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Maha Abdelmegid Salah A. Attia
- Professor
- Ext: 6685
Maha Abdul Majeed is specialized in online media. She has over 20 years of experience in media research, academic teaching, training and consultancy in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and UAE. She is a professor in AU and the chairperson of the Research Committee in Mass Communication College. Maha is a principal investigator in the international research project "Global Risk Journalism Hub" (GRJH). She is also a co-investigator and active member in the international research project "Journalistic Role Performance Project" (JRP). Maha has practical experience in online learning, provided an online course in Interactive Media Research in co-operation with Edraak Organization. Besides, she also achieved the Digital Media Professional Diploma from the American University in Cairo, Egypt. Maha participated in the 2nd round of the National Media Training program offered by Dubai Press to media practitioners and students in UAE. Maha had been rewarded twice for the “Excellence in Research Award", her research interests and contributions include New media, Online Journalism, Security Media, Communication Research Methods, Crisis Management and Journalism Education. She worked as a senior media expert in the National Center for Social and Criminal Research, Egypt.
Education
- Ph. D in Mass Communication, College of Mass Communication, Cairo University, 2008.
- Master Degree in Mass Communication, College of Mass Communication, Cairo University, 2005.
- BA in Mass Communication, College of Mass Communication, Cairo University, 1998.
Ph. D in Mass Communication, College of Mass Communication, Cairo University, 2008.
Master Degree in Mass Communication, College of Mass Communication, Cairo University, 2005.
BA in Mass Communication, College of Mass Communication, Cairo University, 1998.
Experience
- Professor (since August 2021) College of Mass Communication, Ajman University, Associate professor (since 2014-2021).
- Senior Media Expert, National center for Social and Criminal Research, Egypt, 2013.
- Chairperson of the Research Committee, College of Mass Communication and Humanities, Ajman University, since March 2013.
- Member of the Council for Graduate Students Research, and the Delegation Committee, Ajman University, January 2017.
- Member of the Scientific Committee of the International conference “Media in the Age of Social Changes”, College of Mass Communication and Humanities, supposed to be hold on April 2017.
- - Coordinator of Printed and Electronic Journalism Track, College of Mass Communication and Humanities, Ajman University, March 2013: March 2015.
- - Coordinator of the monthly scientific seminar for students, since 2012.
- Coordinator of Staff scientific symposium, College of Mass Communication and Humanities, since November 2016.
- Coordinator of Mass Communication students’ participation in the Scientific Annual Students Conference of Ajman University, May 2014.
- Member of Academic Accreditation Committee, College of Mass Communication and Humanities, Ajman University, since March 2013.
- Member of the scientific unit of “Media Monitor”, the National Center of Social and Criminal Research, 2011- 2012.
- Editor in chief in, the National Social Magazine, National Center of Social and Criminal Research, 2010-2011.
- - Lecturer at the scientific research training program for post graduate students, College of Mass Communication, Emam Mohamed ben Soud University, Riyadh, 2010.
- Researcher at the National Center of Social and Criminal Research, June 2006, then Media Expert since March 2008.
- - Part timer teaching staff at number of Egyptian Universities during the years from 1999 to 2012, Ain shams University, Modern Science and Arts University, Misr International University, 6th of October University, Akhbar Al youm Academy.
- Trainer of specialized training courses and workshops from 2007 to 2016 for number of various organizations in the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Digital Media Professional Diploma (2020), American University in Cairo, Egypt.
- Professor, College of Mass Communication - Ajman University, since August 2021.
- Principle investigator at the international research project Journalistic Role Performance, since January 2020
- Active researcher at the international research project Global Risk Journalism hub, since October 2020
Professor (since August 2021) College of Mass Communication, Ajman University, Associate professor (since 2014-2021).
Senior Media Expert, National center for Social and Criminal Research, Egypt, 2013.
Chairperson of the Research Committee, College of Mass Communication and Humanities, Ajman University, since March 2013.
Member of the Council for Graduate Students Research, and the Delegation Committee, Ajman University, January 2017.
Member of the Scientific Committee of the International conference “Media in the Age of Social Changes”, College of Mass Communication and Humanities, supposed to be hold on April 2017.
- Coordinator of Printed and Electronic Journalism Track, College of Mass Communication and Humanities, Ajman University, March 2013: March 2015.
- Coordinator of the monthly scientific seminar for students, since 2012.
Coordinator of Staff scientific symposium, College of Mass Communication and Humanities, since November 2016.
