Ahmed Al Saleh, a 2017 KAUST material science and engineering graduate, is now a business development manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific. He is the first Saudi to work for the company, representing them in Saudi Arabia from their KAUST campus office. Al Saleh advises KAUST students to experiment and develop their social skills, embracing failure as part of the learning process. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in developing local talent for key science and technology sectors in Saudi Arabia.
Muhammed Sameed, a KAUST alumnus with a master's degree in material science and engineering, is working as a research scientist at CERN. He specializes in creating and studying antimatter particles as part of CERN's ALPHA experiment, with publications in Nature. Sameed advises students to be fearless and create new paths to maximize opportunities. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in training scientists who contribute to cutting-edge international research, potentially inspiring further collaboration between KAUST and CERN.
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.
KAUST alumnus Zhenwei Wang (Ph.D. '18), who studied under Professor Husam Alshareef, focused on developing oxide semiconductors for transparent electronics during his time at KAUST. Currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), he is now developing novel biological sensing devices using nanoparticles. Wang credits KAUST's facilities and support for enabling him to overcome research challenges. Why it matters: The story highlights KAUST's role in fostering materials science talent and contributing to advancements in bio-sensing technology, with implications for future medical diagnostics.
KAUST alumnus Guy Olivier Ngongang Ndjawa (Ph.D. '16) is now a postdoctoral researcher at Princeton University, specializing in organic and polymer electronics. His Ph.D. research at KAUST focused on thin film organic solar cells, utilizing advanced vacuum processing and spectroscopy tools. He recalls being drawn to KAUST's vision and commitment to becoming a leading scientific research destination. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in developing international scientific talent and contributing to advancements in renewable energy research.