Meet Our Jurors - Solar Decathlon Africa 2025

Nada Tarkhan, Phd(c)

Nada Tarkhan is a PhD candidate in the Sustainable Design Lab within MIT’s Building Technology group. Her research focuses on leveraging computational methods to address climate challenges in urban environments, with an emphasis on climate extremes, data-driven urban modeling, and their intersections with environmental justice and localizing overheating in cities. Nada has a background in sustainability consulting and urban building physics modeling at Arup, where she has worked on projects ranging from energy and resilience modeling for large-scale developments to the integration of advanced simulation tools for indoor and outdoor environmental performance. She holds a Masters degree (MDes) in Energy and Environments from the Harvard Graduate School of Design and a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Architectural Engineering from the American University in Cairo.

Lanre Olusola FNIA, FNIM, FIMC

Olanrewaju Olusola is recently engaged by PMI in Sub-Saharan Africa as Business Development Lead and Partner Success Manager for PMI-CP, to promote the gold-standard certification in the AEC industry, building a critical mass of certified construction professionals in all sectors of the built environment and across all stakeholders, that measure up to global standards. With 37 years in practice of architecture and project management, he has a diverse range of professional experiences in key industry sectors. He previously led Creation Consult Inc. from 2002 to 2025, having earlier been a Project Lead with Habitat Associates for upward of 14 years, executing various housing and Real Estate projects North of the Niger. A notable project in his career includes serving as the Quality Control and Project Manager on the US Embassy NOX in Abuja, under the Overseas Building Operation of the U.S. Department of State. He is the Pioneer President of AIA Sub-Saharan Africa (2024–2026) and an At-Large Director of AIA International, with oversight of Africa and South Asia. Furthermore, he is a Member of the Global Practice Committee of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), a Member of the Professional Practice Commission of the International Union of Architects (UIA), and the Regional Director for the UIA Architecture for All Work Programme. Rounding out his leadership profile, he serves as the Treasurer of the Africa Union of Architects (AUA) and holds the title of Vice President at the Association of Consulting Architects Nigeria.

Racha Rachwan, LEED AP BD C, AVS

Racha Rachwan is an accomplished Business Development Director and Technical Director with extensive experience leading complex engineering and project management initiatives across Africa and the Middle East. She has played a key role in driving the growth of ACE Moharram-Bakhoum Group, managing high-profile projects, strengthening client relationships, and overseeing multidisciplinary teams. Deeply committed to sustainability, Racha promotes environmentally responsible design, resource efficiency, and long-term resilience across all project stages, aligning ACE’s work with global green standards and international development goals. She has contributed to major infrastructure, buildings, water, and energy programs funded by organizations such as the World Bank and AFD. Known for her strategic mindset and clarity in complex environments, she consistently delivers innovative, sustainable solutions that meet client needs and international best practices.

Bridget Horner, PhD

As a senior lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, South Africa, I coordinate the intake of aspiring first-year architecture students, guiding them to build responsibly, sustainably, and with purpose. Teaching philosophy centres on connecting spatial knowledge with social purpose through interdisciplinary collaborations that address environmental and social justice. Research examines differential power relations, spatial injustice, and the role of sustainable design in addressing inequality. Publications explore diverse topics, including post-COVID higher education spaces and applied theatre as a pedagogy for sensitizing architecture students to underutilized urban sites and community needs, such as a performance addressing water security following Durban’s water shortages. Doctoral research employed photography as a visual methodology to explore students’ meaning-making of higher education spaces, examining how power relations manifest in built environments. Current research, inspired by the experience of an owner-builder, investigates how technical drawings function as instruments of authority on construction sites, despite often being inaccessible to artisans. While architects’ drawings are privileged as expert knowledge, artisans possess practical expertise in material performance and constructability, gained through hands-on experience; yet, this knowledge is systematically devalued, impacting both the quality of buildings and the adoption of sustainable construction practices. Recent collaborative work includes a proposal for green rooftops on campus, reimagining these as productive social spaces that integrate environmental sustainability with community engagement.

