Zesheng Dong, a KAUST alumnus with a master's degree in chemical science (2011), is working as a chemical scientist at SABIC since 2011. At SABIC, he provides analytical support to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the company's research. Dong advises current KAUST students to study and do research wholeheartedly. Why it matters: The success of KAUST alumni in key Saudi industries like SABIC highlights the university's role in developing talent for the Kingdom's economic diversification goals.
KAUST alumnus Jian Pan (M.S. '11) is working as general manager of Hangzhou Bertzer Catalyst, a water/wastewater treatment and pollution control technology company in China. Prior to this role, he worked at the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center and the Environmental Technology Innovation Center of Jiande. He also developed 12 technologies/products, including catalysts for advanced wastewater treatment and a portable water guarantee system. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in nurturing talent that contributes to environmental solutions globally, specifically in water treatment and pollution control.
KAUST alumnus Chuan Xia (M.S. '14, Ph.D. '18) is now a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard, researching CO2 capture and conversion into valuable chemicals using renewable electricity. His Ph.D. research at KAUST, under Professor Husam Alshareef, focused on ternary metal sulfides and selenides for energy storage. Xia credits KAUST with providing training in communication, teamwork, and leadership that facilitated his transition to Harvard. Why it matters: The success of KAUST alumni in fields like sustainable energy highlights the university's growing role in addressing global challenges and fostering international research collaboration.
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 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.