Prof. Heba Isawi | Innovative Research Award

Desert Research Center, Egypt

Authour Profile

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🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Heba Ibrahim Mohamed Isawi’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in chemistry, earning her Bachelor’s degree from Zagazig University in 2000. Her early interest in environmental science and water quality led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Chemistry from Benha University, which she completed in 2008. Her thesis focused on the chemistry and treatment of groundwater in the El Dakhla Oasis, an area facing significant water scarcity challenges. This formative research experience deepened her commitment to addressing water issues in arid regions. She later embarked on a doctoral program in Chemistry at Ain Shams University, Cairo, where she explored innovative approaches to water desalination. A pivotal moment in her academic development came during her tenure as a visiting scholar at the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Waterloo, Canada, under the mentorship of Prof. Xianshe Feng. Her Ph.D. dissertation centered on the synthesis of nano-enhanced reverse osmosis membranes for the desalination of saline groundwater in Sharm El Sheikh, South Sinai. This work integrated nanotechnology, polymer science, and environmental chemistry, laying the groundwork for her future research directions.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Isawi has established a distinguished professional career focused on sustainable water treatment and desalination. Currently an Associate Professor at the Desert Research Center (DRC) in Cairo, she is affiliated with the Water Treatment and Desalination Unit within the Division of Water Resources. Her association with the DRC spans over two decades, during which she has steadily risen through the ranks, beginning as a master’s student and progressing to a staff researcher and then to her current role. Her international experience includes working as a chemist at ALS Minerals in Reno, Nevada, where she specialized in the geochemical analysis of precious metals, as well as serving as a primary school teacher in the United States, showcasing her adaptability and broad skill set. At DRC, she is not only engaged in cutting-edge research but also contributes to the institution’s strategic goals as a scientific publication coordinator. Her field of expertise includes hydrogeochemistry, membrane science, and water reuse technologies tailored to arid and desert environments.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Isawi’s research focuses on the development of innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable water treatment technologies. She has made significant strides in designing and optimizing nanocomposite membranes, such as graphene oxide and ZnO-modified membranes, which enhance water permeability, fouling resistance, and microbial removal. Her work is deeply rooted in applying material science to real-world environmental challenges. Several of her studies have gained widespread recognition, including her pioneering research on the use of zeolite/polyvinyl alcohol/sodium alginate nanocomposite beads for heavy metal removal and her studies on graphene oxide-incorporated cellulose membranes for forward osmosis desalination. Dr. Isawi has been actively involved in numerous collaborative research projects funded by international and regional bodies, including the University of Tabuk, the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (Egypt), the Newton-Mosharafa Program (UK-Egypt), and the Science, Technology and Development Fund (STDF). Her work spans a wide range of topics, including solar-driven desalination, photocatalysis, wastewater reuse, and groundwater mapping using geophysical and GIS tools.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Isawi’s contributions have been recognized both nationally and internationally. She received the prestigious U.S.-Egypt Joint Scientific and Technological Cooperation grant in 2019, and earlier, a short-term research fellowship funded by STDF. Her scientific service is equally impressive—she serves as Topic Editor for Frontiers in Chemical Engineering, Deputy Editor for the International Journal of Natural Science and Nanotechnology (Malaysia), and an editorial board member for several emerging journals in environmental and nanotechnology fields. Her commitment to academic service is further reflected in her role as a reviewer for highly ranked journals such as the Journal of Water Process Engineering, Arabian Journal of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering Journal, and Applied Surface Science Advances. She has been formally acknowledged by MDPI, Elsevier, and other publishers for her peer review contributions. Additionally, she is a member of the Water and Irrigation Research Council affiliated with Egypt’s Academy of Scientific Research and Technology and the International Water Resources Association.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Isawi’s influence extends beyond academia into policymaking, applied research, and international scientific collaboration. Her participation in global conferences such as the Euro-Mediterranean Conference for Environmental Integration, where she serves on the scientific committee, highlights her role in shaping the discourse on environmental sustainability. She has played a crucial part in projects that integrate renewable energy sources with water treatment technologies, including solar heat-driven adsorption desalination systems and smart, integrated ultrafiltration and photocatalysis platforms. These innovations are particularly vital for water-scarce regions like Egypt and the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Heba Isawi is poised to become a leading figure in the global water sustainability movement. Her interdisciplinary approach—merging chemistry, materials science, environmental engineering, and data-driven water resource management—positions her to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century. As water scarcity intensifies due to climate change and population growth, her work on developing decentralized, affordable, and energy-efficient water purification systems will be instrumental in safeguarding the future of vulnerable communities. With her strong academic foundation, collaborative spirit, and unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship, Dr. Isawi’s legacy is one of scientific excellence, practical impact, and visionary leadership.

📖Notable Publications