Mohamed El-Genk

Mohamed S. El-Genk is an Egyptian-American nuclear scientist and a Distinguished Professor at the University of New Mexico (UNM). He is the founding director of the Institute for Space and Nuclear Power Studies (ISNPS) and is internationally recognized for his research in space nuclear power and propulsion, thermal-hydraulics, and advanced energy conversion.

Early life and education El-Genk was born in Egypt. He attended Alexandria University, where he earned his B.Sc. (1973) and M.Sc. (1975) in Nuclear Engineering. He moved to the United States to pursue doctoral studies at the University of New Mexico, receiving his Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering in 1978.

Career Before his academic career, El-Genk spent several years in the energy and nuclear industry, notably serving as an Engineering Specialist at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory from 1978 to 1981.

In 2001, he was named the 46th Annual Research Lecturer at UNM, one of the university's highest faculty honors. Thermal Management: Pioneer in the development of advanced radiators and high-performance heat pipes for space applications. Energy Conversion: Contributions to static energy conversion methods, such as alkali-metal thermal-to-electric conversion (AMTEC) and thermophotovoltaics. Safety and Thermal-Hydraulics: Research on boiling heat transfer, nanofluids, and reactor safety during emergency transients.

Awards and honors El-Genk is a Fellow of the American Nuclear Society (ANS), the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). ASME Heat Transfer Memorial Award (2017) for contributions to boiling enhancement and electronic cooling. ANS Thermal-Hydraulics Technical Achievement Award (2015) AIChE-ASME Donald Q. Kern Award (2010) for excellence in transport phenomena.

Selected publications El-Genk, M. S., A Critical Review of Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion 1984-1993, American Institute of Physics, 1994. ISBN 978-1563963179. El-Genk, M. S., Space Nuclear Power Systems, Orbit Book Co., 1985. Over 400 refereed journal articles and editor of 55 book volumes related to space technology and nuclear engineering.