Biography
Born in Morocco, Latifa Elouadrhiri is a renowned experimental physicist who has overcome numerous challenges to pursue her passion for physics.
From her humble beginnings in Rabat, she ascended to the highest scientific echelons globally. Her dedication to education propelled her to a stellar academic career in France and the United States, culminating in a PhD in physics. Following this achievement, she embarked on a successful career marked by groundbreaking discoveries that significantly advanced global scientific research. Elouadrhiri’s major contributions to nuclear research, particularly her crucial findings on proton structure, have garnered her numerous awards, including the prestigious Jesse W. Beams Award from the American Physical Society.
Beyond her scientific endeavors, she actively advocates for diversity and inclusion in the scientific community, serving as an inspiration to a new generation of researchers.
Career
Elouadrhiri made the decision to join Jefferson Laboratory in 1994 through a joint appointment with CNU. She officially became a staff scientist in 2001, marking a significant milestone as one of the pioneering female staff scientists within the physics division.
Notably, she spearheaded the groundbreaking measurement of electron beam asymmetries in polarized, exclusive Deeply Virtual Compton Scattering during her tenure. From 2006 to 2015, Elouadrhiri served as the Project Manager for the Hall B 12 GeV Upgrade, overseeing the development and implementation of all components, including detectors, magnets, and infrastructure for the CLAS12 system.
Education
Latifa El Ouadghiri’s academic journey is a testament to her dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and leadership in the field of physics. Her scholarly pursuits began with a Bachelor of Science in Theoretical Physics from the University Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco, in 1984. She continued her education with a Master of Science in Theoretical Physics from the same university in 1986, focusing her research studies within the Poincaré and Lorentz groups.
Driven by a passion for deeper understanding, El Ouadghiri pursued a Diplôme des Études Approfondies at the University of Blaise Pascal in Clermont-Ferrand, France, in 1987, specializing in Particle and Nuclear Physics. Her thesis, titled “Studies of Slow Kaon Beam Factory,” showcased her early prowess in the field.
In 1991, El Ouadghiri achieved the pinnacle of academic success with a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Blaise Pascal. Her doctoral research, conducted within the realm of Hadronic Physics with the Electromagnetic Probe Experiment at CEA/Saclay in Paris, France, culminated in a thesis titled “Measurement of the Nucleon Axial Form Factor from Low Energy Pion Electroproduction.”
Her academic journey was further enriched in 2010 when she completed certification in the Strategic Laboratory Leadership Program at the Booth School of Business, University of Chicago. Through her academic achievements and leadership endeavors, Latifa El Ouadghiri continues to make invaluable contributions to the scientific community.