KAUST alumna Dr. Hanin Ahmed has been awarded a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowship to research the biological traits, ancestry, and symbolic roles of horses used in ancient rituals. She will analyze DNA samples from 97 sites across France, linking biology with ritual behavior. Ahmed previously held an Ibn Rushd Fellowship from KAUST, which supported her move to the University of Toulouse. Why it matters: This prestigious fellowship highlights the quality of research and training at KAUST while enabling exploration of the co-evolution of humans and animals through genomics and archaeology.
Hanin Ahmed, a KAUST Ph.D. graduate in plant science, is now an Ibn-Rushd Postdoctoral Fellow at The Centre for Anthropology and Genomics of Toulouse, France. Her Ph.D. research at KAUST focused on the population genomics and evolutionary history of fonio millet and einkorn wheat. One key finding was the influence of ethnic groups on the genetic diversity of fonio millet, and insights into wheat adaptation during early agriculture from einkorn wheat research published in Nature. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in training researchers who are contributing to advancements in genomics and agriculture, with implications for crop improvement and understanding the impact of social factors on plant genetics.
KAUST alumnus Abhinay Ramaprasad (M.S. '12, Ph.D. '17) has been awarded the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship from the European Commission. He will research malaria at the Francis Crick Institute in the U.K., focusing on the mechanisms of malaria parasite egress from red blood cells. Ramaprasad credits his time at KAUST and his work in Professor Arnab Pain's laboratory for preparing him for this opportunity. Why it matters: This fellowship recognizes the high-quality research training at KAUST and supports important work in combating a disease prevalent in many regions, reflecting KAUST's impact on global health.
KAUST postdoctoral fellow Mahmoud Abdulhamid, a KAUST Ph.D. alumnus, works in the University's Advanced Membranes & Porous Materials Center. His Ph.D. involved a joint research project with Stanford University, resulting in publications and patent applications. Currently, he focuses on engineering polymeric materials under KAUST Assistant Professor Gyorgy Szekely. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in nurturing scientific talent in the region and fostering collaborations with leading international institutions in materials science.
Ghada Ahmed, a fourth-year Ph.D. student at KAUST's Solar Center, researches semiconductor nanocrystals under the supervision of Assistant Professor Omar Mohammed. Her work focuses on the colloidal synthesis of quantum dots and nanocrystals with controlled sizes and shapes. She aims to understand photogenerated charge carrier dynamics and reaction mechanisms to optimize energy-efficient devices. Why it matters: This research contributes to advancements in materials science and renewable energy technologies within the Kingdom.