Tag: United Arab Emirates

Sustainable living is not only about drinking your coffee from a reusable cup, but rather how your lifestyle choices can impact the world around you. From how you prepare your food to the fashion you choose to wear, your habits may potentially help save polar bears.

With the hope of applying her knowledge about sustainable living to her life, American University of Sharjah (AUS) student Tasneem Shafeeq Khuzai is grateful to be part of the Green Living Learning Community (GLLC) launched on September 6 in the AUS residential halls.

Coordinated by Dr. Dr. Lisa Bardill Moscaritolo, Executive Director of Student Experience at AUS; Kristina Katsos, Lecturer in International Studies; and Julia Angelika Carlow, Head of AUS Sustainability, GLLC offers an immersive environment for students to connect with like-minded peers who share interests in climate change and sustainable living.

“I am ambitious and excited to share what I learned about ecology and sustainability from my courses, previous internships and research with others who have similar interests to me. Most importantly, I hope to reconnect with those like me who care about being as sustainable as possible. I also hope to focus more this semester on volunteering and internships to be able to excel academically and be more involved with the community,” said Khuzai.

With the aid of AUS Residential Assistants(RA), GLLC members sharing the same floor in their respective residential halls will engage in a variety of activities and social opportunities that are focused on sustainability. These opportunities range from promoting events on sustainability to making GLLC-related bulletin boards and working closely with residential hall coordinators and the Office of AUS Sustainability to organize events.

“The GLLC fits well within our mission to create Living Learning Communities (LLC) where students can share common interests on various subjects. Research shows that having LLCs in the residential halls strengthens students’ sense of belonging at university. Naturally, there is much interest in climate action by the youth, and with the UAE hosting COP28, this is an important link for our students. The GLLC will empower students to make informed, impactful choices and develop personal living habits,” said Dr. Lisa Bardill Moscaritolo, Executive Director of Student Experience at AUS.

Members of the GLLC will have the opportunity to also take part in community service activities, such as working in the AUS community garden and the AUS Manbat Farmers’ Market, and other volunteer opportunities.

Using the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a guide, the GLLC is organizing educational workshops by AUS faculty and staff throughout the semester that highlight the challenges and tools for a more sustainable world. Discussion sessions topics and speakers will include climate change, led by Dr. Fatin Samara, Professor in Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences; water insecurity, led by Dr. Sandra Knuteson, Senior Lecturer in Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences; fashion and consumerism, led by Dr. Rania Semaan, Associate Professor in Marketing and Information Systems; sustainable cities and communities, led by Camilo Cerro, Associate Professor in Architecture; good health and well-being, led by Nathalie Montoya Curabba, AUS Sustainability Coordinator; and reduced inequalities, led by Sana Sayed, Senior Instructor in English.

“I have been an eco-conscious person for a few years now, but it can be challenging to always incorporate sustainability into my daily life. I aim to learn more about sustainability on a budget and finding sustainable ways to be sustainable, especially that being a student means we need to rethink the way we use plastic, the food we eat and recycling. I hope to gain a stronger sense of community as part of the GLLC to make a difference. I would love to exchange knowledge and ideas regarding sustainability and living. I would also like to learn more about sustainability in the UAE through the discussions we would be participating in,” said AUS student Vibhuti Mathur.

As a member of the Universities Climate Network (UCN), a network comprising UAE-based universities and higher education institutions facilitating dialogues, workshops, public events and youth participation in the lead up to COP28, AUS has been rolling out activities through its several offices to raise awareness about the role of the youth in promoting sustainability and encouraging their participation in COP28 events.

Bahraini architect Maryam Aljomairi, American University of Sharjah’s (AUS) College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) alumna and co-curator of the Pavilion of Bahrain at the 2023 Venice Architecture Biennale, has presented research into how Gulf countries could harness the high volume of water created as a by-product of air conditioning systems.