Mouaz Abouzeid

Mouaz Abouzaid is a Cairo-born architect and the founder of Verform, an international design studio specializing in architecture and urbanism. Leading a team of over 30 architects across three countries, Mouaz’s work spans Egypt, the Middle East, Russia, Europe, and Africa. His projects emphasize simplicity, functionality, and contextual sensitivity. A graduate of Alexandria University, Mouaz has over two decades of experience and has been named Young Architect of the Year by the Middle East Architect twice. He curated the Egyptian National Pavilion at the 2018 Venice Biennale and is regularly recognized as one of the 50 most influential architects in the Middle East.

Susan Kibue, PhD

Dr. Kibue has worked for over 30 years as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Architecture at the School of Architecture and Building Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, where she has taught undergraduate and postgraduate courses. She recently (2025) became an Associate Professor. She has been a Validation Panellist at the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA), and a member of the International Union of Architects., She has participated in the validation of Architecture courses at various schools of Architecture in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean Islands. She has also served as an external examiner at Makerere University in Uganda, Ardhi University in Tanzania, and the Polytechnic of Namibia. With co-researchers, she carried out a Post-Occupancy Evaluation study on both formal and informal low-cost housing initiatives in Nairobi. This included documentation and supporting informal communities in their initiatives to improve their housing by engaging university faculty and students in the design process.

Sumana Hossain Ph.D.

Dr. Sumana Hossain is a Lecturer in the Architectural Engineering Department at the University of Sharjah (UOS), where she teaches an undergraduate-level Architectural and Urban Design studio. With over twenty years of academic and professional experience in architecture and urban design, her work bridges the disciplines of the sustainable built environment and artificial intelligence. Her research focuses on integrating artificial intelligence into urban design to enhance well-being and user experience in urban spaces, emphasizing AI-driven sentiment analysis, positive technology, and human-centered design. Beyond academia, Dr. Sumana has been actively engaged in consultancy, design competitions, and community-based initiatives. She provided consultancy for the Sharjah Municipality on enhancing the city’s entrance and has supervised several award-winning student projects, including the Al Dhaid Public Park Design Competition (2nd prize) and Sharjah Sport City (1st and 3rd Prizes). Her recent competition project, The House of the Future 2025, was featured in ArchDaily, highlighting innovation and sustainability in student-led design. She has also organized numerous exhibitions, workshops, and departmental open days, including the Architectural Engineering Department Exhibition at the World Urban Forum 10 (WUF10) in Abu Dhabi, fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and the community. As Chair of the Sharjah Architectural Student Association (SASA) committee, she continues to promote creativity, sustainability, and interdisciplinary learning within the UAE and beyond.

Anna Rubbo

Anna Rubbo, B.Arch, D. Arch, is an influential figure in global sustainable urbanization. Prior to joining CSUD in 2012, she was an Associate Professor at the University of Sydney. A former member of the UN Millennium Project Task Force on Slum Dwellers, Anna led the Global Studio (2005-2012), an action research project that mobilized over 600 professionals and academics to assist the urban poor. Her work, including sanitation improvements in Diepsloot, has been exhibited at the UN General Assembly and the Smithsonian. She has been a consistent participant at eight UN-Habitat World Urban Forums. Currently, her focus is on ‘Accelerating the SDGs’ through initiatives like the Local Project Challenge. She co-chaired the UIA23 Congress Resilient Communities track and served as a judge for the 2022 UIA-UN Habitat 2030 Award. A Life Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects, her recognition includes the UIA Vassilis Sgoutas Prize mention (2014) and the Neville Quarry Education Award (2011). She is co-editor of Design for Resilient Communities (2023) and serves on the Advisory Board of Architectural Theory Review.

