Her research agenda has been shaped by more than 10 years of educational work as an international educator in the capacity of high school teacher, principal (K-12), and curriculum coordinator. Mahfouz’s research interests include exploring the social and emotional dynamics of educational settings and their effect on school climate. She has examined the influence of mindfulness-based professional development program (CARE) on the well-being and leadership of school administrators. She is particularly focused on applying this research to improving principal preparation programs and enhancing the principals’ social-emotional competencies and their capacity to cultivate a supportive learning environment.