Rural development expert and physics professor Salah Arafa's work in experimental physics, renewable energies, climate change impacts, sustainable community development and eco-communities is internationally recognized. He's considered one of the leading social entrepreneurs in Egypt and the Arab world. As a young professor, Arafa decided to go beyond his science classrooms in Tahrir Square of the American University in Cairo to work in the remote Egyptian village of Basaisa. Without funding, Arafa worked with residents to improve living conditions. Using an integrated approach to development, he brought training sessions in agriculture, efficient use of natural resources, literacy, group collaboration, creative thinking and community building to the village. Today, Basaisa has been transformed from a marginalized village to an eco-friendly community. Arafa will speak at a free public forum entitled "Grassroots Democracy and Green Villages: Tahrir Square to South Dakota" at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in room 103 of the South Dakota State University Northern Plains BioStress Lab.
Physics Professor To Speak At Public Forum
