Mayadah AlHashem (M.S. '16), a KAUST alumna in mechanical engineering, credits her KAUST experience for her success as a flow assurance engineer at Saudi Aramco. After completing her bachelor's at UC Santa Barbara and interning at Masdar Institute, she pursued her master's at KAUST. AlHashem emphasizes KAUST's role in networking, advanced research, and professional development, including communication and resume building. Why it matters: The success of KAUST alumni in key Saudi industries reinforces the university's role in developing talent aligned with Saudi Arabia's economic goals.
KAUST alumna Maryam Al-Taher, who received her master's degree in chemical science from KAUST in 2015, now works as a laboratory scientist at Saudi Aramco's Fuel Technology Research Department. Her work focuses on increasing fuel efficiency and reducing harmful emissions. Al-Taher credits KAUST's unique atmosphere, research diversity, and top-notch laboratories for her positive experience. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in developing talent for key sectors like energy and sustainability within Saudi Arabia.
Maram Al-Malki, a KAUST alumna (M.S. '17) in chemistry from the Clean Combustion Research Center, is now pursuing a Ph.D. at KAUST's Advanced Membranes & Porous Materials Center. Her Ph.D. focuses on developing energy consumption strategies for intelligent use of energy sources. Al-Malki advises current students to learn from mistakes and connect with diverse peers. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in fostering local talent and research in sustainable energy solutions, contributing to Saudi Arabia's vision for a diversified and sustainable economy.
KAUST alumna Dina Bashir Abusamra, who received her master's degree in 2010 and Ph.D. in 2016 from KAUST, is now a postdoctoral research fellow at the Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School. Her early research at KAUST focused on understanding the mechanisms by which transplanted hematopoietic stem cells home back to bone marrow, specifically studying glycan-binding proteins like selectin. She now studies the role of glycan-binding proteins and galectins in microenvironment modulation. Why it matters: This highlights the impact of KAUST in fostering scientific talent and contributing to research in biomedical engineering and bioscience, with alumni now making contributions at leading international research institutions.
KAUST alumna Samah Mohamed (Ph.D. '18, chemical engineering) specialized in combustion research at the Clean Combustion Research Center. She chose KAUST for its resources and expert faculty in engineering thermodynamics and chemical reactions. Mohamed aims to continue in academia and scientific research, as well as return to teaching. Why it matters: KAUST's focus on attracting and developing regional talent in strategically important fields like clean combustion could help address environmental challenges in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East.