KAUST Ph.D. student Reem Alghamdi is working at the KAUST Catalysis Center to improve the quality of industrially used polyethylene. Her research focuses on synthesizing a nanocomposite of polyethylene and nanomaterials to reinforce industrially made polymers, improving their mechanical characteristics. The resulting hybrid organic-inorganic product minimizes manufacturing defects, enhancing hardness. Why it matters: This research has the potential to significantly improve the durability and performance of polymer products across various sectors, from automotive to construction, impacting numerous industries in the region and beyond.
KAUST's Sami Al-Ghamdi is conducting multidisciplinary research on urban sustainability to mitigate climate change and optimize resource consumption. His work supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, particularly urban gigaprojects like NEOM and Saudi Downtown. He develops computational models to assess the environmental impact of various aspects of the built environment. Why it matters: This research is crucial for advancing sustainable urban development in Saudi Arabia and achieving its ambitious environmental goals.
KAUST is highlighting women in STEM, including Professor Leena Ibrahim, Ph.D. student Amani Al-Amodi, and postdoc Dr. Wejdan Alghamdi. Leena Ibrahim's research focuses on understanding how sensory perception is established across development, studying the role of inhibitory neurons in the cortex. She aims to uncover how disruptions in sensory processing contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. Why it matters: Showcasing women's contributions can inspire future generations of female researchers in the Kingdom and beyond.
Ahmad Alabdulghani, a KAUST master's student in Energy Resources and Petroleum Engineering, is studying fluid flow mechanisms in heterogeneous media under the supervision of Professor Hussein Hoteit. Alabdulghani is a member of the Advanced Reservoir Modeling and Simulation (ARMS) research group at ANPERC. He previously worked at Saudi Aramco's EXPEC Advanced Research Center and aims to pursue a doctorate at KAUST. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in developing Saudi talent for the energy sector and fostering collaboration between academia and industry.
KAUST alumna Yasmeen Najm, a graduate of the KAUST Gifted Student Program (KGSP), is now a Strategic Partnerships and Engagement innovator at NEOM. She credits her interdisciplinary background and the opportunities provided by KGSP for her success. Najm was also a keynote speaker at the KGSP Pre-Departure Orientation, where she shared her experiences with 107 high-achieving Saudi STEM graduates. Why it matters: This highlights the impact of KAUST's KGSP in developing Saudi talent and contributing to the Kingdom's innovation goals, particularly in megaprojects like NEOM.
Nawaf Alghamdi, a KAUST M.S./Ph.D. student in chemical engineering, researches catalysis for upgrading low-value feedstocks. He was awarded a Grants Program for Universities and Research Centers (GPURC) grant from KACST and won first place at the Middle Eastern Process Engineering Conference & Exhibition technical debates. Alghamdi aims to use his time at KAUST to grow both personally and professionally, and to build a competitive research portfolio. Why it matters: Showcases KAUST's support for student research and highlights opportunities for students in science and engineering.
Saudi Arabia is reportedly leading globally in the empowerment of women in artificial intelligence, driven by various groundbreaking national initiatives. These efforts aim to integrate women into the rapidly growing AI sector and position the Kingdom as a leader in this domain. The announcement comes from the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), highlighting the country's strategic focus on human capital development in AI. Why it matters: This signifies a major policy push within Saudi Arabia to diversify its workforce and enhance its AI ecosystem through gender inclusion, aligning with broader national development goals.