Collaborating with fellow Bahraini architect Latifa Alkhayat and a team of experts, including AUS alumni Nada AlMulla, Rabeeya Abduljabbar, Nasser AlZayani and current AUS students Khaled Esguerra and Nujud Alhussain, the team’s research reveals that Bahrain’s air-conditioning systems currently produce enough water to irrigate three million date palms every year, but instead, it goes down the drain.

“Due to the extreme temperature in the Gulf, air conditioning systems are used almost all year-round. The air conditioning process generates an underutilized by-product called water condensate. During the operation of an air conditioning unit, air is drawn from the external environment and directed into the system, as it is cooled water condensate develops,” said Aljomairi.

“While we acknowledge the adverse environmental impacts of air conditioning and do not intend to glorify it, we also recognize its necessity in our given climate. As we await for cleaner alternatives, it is critical to utilize existing assets available in every building that can offset these repercussions,” she said.

Aljomairi, who is currently pursuing a Doctorate at Harvard Graduate School of Design, was appointed co-curator of the Bahrain Pavilion in November 2022 after responding to an open call by the Kingdom’s Authority for Culture and Antiquities, which was specifically looking to address the theme of water scarcity in the Gulf region.

Over four months, Aljomairi and her co-curator, Latifa Alkhayat, worked alongside an engineer and hydrogeologist in an extensive study to calculate the volume of water that could be collected from air conditioning units from every building type across Bahrain—an estimated 74 million m3. Further research and analysis showed that while the water byproduct is pure and distilled, it is very acidic and would, therefore, be best utilized for irrigation as well as to replenish Bahrain’s dried-up water springs as a means to revitalize local ecologies.

“The inception of cooling technology in Bahrain dates back 40 years, yet until now, the potential benefits of this resource have remained largely untapped. We are living in a time that we cannot afford to even forgo the smallest drops of water,” she said.

With this in mind, the team has also looked at how water may be conserved at the microscopic level and collected from glass surfaces by applying waterproof sprays in a way that would direct them to shed water more quickly and efficiently before it can evaporate in the heat. The research has been compiled in a publication which complements the exhibition in Venice and has opened important conversations about policy change in Bahrain and across the Gulf, with further studies building on the initial findings and recommendations already underway.

The Pavilion of Bahrain is located adjacent to the National Pavilion UAE, which has been curated by AUS alumni-turned faculty, Faysal Tabbarah, along with his own team of AUS alumni researchers.

A career in research was not always on Aljomairi’s agenda, who graduated from AUS in 2017 with a Bachelor of Architecture and went on to work in reputable firms both at home in Bahrain and later in New York. In 2018, she attended a conference in Mexico with architects and researchers from institutions such as MIT and Harvard, who left a lasting impression.

“The research presented at the conference highlighted a truly multidisciplinary approach to architecture and the built environment. Integrating computer science, synthetic biology, engineering and material science into their work. That’s when I realized a strong inclination towards engaging in that path— an approach to architecture that’s driven by discovery, exploration and innovation,” said Aljomairi.

She has since gone on to complete a master’s degree in design computation at MIT and is now pursuing a doctorate at Harvard where she is researching adaptable and shape-shifting materials systems. During this time, Aljomairi has enjoyed collaborating with the growing cohort of AUS alumni in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

“Because of the number of AUS graduates coming into these institutions now, people are becoming more aware of AUS, and Sharjah in general. Everybody here can see there is something different about CAAD graduates,” she said.

“We all know that AUS has a strong foundation, but what makes it very unique is the environment that it has created through its faculty and students. At CAAD, there is this energy that always pushes you to break boundaries and do your best, setting the standard for what defines outstanding work,” Aljomairi said.

“As a student of both MIT and Harvard, I have yet to see the same commitment and rigor. To this day—even six years later—whenever I work, I always ask myself, ‘Is this up to the standards set by CAAD?’,” she said.

For more information about the College of Architecture, Art and Design at American University of Sharjah, visit www.aus.edu/caad.

A research team from American University of Sharjah (AUS) investigated the impact of isolation and confined environments on astronauts and provided recommendations on protecting their mental health as part of a collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC).

