Year born: 1975
Research Areas: Deserts, Natural hazards, Space missions, Planets
"You should take the time to learn, read and observe before getting involved in scientific projects. It is that time that defines your performance in any research activity."
Source: Essam Heggy - NASA Science, 5 Nov. 2024
Early Life
Essam Heggy was born in the city of Tripoli in 1975. He got his high school diploma from Tunisia in the 1980s. Here, he also helped his father restore some Islamic monuments. His father was an artist.
Heggy then went on to study Astrophysics at Cairo University. Later, he went to Paris for his PhD. His PhD was in planetary science. This made him the first Egyptian PhD in Exoplanet Exploration. He studies the water on Mars in his work. NASA took notice of Heggy and invited him to join their team.
Career Highlights
Dr Heggy is now a research scientist at the University of Southern California. He also works with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). JPL is a leader in robotic space exploration. They have explored the solar system's planets, from Mercury to Neptune. They have also operated all five of the successful rovers sent to Mars.
Heggy's knowledge of radar helps him study the water and ice on Mars and other celestial bodies. This work helps us understand how Mars looked in the past. His work in this field will help us learn the challenges of future Mars exploration. Heggy is part of the MARSIS instrument team. This is on the Mars Express orbiter. He is also on the team of various other projects, including the Rosetta mission.
As well as space science, Heggy applies his work to Earth's deserts. He has studied the Sahara Desert in depth. These studies have helped us understand climate change and how deserts evolve. His work has shown the Sahara to be a lot like Mars. His research brings us closer to finding life in space!
Dr Heggy also wants to help Arab Universities. He wants to show them how to help with big problems like water shortages and natural disasters. One of his projects is to develop radar technology (called Desert-SEA). This project would find underground water in deserts. If successful, it would help with farming and food security. Heggy wants to use science to help future generations.
Legacy
Dr Heggy has made a big impact on science and outreach. In 2023, he won the 'Hundred Best Educational and Outreach Programs in MENA'. He is doing a great job at inspiring future generations to do science!
He has also received a FIFA medal for 'most influential Arab scientists with major societal impacts'. He is a leader and pioneer in science in the Arab world. Another notable award is his NASA/JPL Mariner award. This award highlights his contribution to planetary science and exploration.