Meet the Muslim Woman Awarded US Professor of the Year

Born in Egypt and raised in the U.S., El-Ashmawy said during her acceptance speech that her mother used to call her “Mademoiselle Deroose” — or “Miss Lessons” and that planted a seed.
“The spark that ignited my passion for teaching happened at Kilgore College in freshman general chemistry class. My instructor, Mrs. Anita Neeley — who has since retired — made the subject interesting, relatable and fun to learn.”