About Dr. Naglaa Sami

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Dr. Mahmoud's academic journey is characterized by integrating diverse cultural and educational experiences. Having received foundational degrees from the notable College of Fine Arts, University of Helwan, Egypt, she further enriched her academic pursuits at the renowned Ecole d’Architecture d’Interieure Camondo in France. Her versatile background, accentuated by her fluency in French, English, and Arabic, equips her with a profound understanding of varied cultures, fostering a global perspective in her approach, especially in Interior Design.

In her teaching career over 30 years, Dr. Mahmoud has cultivated a legacy of student success. A testament to her teaching efficacy is the array of awards, acclaimed positions, and significant publications her students have achieved under her mentorship. Notably, she supervised student accolades in research from 2013 onward and guided her proteges to the distinguished IFI award in 2009. Furthermore, many of her students have achieved Master's and Ph.D. levels in Interior Design.

Her research endeavors are marked by their noticeable impact on the domain of Interior Environmental Design, particularly in lighting and acoustics. Amongst many, one of her seminal contributions has been her advanced work on the interplay of illumination and sound in conference halls. This study has set benchmarks in the industry. 

An active contributor to the academic framework, Dr. Mahmoud has rendered her expertise to pivotal committees such as accreditation and strategic planning for the Department of Interior Design. For instance, her role in the Curricula and Study Plan Committee was instrumental in aligning course content with industry demands, ensuring students are future-ready. Her leadership as the department head from 2019-2020 saw the establishment of the Lighting and Acoustical Lab for interior experimentation and applications. Beyond merely setting it up, Dr. Mahmoud promoted the lab's cause through bureaucratic channels, ensuring it serves as an invaluable resource for students and researchers at AU and external scholars, amplifying AU's outreach and revenue streams.

Many organizations have selected Dr. Mahmoud for representation, such as the APID Ambassador for preparing for the IFI Congress Dubai 2020. These selections have celebrated her excellence and enhanced AU's reputation in the global educational landscape. 

Dr. Mahmoud is affiliated with esteemed professional institutions and editorial boards such as the Journal of Interior Design, ICOM, UNESCO, and IDEC. Given her vast publication record and experience, Dr. Mahmoud welcomes collaborations with fellow researchers, aspiring Ph.D. candidates, and institutions, aiming to further the boundaries of any knowledge related to the interior-built environment.

Dr. Mahmoud's continuous contributions throughout her career at AU were integral to the collaborative efforts that ultimately led the Interior Design Program to achieve recognition by QS, ranking in the top 201-249.