Dalia Selim

Eng. Dalia Selim is the Sustainability Manager at Hassan Allam Construction, one of the MENA region’s leading construction and engineering groups. With a background in architecture, she leads the integration of sustainability across projects in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. She develops and implements frameworks that drive carbon reduction, waste minimization, and resource efficiency, ensuring alignment with international standards and national green mandates. Dalia bridges strategy and practice, embedding sustainability as a core part of its organizational culture. A recognized advocate, she educates future leaders at institutions like the German University in Cairo (GUC) and has spoken at regional platforms, including the International Women’s Summit. She champions collaboration and innovation for a more sustainable built environment.

Rania Hegazy

Carrying 20+ years of experience in Corporate Banking and strategic leadership, this Juror is passionately focused on embedding sustainability and impact into commercial finance. As the current Sustainability Lead for Commercial Banking, she drives the bank’s sustainable finance agenda, expertly engaging with multinational and major local companies by leveraging her extensive network and deep understanding of the financial sector. A recognized authority, Rania’s expertise extends beyond her institution. She has been an active panelist on several sustainability-focused panels and serves as a guest expert for various sustainability accelerator programs, mentoring the next generation of eco-innovators. Her background includes senior roles such as Head of Business Banking, Head of Business Management, and Division Head in Multinationals, hence reflecting her consistent ability to deliver growth while prioritizing impactful, innovative, and sustainable solutions.

Maryam Shafiei

Dr. Maryam Shafiei is a researcher, educator, designer, and maker with a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.), Master of Architecture (M.Arch.), and PhD in Architecture and Urban Design. She also completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of Queensland, Australia, where she collaborated on projects involving robotic fabrication, Augmented Reality (AR), and Digital Twin technologies. Throughout her career, Dr. Shafiei has developed extensive experience in teaching and research across diverse areas of architecture and urbanism, particularly in environmental sustainability, urban design, digital design, and construction technology. A strong advocate for technological innovation, she has explored the use of robotic arms in both artistic and industrial contexts, from robotic sketching and painting to robotic assembly and 3D printing with bio-materials. Dr. Shafiei also has significant expertise and a deep interest in advanced visualization and design technologies, especially the use of Virtual and Augmented Reality in architectural and urban design projects. The outcomes of her interdisciplinary research have been published in academic journals and book chapters, and presented at international conferences and exhibitions. . These accomplishments reflect her strong research capabilities and her commitment to excellence in both the conduct and dissemination of scholarly work.

Laila Khodeir, PhD

Professor Dr. Laila Khodeir is a Professor in the Department of Architecture at Ain Shams University, concurrently serving as a Visiting Professor at the American University in Egypt and a Professor of Project Management at Dar Al Uloom University. She holds both her Ph.D. in Facility Management and Maintenance of Public Buildings and her Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Ain Shams University. A notable part of her career involved serving as the Director of Planning and Policies at the Innovators Support Fund under the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education, where she also established its administrative and organizational structure. She has taught at multiple institutions, including the American University in Cairo, the University of Hertfordshire in Egypt, and the British University in Egypt. Dr. Khodeir is highly credentialed, holding the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and a LEED credential for green classroom design, and is an active member of the Egyptian Engineers Syndicate. She contributes to academic quality as a member of the Permanent Promotions Committee, reviewing scientific works, and through her supervision of master’s and doctoral theses at Ain Shams University, Cairo University, and other engineering faculties and programs (GESR, IUSD). Her research is extensive, with over 100 papers published in leading scientific journals, as well as several internationally published book chapters. This output led to her being ranked among the top 2% of researchers worldwide and recognized as one of the most cited scientists by Stanford University. She has also contributed as an editor to the Journal of Engineering Sciences at Ain Shams University and as a reviewer for international journals such as Sustainability and Results in Engineering.

