Current Scholars

Rafayella is a Statistics major from Cairo University with a growing interest in biostatistics and its applications in healthcare and research. She is very excited to take courses outside my major, explore new ways of thinking, and learn how different fields can work together to solve real-world problems. Beyond academics, she enjoys reading, watching musicals, and participating in Model United Nations, where she has developed her communication and critical thinking skills. She looks forward to learning from and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. 

Rahma, a Cairo University Faculty of Economics and Political Science student, studies Statistics and has developed a strong passion for it, data analysis, and understanding how numbers shape the world around us. She is eager to explore these interests at the University of Chicago while challenging herself in a new academic and cultural environment. Outside of her studies, she enjoys drawing, reading, music, sports, and discovering different perspectives and cultures. Her long-term goal is graduate study and ultimately returning to Egypt to contribute through research, innovation, and development. 

Mayar is fascinated by quantitative economics, finance, and the human decisions behind economic outcomes. She is drawn to research and to questions that reveal what markets can and cannot capture about people. Beyond academics, she is a singer, rower, and student leader, who enjoys bringing people and perspectives together across very different settings. At UChicago, she looks forward to exploring questions across disciplines, having her assumptions challenged. and returning to Cairo with new questions and possibilities she had not yet imagined.

Yahia Elleithy, a proud Egyptian, had long dreamed of attending UChicago, applying first as a high school senior before becoming a Sawiris Scholar. At UChicago, he hopes to learn the saxophone and play the soulful jazz of Charlie Parker while exploring his academic passions in Finance and History. He envisions a future in Diplomacy, Consulting, or even Football Coaching, all dedicated to Egypt’s development. Inspired by his idol Muhammad Ali Clay, Yahia strives to make the world better with courage, conviction, and compassion. 

Bahira is a Political Science student at Alexandria University who views international relations through the lens of a high-stakes Sudoku puzzle. Driven to uncover the hidden mechanics of global conflicts, she is attending UChicago to build a rigorous and quantitative toolkit for analyzing Middle Eastern geopolitics. Beyond decoding diplomacy, her interests range from classical music to following tennis and football. This year, she is excited to research in the Mansueto Library, volunteer as a Peer Notetaker, and embrace the Scav Hunt. 

Salma enjoys volunteering and leading teams at various events and championships as a part of her Professional Business Administration degree. To complement her studies, she interns in Human Resources at a multinational company. At UChicago, she looks forward to experiencing a new culture, learning alongside people from around the world, exploring different teaching methods, and taking courses unavailable to her otherwise.

Youssef studies economics at Alexandria University. Since starting college, he has been curious about exploring beyond his college curriculum, so he has pursued rigorous online courses from top U.S. universities to supplement his formal education. Through his independent learning journey, her has become deeply interested in mathematics and computational tools, which he aims to combine with economic theory. Youssef is eager to experience UChicago's interdisciplinary and academically rigorous culture, which he believes will provide the perfect environment for exploration and study.

Michael is a third-year Finance student from Ain Shams University, with a solid background in economics and accounting. He is passionate about analyzing investments and building valuation models, which motivates him to pursue a career in investment banking. Alongside finance, he aspires to launch his own business in the future. Beyond academics, Michael likes to engage in athletic activities and explore global cultures. He is excited to make the most of every opportunity this journey offers.

Omar is an economics student motivated by understanding how incentives shape our own individual decisions and society. Seeing how small economic decisions can lead to a drastic change in outcomes, thus, leaving a far-reaching impact on the global economy. Omar is driven by an analytical way of thinking and desire to seek greater knowledge.

Abdelrahman has a habit of conceiving every idea as the seed of another. He is most interested in entrepreneurship and economics. He planned to spend the year at UChicago simply observing and taking in his new environment. Instead, Abdelrahman is starting his year leading a cohort, researching with faculty, advocating for undergraduate students, and serving as a peer leader to incoming students.

Mariam is an Economics student from Cairo University. She is excited to visit the United States for the first time. At UChicago, she looks forward to learning from inspiring professors, meeting new friends from different cultures, exploring student activities, and becoming more independent and confident. Outside of school, she enjoys arts and crafts, coloring, and shopping.

Haya is a Business and Entrepreneurship student at The American University in Cairo and a competitive swimmer representing both AUC and Al Ahly SC. She is passionate about sports, entrepreneurship, and creating meaningful initiatives for her community. During her year at UChicago, she looks forward to joining different sports teams, exploring opportunities inside and outside the classroom, building meaningful connections, and making the most of experiences that will challenge her and help her grow both personally and professionally.