Team Members

Professor Ashraf M. Salama is Head of Department of Architecture and the Built Environment at Northumbria University, Newcastle, and co-Director of the UNESCO-UIA Validation Council for Architectural Education in Paris. He previously led architecture schools at Misr International University (1996–2001), Qatar University (2009–2014), and Strathclyde (2014–2020), where he directed research and led the REF 2021 submission.

An honorary professor at Universiti Putra Malaysia, he has held visiting positions across Europe. Holding a BSc, MSc, and PhD from Al-Azhar University and NC State, he secured over £2.7 m in research funding, published 250+ outputs, including 14 books, and is the chief editor of Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research.

Dr. Yasser Mahgoub has earned his Doctorate in Architecture from the University of Michigan, USA in 1990. Held academic and administrative roles at Galala, Ain Shams, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Dar Al Hekma and Galala Universities. He teaches design studios, research methods, environmental studies, creativity, professional practice, and more.

His research interest covers social and cultural aspects, sustainable architecture, architectural education, and the impact of globalization. Has numerous published research papers and book chapters and is actively participates in international conferences. In addition to academia, he practices as a professional architect and consultant, showcasing a diverse and impactful career.

Madhavi Patil is an Architect and Urban Designer, currently Research Associate with Prof. Ashraf Salama at Northumbria University, UK, advancing research in placemaking, user perception and behavioral sciences. She earned her PhD in Architecture on user perceptions of density from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.

A registered Architect with COA, India, with an MSc in Urban Design from Mumbai University, she taught urban design, morphology, and research methods as Assistant Professor at MES Pillai College of Architecture (2015–2019). With experience at TATA Housing and Mumbai consulting firms, she is dedicated to enhancing urban life through user-centred design and place-making strategies. With a wealth of experience and expertise, she is dedicated to creating innovative solutions that improve the quality of urban life for all. 

Zeinab Tahoun is an architectural engineer serving as a Teaching Assistant at Galala University and a PhD candidate in Architectural Studies at Cairo University. With 13 years of combined academic and practical experience, her research centers on biophilic interventions in architecture and interior design to promote human health and well-being.

Employing participatory approaches, she partners extensively with non-governmental organizations to empower local communities through sustainable, locally driven technologies that enrich the built environment. Zeinab has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications, presented at international conferences and competitions, and coordinated bilateral workshops both in Egypt and abroad.

Professor Neveen Hamza, is Chair of Architecture and Building Performance in the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, Newcastle University, UK. Her research looks at architecture as a mediator for healthy and sustainable indoors and outdoors environments. She is currently interested in the impact of built environments on mental health and wellbeing of various age groups, with a specific focus on ageing populations in care settings.

 Neveen is an NHS-England Fellow and the Chair of the Building Performance Simulation Association IBPSA-England, and is working on a number of Trans-national educational projects implementing health and wellbeing theories and practice into architectural pedagogy.

Dr. Lorraine Johnston is an Associate Professor at Newcastle Business School, where she is Head of Subject for Leadership & Management Development and Interim Head of Research and Knowledge Exchange. She founded the Public Policy & Public Management Research Interest Group, fostering collaboration between researchers and practitioners through an internal and external speaker series. A former local government practitioner, she brings practical expertise to the TRANSABE cross-cultural global education partnership.

She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and Chartered Management Institute, and teaches across PhD, MSc, UG and Degree Apprenticeship levels. Her research, along with her PhD from the University of Newcastle, Global Urban Research Unit - “My Voice: My Place: Managing Organisational Change and Complexity in Local Government" reflects her commitment to collaborating across governments, businesses, and universities to transform the future of public services for local people and place.

Professor Affaf Al-Oufy, with a Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering from Drexel University in Pennsylvania, USA, boasts a profound 25-year track record in the sphere of higher education and research within the Engineering sector. Presently serving as the pioneering Dean of Engineering at Galala University since 2021, she has spearheaded the development of diverse engineering programs encompassing Architecture, Engineering Sciences, Computer Science & Engineering, and Artificial Intelligence Engineering.

Under her guidance, she has meticulously laid the foundation for well-equipped laboratories, workshops, and essential infrastructure essential for academic excellence. In addition to her prominent role at Galala University, Professor Al-Oufy holds a pivotal position as a Board Member of Misr-Mehella Spinning & Weaving Company, contributing significantly to narrowing the gap between the industry and academia.