The study involved six primary crew members including Saleh AlAmeri representing the UAE, who were put into a confined environment for 240 days from November 2021 to July 2022 in the SIRIUS facility, during which they experienced simulated long-distance space travel. A backup crew that supported the primary team from the operations center was present, which also included Abdalla AlHammadi from the UAE.

The AUS research team used advanced brain imaging modalities such as electroencephalography, functional near-infrared spectroscopy, alpha amylase biochemical marker and behavioral responses to measure brain electrical activity, blood oxygenation and stress hormone levels. Based on data collected at different stages, the team found an increase in the level of the stress hormone the longer the isolation continued, and a significant decrease in information flow and direction between brain regions, indicating a drop in cognitive abilities due to elevated mental stress.

“The findings of this research will impact future space missions locally and internationally. They will help develop techniques to mitigate stress at its early stages to protect astronauts’ mental health. An additional advantage of this study is applying the findings to our modern-day life in managing workplace environments to reduce the risk of mental stress, leading to an improved quality of life,” said Dr. Hasan Al-Nashash, Professor in Electrical Engineering at AUS.

The study was conducted by Dr. Al-Nashash along with Dr. Fares Al-Shargie, a visiting postdoctoral scholar, and Dr. Usman Tariq, Associate Professor in Electrical Engineering at AUS.

The UAE crew members were trained in the Biomedical Engineering Lab of the Neuroengineering Research Group at AUS by Dr. Al-Shargie and Dr. Al-Nashash on experiments protocol and data collection. The College of Engineering (CEN) labs are furnished with state-of-the-art equipment to conduct the training and experiments. The international crew members were trained online.

“We presented several recommendations, including the use of advanced neuroimaging and artificial intelligence for early detection of mental stress. The research findings motivated us to develop methods for reducing mental stress in confined environments using digital technologies to stimulate human senses to influence the brain in ways that prompt it to control emotions. This work does not only benefit space research but also impacts other social domains including healthcare, safety, education and quality of life,” said Dr. Al-Shargie.

The interdisciplinary nature of research, which combines electrical and biomedical engineering, reflects the quality of education offered to students at the AUS College of Engineering. As one of the most exciting branches of engineering, electrical engineering graduates have many opportunities to shape their future.

AUS offers a highly acclaimed four-year Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) degree program that is based on a solid foundation of science and mathematics. AUS is ranked among the top two (tied) in the UAE and top ​300 universities globally for ​electrical ​and electronic ​engineering, according to QS World University Subject Rankings (202​2​). In keeping with the developments in the UAE and wider Middle East, AUS offers a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering (MSBME) and recently launched a new doctoral program in biosciences and bioengineering (PhD-BSBE) that will be available for students starting Fall 2023.

American University of Sharjah (AUS) is preparing for an exciting few months ahead as it readies itself for COP28, having been named as a member of the COP28 University Taskforce by the UAE Special Climate Envoy to COP28. Being part of the taskforce will allow AUS representatives, including staff, faculty, students and alumni to participate in key debates on climate change. With world leaders and global scientific experts attending COP28 to discuss how climate change can best be addressed, it is an honor for AUS to be a part of a taskforce that is having such a direct and positive impact on some of the world’s greatest challenges.

COP28 will be held in Dubai from November 30 to December 12, 2023. With a reputation as one of the region’s most sustainable universities, AUS is well-placed to contribute expertise at COP, an international climate conference held each year by the United Nations. AUS has been ranked by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) as one of the top five institutions worldwide for community engagement in sustainability, according to AASHE’s 2022 Sustainable Campus Index. In addition, AUS was the first university in the MENA region to achieve an AASHE STARS sustainability ranking. The university was the first in the UAE to begin to ban all single-use plastics on campus, and in 2021 announced its Climate Action Plan, which aligns the university’s sustainability efforts with the UAE’S Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative.

