As part of its efforts to strengthen international cooperation with leading global universities, and under the patronage of Prof. Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, President of Alexandria University, the university received a delegation from Pennsylvania State University – Harrisburg Campus (Penn State Harrisburg), USA, at the university’s main administration headquarters in El Shatby, to explore potential avenues for academic partnership between the two institutions.

The meeting was attended by Prof. Dr. Hesham Saeed, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research; Prof. Dr. Ahmed Abdel Hakim, Vice President for Education and Student Affairs; Prof. Dr. Affaf Al-Oufi, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development; Prof. Dr. Gehan Gweifel, Assistant to the University President for Internationalization and International Branches; Prof. Dr. Walid Abdel Azim, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; Prof. Dr. Omnia Yaqout, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Commerce for Graduate Studies and Research; and Prof. Dr. Ahmed El-Tarras, Coordinator of Internationalization at the Faculty of Engineering.

The Penn State delegation included Prof. Dr. David M. Callejo Pérez, Advisor to Penn State Harrisburg; Prof. Dr. Juliette Tolay, Assistant Dean for International Engagement; and Prof. Dr. Nashwa El-Araby, Professor and Coordinator of the Master’s Program in Electrical Engineering.

During the meeting, both sides discussed the possibility of establishing dual-degree programs between the two universities and reviewed potential areas of academic and research collaboration in various disciplines. The session also featured presentations introducing both institutions, highlighting their distinguished academic and research programs. Both parties emphasized the importance of exchanging academic and research expertise and expanding cooperation to support the internationalization of education and enhance the quality of higher education and scientific research in both universities.

Prof. Dr. Gehan Gweifel delivered a presentation outlining Alexandria University’s strategy and vision for internationalization, showcasing its partnerships with globally ranked institutions and its joint and dual-degree programs with leading international universities. She also reviewed the university’s international branches, research strategy, performance in global rankings, and efforts to establish international partnerships to support the Alexandria University Technology Valley, linking scientific research outcomes to industry needs.

Prof. Dr. Walid Abdel Azim presented an overview of the Faculty of Engineering, its academic programs, human and material resources, departments, and laboratories, as well as the history of its establishment. He also highlighted the Faculty of Engineering Journal, which ranks among the top internationally indexed scientific journals, and reviewed the college’s global partnerships and international agreements.

The American delegation, in turn, presented an overview of Penn State Harrisburg, highlighting its academic and research programs, international partnerships, and student exchange initiatives. They showcased the university’s exceptional physical and human resources, including its advanced infrastructure and extensive international agreements. The delegation noted that Penn State maintains 17 cooperation agreements with 8 global universities, emphasizing its position as one of the largest and most prestigious universities in the United States. They also discussed its wide range of academic programs and advanced research laboratories that conduct joint projects in collaboration with global research institutions and companies. The delegation expressed great interest in expanding cooperation with Alexandria University in education, research, and faculty and student exchanges, particularly in various engineering disciplines.

Following the meeting, the delegation visited the Faculty of Engineering as part of efforts to activate academic collaboration between the two universities in preparation for launching 4+1 Dual Degree Programs in several engineering fields. A large seminar was held in Lecture Hall (1) at the Preparatory Building, attended by Prof. Dr. Walid El-Borqi, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; Prof. Dr. Wael El-Mogallany, Vice Dean for Education and Student Affairs; Prof. Dr. Essam Wahba, Vice Dean for Graduate Studies and Research; and Prof. Dr. Ahmed El-Tarras, Director of the International Relations Office, along with faculty members and students from various departments.

During the seminar, the Penn State delegation presented a detailed overview of the proposed dual-degree programs and the admission mechanisms, while discussing future academic and research cooperation opportunities between the two universities.

The seminar witnessed strong student engagement, as attendees actively participated with questions and inquiries about the study system at the American university, scholarship opportunities, and available academic support — reflecting a constructive and enriching atmosphere of cultural and academic exchange.