Divisional Dean for the Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Dean’s Professor of Physics and Astronomy

(213) 740-2394
mnaggar@usc.edu

As the divisional dean for the physical sciences and mathematics, Dean’s Professor of Physics and Astronomy Mohamed “Moh” El-Naggar coordinates strategic planning, faculty appointments and research advancement in the USC Dornsife Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. He also collaborates with USC Dornsife leadership and leaders throughout the university to support and enhance research and education in basic science at USC. As a member of the dean’s senior leadership team, he advances all aspects of the USC Dornsife mission.

El-Naggar, who began his academic career at USC in 2007, holds joint appointments in biological sciences and chemistry. His research is focused on biological physics, biological electron transfer, biotic-abiotic interface and living electronics. Since 2018, he has been principal investigator of a five-year, multi-university research initiative on synthetic microbial electronics.

Having authored or co-authored dozens of peer-reviewed publications, many of which were with colleagues from different USC Dornsife departments, El-Naggar exemplifies USC Dornsife’s spirit of interdisciplinary collaboration. He is a regular public scholar, sharing and commenting on research in news media that include PBS Newshour, Wired, NPR and Popular Science, which named him one of the “Brilliant 10” of 2012.

His record of service to the university includes terms on the University Committee on Academic Promotions and Tenure, University Committee on Academic Review, University Research Committee, and the President’s and Provost’s Task Force on Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

El-Naggar’s many honors and awards at USC include the Raubenheimer Award for Outstanding Junior Faculty Member, the USC Zumberge Research and Innovation Fund Award and USC Dornsife’s General Education Teaching Award.