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 master's student Parsifal Islas Morales received the Cinna Lomnitz Medal from the Mexican parliament. The award recognizes his science communication work in Mexico through the organization 'Pa'Ciencia la de Mexico'. Islas Morales' undergraduate thesis from UNAM was in collaboration with KAUST, focused on Red Sea bacteria. Why it matters: The award highlights KAUST's role in fostering international collaboration and supporting students who contribute to science communication in their home countries.
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 Assistant Professor Dana Alsulaiman was named a L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Middle East Regional Young Talent. Alsulaiman was recognized for her work developing biomarker detection technologies for early and accurate disease detection. KAUST Ph.D. student Lila Aldakheel also received an award for her research on microplastics in mangrove forests. Why it matters: The recognition highlights the rising prominence and impact of female scientists at Saudi institutions in addressing key challenges like healthcare and environmental sustainability.
Deanna Lacoste is an assistant professor of mechanical engineering in KAUST's Physical Science and Engineering Division. She is featured in a "Faculty Focus" section. Why it matters: This is a routine faculty highlight from KAUST.
KAUST postdoctoral fellow Elisabetta Fiacco won the Best Poster Prize at the Spetses Summer School 2018 on Chromatin and Metabolism for her research on the role of carbohydrate-responsive element binding protein (ChRBP) during the onset of type 2 diabetes. Fiacco's research at KAUST, under Assistant Professor Antonio Adamo, uses human induced pluripotent stem cells to understand the epigenetic and transcriptional mechanisms dysregulated in type 2 diabetes. She also gave a 15-minute oral presentation on her work at the event, which gathered over 80 participants from top global universities. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contribution to cutting-edge research in regenerative medicine and the study of metabolic disorders prevalent in the region.
Alejandra Ortega, a Ph.D. student in bioscience at KAUST, researches carbon fluxes of mangrove, seagrass, and macroalgae, focusing on estimating marine plants' contribution to blue carbon sequestration using metagenomes and eDNA barcoding. She aims to aid environmental managers and policymakers in better estimating blue carbon budgets for marine conservation. Ortega co-founded the Science Crossroads Initiative (SCI) at KAUST to explore the intersection of science with disciplines like philosophy, history, and the arts. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's research into blue carbon sequestration and the university's focus on interdisciplinary initiatives to foster science communication and community engagement.
This article is a brief faculty profile of Stefaan De Wolf at KAUST. It appears to be part of a standard template on the KAUST website. Why it matters: Such profiles help showcase the expertise and research areas of faculty at KAUST.