Coordinator of Mass Communication students’ participation in the Scientific Annual Students Conference of Ajman University, May 2014.
Member of Academic Accreditation Committee, College of Mass Communication and Humanities, Ajman University, since March 2013.
Member of the scientific unit of “Media Monitor”, the National Center of Social and Criminal Research, 2011- 2012.
Editor in chief in, the National Social Magazine, National Center of Social and Criminal Research, 2010-2011.
- Lecturer at the scientific research training program for post graduate students, College of Mass Communication, Emam Mohamed ben Soud University, Riyadh, 2010.
Researcher at the National Center of Social and Criminal Research, June 2006, then Media Expert since March 2008.
- Part timer teaching staff at number of Egyptian Universities during the years from 1999 to 2012, Ain shams University, Modern Science and Arts University, Misr International University, 6th of October University, Akhbar Al youm Academy.
Trainer of specialized training courses and workshops from 2007 to 2016 for number of various organizations in the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Digital Media Professional Diploma (2020), American University in Cairo, Egypt.
Professor, College of Mass Communication - Ajman University, since August 2021.
Principle investigator at the international research project Journalistic Role Performance, since January 2020
Active researcher at the international research project Global Risk Journalism hub, since October 2020
Teaching Area
- Media research methods, Communication Theories, Online Journalism, Specialized Journalism, New Trends in Electronic Communication, Online Media, News Writing, and Special Topic in Journalism.
Media research methods, Communication Theories, Online Journalism, Specialized Journalism, New Trends in Electronic Communication, Online Media, News Writing, and Special Topic in Journalism.
Research
- Data Journalism
- Online Media
- Media and Terrorism
- Social media consumption and impacts
- Journalism practice and training
Data Journalism
Online Media
Media and Terrorism
Social media consumption and impacts
Journalism practice and training
Publications
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A Field Study of Arab Data Journalism Practices in the Digital Era. (2020). Journalism Practice. DOI: 10.1080/17512786.2019.1709532
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Sharing News on Social Media: A Study of Arab Audience Behavior - Paper has been accepted for publishing in the Journal of Social Sciences (2019-2020)- Kuwait University
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Religious content Via Smart Applications: Field and Analytical Study. Arab Journal for Media and Communication Research. (2018). Issue (22-6) Pp: 134-161. http://www.acu.edu.eg/en/issue-22-6
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“Sources of Religious Information and Arab Youth Perceptions’ of Terrorist Attacks”. Individual research. Peer-reviewed paper published in “Arab Media & Society Journal. Issue 24. “Media and Politics”. Summer/Fall 2017. (Pp: 1:54)
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“The Use of News Content through Electronic Portal Platforms”. Co-authoring research with Dr. Nagwa Fahmy. Paper published in the Arabic Journal for Media and Communication (AJMC), Vol (18). Nov. 2017.
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“Methodological Problems in Social Media Research”. Paper published in the Arabic Journal for Media and Communication (AJMC), Vol (15). May 2016.
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The Rise and Development of Online Journalism in Egypt. The Media Report. Vol (1). 2016. published by the National Center for Social and Criminal Research. Egypt.
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JournalHossam Mohamed Elhamy and Maha Abdulmajeed , Arab Media Researchers’ Perceptions of Factors Affecting Their Research Problem Selection, Sage Open, Vol: 13, Sep 2023, doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440231196048
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JournalMaha Abdulmajeed and Rasha El-Ibiary , Journalistic role conceptions and performance in the global south: A comparison between Egypt and the UAE during COVID-19. International Communication Gazette, 85(8), 646-662. https://doi.org/10.1177/17480485231214367, International Communication Gazette, Vol: 85, pp.646 - 662, Dec 2023, doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/17480485231214367
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JournalMaha Abdulmajeed, Examining the Impact of Social Media on Egyptian Expatriates’ Perceptions of Reality in their Home Country: Field Study. 2023, المجلة العربية للإعلام والاتصال, Vol: 33, pp.157 - 218, Mar 2023, doi: https://search.mandumah.com/Record/1378621
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JournalMaha Abdulmajeed and Hossam Mohamed El hamy, Scientific Cross-Culture Communication in Media Research: A Study of Arab Researchers Participating in International Research Projects, Journal of Arts and Social Sciences, Vol: 14, pp.31 - 45, Dec 2023, doi: https://journals.squ.edu.om/index.php/jass/article/view/6268/4010
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JournalMaha Abdulmajeed and Rasha El-Ibiary , Analyzing the communicative strategies of Egyptian political influencers: content and discourse analyses of Twitter accounts., Communication and Society, Vol: 33, pp.295 - 311, Apr 2020, doi: https://doi.org/10.15581/003.33.2.295-311
A Field Study of Arab Data Journalism Practices in the Digital Era. (2020). Journalism Practice. DOI: 10.1080/17512786.2019.1709532
Sharing News on Social Media: A Study of Arab Audience Behavior - Paper has been accepted for publishing in the Journal of Social Sciences (2019-2020)- Kuwait University
Religious content Via Smart Applications: Field and Analytical Study. Arab Journal for Media and Communication Research. (2018). Issue (22-6) Pp: 134-161. http://www.acu.edu.eg/en/issue-22-6
“Sources of Religious Information and Arab Youth Perceptions’ of Terrorist Attacks”. Individual research. Peer-reviewed paper published in “Arab Media & Society Journal. Issue 24. “Media and Politics”. Summer/Fall 2017. (Pp: 1:54)
“The Use of News Content through Electronic Portal Platforms”. Co-authoring research with Dr. Nagwa Fahmy. Paper published in the Arabic Journal for Media and Communication (AJMC), Vol (18). Nov. 2017.
