KAUST is hosting its fourth annual International Research Competition for undergraduate students in January 2015. The competition invites students to submit their research in poster or video format. Up to 50 of the best abstracts will be invited to KAUST from January 17 - 23, 2015 to present their work and experience the university. Why it matters: This competition provides a valuable opportunity for international undergraduate students to engage with cutting-edge research and experience KAUST's facilities and community.
KAUST's Saudi Summer Internship (SSI) program hosted 29 undergraduate students from Saudi universities this year, up from just 6 students five years ago. The students were assigned to CEMSE labs for 8-12 weeks, conducting research alongside KAUST faculty. At the end of the program, the students participated in a poster competition to present their work. Why it matters: This program fosters local talent in STEM fields and strengthens KAUST's ties with other Saudi universities.
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.
Abdullah Hamdi, a Ph.D. student at KAUST, is researching AI, deep learning, and computer vision in the Image and Video Understanding Lab under Associate Professor Bernard Ghanem. His work focuses on developing reliable testing methods for deep learning tools, particularly for sensitive applications like self-driving vehicles. Hamdi aims to disseminate AI knowledge and contribute to the AI ecosystem in the region. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in fostering local AI talent and contributing to critical research areas like autonomous vehicles, aligning with Saudi Arabia's broader technology goals.
Undergraduate students from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC) in Chengdu visited KAUST for a one-week Spring Camp in March. The students, chosen from the top 10 percent of UESTC undergraduates, toured the CEMSE division. The UESTC students shared a presentation about their KAUST experience at the conclusion of the trip. Why it matters: The visit highlights KAUST's ongoing efforts to attract international talent and foster collaborations with leading universities.
The KAUST Visiting Student Research Program (VSRP) has hosted over 210 interns since 2014, offering research experience with faculty and facilities. Interns, typically in their baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate studies, stay between three and six months. Several interns, like Mariana Prazeres who researched the Hamilton Jacobi equation, have pursued further studies at KAUST. Why it matters: The VSRP program at KAUST serves as a pipeline for attracting international talent to Saudi Arabia and fostering interest in STEM fields.
KAUST Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain is working to democratize electronics and make advanced technology accessible. His research focuses on creating flexible, stretchable, and reconfigurable electronics that are cost-effective and easy to use. Hussain also teaches a course at KAUST where students develop electronics solutions to everyday problems. Why it matters: This initiative could empower individuals globally by providing access to affordable and user-friendly electronic devices for various applications.
KAUST Ph.D. student Asrar Damdam won a Silicon Valley pitching competition with her biotechnology startup UVERA, which uses ultraviolet light to extend the shelf life of fresh food. The idea ranked first out of 116 others and was deemed the most investable by venture capitalists. UVERA's technology reduces food pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella, aiming to reduce food waste. Why it matters: This award highlights the potential for innovative foodtech solutions emerging from Saudi universities and their ability to attract global investment.