Student Spotlight Mohamed Moustafa Dawoud — AAAS CASE 2025 & Journey from Zefta to Dartmouth
I’m honored to be featured by Dartmouth’s Guarini School in a Student Spotlight after attending the AAAS CASE 2025 workshop in Washington, D.C. The interview covers my background, research focus in human-centered security & privacy, motivation for policy engagement, and advice to incoming graduate students.
About the feature
Excerpt:
“Mohamed Moustafa Dawoud, a PhD student in computer science, was one of four Guarini students who traveled to Washington, D.C. for the AAAS CASE 2025 conference, which introduces graduate students to federal policymaking and advocacy for scientific research.”
Highlights
Hometown & Identity
I proudly consider Zefta in Egypt’s Nile Delta my hometown—a place whose history, community, and culture shaped my values. The legacy of resilience (from the 1919 Zefta Republic) continues to inspire how I approach work, service, and impact.
Academic Path
- Ranked 18th nationwide in Egypt’s Thanawya Amma (Math) — 408/410 (99.51%).
- Earned a full scholarship to the German International University (GIU) in Cairo; majored in Computer Science (Information Security).
Research Focus
I work on human-centered cybersecurity and privacy—designing tools and policies that are technically robust yet usable, respectful of real human needs, and mindful of context.
Policy & AAAS CASE 2025
I applied to AAAS CASE to learn how science policy is made and how researchers can engage constructively with policymakers—especially around privacy and security. I care deeply about advocating for international students in STEM, whose diverse perspectives strengthen research and innovation.
Advice to Incoming Graduate Students
Set the bar high—choose a circle that does the same. Work on things that matter, with people who care. Aim for depth, quality, and real impact.
Life in the Upper Valley
Quiet snowy walks in Hanover help me reflect and recharge—reminding me of the journey from Egypt to New Hampshire and the purpose behind it.
Contact & Credits
- Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies
- Phone: 603-646-2106 · Email: guarini.graduate.school@dartmouth.edu
- Address: 102 Anonymous Hall, 64 College St., Hanover, NH 03755