Mariam Hassan

Arch. Mariam Hassan is a highly qualified Architectural Engineer, Program Coordinator, and Urban Design Consultant with over 20 years of expertise spanning architectural practice, facility planning, and academic leadership. Holding a Master of Advanced Studies from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH, Zurich), she successfully translates complex design theory and engineering solutions into real-world applications. Mariam has held key administrative and teaching roles at the University of Sharjah for over a decade, while simultaneously leading significant consultancy projects for institutional and governmental clients. Her professional portfolio includes master planning, technical documentation, and high-stakes project compliance roles, such as serving as Team Leader for the Beautification of Sharjah’s E11 Highway for the Department of Town planning – Sharjah Government, showcasing her ability to manage large-scale urban infrastructure improvements. Most notably, she led the comprehensive Barrier-Free Campus Project – UOS, ensuring compliance with international Universal Design and local building codes. She was a key member of the University of Sharjah team at the Solar Decathlon Middle East 2021 serving as the Health and Safety Coordinator. She excels at coordinating multi-disciplinary teams and driving projects from concept to completion.

Aseel Hussien, Ph.D.

Dr. Aseel Hussien is an Associate Professor in the Architectural Engineering Department at the University of Sharjah, where she has served since 2020. She previously held the role of Associate Professor and Program Leader at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), UK. With over 17 years of international academic experience, she has taught, reviewed, and supervised a wide range of architectural design projects across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and research-informed design practice. Dr. Hussien holds a BSc in Architectural Engineering from Baghdad University, an MSc in Engineering and Technologies, and a PhD in the Built Environment from LJMU. Her doctoral research, ARGILE: A Conceptual Framework for Combining Augmented Reality with Agile Philosophy for the UK Construction Industry, proposed a novel integration of AR and Agile methods to enhance collaboration and decision-making in the construction industry. Her research focuses on sustainable built environments, digital construction, and Construction 5.0 technologies. She has published internationally and actively reviews papers for leading journals and conferences. In previous leadership roles, she managed architecture-related programs and led academic teams in curriculum innovation and pedagogical enhancement, demonstrating strong leadership and commitment to advancing architectural education and research excellence.

Vittorino Belpoliti, Ph.D.

Dr. Vittorino Belpoliti is an Associate Professor at the Architectural Engineering Department of the University of Sharjah (UOS), where he teaches Architectural & Environmental Design and Building Construction at BSc, MSc, and PhD levels. His research focuses on environmental design, energy retrofit, and building-integrated energy technologies, with the specific objective of merging the academia-industry gap through R&D and cooperation. After the early activity at the University of Ferrara (Italy) on the assessment and upgrade of the existing building stock, Dr. Vittorino’s latest research focuses on sustainability in new construction, including experimental studies on BiPV, cool coatings, hybrid conditioning systems, and recycled-content construction materials, aimed at supporting the improvement and marketability of green building technologies in cooperation with local and international industrial partners. Dr. Vittorino also managed and coordinated the UOS projects participating in the Solar Decathlon Middle East 2018 and 2021, fostering networking and partnerships with numerous industrial partners for several macro- and micro-research projects, and securing funds of over AED 8 million. The latest research trend in the UAE scenario is extending to topics such as adaptive reuse and energy/environmental refurbishment to enhance the value of existing and heritage buildings.

Aref Maksoud, Ph.D.

Dr. Aref Maksoud is an Assistant Professor in the Architectural Engineering Department at the College of Engineering, University of Sharjah (UOS), where he leads the department’s initiatives in Artificial Intelligence, Computational and Parametric Design, and Digital Fabrication. He holds a PhD in Architecture (with a focus on Parametric Design and Digital Fabrication) from Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Escola Superior d’Arquitectura, Barcelona, Spain (2017). Dr. Maksoud’s research focuses on AI-driven generative systems, virtual and mixed reality environments, and the integration of machine learning in architecture to create adaptive, performance-based design frameworks that connect data, materials, and fabrication processes in real-time. His projects redefine the designer’s role within a hybrid creative-technological ecosystem. He has represented the University of Sharjah at Dubai Design Week (from 2021 to 2024) and the Sikka Art & Design Festival (2025), presenting landmark, real-scale installations and pavilions, such as Salt of Sustainability and Emerging Ephemerals. Internationally recognized for advancing digital innovation in architecture, he has served as a juror and reviewer in numerous design competitions and professional studios, recently at MAG – Dubai. Dr. Maksoud has served as a juror and reviewer in international design competitions, mentoring award-winning student teams, and collaborating with global institutions. Professionally, his experience includes working with Cloud 9 (Enric Ruiz-Geli) in Barcelona, DPA Architects in Singapore, and Zaha Hadid Architects (UK), where he led projects from concept to tender stages.. He is the founder of MAGLAB (Materials–Advanced Architecture–Generative Laboratory), dedicated to experimental research in design and fabrication.

