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.
KAUST alumna Mona AlSaydlani (M.S. '13) is a founding class member who researched water desalination techniques under Professor Ingo Pinnau. She now works as a lead engineer in business communications at the Dow Middle East Innovation Center (MEIC) located on the KAUST campus, focusing on media, stakeholder relations, sustainability, and R&D. AlSaydlani also designs roadmaps for Dow Business activities and supports the Women's Innovation Network (WIN) at Dow Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: This highlights the career paths and contributions of KAUST alumni in industry, particularly in linking academic research with industrial applications and supporting women in STEM.
The Dow Innovation Center at KAUST was inaugurated on May 15, 2018, to support Dow's research efforts in Saudi Arabia. The 13,500 m² center will house R&D facilities and the Dow Digital Marketplace Center. It will focus on oil and gas technology, sustainable coating, and industrial chemicals with state-of-the-art labs and offices. Why it matters: This center signifies a commitment to innovation and talent development in Saudi Arabia, fostering a highly skilled workforce and supporting the Kingdom's growth.
Mona Alsomali, who graduated from KAUST in 2016 with a Ph.D. in bioscience-microbial genomics, is now a senior microbiologist. She is currently employed at the Dow Middle East Innovation Center (MEIC)/KAUST. The center is located at KAUST. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in producing skilled graduates who contribute to scientific innovation in the region.
A joint delegation of KAUST and Dow officials participated in a "topping out" ceremony at the Middle East Innovation Center on the KAUST campus. The ceremony marks a milestone in the construction of the center's superstructure. Why it matters: The Innovation Center signifies continued investment in research and development infrastructure at KAUST.