KAUST ·
KAUST Ph.D. student Manal Al-Qahtani won a best poster presentation award. The award was presented in the late summer of 2016. The announcement was made on the KAUST website. Why it matters: Showcases the achievements and talent within KAUST's Ph.D. program.
KAUST ·
KAUST alumna Manal Kalkatawi (Ph.D. '17), now an assistant professor at King Abdulaziz University (KAU), reflects positively on her time at KAUST. She earned a Ph.D. in computer science with a focus on bioinformatics and supervises master's theses at KAU. Kalkatawi emphasizes the positive and enriching atmosphere at KAUST, which helped her publish in prestigious journals. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in developing Saudi talent in technical fields like bioinformatics and retaining them within the Kingdom's universities.
KAUST ·
Kamal Mousa Al-Jahni, a Saudi Ph.D. student at the University of South Florida, is researching natural water springs in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Oman, leveraging facilities at the KAUST Analytical Chemistry Core Lab (ACL). Al-Jahni is expanding on his master's research, collaborating with King Saud University and utilizing KAUST's specialized testing facilities and expert staff. He aims to improve sample collection and utilize advanced lab equipment. Why it matters: This research contributes to a better understanding of water resources in the Arabian Peninsula and demonstrates KAUST's role in supporting environmental research and training Saudi researchers.
KAUST ·
KAUST alumna Wedyan Babatain was named a 2022 MENA Innovator Under 35 by MIT Technology Review Arabia. Babatain was recognized for her research developing a soft multifunctional wearable platform using graphene and liquid metal-based electronics. She is currently a postdoctoral research fellow at MIT Media Lab, developing soft tangible interfaces and robotics platforms. Why it matters: This award highlights the increasing recognition of young Saudi researchers and KAUST's role in fostering innovative research in advanced materials and wearable technology.
KAUST ·
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.
KAUST ·
This is an announcement about Muna Khushaim, a KAUST alumna from the Material Science and Engineering program who graduated in 2015. The announcement is on the KAUST website. Why it matters: Alumni profiles can highlight the success of KAUST programs, but this particular announcement lacks details about the alumnus's accomplishments.
KAUST ·
Sahika Inal is an assistant professor of bioscience at KAUST's Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division. She is a faculty member at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's ongoing investment in attracting research talent in bioscience.
KAUST ·
Maram Al-Malki, a KAUST alumna (M.S. '17) in chemistry from the Clean Combustion Research Center, is now pursuing a Ph.D. at KAUST's Advanced Membranes & Porous Materials Center. Her Ph.D. focuses on developing energy consumption strategies for intelligent use of energy sources. Al-Malki advises current students to learn from mistakes and connect with diverse peers. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in fostering local talent and research in sustainable energy solutions, contributing to Saudi Arabia's vision for a diversified and sustainable economy.