“Methodological Problems in Social Media Research”. Paper published in the Arabic Journal for Media and Communication (AJMC), Vol (15). May 2016.
The Rise and Development of Online Journalism in Egypt. The Media Report. Vol (1). 2016. published by the National Center for Social and Criminal Research. Egypt.
Hossam Mohamed Elhamy and Maha Abdulmajeed , Arab Media Researchers’ Perceptions of Factors Affecting Their Research Problem Selection, Sage Open, Vol: 13, Sep 2023, doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440231196048
This study examines the factors affecting media researchers’ selection of media research problems. Combining qualitative and quantitative methods, in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of Arab media researchers were conducted, followed by applying a 22-item questionnaire on a sample of 247 from Arab media researchers. The impact of internal/subjective factors and external/objective factors, on the selection of research problems by Arab media researchers, and their perceptions were investigated. Findings revealed that internal factors are perceived to have a higher impact than external factors. However, external factors are perceived to have a stronger negative impact than positive ones. Findings also raise several issues regarding scientific considerations, institutional requirements, and socio-political conditions that lead researchers to either avoid certain topics or change the angle of their view for their research. The study proposed a theoretical framework regarding the process of selecting research problems in the media field of Arab countries.
About the journal
Maha Abdulmajeed and Rasha El-Ibiary , Journalistic role conceptions and performance in the global south: A comparison between Egypt and the UAE during COVID-19. International Communication Gazette, 85(8), 646-662. https://doi.org/10.1177/17480485231214367, International Communication Gazette, Vol: 85, pp.646 - 662, Dec 2023, doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/17480485231214367
Journalists in Egypt and the UAE have been differently challenged by the COVID-19 situation at multiple levels, (1) individual (2) work/routines and (3) media/organizational while covering COVID-19. Using the hierarchy of influences model, we analyze the differentiated journalists’ role conceptions, perceived performance, and challenges they faced in covering COVID-19, and how that affect their performance, as Global South-based journalists. Applying a mixed method approach, we conducted in-depth interviews with 20 journalists who reported COVID-19, representing different media platforms, as a part of the Global Risk Journalism Hub project. We also surveyed journalists (n 102) from both countries, as a part of the Journalistic Role Performance project. Findings revealed that media-organizational level challenges influenced journalists more than other levels. Journalists also shifted from the Civic Role Conception to performing the Loyal-Facilitator Role followed by the Interventionist Role during the pandemic.
About the journal
Maha Abdulmajeed, Examining the Impact of Social Media on Egyptian Expatriates’ Perceptions of Reality in their Home Country: Field Study. 2023, المجلة العربية للإعلام والاتصال, Vol: 33, pp.157 - 218, Mar 2023, doi: https://search.mandumah.com/Record/1378621
This paper examines how social media shape Egyptians' perceptions of reality in their home country during Covid-19. The study of expatriates' perceptions, especially during the pandemic, is of increasing importance due to the spread of the tension and ambiguous overall situation. The study applied the descriptive quantitative analysis method. Following the International Migration Household-Egypt survey indicators, the study conducted an online questionnaire on a non-probability snowball sample of 198 respondents from Egyptian expatriates who are currently living in different Arab and foreign countries. The study applied quantitative measurements and adequate statistical analysis (Regression, Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman's correlation) to examine how much clear or ambiguous crystal do Egyptian expatriates perceive the reality of their home country in the context of several dimensions; cognitive, emotional and behavioral. Based on reviewing literature about Media and Reality Perception theories, in addition to this study results, this paper ends with proposing a theoretical framework to interpret how expatriates perceive reality in their home countries through interactive media. Findings highlighted the cognitive and behavioral impacts of social media on Egyptian expatriates' perceptions and raised serious questions regarding their trust in Egyptian media.
