Abeer El Gharabawy: An Egyptian Scientist Navigating Identity, Faith, and Life in America

Abeer El Gharabawy is an Egyptian-American academic, scientist, and educator whose life reflects the complex journey of migration, identity, and perseverance. Currently an instructor at Lourdes University and Owens Community College in Toledo, Ohio, Abeer teaches Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Pathology, and Medical Terminology to higher education students—bringing decades of scientific training and lived experience into the classroom.

Born and raised in Egypt, Abeer earned her Bachelor’s degree in Geology from Cairo University. Her connection to the United States began early in life when she lived in Florida as a child while her father pursued his Ph.D. That experience planted a lasting ambition: one day, she would return to the U.S. for advanced education of her own.

In 1993, at the age of 29, Abeer moved to the United States alone to pursue a Master’s degree in Geology at the University of Toledo. The transition was far from easy. She faced emotional isolation, financial pressure, cultural adjustment, and the harsh winters of Ohio—an environment vastly different from Egypt. With no family nearby and little time to socialize, academic focus became both her refuge and her challenge.

From Geology to Medical Science

Abeer’s academic path evolved over time. Her interests shifted from geology to pharmacy and biomedical sciences, leading her to join the Medicinal and Biological Chemistry program at the University of Toledo. After earning her Ph.D., she continued her research as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at UT Medical Center, where she published multiple scientific papers, particularly in cancer research—a field she considers one of her proudest professional achievements.

Today, she regards her doctorate, research contributions, and publications as milestones earned through resilience, discipline, and faith.

Family, Faith, and Motherhood in the Diaspora

Abeer married in the United States and raised her daughter, Aliah Richter, largely without the support systems traditionally provided by extended family. As a Muslim woman, faith played a central role in her life and parenting. While religion presented challenges at times, she found strength in connecting with others who shared her beliefs, forming a supportive community that helped her navigate life in America.

Her daughter, now 27 years old, is pursuing a second degree in Law at Ohio State University. Though raised in the U.S., Aliah understands and speaks some Arabic and was educated in environments chosen carefully to respect religious identity, including Montessori education and Notre Dame Academy for high school.

Abeer believes the greatest challenge of raising a Muslim child in America lies in balancing freedom with guidance. She focused on instilling cultural pride while allowing her daughter the independence to make her own choices—a balance she believes helped Aliah mature and succeed despite the many social pressures facing young people in the U.S.

Egypt and America: A Life of Contrasts

Reflecting on life in Egypt versus the United States, Abeer highlights deep contrasts. In Egypt, daily life is shaped by strong family bonds, shared religious rhythms, healthier food, lower costs, and a sense of social closeness. In contrast, American life revolves heavily around work, productivity, and material success, often at the expense of family time and emotional connection.

Yet Abeer acknowledges the opportunities America has given her—academic freedom, professional growth, and personal independence.

Preserving Egyptian Identity Abroad

Despite living in the U.S. for decades, Abeer remains deeply connected to Egypt. She celebrates Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Sham El-Nessim, cooks Egyptian food, reads Arabic books, watches Egyptian television, and visits Egypt twice a year. Social media, particularly Facebook, helps her stay connected to Egyptian news and communities abroad.

Seeing the Egyptian flag, hearing the national anthem, or listening to Egyptian music evokes intense pride and longing. She is especially moved by Egyptian achievements abroad and by the legacy of Ancient Egyptian contributions to medicine, engineering, and wisdom, which she views as a source of enduring national pride.

Challenging Stereotypes and Finding Her Voice

As an Egyptian Muslim woman in the U.S., Abeer encountered cultural misconceptions—particularly stereotypes portraying Egyptian women, especially those who wear hijab, as submissive or voiceless. She challenges these narratives through her actions, professional achievements, and by highlighting the successes of other women.

“I don’t drink or go to bars,” she explains simply, emphasizing that setting boundaries and speaking clearly has earned her respect rather than exclusion.

Between Two Homes

One of the most emotional milestones in Abeer’s life was becoming a U.S. citizen—a moment she describes as shaped equally by both cultures. Yet despite her loyalty and contributions to the United States, Egypt remains her emotional home.

She advises new immigrants not to isolate themselves, reject the English language, or raise their children disconnected from society. Integration, she believes, is essential to survival and success. At the same time, she urges Egyptian women considering immigration to reflect deeply on the long-term cost: distance from family, irreversible life changes, and the need for exceptional strength and independence.

“Despite all my achievements, Egypt is still in my heart,” Abeer says. “I live between two worlds. But when it comes to family, religion, and culture—I am 100% Egyptian. I love both Egypt and the United States deeply, and I am grateful to both.”