VCU news

By Global Education Office staff

World@VCU is a VCU News feature, in partnership with the Global Education Office, that highlights students from around the world who enrich the Virginia Commonwealth University community. Mahmoud Kaid is pursuing a Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry in the College of Humanities and Sciences.

What should we know about your home country?

Egyptian culture is not all pyramids and camels! Egypt is where the ancient meets the modern – imagine electric cars cruising through the streets of Cairo. And while they might share the road with the occasional horse-drawn cart here and there, that’s just part of our charm: sustainable tech alongside a little timeless tradition.

What inspired you to study at VCU?

I’m from Mansoura, a city with a strong academic heritage and a commitment to advancing scientific knowledge. My journey began at Mansoura University, where I completed my master’s research on synthesizing nanomaterials for water treatment and photocatalysis, both crucial for environmental sustainability. My advisor, Amr Awad, Ph.D., had spent five years as a postdoc at VCU, and he encouraged me to consider VCU for my doctoral studies, highlighting the university’s research capabilities and innovative environment.

Before formally joining the Ph.D. program, I had the incredible opportunity to work as a visiting student in the chemistry lab of VCU’s Hani El-Kaderi, Ph.D., supported by a sponsorship from Egypt. My research focused on lithium-sulfur batteries, and during that year, Dr. El-Kaderi’s mentorship and forward-thinking ideas on energy storage made a lasting impact on me. His vision for sustainable energy solutions and his dedication to guiding students truly stood out. With his encouragement, I applied to the Ph.D. program.

Tell us about a favorite memory or experience so far here in America.

One of them has been watching my family settle into life here in the U.S., especially after the birth of our youngest, Luqman, in the first part of 2024. His arrival has been a true blessing, filling our lives with so much joy during my time at VCU. Our older son, Ahmed, who is 5, also had an inspiring journey – he arrived speaking only Arabic, and now he’s become fluent in English! He’s even started playfully teasing me about my accent, which has turned into a fun family joke.

Watching both my boys grow here has added a whole new perspective to my work and life in Richmond, making me feel even more connected to building a sustainable future for their generation.

Has there been a surprise during your time studying abroad?

One thing I didn’t expect was how different life in Richmond would be from the image I had of the U.S. Before coming here, I imagined all of the U.S. as being like New York – alive and bustling 24/7. To my surprise, Richmond winds down early, with most places closing before 10 p.m. But I’ve come to enjoy the quieter pace and close-knit feel of the city. Beyond that, the community here at VCU has made me feel truly at home, making this experience abroad full of unexpected and rewarding surprises.

Share something about a significant achievement or project.

At VCU, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to several impactful research projects in the field of energy storage. One significant achievement is our recent work on enhancing the performance of lithium-sulfur batteries. By developing novel nanostructured materials for the cathode, we achieved a notable increase in both the capacity and stability of these batteries, which has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of energy storage systems. This research was recognized and published in the high-impact, prestigious American Chemical Society journal, highlighting the importance of our contributions to the field. My current project focuses on developing innovative solutions to overcome existing challenges in Li-S batteries by combining materials design and additive manufacturing (3D printing) to develop 3D-printed cathodes for advanced rechargeable batteries.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy playing soccer, which not only keeps me active but also connects me with friends and keeps my teamwork skills sharp. I also love spending quality time with my family; my two sons are a big part of my life, and my wife is an incredible support and partner in this journey. Beyond that, my curiosity in science extends to hobbies that let me explore new ideas. I enjoy reading about emerging technologies and innovations in chemistry and energy, often following recent developments in nanomaterials and sustainable energy solutions.

Give us a glimpse into your future.

My ultimate goal is to make a profound impact on humanity through my research – ideally achieving breakthroughs significant enough to be recognized with a Nobel Prize! I’m driven to develop advanced energy storage materials and sustainable technologies that can address pressing global challenges like clean energy and carbon reduction. I envision my work not only pushing scientific boundaries but also contributing directly to a more sustainable and equitable world for future generations.

Any advice for international students just starting their journeys?

Embrace every opportunity, and don’t let language or cultural differences hold you back. It can feel challenging at first, but remember that your unique perspective is a strength, and people here value diverse ideas. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek help – professors, advisors and classmates can be incredibly supportive. Also, try to get involved beyond academics: Volunteering, joining clubs or attending events helps you connect with others and feel at home faster. Most importantly, believe in yourself and stay focused on your goals – you’re here for a reason!