Mohammed Wasim Yahia, PhD

Mohammed Wasim Yahia holds a Ph.D., MRes, MSc, and BArch, with over 20 years of experience as an architect, urban designer, academic, and researcher. His professional focus lies in sustainable architecture, urban design, and planning, where he works on integrating green solutions within the urban fabric to create resilient and environmentally friendly cities that meet the needs of current and future generations. He has extensive experience in housing design that considers both social and climatic aspects, with a particular focus on promoting social integration through climate-sensitive urban strategies that support adaptation to environmental changes. Dr. Yahia earned his Ph.D. from Lund University in Sweden, where his doctoral research focused on sustainable urban design and planning, exploring how urban planning can facilitate the transition toward more sustainable societies. In addition, Dr. Yahia has a strong interest in cultural and environmental heritage. He has contributed to highlighting the environmental values of cultural heritage and how to achieve sustainable development by linking traditional and contemporary urban fabric. His work carefully considers environmental, social, and cultural dimensions to create a balanced approach that strengthens place identity and ensures long-term sustainability amid ongoing urban transformation.

Radwa Rostom

Radwa Rostom is a civil engineer with sixteen years of experience. In 2015, Rostom launched her company “HandOver”, a design and build firm specializing in delivering sustainable building solutions using Earth construction techniques. “Local and international organizations have recognized HandOver’s work; five of their projects were nominated for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in two consecutive cycles. Rostom is also leading the role of sustainability business advisor at Integral Consult. Additionally, Rostom is a part-time lecturer at the German University in Cairo, in the Architecture department.

Rostom is a certified earth builder from the Earth Institute in Auroville, India. In September 2015, Rostom was awarded the winning prize for the “Women for Resilient Cities” Competition, organized by the World Bank, and was granted three fellowships from international organizations supporting social entrepreneurship leaders: “Echoing Green”, “Ashoka” and “the DO School”. In 2020, Radwa was recognized as a highly commended candidate by the jury of “Tamayouz Excellence Award” for the “Women in architecture and construction award – Rising stars category” and was nominated for “Mohamed Makiya prize for architecture 2020” from Tamayouz Excellence Award. In 2023, she was awarded the “Entrepreneur award” among 50 female entrepreneurs, during the “Women professionals summit”.

Farres Yasser, PhD

Dr. Farres Yasser is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher in Architecture and Sustainability at the University of York, with over a decade of experience in teaching and professional practice, including sustainable architecture, construction science management, and environmental design. His research and practice focus on decarbonization strategies, Net Zero design, and the innovation of sustainable materials. He has contributed to pioneering projects such as REMOURBAN, where he developed retrofit-friendly thermal insulation from agro-waste fibers and explored practical pathways to building decarbonization. Dr. Yasser’s expertise spans energy efficiency auditing, carbon accounting (Scopes 1–3), and the development of heat decarbonization and whole-life carbon strategies aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He has designed and led university modules on urban planning, passive heating and cooling, and innovative material systems, combining technical precision with a commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

Hisham Hafez, Ph.D.

