Rana El-Dabaa

Rana El-Dabaa is an Assistant Professor at Heriot-Watt University's School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society. She holds a PhD from Ain-Shams University (2020), with collaborative research involving the American University in Cairo and Princeton University. Her expertise spans computational design, material science, and sustainable architectural solutions. She teaches architecture design studios and computation courses, emphasizing research-led education and hands-on learning.

Education: BSc, MSc, PhD in Architecture. Notable collaborations include work with Princeton University and the American University in Cairo.

Research Interests: Computation and parametric design, shape-shifting materials, interactive architecture, adaptive facades, daylight performance optimization, and additive manufacturing. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to sustainable cities and climate action.

Her articles focus on adaptive architectural systems, hygroscopic materials, and multi-physics modeling. She leads the Year 2 Architecture Design Studio at HWUD and has mentored students through international workshops in the USA, Italy, and Egypt.