AUS showcases innovative research projects at GITEX

As part of its strategic commitment to becoming one of the region’s leading research universities, American University of Sharjah (AUS) is presenting innovative research projects at GITEX Technology Week, 2017, an event that plays a significant role in the country’s quest to become a knowledge-based economy.

The AUS projects were presented as part of Sharjah eGovernment Pavilion included:

An internationally recognized cancer treatment using ultrasound and nano-carriers, led by Dr. Ghaleb Husseini, Professor of Chemical Engineering and Associate Dean for the College of Engineering. The approach sees chemotherapy treatment applied directly to the site of a cancer, avoiding interaction with other healthy cells, and minimizing the adverse side-effects of chemotherapy.

An “in-pipe inspection robot” which detects and locates defects in oil and gas pipelines using a navigation and leak detection algorithm, helping to safeguard efficient and reliable supplies. This project was led by Dr. Mamoun Abdel-Hafez, Professor and Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering; Dr. Shayok Mukhopadhyay, Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering; Dr. Mohammad Jaradat, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering; Wasim Al-Masri, Laboratory Instructor; and Danial Waleed, an AUS graduate student in the Mechatronics Engineering program.

An energy harvesting chip that is one of the most efficient in the world, harvesting energy from air, and converting it into battery power. Part of a project funded by Mubadala Technologies in Abu Dhabi, this chip is the best reported energy harvester in terms of efficiency and the smallest in the process to date. Dr. Lutfi Albasha, Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering, was the Principal Investigator of this project which also involved two faculty members, one Post-Doctoral fellow, two master’s students and four undergraduates.

AUS Chancellor Dr. Björn Kjerfve said:

“We at American University of Sharjah are pleased to be a part of the Sharjah eGovernment Pavilion at GITEX Technology Week 2017, where we are showcasing a sample of our exceptional technology-related research projects. These serve as a testimony to the high-quality research conducted at AUS. The GITEX Technology Week 2017 coincides with the start of our university’s 20th anniversary celebrations. This event also reinforces our dedication to becoming a leading research university as mandated by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, and President of American University of Sharjah.”

Chancellor Kjerfve added:

“Our participation at GITEX Technology Week, with such innovative research projects, demonstrates the new strategic direction of AUS to become a research university.  We are shortly due to launch our first two doctoral programs at the College of Engineering and the School of Business Administration, accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation of the UAE Ministry of Education’s Higher Education Affairs Division. During the next academic year, we will also develop four additional doctoral programs in relevant research fields.”

Dr. Mohamed El Tarhuni, Vice Provost for Graduate Programs said:

“A sample of innovative technology-related research projects are being presented by AUS faculty and students during GITEX 2017. Innovative research is of great importance to help enhance the learning experience of students by providing them with hands-on research experience and to get them excited about developing technological solutions that benefit society,” Dr. El-Tarhuni, added.

AUS is presenting these projects as part of Sharjah Pavilion in Sheikh Saeed Hall Arena Number S-B21. Gitex Technology Week opened on Sunday, with a focus on emerging technologies from startups. The five-day show will also see global technology gurus addressing the gathering on the new technological advancements and also give a peek in to the future of technology to the attendees.