Prof. Nermine Abdel Gelil M. Abdel Halim is Professor of Architecture and Building Technology at Effat University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where she has been a faculty member since August 2024. She serves as Lead of the Sustainable Building Technologies Unit and Chair of the Sustainability Committee. She earned her PhD in Architectural Engineering from Hosei University, Tokyo, Japan, in 2007, as a recipient of the Japanese Government Monbukagakusho Scholarship, following her MSc (2003) and BSc (1997) degrees in Architectural Engineering from Cairo University.
Her academic and research experience focuses on sustainable architecture, building technologies, climate-responsive design, environmental performance, life cycle assessment, and innovative low-carbon construction materials. Her approach emphasizes bridging academic research and architectural practice through experimental construction, environmental simulation, and hands-on learning.
As Principal Investigator of an Effat University-funded research grant in AY 2025-26, she led the design, manufacturing, and experimental evaluation of an innovative load-bearing sandwich panel incorporating date-palm leaf midribs. This applied research resulted in a publication in Buildings (MDPI) and a patent application filed with the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP). She also co-authors research publications with Effat University students and alumni, reflecting her commitment to integrating research into architectural education. She is the inventor of Egyptian Patent No. 30046 for interlocking hollow compressed stabilized earth bricks.
In 2017, she founded the Center of Earth Architecture at MSA University in Egypt, leading the development of the award-winning Ecofordable House (2017–2021) and Green Rural House (2023) prototype. Her research has received national recognition, including first place in the National Initiative for Smart Green Projects (2023) and Green Urbanism and Innovative Architecture at Cairo Innovates.
She is a Mostadam Accredited Professional and Saudi Council of Engineers Consultant, with continuing contributions to sustainable architectural education, applied research, and industry collaboration.
