AUS commends remarkable graduate students for exemplary achievements

American University of Sharjah (AUS) recently honored four exceptional graduate students for their outstanding achievements. These students have demonstrated unwavering dedication and excellence in their respective fields, earning them well-deserved recognition during the Academic Year 2022-2023.

The recipients of the Graduate Student Research, Scholarly and Creative Work Excellence Award were Afef Saih, a PhD in Engineering Systems Management student, and Ahmed Hamada, a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering student. Farah Hamdan, pursuing a Master of Urban Planning, and Dania Abuhalimeh, pursuing a Master of Science in Construction Management, jointly received the Graduate Student Academic and Leadership Excellence Award.

Dr. Mohammed El-Tarhuni, Vice Provost for Research and Graduate Studies at AUS, expressed his admiration for the exceptional achievements of these students. 

"These four students have demonstrated remarkable dedication and excellence in their respective fields, and their recognition and honors reflect the culmination of their hard work and commitment. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to others and highlight the transformative power of education and leadership. We are proud of their accomplishments and confident in their continued success as they make significant contributions to their fields of study and beyond," Dr. Tarhuni said.

Afef Saihi’s PhD studies exhibit her exceptional research skills in diverse areas such as sustainable performance measurement, maintenance management, digital transformation, Industry 4.0, quality management and supply chain management. With publications in renowned journals and presentations at international conferences, she excels in producing high-quality research and engaging with fellow scholars.

"I am humbled and grateful for receiving three prestigious awards from my university. These accolades represent a profound responsibility and a renewed commitment to pursue excellence. They signify the beginning of a continued quest for knowledge and the exploration of emerging topics. I promise to uphold the trust and honor associated with this recognition, collaborating with colleagues and students from diverse disciplines to address current challenges. I extend my gratitude to the AUS leadership, distinguished professors, and all who have been part of this remarkable journey," said Saihi.

During his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering study, Ahmed Hamada has excelled as a teaching and laboratory assistant while focusing on renewable energy solutions, particularly photovoltaic/thermal systems. Ahmed has actively contributed to multiple projects related to fuel cells and hydrogen production. His work has resulted in five journal publications and presentations at conferences, and peer reviews for additional articles.

"I am overwhelmed with happiness and gratitude upon receiving this prestigious award. This recognition symbolizes the culmination of dedicated hard work and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. I owe my success to the unwavering support of my family and the invaluable guidance of Dr. Mehmet Fatih Orhan and Dr. Omar Sharaf. Their expertise and commitment have shaped my academic and research pursuits, and I am deeply thankful for their guidance," said Hamada.

Farah Hamdan's dedication to academic excellence and impact on the university community makes her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award. Hamdan has showcased her research on urban planning's positive contribution to climate change in various events, such as the UAE Graduate Student Research Conference and the Higher Education Climate Dialogue. Additionally, she founded and managed an arts and culture committee (Funoun) aimed at raising awareness about arts in Palestine through diverse age-specific events.

"I am deeply humbled and grateful for the recognition of my academic achievements and leadership contributions. My advisors, professors and mentors in the College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) have played an instrumental role in shaping my academic journey. The AUS community has also been vital in fostering an environment of academic excellence and leadership development. I am truly thankful for their unwavering support, guidance and dedication," said Hamdan.

Dania Abuhalimeh constantly inspires and motivates others, both within her academic pursuits and in the broader community. As a graduate teaching and research assistant, Abuhalimeh's attention to details and dedication to personalized support have garnered remarkable results. She has published several papers in construction management, focusing on the digitalization of the industry. Elected as the president of the Graduate Student Association, Abuhalimeh has created a thriving and collaborative community, setting a standard of excellence for future leaders to follow.

"This award recognizes not only my personal achievements but also the collective efforts of a supportive community that values education, growth and leadership. It serves as a reminder of the responsibility to strive for excellence and make a positive impact on the world. This honorable recognition symbolizes the transformative power of education and the potential within us all," said Abuhalimeh.

The outstanding achievements of these graduate students at AUS highlight the university's unwavering commitment to delivering a world-class education and empowering its students to excel in their respective fields. Through rigorous academic programs, mentorship from esteemed faculty members and a supportive learning environment, AUS nurtures the talents and aspirations of its students, enabling them to reach new heights of success.

AUS offers 15 master’s degree programs and four PhD programs. For more information about graduate studies and research at AUS, visit www.aus.edu/orgs.