COP28 provides a unique opportunity for AUS to showcase its sustainability achievements and disseminate the climate-related research breakthroughs of its faculty. Such achievements are wide and varied and include increased efficiency of hydrogen production (an alternative fuel source) through femtosecond laser technology; using AI to make solar energy capture more effective; and investigating how traditional building techniques can reduce air conditioning use in hot climates, among many others.

The community is invited to learn more about AUS’ climate change research and sustainability achievements in the run-up to COP28 through the university’s newly launched Climate Coffee podcast. Experts from science, business, government and the NGO-sector are invited to take part in the podcast, sharing their insights into how all sectors of society can better work together to address and mitigate climate change, from the smallest individual actions, through to intergovernmental agreements. Rose Armour, Head of Sustainability at AUS, and Dr. Jeannette Vinke, AUS Chief Operating Officer, both passionate about sustainability and the changing climate, use the first episode to educate listeners about the history of COP and what we might expect from this year’s event.

The university has also launched a COP28 Speaker Series, bringing climate action experts from around the world to the AUS campus to share their views and experience on specific issues related to climate change. The first speaker was Muwaffaq Al Khedery, a renowned Climate Change Advisor at GHD Group Abu Dhabi, who  discussed his work on carbon emissions modeling and shared insights into challenges and opportunities in transitioning to a low-carbon economy. The next speaker in the series will be Dr. Claire Williams Bridgwater, a research professor at American University, Washington, DC, who teaches atmospheric biology, science diplomacy and environmental sciences and whose most recent studies examined environmental peacebuilding in the world’s most fragile states.

“Climate change will impact the future of our students regardless of where they are located in the world or what industry they work in. Understanding climate change–not just from a scientific perspective but also its geopolitical ramifications, is therefore essential to any young person’s education. As future leaders it is important that our students are aware of the many complex issues surrounding climate action and have the skills and confidence needed to ensure the organizations or industries in which they will work are best equipped to deal with the challenges climate change presents, and ultimately act in a way that is beneficial for our planet. There is no better way to learn about climate action than by taking part in COP. This is a great opportunity for our students, and all our community, to make a difference on a global stage,” said Armour.

AUS has launched a dedicated web page for the community to stay up-to-date about all its COP28 initiatives and learn more about how the university has become a global sustainability leader. This page also houses the new Coffee Climate podcast: https://www.aus.edu/cop28.

American University of Sharjah (AUS) is launching a new doctoral program in biosciences and bioengineering (PhD-BSBE), which will be available for students starting Fall 2023.

This is the fourth PhD program in the university’s portfolio, expanding AUS’ position as a provider of outstanding graduate education and leader in novel research. The multidisciplinary program is delivered by the College of Engineering in collaboration with the College of Arts and Sciences. Graduates of this program will be prepared to combat current and future healthcare challenges nationally and globally and be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to become future researchers, academics and entrepreneurs.

“Developments in the UAE and wider Middle East have contributed to the decision of the university to launch this program. The MENA region saw exponential population growth in the latter part of the 20th century and into the 21st century. With this population growth has come increased demand for essential services such as healthcare, food, security, water and energy. Professionals who are highly skilled in the fields of bioscience and bioengineering are essential to the development and universal provision of such services. Those completing the new PhD-BSBE will be well-placed to assist governments and private providers in the region and around the world ensure that populations are adequately catered for across these services, both now and into the future. They will apply their knowledge in biology, engineering and technology to address today’s medical needs and produce innovative solutions that enhance healthcare services,” said Dr. Fadi Aloul, Dean of CEN.

PhD-BSBE students will be advised and taught by qualified faculty at the forefront of their fields, and who are currently engaged in several research projects in biosensors and implantable devices, biomechanics, cardiovascular disease, cancer, cellular physiology, drug delivery, healthcare management, infectious diseases, inflammation, medical imaging and bioinformatics, microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip, neuroscience, and neuroengineering.

“The interdisciplinary nature of the program stimulates an academic environment that promotes excellence in teaching and research, helping students to become competent, innovative and responsible professionals. The PhD-BSBE program will directly serve to realize the UAE agenda by providing high-quality biosciences and bioengineering education to support the healthcare services, biotechnology and life sciences sectors,” said Dr. Mahmoud Anabtawi, Dean of CAS.

