KAUST Professor of Material Science and Engineering, Husam Alshareef, has been named a Fellow of the American Physical Society. Alshareef leads the Functional Nanomaterials & Devices research group at KAUST. The group focuses on developing semiconductor nanomaterials for diverse applications. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contribution to advanced materials science and engineering and elevates the university's reputation in the international scientific community.
KAUST Associate Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain has been elected as a fellow of the American Physical Society (APS). Hussain's research focuses on creating paper-based sensors using low-cost materials to mimic human skin sensory functions. He was selected in recognition of his work at KAUST. Why it matters: Recognition of researchers at GCC universities by international professional societies helps to raise the profile of regional research efforts.
KAUST Professor Xixiang Zhang was elected as a fellow of the American Physical Society (APS) in September. Zhang is a professor of Material Science and Engineering. The fellowship recognizes his contributions to the field of physics. Why it matters: Recognition of KAUST faculty highlights the institution's growing prominence in international scientific communities.
KAUST Professor of Electrical Engineering Kazuhiro Ohkawa has been elected as a Fellow of the Japan Society of Applied Physics (JSAP). JSAP recognized Ohkawa for his contributions to the development of wide bandgap semiconductor epitaxial growth and optical devices. Ohkawa's research at KAUST focuses on energy-conversion phenomena for sustainability, including doping technologies, MOCVD for nitride semiconductors, and nitride photocatalysts. Why it matters: Recognition of KAUST faculty in international societies raises the university's profile and highlights its contributions to applied physics and sustainable energy research.
KAUST Associate Professor Aurelien Manchon has been appointed as the Wohlfarth Lecturer for the Magnetism 2020 conference. The conference, organized by IEEE UK Magnetic Chapter and the Institute of Physics, will be held in Sheffield, U.K. Manchon's research at KAUST focuses on spintronics and the development of high-speed, energy-efficient microelectronics. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contributions to cutting-edge research in spintronics and magnetism, areas crucial for advancing microelectronics and data storage technologies.
Michael Hickner, an Associate Professor from Penn State University, visited KAUST as part of the CRDF-KAUST-OSR Visiting Scholar Fellowship Program. Hickner specializes in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, and Chemical Engineering. The visit was documented with photos by Meres J. Weche. Why it matters: Such programs foster international collaboration and knowledge exchange in science and engineering between KAUST and other leading institutions.
KAUST researchers presented their work on stabilizing nanoparticle catalysts at the 252nd American Chemical Society Meeting & Exposition. The team devised a "molecular Scotch tape" using a silica gel support coated with a single molecule layer of soft material containing sulfur. This approach allows nanoparticles to stick to one side while leaving the other side free for catalysis, preventing aggregation without killing the catalyst. Why it matters: This innovation in catalyst stabilization could lead to more efficient and sustainable chemical processes, impacting various industries.
KAUST Discovery Professor Pierre Magistretti, Dean of KAUST's Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, received an honorary membership from the Chinese Association for Physiological Sciences (CAPS). CAPS is a part of the China Association for Science and Technology, aiming to advance scientific progress and economic revitalization in China. Magistretti was recognized for his research on brain energy metabolism and the mechanisms regulating energy delivery to active neurons, with implications for functional brain imaging. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's growing international recognition and its faculty's contributions to fundamental research with potential applications in healthcare and neuroscience.