About the journal
Maha Abdulmajeed and Hossam Mohamed El hamy, Scientific Cross-Culture Communication in Media Research: A Study of Arab Researchers Participating in International Research Projects, Journal of Arts and Social Sciences, Vol: 14, pp.31 - 45, Dec 2023, doi: https://journals.squ.edu.om/index.php/jass/article/view/6268/4010
This study explores the obstacles and challenges facing Arab media researchers when participating in international research projects, providing an analysis of the professional and academic context in which they work and its impact on their scholarly production. Analyzing how cross-cultural communication theory is practically applied through international media research projects, it applies a mixed methods research approach, using a survey of 248 media researchers, followed by in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of 10 researchers currently participating in international media research projects. Results showed that while self-motivation is the most powerful driver for Arab media researchers to participate in international research projects, they face challenges related to their academic institutions. Arab researchers are also culturally challenged by the dominance of certain research perspectives and practices not suitable neither to their communities’ contexts nor their research needs and priorities. Those findings propose a theoretical model that explain the stages and paths of openness in cultural communication in the research field. They may also help top managers of academic institutions better understand how to develop a healthy, positive and more productive academic working environment.
About the journal
Maha Abdulmajeed and Rasha El-Ibiary , Analyzing the communicative strategies of Egyptian political influencers: content and discourse analyses of Twitter accounts., Communication and Society, Vol: 33, pp.295 - 311, Apr 2020, doi: https://doi.org/10.15581/003.33.2.295-311
The advantages of social media platforms as interactive information sources raise the importance of examining how they are used by political digital opinion leaders to influence public perceptions. Twitter, especially, played a major role in Egypt’s January 25 revolution facilitating news dissemination, public discussions and debates. Analyzing the communicative strategies of two Egyptian political influencers –Ammar Ali Hassan and Ezzedine Fishere– ten years after Egypt’s political change, and the role they play in public discourse through their Twitter accounts, this research offers an overview of the current role played by Egyptian digital political influencers in influencing public opinion. Focusing on the content and discourse of their tweets for two months, October and November 2019, the digital political influencers were selected based on the number of followers divided by the amount of interactivity on their tweets, such as retweets and favorites. The unit of analysis is the tweet that received the largest amount of interactivity. Results showed that both influencers had a unidirectional opinion strategy. While Hassan’s tweets, @ammaralihassan, seemed purposeless, not yielding any clear and valuable content to the reader, Fishere, @FishereEzzedine, was more outspoken and clearer in his communicative strategy, using evidence in defending human rights in Egypt and the Arab World. The analysis indicated more fact-based tweets by Fishere, who seems to play a more significant role in his communication network, despite minimal interaction.
About the journal
Conference Presentation
- Road Map for Egyptian Mid-Career Training Ecosystem. Paper presented in the World Journalism Education Congress, Paris 7-9 July 2019
- Social Media Usage in Enhancing Cultural Identity and Intercultural Communication: A Case Study of Cultural Organizations in UAE. Cross- Cultural Communication Conference, 23-24 January, 2019. Zayed University – Abu Dhabi, UAE.
- Data Journalism Practice in the Arab World: Field Approach. The 7th International Conference of Journalism and Mass Communication. Singapore 20-22 October. 2018.
- Sharing news on social media – studying the sociology of news consumption”. Paper presented in the 18th international annual conference of the Arab-U.S. Association for Communication Educators (AUSACE), November 11-15, 2016 in Tangier, Morocco at King Fahd School of Translation under the theme: “New horizons of communication in a time of crisis.
- Media discourse of Terrorist organizations on Social Media”. Peer-reviewed paper, presented in the 40th Conference of Statistics, Computer Science and Applications “Media and Society Issues: Professionality and Social Responsibility”, organized by The National Center for Social and Criminal Research (NCSCR). Cairo, Egypt. 28-29 April 2015. Paper is also published in the conference annual book.