The program admits part-time and full-time students, with full-time students offered the opportunity to be considered for a competitive full graduate assistantship for the duration of the program. Program admission is based on applicants’ academic history, research capabilities and proficiency in specialized skills demanded by their area of research.

For more information about the program and admission requirements, visit www.aus.edu/cen/phd-in-biosciences-and-bioengineering.

Urbanization, population growth and environmental factors have necessitated the design and implementation of sustainable and efficient infrastructure solutions around the world. As researchers have been looking into alternative materials for sustainable infrastructures, Dr. Farid Abed, Professor in Civil Engineering at American University of Sharjah (AUS), has been leading research teams to examine the usage and durability of innovative and sustainable reinforcement and repair construction materials in the UAE.

With more than 10 years of experience in sustainable reinforced concrete structures and structural mechanics of polymers and composites, Dr. Abed is researching the use of Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (FRPs) and Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) composites in concrete structures. FRPs and FRCM are environmentally friendly, nontoxic and magnetic insulators of low density and high strength- to-weight ratio. These characteristics make them easy to handle and cost effective. Commonly used types include Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) and Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (BFRP).

“Products such as GFRP, BFRP and many others are relatively new and are yet to be researched thoroughly in the UAE. Many of these products require testing on full-scale structural elements, which means detailed research is needed to accurately predict the performance of concrete structures using these new products. My research on reinforcing concrete structures aims to identify the areas that require further study while working with governmental agencies and private companies to develop and implement tests that will ensure the successful use of these new products and reduction of maintenance costs,” said Dr. Abed.

He added: “Reinforcement of concrete structures with innovative and sustainable materials, including the use of advanced composites, is of increasing interest to the industry and governments. Research in the field is important because it will inform the development of the existing construction codes and standards.”

Dr. Abed has outlined his findings in two studies that are pertinent to developments in construction in the UAE: “Structural Performance and Durability of Carbon-, Glass- and Basalt-Fiber Reinforced Polymer Reinforcing Bars under the GCC Harsh Environment” and “Innovative Retrofitting Technique of Corrosion-Damaged and Seismically-Deficient Reinforced Concrete Structures using FRCM composites.”

In his research, Dr. Abed collaborated with scholars from the US, Canada, France, Malaysia and the UAE. These included Dr. Ahmed El Refai from Laval University in Canada, Dr. Tamer El Maaddawy from UAE University, Dr. George Voyiadjis from Louisiana State University in the US and Dr. Mohammad Abdul Mannan from Sarawak University in Malaysia. His research also involved collaborations with the industry.

Looking ahead, Dr. Abed aims to investigate fire performance of reinforced concrete that consists of FRP and FRCM composites. He will be conducting his research in collaboration with Laval University in Canada and carry out the testing phase at the Thomas Bell-Wright fire facility in the UAE.

“This is a new research area where I will focus on studying the thermal and structural response of FRCM versus FRP systems in a fire, which is an area that has not been investigated sufficiently,” said Dr. Abed.

Dr. Abed believes in involving his students in research work to enable them to develop independent critical thinking along with oral and written communication skills. Graduate and undergraduate students have been heavily involved in Dr. Abed’s research and have co-authored many of his publications.

“Undergraduate students played an important role in experimentation and practical areas, while graduate students have been involved in the design and implementation of experiments as well as writing manuscripts. I have also supervised jointly and individually more than 30 graduate students, some of whom are currently pursuing their PhD studies in the US and Canada,” he said.

Dr. Abed has published more than 80 articles and more than 50 book chapters and conference proceedings. His work was published in prestigious top peer-reviewed journals such as the ASCE Journal of Composites for Construction, ASCE Journal of Engineering Mechanics, ACI Structural Journal, Composite Structures and Construction and Building Materials.

“AUS is very supportive of my research and very generous in funding my projects. My work has received several AUS faculty research grants including the funding of graduate students. I have also received external research grants from Bee’h and the Sharjah Research Academy,” said Dr. Abed.

