KAUST's Alumni Affairs Office and the 2015 WEP team hosted a lecture series featuring four KAUST alumni. The alumni, from CERN, UC Berkeley, MIT, and a startup in Mexico City, shared their work in physics, robotics, oceanography, and entrepreneurship. Dean Brian Moran and Professor David Keyes highlighted the alumni's achievements and contributions. Why it matters: Showcases KAUST's role in fostering global talent and highlights the diverse career paths of its graduates.
This is an alumni profile of Luisa Javier, who graduated from KAUST with a M.S. in Environmental Science and Engineering in 2011. The announcement is a standard alumni spotlight. Why it matters: Showcases KAUST's alumni and programs.
KAUST is promoting its alumni who are contributing to computer science and engineering. Alumni Ahmad Showail, Muna Khushaim, Dinorath Olvera Ramos and Jenna Lloyd-Randolfi spoke at the 2017 Winter Enrichment Program Alumni Lecture Series. They discussed topics like the internet of things and their career paths after graduating from KAUST. Why it matters: Showcasing alumni successes can help attract future talent to KAUST and highlight the university's impact on regional development.
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 researchers developed a water-stable MOF for energy-efficient dehydration, overturning conventional views. They also adapted high-resolution transmission electron microscopy to observe the atomic structure of metal-organic frameworks. KAUST hosted the Innovation to Impact Roundtable, fostering collaboration between academics and industry leaders from the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: These activities highlight KAUST's commitment to research breakthroughs, talent development, and fostering international collaborations in science and technology.
MBZUAI alumna Akbobek Abilkaiyrkyzy, who graduated with a master's in machine learning in 2022, has been involved in various domains, including industry, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. Her master's thesis focused on developing a chatbot for mental health problem detection, leading to the creation of WellRound, an app that uses data from various sources to improve mental and physical wellbeing. She further developed the app with support from the MBZUAI Incubation and Entrepreneurship Center (MIEC). Why it matters: This highlights MBZUAI's role in fostering AI innovation and entrepreneurship in the healthcare sector, as well as empowering its graduates to create solutions addressing critical societal needs.
MBZUAI alumnus Steven Hoang, a 2023 Machine Learning graduate, is now an AI engineer at Wells Fargo, where he contributes to the company's AI strategy. Previously, Hoang worked at AbbVie as a natural language software developer and agentic AI software engineer. Hoang credits his time at MBZUAI for preparing him for this significant role, where he collaborates across departments and considers the broader impact of AI initiatives. Why it matters: This success story highlights MBZUAI's role in developing talent capable of leading AI initiatives at major global financial institutions.
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.