Hisham Hafez is a postdoctoral researcher specializing in performance-based environmental impact assessments of sustainable building materials, currently working at the University of Leeds under the £5M-funded EUREKA project, which aims to utilize local UK clays to produce low-carbon concrete. In addition, he received two grants in 2024 as a principal investigator from the EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account, totaling £200k. Hisham was selected in October 2024 as a sustainability assessment expert evaluator for the EU Commission Pathfinder Challenge Grants. He has also been contracted in August 2024 as a freelance consultant with Innovate UK, serving as a cement and concrete industry expert to assess grant awards for the 2050 net-zero advanced market commitments. Since completing his PhD from Northumbria University in Newcastle (UK) in 2021, Hisham has published more than 25 peer-reviewed Q1 journal articles, earning more than 600 citations. Until joining the University of Leeds in 2023, he was the lead researcher on the £10M limestone calcined clay (LC3) project at EPFL, Switzerland, conducting over 15 technical and environmental feasibility analyses for private cement companies globally interested in adopting the low-carbon cement technology.

Rasha Emad Eldin, PhD

Rasha is an Egyptian urban planner with over 14 years of experience in both academic and practical aspects of sustainable development. She is the Co-founder and Chairwoman of the BENAA Foundation for Sustainable Development, an NGO that fosters social innovation and empowers local communities through youth-led, knowledge-based projects across the MENA region. She is also the Founder and Partner of BENAA Habitat for Sustainable Architecture, a social enterprise creating contextual, low-cost, and sustainable buildings inspired by vernacular and earth-based construction techniques. Rasha holds an M.Sc. in Urban Planning and Sustainability from Cairo University and serves as an Adjunct Assistant Lecturer at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport. Rasha’s work has been recognized nationally and internationally, earning her several awards, including the Holcim Award for Sustainable Construction in the Middle East and Africa, as well as the Local Jane Jacobs Award for her contributions to participatory design and community development. Her practice reflects a deep commitment to sustainability, social equity, and community empowerment. Through her work, she continues to explore how architecture and design can become tools for resilience, dignity, and transformation within vulnerable communities.

Morteza Hazbei, PhD

Dr. Morteza Hazbe is a researcher and educator specializing in architecture and the built environment, with a focus on sustainability and computational design. His work advances the understanding of how to design more sustainable and livable cities while integrating emerging digital technologies into architectural practice. Dr. Hazbe is currently a Lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of New Brunswick. Previously, he served as an Adjunct Professor in Concordia University’s Department of Design and Computation Arts, Montreal, Canada.

Randa Khalil, PhD

Randa Khalil is an Assistant Professor of computation, environmental design, and human behavior at the Department of Architectural Engineering, Future University in Egypt (FUE). She holds a Ph.D., M.Sc., and B.Sc. in Architectural Engineering from Al-Azhar University, Cairo. Her research focuses on sustainable design, indoor air quality, building energy performance, and urban mobility, with a strong interdisciplinary approach. She is a former researcher in the Erasmus+ UPGRADE project and has co-led the development of several international grant proposals. Khalil has contributed to collaborative work between FUE and European partners from TU Berlin (Germany), the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA, Greece), the University of the Basque Country (UPV, Spain), and the University of Padova (UNIVAQ, Italy). She also serves as a reviewer for several high-impact international journals, including Building and Environment, Indoor Air, and Engineering Applications of Computational Fluid Mechanics. Alongside her academic career, she has participated in architectural projects in Egypt and the Gulf region and continues to publish in high-impact journals on climate change mitigation, energy efficiency, human-centric design, educational improvements, and data-driven urban solutions.

Marwan Omar, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C

Marwan Omar is an Associate Principal at CBT, where he brings design leadership and technical expertise to large-scale master planning efforts around the globe. His work is grounded in emerging technologies, computational design, and a deep sensitivity to cultural and environmental context. Marwan has played a leading role in several high-profile mixed-use master plans in Abu Dhabi, including Masdar City, Hudayriyat Island, and Balghaiylam, which prioritize sustainability, adaptability, and vibrant public realm experiences for multigenerational communities. At CBT, Marwan champions the Art of Process, advancing internal workflows and research initiatives, and is committed to supporting innovation at the intersection of architecture and technology. He holds a Master of Architecture from Cornell University and a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from Harvard University and the American University in Cairo.