AUS is ranked number one in the UAE and among the top ​150 universities globally for civil and structural engineering, according to QS World University Subject Rankings (202​2​). According to the same ranking, College of Engineering graduates are also the top choice for employers in the UAE. The Department of Civil Engineering is recognized throughout the region for the exceptional education it offers through its undergraduate and graduate programs.

For more information about what the civil engineering program offers, visit www.aus.edu/cen/department-of-civil-engineering.

The Stevens Initiative announced that the American University of Sharjah (AUS) is one its newest grantees to receive funding for virtual exchanges between young people in the United States and the Middle East and North Africa. AUS’ Transformative Sustainability Project (TSP) and Virtual Language Exchange (VLE) Project are two of four new Stevens Initiative-funded exchanges, awarded funding to institutions based in the UAE that will give young people experiential learning opportunities to explore topics impacting their local and global communities.

The Stevens Initiative is an international leader in virtual exchange, which brings young people from diverse places together to collaborate and connect through everyday technology. Created in 2015 as a lasting tribute to Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, the Initiative invests in virtual exchange programs between the U.S. and the Middle East and North Africa; shares research, resources, and promising practices to improve impact; and advocates for broader adoption.

AUS’ TSP gives undergraduate college students in the United Arab Emirates and the United States the tools to transform their local and global contexts into more sustainable communities in the context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. TSP helps participants shift their perspectives by asking them to grapple with some of the largest global problems and how people from different regions can work together to solve them. Through international collaboration, participants get hands on experience tackling issues that they otherwise would not engage with in their day to day lives. TSP empowers the leaders of tomorrow with tools to address interconnected global challenges and grow in sustainable ways.

AUS’ VLE provides participants in the United Arab Emirates and the United States a unique cross-cultural experience by examining diverse worldviews, languages, and cultures while critically thinking about media representations that shape their world knowledge. This program examines linguistics, culture in both historical and geographical contexts, and the use and interpretation of signs and symbols in participating communities. The VLE builds meaningful relationships among a diverse group of participants through collaborations on visual projects and open dialogues that strengthen multi-cultural understandings.

“We are excited to add these new programs to a long list of unique virtual exchanges that contribute to our vision of providing an opportunity to empower young people to drive positive change for our future. Each grantee works to create the next generation of globally-minded leaders, using virtual exchange as a tool to teach young people about the world around them,” said Christine Shiau, Director of the Stevens Initiative at the Aspen Institute.

Virtual exchange prepares young people for their future lives and careers by exposing them to global, collaborative environments where they can develop friendships, build skills, and take on new perspectives. Together, these new virtual exchange programs will immerse young people in topics such as linguistics and the study of symbols, storytelling, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and some of the world’s most pressing global concerns.

With the addition of AUS, the Initiative will expand its total reach by summer 2023 to nearly 75,000 young people in 17 MENA countries and in 49 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, five tribal communities, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington, D.C. Overall, 91 grantees have partnered with the Initiative between 2016 and today.

“Virtual exchange can be very effective in creating immersive experiences that leave a lasting and meaningful impression and we are very thankful to the Stevens Initiative for enabling us to harness its transformative power. With the TSP grant, we are looking forward to engaging, challenging, and enriching bright young minds across the world on all aspects of Sustainable Development”, said Kristina Katsos, Program Manager of the TSP and Instructor in the Department of International Studies of the American University of Sharjah.

Speaking about the VLE project, Dr. Susan Smith, Associate Professor in Mass Communication at AUS, said: “The Virtual Language Exchange program builds significant relationships with diverse student participants by creating collaborations through projects and dialogue that strengthen cross-cultural understandings.”

The Transformative Sustainability Project and the Virtual Language Exchange are funded by the Stevens Initiative, with support from the government of the United Arab Emirates. Learn more about the Stevens Initiative, which receives support from additional funders and is administered by the Aspen Institute, at https://www.stevensinitiative.org/.