Meet Visiting Fulbright Scholar Amina-Aicha Khennaoui, Ph.D.

The Charles E. Schmidt College of Science recently hosted Amina-Aicha Khennaoui, Ph.D., a visiting Fulbright Scholar from Algeria, where she is an associate professor at the University of Constantine. Khennaoui, a well-published researcher, specializes in applied mathematics and fractional dynamics.    

Throughout the spring semester, she has worked with Marcus Schmidmeier, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, to develop a rigorous and unified classification theory for linear time-invariant (LTI) systems that are nearly—but not fully—controllable. These systems present greater mathematical challenges than those with complete control. Khennaoui and Schmidmeier have identified six categories of such systems and can classify all types and their specific limitations within each category. 

Khennaoui chose FAU as her host institution because of Schmidmeier, with whom she had already established a professional connection. They first met at a conference in Algeria, where she became familiar with his work. 

“When I began planning my Fulbright application, it was a natural decision to reach out to Dr. Schmidmeier,” stated Khennaoui. “Although his expertise is in algebra and my research sits at the interface of applied mathematics, this difference is precisely what makes the collaboration valuable. FAU offered the ideal environment to bridge these two perspectives and advance our research.” 

During her stay, Khennaoui has been an active participant and lecturer. She frequently attended the math department’s Analysis Seminar, and she is scheduled to deliver her own talk on Thursday, April 23, as part of the series. In March, she was invited to present at the American Mathematical Society in Savannah, GA, as well as at FAU’s 2026 Florida Women in Mathematics Day on April 12. In addition, she will share her Fulbright experience in a presentation for FAU’s Center for Global Engagement on April 17. 

“I have greatly enjoyed the intellectual atmosphere at FAU and the genuine warmth of the Mathematics Department. Dr. Schmidmeier’s deep knowledge of algebra and his generosity in sharing ideas have pushed my research in directions I had not anticipated,” said Khennaoui. “I also appreciated the welcoming community at FAU and the experience of living in Boca Raton, which has made this Fulbright journey both professionally rewarding and personally unforgettable.” 

The Fulbright Program is extremely selective. Each year, approximately 900 faculty and professionals from around the world receive Fulbright Scholar grants for advanced research and university lecturing in the United States. Khennaoui is one of two scholars from Algeria studying in the United States for the 2025-26 academic year.  

“Dr. Khennaoui is an outstanding scientist, an engaging communicator, a wonderful ambassador of her country and a genuinely nice person,” shared Schmidmeier. “It is a privilege and a delight to collaborate with her.” 

Currently, the Khennaoui and Schmidmeier are working to prepare their results for publication in peer-reviewed journals, which they hope will further contribute to the field. 

Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 400,000 talented and accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists and professionals with the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research abroad. Fulbrighters exchange ideas, build people-to-people connections, and work to address complex global challenges. 

Fulbright is a program of the U.S. Department of State, with funding provided by the U.S. government. Participating governments and host institutions, as well as corporations and foundations around the world also provide direct and indirect support to the program, which operates in more than 160 countries worldwide.