- The Effectiveness of Linguistics Academic Preparation of Media Students in Arab Universities.” Paper presented in the first International Scientific Conference of Linguistics Center, Jordanian University, Amman, April 2014
- Violence against Woman in New Media- Case Study of Sexual Harassment.” Paper presented in the 3rd International Conference “the State of Arab Woman in Law”. Morocco, Asefy, April, 2013. 2. New media and Security Crisis Management. Paper presented in the Second Annual Arab Police Symposium. The League of Arab States and Naif Arab University for Security Sciences. Amman. Jordan, 22:24 June. 2012
- Media and Police Image Repairing. Paper presented in the First Annual Arab Police Symposium. The League of Arab States and Naif Arab University for Security Sciences. Amman. Jordan, 3-5 January. 2011
- Challenges and Insights of Social Media Research in Public Opinion in the MENA. WAPOR 76th Annual Conference 19-22 September 2023 ● Salzburg, Austria
- One role, One voice, Different platform: Examining the Loyal Facilitator Role in Arab Countries. ICA conference - Toronto- 25-29 May 2023
- Comparative content analysis of journalists sourcing practices in reporting COVID-19 in Egypt and the UAE. ICA conference, Toronto 25-29 May 2023
Road Map for Egyptian Mid-Career Training Ecosystem. Paper presented in the World Journalism Education Congress, Paris 7-9 July 2019
Social Media Usage in Enhancing Cultural Identity and Intercultural Communication: A Case Study of Cultural Organizations in UAE. Cross- Cultural Communication Conference, 23-24 January, 2019. Zayed University – Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Data Journalism Practice in the Arab World: Field Approach. The 7th International Conference of Journalism and Mass Communication. Singapore 20-22 October. 2018.
Sharing news on social media – studying the sociology of news consumption”. Paper presented in the 18th international annual conference of the Arab-U.S. Association for Communication Educators (AUSACE), November 11-15, 2016 in Tangier, Morocco at King Fahd School of Translation under the theme: “New horizons of communication in a time of crisis.
Media discourse of Terrorist organizations on Social Media”. Peer-reviewed paper, presented in the 40th Conference of Statistics, Computer Science and Applications “Media and Society Issues: Professionality and Social Responsibility”, organized by The National Center for Social and Criminal Research (NCSCR). Cairo, Egypt. 28-29 April 2015. Paper is also published in the conference annual book.
The Effectiveness of Linguistics Academic Preparation of Media Students in Arab Universities.” Paper presented in the first International Scientific Conference of Linguistics Center, Jordanian University, Amman, April 2014
Violence against Woman in New Media- Case Study of Sexual Harassment.” Paper presented in the 3rd International Conference “the State of Arab Woman in Law”. Morocco, Asefy, April, 2013. 2. New media and Security Crisis Management. Paper presented in the Second Annual Arab Police Symposium. The League of Arab States and Naif Arab University for Security Sciences. Amman. Jordan, 22:24 June. 2012
Media and Police Image Repairing. Paper presented in the First Annual Arab Police Symposium. The League of Arab States and Naif Arab University for Security Sciences. Amman. Jordan, 3-5 January. 2011
Challenges and Insights of Social Media Research in Public Opinion in the MENA. WAPOR 76th Annual Conference 19-22 September 2023 ● Salzburg, Austria
One role, One voice, Different platform: Examining the Loyal Facilitator Role in Arab Countries. ICA conference - Toronto- 25-29 May 2023
Comparative content analysis of journalists sourcing practices in reporting COVID-19 in Egypt and the UAE. ICA conference, Toronto 25-29 May 2023
Memberships, Awards and Honors
- The Laureate of the Community Leader board Contest (1st Place) of the Whova App. World Journalism Education Congress, Paris 7-9 July 2019
- Excellence in Research Award, the First place”. Paper presented in the 20th Annual Conference of AUSACE, hosted by Qatar University, 24- 26 October 2015. Co-authoring research with Prof. Nagwa Fahmy.
- Supervisor of the First-place winner in the fifth Undergraduate Research Competition, Abu Dhabi University, Category of “Mass communication and Public Relations”, 8 May 2017.
- Supervisor of the Second-place winner in the Research Competition organized by Dubai Press”, 16 Nov. 2017
- The winner of “Excellence in Academic Work Award”, College of Mass Communication and Humanities, Ajman University, 2013.
- The best individual research paper published in 2008 – 2009, in the peer-reviewed National Social Journal, the National Center for Social and Criminal Research (NCSCR).