Rokia Raslan, PhD

Professor Rokia Raslan leads transformative research in building decarbonisation at University College London’s Institute for Environmental Design & Engineering, applying her architectural training to energy-efficient design and stock-wide transition modelling. She has developed advanced computational tools for retrofit strategies and has informed policy frameworks for “hard-to-decarbonise” homes and the UK’s Sixth Carbon Budget. With over 140 publications and leadership roles in national and international energy institutions, she is at the forefront of sustainable built-environment innovation.

Mohamed Ouf, PhD, P.Eng

Dr. Mohamed Ouf is an Associate Professor of Building Engineering at Concordia University and Director of the Intelligent Buildings and Cities Lab (IBCL). His research advances occupant-centric building design, operation, and control—bridging human comfort, energy efficiency, and grid interactivity. Over the past six years, he has supervised more than 25 graduate students (with over 10 already graduated), published 90+ peer-reviewed journal and conference papers, and led major research collaborations with key partners, including Hydro-Québec, the National Research Council of Canada, Delta Controls, and the Montreal International Airport. Internationally, he serves as a Voting Member of ASHRAE TC 7.10, “Occupant Behavior in Building Design and Operation,” and currently holds the position of knowledge mobilization co-chair for the IEA EBC Annex 95, “Human-Centric Buildings for a Changing Climate.” Additionally, he serves as treasurer and board member of IBPSA-Canada. Through his work, Dr. Ouf aims to accelerate the transition toward resilient, low-carbon, and adaptive buildings by using living labs and data-driven modelling techniques.

Ahmed O. Daoud, PhD

Dr. Daoud is a systems-minded construction engineer and sustainability leader who designs and delivers data-driven strategies to reduce waste, decarbonize asset portfolios, and enhance resilience across the built environment, consistently bridging rigorous research with practical execution. His expertise encompasses construction & demolition waste (CDW) analytics, high-performance/green-building programs, evidence-based policy design, MRV/ESG alignment, and climate-risk assessment and adaptation. As a proven program lead, he integrates quantitative modeling (ANFIS/ML forecasting) with material-flow analysis and cost/financial engineering (CAPEX/OPEX), translating research into operational playbooks that drive measurable outcomes in regulatory compliance and investment readiness. A dedicated scholar-practitioner, Dr. Daoud publishes in Q1/Q2 journals, serves as a peer reviewer in leading sustainability outlets, and champions policy-relevant science to inform real-world decision-making. His recognition includes the Global Magnitude “Inspiration” Award, the Mohamed Farid Khamis Research Excellence Award (2025), and second place in the CIB Best Doctoral Dissertation Award (2021).

Jury Panel for the Semi-Final Competition

Ahmed O. Daoud, PhD

AnnaRubbo

Aref Maksoud, Ph.D.

Aseel Hussien, Ph.D.

Bridget Horner, PhD

DaliaSelim

Farres Yasser, PhD

Hisham Hafez, Ph.D.

Laila Khodeir, PhD

Lanre Olusola FNIA, FNIM

MariamHassan

Marwan Omar, NCARB, LEED

MaryamShafiei

Mohamed Ouf, PhD, P.Eng

Mohammed Wasim, PhD

Morteza Hazbei, PhD

MouazAbouzeid

Nada Tarkhan, Phd(c)

Racha Rachwan, LEED AP BD C

RadwaRostom

Randa Khalil, PhD

RaniaHegazy

Rasha Emad Eldin, PhD

Rokia Raslan, PhD

SumanaHossain

SusanKibue

VittorinoBelpoliti

Competition Background

Anna
Rubbo

Dalia
Selim

Mariam
Hassan

Maryam
Shafiei

Mouaz
Abouzeid

Radwa
Rostom

Rania
Hegazy

Sumana
Hossain

Susan
Kibue

Vittorino
Belpoliti