Mohmed Moustafa Dawoud, a PhD student in computer science, was one of four Guarini students who traveled to Washington, D.C. for the AAAS CASE 2025 conference, which introduces graduate students to federal policymaking and advocacy for scientific research.
What do you consider your hometown and how has it shaped you today?
I proudly consider Zefta, a vibrant city along the Nile Delta in Egypt, to be my hometown. With its rich history, close-knit community, and deep-rooted culture, Zefta has shaped not just where I come from—but who I am.
Zefta is a place where pride runs deep. It's famously known for declaring itself the Zefta Republic during Egypt's 1919 revolution—when its people stood up to British occupation and took their destiny into their own hands. That moment of bold defiance still echoes through the city's spirit today. Growing up there meant being surrounded by stories of courage, unity, and purpose.
I was raised in an environment that valued education, community, and hard work. I studied in Arabic, supported by teachers and neighbors who believed in my potential long before I could imagine myself at an Ivy League institution. Their encouragement—and the town's legacy of resilience—inspired me to push forward, to believe in the power of dreams, and to take pride in where I come from.
Today, I'm pursuing a PhD at Dartmouth College, but my story is not just one of academic achievement. It's a story about carrying Zefta with me in everything I do: its boldness, its heart, and its hope. Whether through science, service, or policymaking, I want to give back to the world the same way my hometown gave everything to me.
Zefta may be one city in Egypt—but for me, it's the beginning of everything.
Where did you earn your undergraduate degree and what did you study?
Before university, I completed Egypt's national high school system (Thanawya Amma), where I ranked 18th in the Mathematics section nationwide out of over 600,000 students, with a score of 408/410 (99.51%). Based on this achievement, I was awarded a full scholarship to the German International University in Cairo (GIU)—a highly competitive scholarship offered to the top-performing students across the country.
At GIU, I majored in computer science with a focus on information security.
What program are you in at Dartmouth, and what drew you to pursue your degree here?
I'm currently pursuing a PhD in computer science at Dartmouth College as a first year student. I was drawn to Dartmouth because of its rich history, the caliber of the people it brings together, and the legacy of impact its alumni have had on the world. From shaping fields like computing and medicine to leading in public service and innovation, Dartmouth graduates have consistently left a mark far beyond campus.
Being part of a place with such a deep tradition of excellence and purpose is incredibly motivating. I came here not just to earn a degree, but to grow among people who lead with both intellect and integrity—and to hopefully follow in the footsteps of those who've used their Dartmouth experience to make meaningful contributions to the world.
Tell us about your research—what big questions are you tackling, and what inspired you to dive into this field?
My research focuses on human-centered cybersecurity and privacy—exploring how we can design security and privacy tools that are not only technically robust, but also accessible, understandable, and respectful of how people actually use technology in their daily lives.
What drew me to this field is a genuine interest in people. I've always been curious about how individuals think, make decisions, and interact with technology, especially in moments where things feel uncertain or overwhelming. I find great meaning in trying to understand those experiences and thinking about how we can design systems that support users rather than confuse or frustrate them.
At the heart of my work is a deep respect for the connection between people, technology, and policy. I believe that building truly effective and ethical security solutions requires us to look beyond the technical details and consider the broader context—how systems are used, by whom, and under what constraints.
My hope is that through this research, I can contribute to a future where digital tools are more trustworthy, where privacy is protected in ways that feel natural and fair, and where technology truly supports the people it was meant to serve.
What motivated you to apply for the AAAS CASE workshop, and what did you hope to gain from this experience?
What motivated me most was the chance to learn how science policy is actually made, and how researchers like myself can engage constructively with policymakers. As someone working in cybersecurity and privacy, I've come to realize that many of the challenges we face are deeply connected to legal, ethical, and societal dimensions. I wanted to better understand how decisions at the policy level can support the positive impact of scientific work.
Through the CASE experience, I hoped to gain not just insight, but direction: how to use my voice to advocate for broader change, how to communicate research in a way that resonates with decision-makers, and how to grow into a more engaged, informed contributor to the scientific community and society at large.
The CASE workshop provides hands-on experience with policymaking in Washington, D.C. Is there a particular policy issue or area of science advocacy that you are especially passionate about?
Yes—one area of science advocacy that I care deeply about is supporting international students in STEM. As someone who came to the U.S. to pursue graduate studies, I've seen firsthand how international students contribute meaningfully to research, innovation, and the academic community. They bring diverse perspectives, cross-cultural experiences, and a strong drive to give back—both locally and globally.
I'm especially interested in how science policy can continue to recognize and strengthen this contribution. Whether through improved pathways for research opportunities or clearer support systems, I believe thoughtful policies can help international students thrive and continue making a positive impact.
Participating in the CASE workshop gave me my first opportunity to engage in conversations around these ideas at the policy level. It was inspiring to learn how science and policy intersect—and how researchers, even early in their careers, can be part of shaping a more inclusive and forward-looking research environment.
If you could give one piece of advice to incoming graduate students, what would it be?
If I could offer one piece of advice to incoming graduate students, it would be this:
Set the bar high—and choose a circle that does the same.
Grad school is your time to ask bold questions and pursue work that truly matters. In today's world, it's easy to follow the path of least resistance—but if you know deep down that you're capable of more, don't follow mediocrity. Be kind to yourself, but also honest: your time and talent are too valuable to spend on work that doesn't inspire you.
Surround yourself with people who push you to think bigger, dream of things that scare you a little, and hold you to the standard you secretly hope someone will. Because if you do that—if you aim for depth, quality, and real impact—we'll have more people who are not just earning degrees, but building a better future.
I'm still learning, still finding my way, but I try to keep that mindset close: work on things that matter, with people who care, and keep growing toward the kind of impact you hope to make.
What's your favorite spot or activity in the Hanover/Upper Valley area that helps you recharge outside of research?
Coming from Egypt, moving to Hanover was the first time I ever experienced snow. At first, it felt completely unfamiliar—quiet, cold, and sometimes a little harsh. But over time, walking through the snow became something that grounds me and helps me recharge.
There's something about those quiet, snowy walks—especially in the early morning or late evening—that reminds me how far I've come. From the sunny streets of Egypt to the snow-covered trails of New Hampshire, that contrast reflects a bigger shift in my life: one filled with new challenges, growth, and purpose.
Even when it's tough, the snow reminds me why I'm here—to keep pushing forward, to adapt, and to work toward making a meaningful impact. That simple act of walking through the snow, reflecting on where I've been and where I'm headed, helps me reconnect with my purpose beyond the research itself.
