From classroom to global impact: AUS students exhibit research prowess

The American University of Sharjah (AUS) College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) hosted its annual CAS Undergraduate Research Day which was launched in Fall 2021 to celebrate the remarkable research achievements of its undergraduate students and recipients of the CAS Undergraduate Grants Program. 

Managed by the CAS Dean's office, the CAS Undergraduate Grants Program invites full-time undergraduate students in good standing to partake in independent research, scholarly and creative endeavors, guided by distinguished professors from the college. To date, the CAS Undergraduate Grants Program has awarded 26 projects, of which 15 were individual research works and 11 were group projects. Research proposals are evaluated by a review panel based on clarity and organization, appropriateness of research methodology, importance and impact of the proposed research question, systematic work plan, budget justification and faculty mentor’s letter of support.

AUS students who receive a CAS Undergraduate Grant are required to finalize their projects while enrolled full-time at AUS and present their research findings at the AUS CAS Undergraduate Research Day or at other events as specified by the college or department. Notably, several of the young researchers who took part in CAS Undergraduate Research Day have gone on to publish their work in international journals and presented their findings at global conferences.

"The passion, dedication and ingenuity showcased at the CAS Undergraduate Research Day truly encapsulate the essence of what we aim to foster at AUS. These young minds are not just the future of research but a beacon of innovation,” said Dr. Ahmad Al-Issa, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs at CAS.

Dr. Hana Suleiman, Associate Dean for Graduate Affairs at CAS, commented further: “It's an honor to see the students flourish and to be part of their academic journey. Their achievements are a testament to the collaborative environment and the unparalleled mentorship provided by our esteemed faculty." 

Tala Terro, a biology major and one of the grant recipients, expressed her gratitude, saying: "It is a remarkable opportunity for my team and me to get the Undergraduate Research Grant. This experience has enriched not only our academic pursuits but also our personal and professional development, as we overcame challenges and failures while contributing meaningfully to our respective fields. It’s truly a journey that can shape one’s future for the best."

Dr. Fatin Samara, Professor in Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences and a faculty mentor who supervised a number of students' research projects, shared her perspective on the program: "As a faculty mentor since the inception of the CAS Undergraduate Grant Program, I have been a witness to its many great benefits for our students. It is an opportunity for them to expand their knowledge and understanding of the science field outside of the classroom. Undergraduate research fosters critical thinking and analytical skills through hands-on learning. All of our projects have led to interesting results that will contribute to the environmental and public health fields. The results of these research projects are currently in process for submission to international journals and/or have collected valid data to help local decision makers. I am extremely proud to be part of a college that not only fosters research intellect but incentivizes it."

At AUS, students are encouraged to pursue research at both the undergraduate and graduate level, mentored by faculty who are active researchers. For more information on the College of Arts and Sciences and its research initiatives, visit www.aus.edu/cas.