KAUST alumnus Babar Khan was named one of MIT Technology Review Arabia's 'Innovators Under 35' for the MENA region in 2019. Khan was recognized for creating an inexpensive sensor technology that detects early bacterial accumulation in water desalination plants. He received the award at the Emerging Technology (EmTech) MENA conference 2019 in Dubai. Why it matters: This award highlights the growing innovation ecosystem in the MENA region and the role of universities like KAUST in fostering technological development.
KAUST alumnus Babar Khan won the best oral presentation award at the First International Symposium on Nanomaterials and Membrane Science in Morocco. His presentation focused on his doctoral work at the KAUST Water Desalination and Reuse Center, specifically on detecting microbes on industrial surfaces and their impact on membrane systems. Khan's research involves an indirect method to measure microbial communities in closed systems. Why it matters: This award recognizes KAUST's contribution to innovative research in water desalination and microbial detection, highlighting the university's impact on addressing critical environmental challenges.
KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program (WEP), held January 12-23, focuses on merging science education with interdisciplinary exploration. NEOM Investment Fund Senior Investment Manager Babar Khan, a KAUST alumnus, highlighted how KAUST equips graduates with creativity, resilience, and collaboration skills. He noted that NEOM values KAUST students for their resilience and blue-sky thinking. Why it matters: The program's emphasis on soft skills and interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial for fostering innovation and leadership in Saudi Arabia's transformative projects like NEOM.
Professor Qiaoqiang Gan, a KAUST professor of material science and engineering, has been elected as a Fellow of SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics. Gan, who joined KAUST in 2021, is an expert in light-matter interaction for nanosensing and green photonics and leads the Sustainable Photonics Energy Research (SuPER) Lab. His work focuses on developing advanced manufacturing methods to monitor biomedical conditions, conserve energy, and ensure environmental sustainability. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's growing prominence in photonics research and its commitment to addressing global challenges in energy, health, and sustainability through advanced materials and optical technologies.
MBZUAI alumnus Adnan Khan is pursuing a Ph.D. at Carleton University, focusing his research on using computer vision to improve accessibility in healthcare, particularly for the visually impaired. His work builds upon his master's thesis at MBZUAI, which focused on domain generalization, enabling models to adapt across different data domains. Khan credits his experiences at MBZUAI for shaping his community spirit and career path. Why it matters: This highlights the role of AI education in fostering socially impactful research and driving innovation in healthcare accessibility in the region and beyond.
KAUST alumnus Dr. Abdulilah Mayet was named a Fulbright fellow and will pursue nanotechnology work at UC Irvine from September 2023 to June 2024. Mayet, who earned his master's and Ph.D. from KAUST, is now an associate professor at King Khalid University and has started several companies. He aims to develop new NEMS technologies at Irvine with lower cost and higher performance, with plans to start a company for commercial production. Why it matters: This fellowship highlights the impact of KAUST in fostering research and innovation and building international collaborations in nanotechnology, contributing to the growth of advanced technology sectors in Saudi Arabia.
KAUST alumnus Albara Alauhali (M.S. '11) is the executive advisor and director of strategic projects at the National Identity Enhancement Program, which is aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. Alauhali holds a master's degree in computer science from KAUST and a bachelor's degree in computer science from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. He has held positions at Saudi Aramco's King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture and the Ministry of Economy and Planning. Why it matters: This highlights the career path of a KAUST graduate contributing to Saudi Arabia's strategic national programs.