Shahnaz Ibrahim

Dr. Shahnaz Ibrahim is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Department of Managerial Studies. She holds a PhD from the University of Southampton (UK), an MBA from George Mason University (USA), and a BSc from Assiut University (Egypt). Her research focuses on corporate social responsibility (CSR), sustainability, social entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurial ecosystems in emerging economies, with a particular emphasis on SMEs and their socio-economic impacts.

Education:

• PhD in corporate social responsibility in SMEs in emerging economies, University of Southampton, UK (2015)
• MBA in Market and Business Development, George Mason University, USA (2007)
• BSc in Business Administration, Assiut University, Egypt (1999)

Research Interests: Her work examines the intersection of strategy, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, including CSR practices in SMEs, social innovation, sustainable development goals (SDGs), and entrepreneurial ecosystems. She explores how CSR and sustainability are contextualized in diverse settings, particularly in emerging markets and through the lens of social capital and institutional theory.

Teaching & Leadership:

• Previously served as Assistant Head of the Managerial Studies Department at UIC (2024–Present)
• Former Program Director of multiple programs at the University of Southampton, including undergraduate Business Management and postgraduate MSc International Entrepreneurship
• Recipient of prestigious teaching awards, including the Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching Award (2019) and Students’ Union Academic Award (2021)

Grants & Projects:

• Research coordinator for a 3-year EU INTERREG project on university-industry collaboration (2010–2014)
• Co-investigator on projects funded by the ESRC, EPSRC, and British Council, including studies on sustainable entrepreneurship in agro-eco tourism and diversity in research commercialization

Labs & Collaborations: Active in interdisciplinary research teams focusing on CSR, innovation ecosystems, and inclusive entrepreneurship. Collaborates with institutions like the University of Normandie (France), the Network for Business Sustainability (NBS), and EURAM.