Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amal Zaher , Beni-suef University , Egypt
Dr. Amal Zaher Shehata Mohamad is an Egyptian chemical and environmental engineering researcher with over two decades of academic and industrial experience. Born on March 6, 1978, she currently serves as an Associate Professor at the Department of Environmental Science and Industrial Development, Faculty of Postgraduate Studies for Advanced Sciences, Beni-Suef University, Egypt. Dr. Zaher’s work bridges environmental sustainability and nanotechnology, focusing on wastewater treatment and advanced material applications. With a strong background in safety and occupational health, her research integrates real-world industry needs with academic innovation. She has published extensively in high-impact journals and has contributed to book chapters and international conferences. Her collaborative nature and interdisciplinary expertise have made her a respected voice in environmental science across Egypt and beyond.
Publication Profile:
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✅ Strengths for the Award:
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Extensive Research Output: Dr. Zaher has authored over 20 peer-reviewed articles, conference papers, and book chapters, covering highly relevant environmental topics like wastewater treatment, nanotechnology, and advanced materials.
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Interdisciplinary Expertise: She bridges chemical engineering and environmental science, with a strong focus on Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHs), MOFs, nanofibers, and photocatalysis, demonstrating deep technical versatility.
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Real-World Relevance: Her research is oriented toward practical environmental applications—such as the degradation of pollutants and water purification—contributing to sustainable development and public health.
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Longstanding Academic and Industrial Experience: Dr. Zaher combines over 20 years of experience in engineering practice, health & safety, and academic teaching, giving her research both depth and applicability.
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Global Contributions: Participation in international conferences and publication in high-impact journals (e.g., Fuel, Scientific Reports, Environmental Science and Pollution Research) demonstrates global recognition.
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Leadership and Mentorship: As an Associate Professor, she plays a key role in mentoring postgraduate students, leading interdisciplinary projects, and promoting research at Beni-Suef University.
🔄 Areas for Improvement:
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International Collaborations: While she has collaborated widely within Egypt, expanding joint projects with international institutions or labs would elevate her global research profile.
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Patent or Commercial Applications: Filing patents or translating her nanomaterials research into industrial or commercial solutions would further enhance her impact.
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Research Funding and Grants: More visibility in securing or leading national/international research grants would strengthen her academic leadership credentials.
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Citation Impact: While she publishes frequently, focused efforts on publishing in journals with higher citation indices or review papers may increase her scientific impact.
🎓 Education:
Dr. Amal Zaher holds a B.Sc. with Honors in Chemical Engineering from Minia University, Egypt (2000). She later earned her M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from the same institution in 2006 with a thesis focused on innovative techniques for treating oil-polluted wastewater. Driven by her interest in sustainable environmental technologies, she continued her academic pursuits and received her Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Industrial Development, further enhancing her knowledge in advanced oxidation processes and nanomaterials for wastewater treatment. Her educational background merges rigorous engineering principles with environmental applications, making her a versatile researcher in tackling industrial pollution challenges. Her academic training provided the foundation for a distinguished career in teaching, safety management, and cutting-edge scientific research.
💼 Experience:
Dr. Amal Zaher began her professional journey as a freelance engineer (2000–2002) before working as a specialist in safety and occupational health at the Manpower and Immigration Department in Minia, Egypt (2002–2016). She transitioned into academia in 2013 as an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Postgraduate Studies for Advanced Sciences, Beni-Suef University (BSU), later promoted to Associate Professor. With her diverse background, she has contributed significantly to environmental safety and pollution control both in practice and in theory. Her hands-on experience in industrial environments enhances her teaching and research, enabling her to address real-world problems with academic solutions. Dr. Zaher has led and collaborated on numerous projects related to wastewater treatment, nanomaterials, and environmental remediation, establishing herself as an expert and mentor in the field.
🔬 Research Focus:
Dr. Amal Zaher’s research centers around advanced materials and processes for environmental remediation, particularly in water and wastewater treatment. Her work explores the use of layered double hydroxides (LDH), metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and nanostructures in removing pollutants like heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and dyes. She is known for her contributions to photocatalytic degradation using processes such as Photo-Fenton and her innovative use of zeolite templates and metal doping to enhance adsorptive efficiency. Her recent projects delve into electrocatalytic and antibacterial applications of nanomaterials, as well as solar desalination. Her multidisciplinary approach—combining chemical engineering, environmental science, and materials chemistry—supports sustainable water management. Through publications, book chapters, and international presentations, Dr. Zaher has advanced global knowledge on pollution control and eco-friendly technologies.
📚 Publications Top Notes:
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⚗️ Using Advanced Oxidation Process for Oily Water Clean-up
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🌿 Optimization of a Simulated Photo-Fenton Process for Treating Olive Mill Wastewater
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🔬 Influences of Tungsten Incorporation on Ni/C Nanostructures for Urea Elimination
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💊 Zn/Fe LDH for Removal of Oxytetracycline: Experimental & Molecular Simulations
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🌞 Photocatalytic Degradation of Phenol Wastewater: Photo Fenton Optimization
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🧪 Nickel Doped Carbon Nanofibers with Tungsten for Ethanol Oxidation
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💧 La-doped Zn-Fe LDH for Tetracycline Adsorption from Water
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🧱 LDH Nanocubes with Zeolite Templates for Adsorbent Applications
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🎨 Physicochemical Properties of Zn–Fe LDH for Dye Removal
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🧼 Photocatalytic Degradation of Dye Wastewater with ZnO Nanoparticles
📌 Conclusion:
Dr. Amal Zaher Shehata Mohamad is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work stands out for its relevance, innovation, and impact in solving critical environmental challenges through scientific research. With her impressive record of publications, dedication to teaching and mentoring, and alignment with sustainable development goals, she exemplifies the caliber of a leading researcher. Addressing a few strategic improvements could make her a globally recognized name in environmental science and nanotechnology.