AUS inaugural TEDx event inspires success in mechanical engineering

American University of Sharjah (AUS) recently hosted its first TEDx event, "Path to Success/Mechanical Engineering Pioneers," drawing in a diverse audience of 170 attendees. The event showcased a dynamic lineup of speakers, including industry experts and AUS students, who shared their innovative ideas, professional insights and life lessons with the AUS community.

"Inspiring innovation and student success is core to the mechanical engineering department. This TEDx event embodies that vision, and we plan to make it an annual event to help foster bright ideas and inspire students," said Dr. Mamoun Abdel-Hafez, Head of the AUS Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Among the speakers was Dr. Mohammad Amin Al-Jarrah, General Manager of MARS Robotics, who delivered an engaging talk titled "How You Can Make It," offering actionable strategies and empowering anecdotes from his vast experience in robotics and engineering innovation.

A presentation by Muhannad Nabulsi shared insights on "Leading with Impact." As a Senior Enterprise Account Manager at NVIDIA (a leader in AI computing), Nabulsi shared his perspectives on leadership and the importance of making a meaningful difference in one's field. 

Dr. Nabil Kenan, Manager of Innovation Strategy and Partnerships at AD Ports Group, spoke about his exploration of "How to Really Cause Disruption." Through examples and anecdotes, Dr. Kenan underscored the significance of disruptive thinking in driving innovation and creating positive change. 

AUS mechanical engineering student Jawwad Imran Sheikh delved into "The Ripple Effect: How Small Actions Can Create Big Change." His talk emphasized the power of individual actions in effecting larger societal transformations, inspiring attendees to take proactive steps toward positive change. 

Sherif Khaled Ismail,  mechanical and mechatronics student at AUS and Founder of Azure 3DP, rounded off the lineup with his presentation titled, "Endless Exploration: Embracing the Unknown of the Success Journey." Ismail's insights into embracing uncertainty and continuous learning, encouraged the audience to adopt a mindset of curiosity and exploration in their pursuit of success.

"The speakers delivered talks that were deeply motivational and insightful, offering valuable lessons and perspectives on various aspects of success. I learned that success comes from being determined, innovative and collaborative, highlighting the importance of personal growth and making a positive impact. The most interesting part was the diversity of experiences and journeys shared by the speakers. Overall, the event left me with a renewed sense of motivation and a deeper understanding of the paths to success in different fields," said Fares Barake, a mechanical engineering student at AUS who attended the event.

“Over a year of preparation went into this event – from studying TEDx guidelines to securing the license, inviting speakers, and finding the perfect videography team. But seeing the awe and inspiration on the students' faces – that made it all truly worthwhile,” said Wasim Almasri, Lab Instructor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and event organizer.

Dr. Fadi Aloul, Dean of AUS College of Engineering, emphasized the college's dedication to promoting innovation and providing students with enriching experiences beyond the classroom. 

"Hosting events like TEDx is a testament to our commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and inspiring our students outside the classroom. By attracting top educational shows and speakers, we aim to broaden our students' horizons and equip them with the knowledge, real world examples and motivation to excel in their careers," he said.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at AUS offers bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering and mechatronics engineering, alongside an undergraduate minor in aerospace engineering and mechatronics engineering. To learn more about the department, click here.