AUS research teams win grants at Women's Research Forum

In a world where innovation knows no bounds, where determination fuels discovery and where academic excellence shapes the future, three research groups from American University of Sharjah (AUS) emerged as beacons of inspiration, each securing grants valued at 10,000 AED at the Fourth Forum for Women in Research "QUWA: Sustaining Women’s Empowerment in Research & Innovation," held recently at University of Sharjah.

Two research teams from the College of Engineering (CEN) and another from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) received the grants.

AUS graduate student Yara Badr, a member of a neuroengineering team comprising Dr. Usman Tariq, Associate Professor in Electrical Engineering, and Dr. Fares Al Shargie, a visiting postdoc in Electrical Engineering, led by Dr. Hasan Al Nashash, Professor in Electrical Engineering are on a mission to decode the enigmatic realm of mental stress. Their project, titled "Detecting Mental Stress Using EEG and Deep Learning," combines the intricate nuances of neuroscience and the power of artificial intelligence.

"Within our neuroengineering research group, our primary goal focuses on delving into innovative methods for gauging mental stress levels and exploring the activation of alternative stimulation inputs as potential avenues for mitigating stress," said Bader.

Dr. Al Nashash further noted:"Mental stress is a global concern, impacting both health and productivity. Our research seeks to provide an objective solution for early stress detection. We've harnessed the potential of brain signals, advanced signal processing and deep learning to achieve an astounding 99 percent accuracy in distinguishing between various stress levels."

Revolutionizing cancer treatment, Dr. Ghaleb Husseini, Professor in Chemical and Biological Engineering, and his CEN research team of postdoctoral fellows Dr. Remya Radha and Dr. Shabana Anjum, and AUS PhD student Vinod Paul are utilizing ultrasound technology to deliver chemotherapy drugs directly to tumor sites, sparing healthy tissues from collateral damage.

Dr. Radha believes in the importance of the multifaceted aspects to the research that is not limited to helping cancer patients recover. "This is not just about enhancing the efficacy of cancer therapy. We're redefining the very essence of treatment through secure nanocarriers, with a particular focus on herbal remedies like curcumin. By resolving challenges related to drug delivery, we aim to reduce the economic burden and improve the lives of cancer patients on a global scale," she said.  

Looking ahead, Dr. Husseini said: "Our research journey is far from over. We are currently optimizing the ultrasound parameters for in vitro treatment, and our initial results are promising. Our proposal explores the utilization of curcumin liposomes in conjunction with ultrasound and microbubbles as a potential method for targeted and prolonged delivery in the treatment of breast cancer."

From CAS, research team comprising  AUS alumna and graduate research assistant Zinb Makhlouf and undergraduate students Danyah Khan, Tala Terro and Abdelhamid Khodja, and postdoctoral fellow Dr. Remya Radha, are rewriting  the rules of hygiene and safety under the leadership of Dr. Mohammad Al-Sayah, Professor in Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences. Their project, "Cellulose Fibers Modified with Carbon Dots: A Promising Approach for Development of Self-Disinfecting Fabrics," is a testament to their commitment to public health.

Makhlouf said: “As a member of our dedicated research team at CAS, I am thrilled to be part of an endeavor. Our collective commitment to this project reflects the spirit of exploration and collaboration that defines our institution's pursuit of knowledge and excellence. We've explored the development of self-disinfecting materials. By modifying cellulose-based fibers with carbon nanodots derived from natural antibacterial compounds, we've created materials that actively combat microbial growth. Imagine self-disinfecting fabrics for personal protective equipment, school desks and more. In a world facing ongoing health challenges, our research holds promise for very positive impacts." 

Dr. Al-Sayah shared insights into the future of their research, stating: "Our next steps involve further refining and optimizing the CD-modified fibers for real-world applications. We will also conduct comprehensive tests, including cytotoxicity assessments on human cell lines, to ensure safety."

AUS is actively involved in various research initiatives across its faculties. The university fosters an environment of collaboration and exploration, nurturing a spirit of pushing the boundaries of knowledge in their respective fields. AUS continues to stand at the forefront of academic excellence, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of education and research in the UAE and beyond.

To learn more about AUS research endeavors, visit www.aus.edu/research-and-graduate-studies.