Provost Ehab Abdel-Rahman has a long history with The American University in Cairo (AUC), from serving as assistant professor of physics when he first joined in 2006 and chair of the Department of Physics four years later to simultaneously serving as associate dean of graduate studies and research and director of the Yousef Jameel Science and Technology Research Center, both in the School of Sciences and Engineering, starting 2011. His senior administrative duties began in 2013, when he became associate provost for research while continuing to head the Yousef Jameel Science and Technology Research Center. Three years later, he became vice provost before serving as interim provost in early 2017. Abdel-Rahman was appointed AUC provost in June 2017.  

A prolific researcher and physicist, Abdel-Rahman has extensive expertise in thermoacoustics and photonics. Among his distinctive achievements is the development of a high efficiency, innovative and simple power block for concentrated solar power and self-tuned and photonic-based energy saving glass window. Throughout his 17-year-long career in thermoacoustics, solar energy, materials and photonics research, he has published more than 80 technical papers and reports and has acquired five U.S. patents. He previously served as Egypt’s energy expert, actively contributing during the country’s research collaboration with the European Union from 2007 to 2009. Additionally, Abdel-Rahman has founded four technology transfer offices at four Egyptian universities and has authored and managed several European Union and international projects.

Honoring Abdel-Rahman for his achievements, AUC granted him numerous awards, including the Research Innovation Award (2007, 2009), Excellence in Teaching Award (2009), Innovative Teaching Award (2010) and President’s Distinguished Service Award (2010). He has also received the Outstanding Service Award for his contributions in establishing the University’s Technology Transfer Office (2011) and the Provost’s Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his “prolific writing and dedication to education” (2012).

Abdel-Rahman holds a PhD in physics from the University of Utah, where he previously served as a research assistant professor and postdoctoral fellow. Prior to joining AUC, he was assistant professor of physics at Helwan University for two years.