KAUST Ph.D. student Anna Fruehstueck won a 2020 Facebook Fellowship award, a two-year fellowship from Facebook Research, focusing on computer graphics. She was selected as one of 36 recipients from over 1,800 applicants and is the University's first recipient of the scholarship. Her research explores the intersection of computer graphics, geometry processing, and visual arts using machine learning. Why it matters: This award highlights the growing prominence of KAUST in computer science research and its ability to attract and foster top talent in the field.
KAUST Professor Ingo Pinnau has been named a 2020 Fellow of the North American Membrane Society (NAMS). Pinnau's research focuses on high-performance membranes for energy-intensive gas and liquid separations. He has published over 170 peer-reviewed papers and holds 46 granted U.S. patents. Why it matters: Recognition of KAUST faculty in this area highlights the university's contribution to advanced materials research, which is crucial for energy and sustainability initiatives in Saudi Arabia and globally.
KAUST Ph.D. student Abdullah Almansouri won a best poster award at the 2019 Joint MMM-INTERMAG Conference for his work on a super-flexible composite magnet, or "magnetic skin". The research, carried out by the Sensing, Magnetism and Microsystems (SMM) group, developed a stretchable and biocompatible wearable magnet. The device's flexible properties make it comfortable and imperceptible when worn. Why it matters: This research contributes to the growing field of wearable technology and biomedical monitoring, with potential applications in eye-movement tracking and touchless gesture control.
KAUST Associate Professor Aamir Farooq has been named a co-recipient of the 2019 Hiroshi Tsuji Early Career Researcher Award, co-sponsored by Elsevier and The Combustion Institute. Farooq, who leads the KAUST Chemical Kinetics and Laser Sensors Laboratory, is recognized for his work on fuel ignition chemistry. His research aims to improve fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in transportation and power generation. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's commitment to fostering talented faculty and advancing research in clean combustion, a critical area for Saudi Arabia's energy future.
KAUST Ph.D. student Asma Al-Amoodi received the 2019 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Middle East Fellowship for her work on stem cell treatments for hematological diseases. Her research focuses on improving the migration of hematopoietic stem cells to the bone marrow after transplantation. Al-Amoodi was granted €8,000 to support her doctoral research at KAUST under the supervision of Associate Professor Jasmeen Merzaban. Why it matters: The fellowship highlights the increasing role of women in STEM in Saudi Arabia and supports research with potential therapeutic impact.