Samira Moussa: Egypt's First Nuclear Scientist

Samira Moussa (March 3, 1917 - August 5, 1952) was Egypt's first nuclear scientist and the first female assistant professor at Cairo University's Faculty of Science. She was born in the village of Senbo El-Kobra in the Gharbia Governorate of Egypt.

Moussa showed a gift for science from an early age, graduating at the top of her class at every level of her education. She received her high school diploma in 1935, becoming the first woman in Egypt to do so. She then attended Cairo University, where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in science in 1940, also at the top of her class.

Moussa was awarded a scholarship to study in the United States, where she earned a master's degree in physics from the University of California, Berkeley in 1942 and a doctorate in nuclear science from Columbia University in 1948.

After returning to Egypt, Moussa worked as an assistant professor at Cairo University. She was the first Egyptian woman to hold a faculty position at the university and the first woman in the world to earn a doctorate in nuclear science.

Moussa was also an advocate for science and education. She founded the Egyptian Women's Scientific Association and was a member of several international scientific organizations.

Moussa died in a car accident on August 5, 1952, at the age of 35.

Moussa's Accomplishments

Egypt's first nuclear scientist

First female assistant professor at Cairo University's Faculty of Science

First woman in Egypt to graduate at the top of her high school class

Awarded a scholarship to study in the United States

Earned a master's degree in physics from the University of California, Berkeley in 1942

Earned a doctorate in nuclear science from Columbia University in 1948

First Egyptian woman to hold a faculty position at Cairo University

First woman in the world to earn a doctorate in nuclear science

Advocate for science and education

Moussa's Legacy

Moussa is a symbol of Egyptian women and a role model in the fields of science and education. She was the first Egyptian woman to earn a doctorate in nuclear science and the first woman to hold a faculty position at Cairo University. She was also an advocate for science and education, founding the Egyptian Women's Scientific Association.

Moussa's death at a young age was a great loss to Egypt and the world. She was an exceptional talent with a dream of contributing to the advancement of science and technology in Egypt.