Farah plans on pursuing a career as a foreign affairs analyst after completing a master’s degree abroad.