KAUST held its 12th annual academic convocation ceremony, with both online and in-person components. Speakers included KAUST President Tony Chan, Provost Lawrence Carin, Dean of Graduate Affairs Brian Moran, faculty member Francesca Benzoni, alumnus Ryan Lefers, and student Siba Alharbi. Student speaker Siba Alharbi shared her educational journey, including her transition from medical school to KAUST. Why it matters: Showcasing student experiences and KAUST's welcoming environment can attract prospective students and highlight the university's commitment to fostering diverse academic paths.
KAUST Ph.D. student Chiheb Ben Hammouda won the best poster award at the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics Conference on Financial Mathematics & Engineering (FM19) for his work on option pricing under the rough Bergomi model. The winning poster, titled "Hierarchical adaptive sparse grids and quasi-Monte Carlo for option pricing under the rough Bergomi model," details research carried out under the supervision of KAUST Professor Raul Tempone. The research group designed new efficient numerical methods for pricing derivatives under the rough Bergomi model by combining smoothing techniques. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's growing expertise in financial mathematics and its contribution to solving complex problems in the field using advanced numerical methods.
Areej Aljarb is a Ph.D. student in material science and engineering at KAUST, researching 2D materials within the KAUST 2D Materials Research Lab under Professors Lain-Jong Li and Xixiang Zhang. Her research focuses on the controlled growth and fundamental phenomena of two-dimensional atomic layer thin materials, specifically controlling the orientation of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). Aljarb aims to achieve single-orientation epitaxial monolayer 2D TMDs to fully utilize the potential of these materials. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's commitment to fostering local talent and contributing to advanced materials research with potential applications in various technology sectors.
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 Ph.D. student Mousa Alharthi studies membrane desalination technologies and is also a cycling enthusiast. Alharthi translated Arabic language advertisements for cycling races in Jeddah for his English-speaking colleagues in the Red Sea Cyclists group. The Saudi Cycling Federation began holding amateur events in the Kingdom in 2017 to develop young Saudi talent and generate awareness about cycling. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in supporting not only scientific research but also promoting sports and healthy lifestyles in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
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.