Mamdouh Shoukri

Mamdouh Shoukri
Name	Mamdouh Shoukri
Birth date	15 December 1948
Birth place	Cairo, Egypt
Nationality	Egyptian-Canadian
Alma mater	University of Cairo (BSc), University of New Brunswick (MSc, PhD)
Occupation	Academic administrator, Mechanical engineer
Known for	President and Vice-Chancellor of York University (2007–2017)
Title	Chancellor of McMaster University (2019–present)
Spouse	Noha Shoukri

Mamdouh Shoukri is an Egyptian-Canadian mechanical engineer and prominent academic administrator. He served as the seventh President and Vice-Chancellor of York University in Toronto, Ontario, from 2007 to 2017, overseeing a period of significant campus expansion and research growth. In 2019, he was installed as the 12th Chancellor of McMaster University in Hamilton, a ceremonial role representing the university. His career is distinguished by leadership in post-secondary education, contributions to thermal engineering research, and fostering international academic partnerships.

Early life and education

Mamdouh Shoukri was born in Cairo, Egypt, where he developed an early interest in science and engineering. He completed his undergraduate studies in mechanical engineering at the University of Cairo, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. Seeking advanced opportunities, he immigrated to Canada for graduate studies, enrolling at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton. At that institution, he earned both a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy in mechanical engineering, specializing in heat transfer and two-phase flow phenomena.

Academic career

Shoukri began his academic career as a professor in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at McMaster University in 1984, quickly establishing himself as a respected researcher and educator. He held several progressive administrative roles at McMaster, including Chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Associate Dean of Engineering for Graduate Studies and Research, and ultimately Vice-President of Research and International Affairs. In these positions, he was instrumental in developing the McMaster Innovation Park and strengthening the university's collaborations with institutions like the University of Waterloo and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited.

Presidency of York University

Appointed in 2007, Shoukri became the first engineer to lead York University, succeeding Lorna Marsden. His tenure was marked by ambitious capital projects, most notably the development of the Glendon campus and the construction of major facilities like the Life Sciences Building and the Student Centre at the Keele Campus. He championed the establishment of the Lassonde School of Engineering and oversaw the creation of the School of Public Policy and Administration. During his presidency, York also joined the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities, reflecting his focus on enhancing the institution's research profile and global partnerships with entities such as Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

Research and publications

As a scholar, Shoukri's research focused on experimental and computational aspects of multiphase flow systems, boiling heat transfer, and nuclear reactor thermal-hydraulics. His work has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, including the International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer and the Journal of Heat Transfer. He has authored influential technical reports for organizations like the International Atomic Energy Agency and Ontario Hydro. His expertise led to consulting roles with major corporations such as General Electric and government agencies including Natural Resources Canada.

Awards and recognition

Throughout his career, Shoukri has received significant honors for his contributions to engineering and education. He is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, the Engineering Institute of Canada, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He was awarded the McNaughton Medal by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the Julian C. Smith Medal from the Engineering Institute of Canada. In 2016, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Ontario, and in 2020, he was named a Member of the Order of Canada for his transformative leadership in higher education and community service.

Personal life

Mamdouh Shoukri is married to Noha Shoukri, a community volunteer and advocate for education and the arts. The couple has two children and resides in Ontario. He is known for his commitment to community engagement, having served on the boards of several organizations, including Trillium Health Partners and the Toronto Region Board of Trade. An avid supporter of intercultural dialogue, he has been involved with initiatives at the Royal Ontario Museum and the Aga Khan Museum.

Category:1948 births Category:Living people Category:Egyptian emigrants to Canada Category:Canadian people of Egyptian descent Category:Canadian mechanical engineers Category:Academic administrators Category:York University faculty Category:McMaster University faculty Category:Presidents of York University Category:Chancellors of McMaster University Category:Fellows of the Canadian Academy of Engineering Category:Members of the Order of Canada Category:Members of the Order of Ontario