KAUST alumnus Faisal Nawab (M.S. '11) is now an assistant professor of computer science and engineering at UC Santa Cruz. His master's thesis at KAUST focused on building wireless network infrastructure, supervised by KAUST Associate Professor Basem Shihada. Nawab's current research involves developing systems for rapid data analysis in cloud computing and Big Data. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in training researchers who are now contributing to advancements in computing and data analysis globally.
KAUST founding alumnus Ahmad Showail has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to conduct IoT research at UC Irvine with Dr. Faisal Nawab. Showail, who earned master's and Ph.D. degrees from KAUST, submitted a proposal on secure and private Internet-of-Things using SGX cloud architecture. He credits KAUST with shaping him as a researcher and helping him develop skills in writing journal papers and pursuing impactful issues. Why it matters: This award highlights the quality of KAUST graduates and the potential for KAUST alumni to contribute to solving challenges in Saudi Arabia, such as managing crowd movements during Hajj and Umrah.
MBZUAI Professor Fahad Khan is working on a unified theory of machine visual intelligence. His goal is to enable AI systems to better understand and function in complex, chaotic visual environments. The aim is to improve real-world applications like smart cities, personalized healthcare, and autonomous vehicles. Why it matters: This research could significantly advance AI's ability to perceive and interact with the real world, especially in challenging environments common in the developing world.
MBZUAI researchers led by Dr. Mohammad Yaqub are developing AI algorithms for real-time medical diagnoses, including tools for multiple sclerosis and congenital heart disease. The team developed ScanNav, an AI fetal anomaly assessment system licensed by GE Healthcare for Voluson SWIFT ultrasound machines. ScanNav assists doctors during anomaly scans after 20 weeks of gestation to check for conditions like heart issues and spina bifida. Why it matters: This research has the potential to significantly improve the speed and accuracy of medical diagnoses in the UAE and beyond, addressing critical gaps in healthcare.
Dr. Mohammad Yaqub, an Assistant Professor at MBZUAI, leads the BioMedIA lab and focuses on applying AI to real-world healthcare challenges, particularly in smart imaging. He was inspired by a textbook by Tom Mitchell and his work at Oxford University where he helped develop ScanNav, an AI solution aiding sonographers in anomaly scans during pregnancy. ScanNav assists in assessing fetal growth and detecting abnormalities, potentially improving early intervention. Why it matters: This highlights the growing importance of AI in enhancing medical diagnostics and improving healthcare outcomes in the UAE and globally.
KAUST Professor of Electrical Engineering Ahmed Eltawil has been elected a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). The NAI Senior Member program recognizes faculty with success in patents, licensing, and commercialization. Eltawil's research focuses on efficient architectures for computing and communications systems, including wireless, mobile, sensor networks, and machine learning. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's innovative ecosystem and Eltawil's contributions to advancing computing and communication technologies in the region.
KAUST alumnus Fahad Hossain (M.S. 2010, Ph.D. 2014) discusses his journey from KAUST to UC Berkeley, where he co-founded Serinus Labs Inc., a manufacturer of integrated silicon gas sensors. Serinus Labs develops gas-sensing solutions for air-quality monitoring, safety, and preventive healthcare. NASA became Serinus' first customer in 2018, contracting them to develop multi-gas sensors for the next generation of spacesuits. Why it matters: This highlights the impact of KAUST graduates in developing advanced sensor technologies and securing partnerships with leading organizations like NASA.
Dr. Alison Noble from the University of Oxford presented her work on smart medical ultrasound technology at the KAUST Research Open Week, focusing on automated image analysis and deep learning. Her research aims to improve data collection, patient-doctor relations, and accessibility of healthcare. Portable ultrasound technology can increase accessibility for patients in remote areas. Why it matters: AI-enhanced ultrasound has the potential to significantly improve healthcare delivery and diagnostics in Saudi Arabia and the broader region, especially in underserved communities.