KAUST Assistant Professor Dana Alsulaiman was named a L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Middle East Regional Young Talent. Alsulaiman was recognized for her work developing biomarker detection technologies for early and accurate disease detection. KAUST Ph.D. student Lila Aldakheel also received an award for her research on microplastics in mangrove forests. Why it matters: The recognition highlights the rising prominence and impact of female scientists at Saudi institutions in addressing key challenges like healthcare and environmental sustainability.
KAUST hosted a regional Women in Data Science (WiDS) conference, part of a global event held at over 100 regional institutions led by Stanford University. The KAUST event featured exclusively female speakers and aimed to highlight data science research and applications. KAUST is launching a 'Women in Data Sciences and Technology' initiative to support women's education and careers in the field. Why it matters: This initiative can help address the underrepresentation of women in data science in Saudi Arabia and the broader region.
KAUST alumna Mona AlSaydlani (M.S. '13) is a founding class member who researched water desalination techniques under Professor Ingo Pinnau. She now works as a lead engineer in business communications at the Dow Middle East Innovation Center (MEIC) located on the KAUST campus, focusing on media, stakeholder relations, sustainability, and R&D. AlSaydlani also designs roadmaps for Dow Business activities and supports the Women's Innovation Network (WIN) at Dow Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: This highlights the career paths and contributions of KAUST alumni in industry, particularly in linking academic research with industrial applications and supporting women in STEM.
KAUST Discovery Associate Professor of Chemical Science Niveen Khashab received a 2017 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award. The award recognizes her research contributions in the field of physical science, specifically organic chemistry. The award highlights the impact of KAUST researchers on the global scientific community. Why it matters: This recognition underscores the growing prominence of women in STEM fields within the Middle East and the increasing global impact of research originating from Saudi Arabia.
KAUST Professor Suzana Nunes received the LEWAS 2020 Award in the Academic Achievement category. The award recognizes her work in polymeric membranes for water, energy, and environmental applications, as well as her mentorship of young female scientists. LEWAS (Leadership Excellence for Women Awards and Symposium) promotes women in the energy sector in the Middle East. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's contributions to sustainable technologies and showcases its commitment to supporting women in STEM.