KAUST postdoctoral fellow Daffne López-Sandoval's marine science research was inspired by Jacques Cousteau's ocean exploration documentaries. She joined KAUST in October 2016 after working at the Institute of Marine Sciences in Barcelona, drawn by the university's potential and opportunities for collaboration. At KAUST, her research focuses on developing new tools to measure microalgae productivity in the Red Sea. Why it matters: This research contributes to understanding the role of marine microbes in the Red Sea ecosystem and their impact on global CO2 sequestration.
KAUST alumna Dr. Dalal Alezi has been awarded the Ibn Khaldun Fellowship for Saudi Women at MIT to pursue postdoctoral research in energy storage and water capture materials. She completed her Ph.D. at KAUST under Professor Mohamed Eddaoudi, focusing on metal-organic materials for gas separation, storage, catalysis, and drug delivery. Alezi credits KAUST and KAU for supporting her career and shaping her role as a mentor for incoming science students at KAU. Why it matters: The fellowship recognizes and supports talented Saudi women in STEM, promoting advancements in materials science and inspiring future generations of Saudi scientists.
KAUST postdoctoral fellow Adrian Galilea is working at the Catalysis Center on sustainable production of chemicals from carbon dioxide. The research involves synthesizing a catalyst for the hydrogenation of CO2 to olefins and aromatics. The new material reportedly converts CO2 to these chemicals with high selectivity and productivity. Why it matters: Developing sustainable chemical production methods could reduce reliance on fossil fuels and address climate change.
Eva Aylagas Martinez, a postdoctoral fellow at KAUST's Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), studies changes in Red Sea communities using environmental DNA. She first visited KAUST during her Ph.D. as part of a collaboration with a European research project (DEVOTES). Her research is supervised by KAUST Professor Michael Berumen. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in attracting international research talent to study critical environmental issues in the Red Sea, contributing to marine conservation efforts.
KAUST postdoctoral fellow Ming-Hui Chiu, from the Physical Science and Engineering division, focuses on 2D material heterostructure synthesis and characterization utilizing chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technology. His research aims to develop and optimize CVD for transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) growth, which could replace silicon in sub-nm scale devices. Chiu values KAUST's resources, interactions with researchers, and work-life balance. Why it matters: This research contributes to the advancement of next-generation electronic devices using 2D materials, positioning KAUST as a hub for cutting-edge materials science.