Professor Sahika Inal, associate professor of bioengineering at KAUST, has been named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). This recognizes her work in designing electronic devices for efficient communication with biological systems. Inal's work involves organic electronic materials and devices for research, clinical health monitoring, and therapy. Why it matters: This fellowship elevates KAUST's profile in biomedical engineering and highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research in addressing critical healthcare challenges.
KAUST alumna Dina Bashir Abusamra, who received her master's degree in 2010 and Ph.D. in 2016 from KAUST, is now a postdoctoral research fellow at the Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School. Her early research at KAUST focused on understanding the mechanisms by which transplanted hematopoietic stem cells home back to bone marrow, specifically studying glycan-binding proteins like selectin. She now studies the role of glycan-binding proteins and galectins in microenvironment modulation. Why it matters: This highlights the impact of KAUST in fostering scientific talent and contributing to research in biomedical engineering and bioscience, with alumni now making contributions at leading international research institutions.
KAUST Ph.D. student Khalil Moussi won two awards at the IEEE International Conference on Nano/Micro Engineered and Molecular Systems for his research on a miniaturized drug delivery system. The system, developed in collaboration with KAIMRC, uses 3D printing and wireless power to deliver drugs for coronary artery disease treatment. The device features an electrochemical micro-pump, a 3D printed reservoir with microneedles, and a wireless powering unit, allowing customization for various in vivo drug delivery applications. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contributions to biomedical engineering and its potential to develop innovative solutions for critical healthcare challenges in the region and beyond.
KAUST Ph.D. student Mohamed Bahloul received a best paper award at the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC ‘18) for the Africa and Middle East region. Bahloul's paper presented a three-element fractional-order viscoelastic Windkessel model developed in the EMAN group at KAUST. The model incorporates a fractional-order capacitor, potentially enabling earlier prediction of cardiovascular diseases. Why it matters: The award recognizes impactful research in biomedical engineering at KAUST and highlights the potential for advanced modeling techniques to improve healthcare in the region.
Dr. Mohammad Yaqub from MBZUAI will present AI solutions used to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing healthcare consequences, social, economic, and policy-making decisions. The talk will cover the applications of AI and also discuss challenges like privacy, data needs, generalizability, data noise, and human acceptance. Yaqub's background includes a DPhil from the University of Oxford in Biomedical Engineering and research at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, focusing on machine learning solutions for medical problems. Why it matters: This talk highlights the important role of AI in addressing pandemics and the ethical considerations that come with its application in healthcare and policymaking.