I am a seasoned leader, and award-winning professor of electrical engineering at the University of Georgia with over 24 years of experience. I received my B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. from The Georgia Institute of Technology. I am a published author, much sought after worldwide speaker, women in STEM advocate, and a recognized authority and thought leader in many areas and spheres including:
• Automation and control, embedded systems, biotelemetry, precision agriculture
• Boundary Crossing Leadership
• Innovation and creative problem solving (I teach a multidisciplinary course at UGA on creative problem solving.)
• Cross cultural relations
• Systems thinking and complex systems
• Team building
• International development
• Capacity building
• Assessment and evaluation
• Strategic planning
• Women in STEM advocacy
I have spearheaded many capacity building initiatives and designed and deployed impactful programs to groups at various government agencies, universities, nonprofits, and industry, both in the US and abroad, serving thousands of individuals. I am a passionate teacher and was awarded several teaching awards at the university of Georgia.
I have spearheaded the development of two ABET accredited degree programs, one in electrical and the other in computer systems engineering. These efforts have culminated into a new school of electrical and computer engineering at the UGA for which I have served as inaugural chair. I also played a very important role in the creation of a new college of engineering at UGA.
I am a fierce advocate for women in STEM and am the founder and chair of the Global Women in STEM Leadership Summit in Atlanta.
I am the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the First Order Tunisian National Medal of Merit in Science and Education, the Andrew Heiskell Award for Innovation in International Education, and the Ibn Khaldoun Service Excellence Award among others.
I have been a frequent guest of the media and a featured expert seen on multiple US and national Tunisian TV channels. My work has also been featured in over 20 articles in printed and online media including America.gov.
My unique background makes me an invaluable asset, strategist, visionary, influencer, and innovation catalyst.