TEDx returns to American University of Sharjah with “Path to Success” talks

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at American University of Sharjah (AUS) hosted its second TEDx event on February 20, 2025, titled “TEDx American University of Sharjah—MCE Leaders.” The event brought together 200 attendees to hear from a distinguished lineup of speakers who shared their life learnings on the topic “Path to Success.”

As with the last TEDx talks held by the Department of Mechanical Engineering in May 2024, this year’s talks focused on fostering learning, inspiration and meaningful conversations among CEN’s students and the broader AUS community. Each speaker presented thought-provoking ideas, offering knowledge and expertise to empower attendees on their journeys to defining and achieving personal success.

AUS Chancellor Dr. Tod Laursen explored the topic “Life Lessons in Academic Leadership,” while Ahmed Elsergany, a laboratory instructor and researcher at AUS, gave the talk “Learn Smart, Level Up and Unleash Your Superpowers!”

Adnane ElSoussi, Chief Executive Officer of Defuzzy Labs and an engineer specializing in unmanned systems, was invited to share his insights into the growing importance of unmanned surface vehicles and their impact on the industry. Otmane Benamar, Chief Technology Officer at GE Vernova and an expert in energy technology, guided attendees on how to find their way in an ever-evolving professional landscape. Finally, Majdal Shahin, a digitalization consultant at Siemens Energy with a background in engineering, highlighted the significance of pushing beyond one’s comfort zones in the talk “Beyond Comfort: The Key to Growth and Success.”

TEDx events bring people together to share a TED-like experience all over the world. AUS’ TEDx talks can be watched on the TEDx YouTube channel, which boasts over 43 million subscribers, further amplifying the impact of the speakers’ messages.

"TEDx events are about sparking curiosity, sharing ideas and inspiring individuals to rethink their approaches to various topics, and in this case, success. It’s inspiring to see our students explore many different avenues to knowledge and personal growth. I was honored to be part of this event organized by the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and I look forward to hosting many more TEDx events like this at AUS in the future," said Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering organized this year’s TEDx event. Spearheaded by Dr. Mamoun Abdel-Hafez, Professor and Head of Mechanical Engineering, and Wasim Almasri, Laboratory Instructor of Mechanical Engineering, the event brought together students, faculty and industry professionals to inspire transformative ideas and foster meaningful dialogue.

Dr. Mamoun Abdel-Hafez said: "Our department is committed to nurturing an environment where students can engage with thought-provoking ideas and be inspired by diverse perspectives. This event aligns perfectly with our mission to enhance learning beyond the classroom, and I am proud of what we have achieved."

“Over a year of preparation went into this event—including renewing the TED license, carefully selecting prominent speakers, and setting up the stage and production teams. Seeing the awe and inspiration on the students' faces made it all truly worthwhile,” said Wasim Almasri, Lab Instructor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and one of the key organizers of the event.

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 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 and future journeys," he said.

Following the talks, attendees had the opportunity to engage in open discussions with the speakers, fostering deeper connections and the exchange of ideas.

Next year, the department’s TEDx series will feature two exciting events. The first event, themed "Space Mission," will celebrate innovations in engineering within the realm of space exploration with esteemed speakers, including UAE astronauts and AUS alumni from the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre and the UAE Space Agency, who will share insights into the UAE’s ambitious endeavors in space exploration.

The second event, titled "Path to Success in Engineering," will spotlight transformative ideas and personal journeys in engineering, bringing together innovative industry leaders, faculty members, alumni and students to share their professional experiences, life lessons and latest ideas. Through inspiring talks and interactive discussions, these events hope to inspire the AUS community with the lessons and tools to excel in their academic and professional pursuits. 

For more information on AUS’ upcoming events, visit the AUS event page: www.aus.edu/media/events. 

To watch AUS TEDx talks, visit this page: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVxjBKENVFESL-62ftkd-A673zka1Xt40