AUS alumna awarded Rosalynn Carter Fellowship, exemplifying excellence in mental health journalism

An accomplished alumna of American University of Sharjah (AUS), Abeer Khan has been awarded the esteemed Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism in the UAE. This recognition underscores AUS' dedication to nurturing talented individuals who contribute positively to society and excel in their respective fields.

The Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism is offered by the Carter Center based in Atlanta, Georgia. It aims to elevate the standards of mental health reporting in media. The program was founded in 1996 by former US First Lady Rosalynn Carter.

Khan is the ninth journalist in the UAE to be connected to the program since The National newspaper began administering the fellowships in the UAE five years ago. Her dedication to improving mental health reporting resonates with the values that the Rosalynn Carter Fellowship seeks to promote.

Khan graduated from AUS in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, concentration in journalism. Since then, she has embarked on a journey of professional growth, briefly freelancing with Al Jazeera Journalism Review and Time Out Dubai. Notably, her participation in the 2022 CNN Academy Abu Dhabi cohort further enriched her journalistic prowess. 

"I am thrilled to receive this fellowship and to have the opportunity to contribute to improving the quality of mental health reporting. The education I received at AUS laid the foundation for my career, equipping me with the necessary skills and attitude to succeed as a journalist. The diverse range of courses I undertook, including news writing, digital storytelling and multimedia journalism, empowered me to navigate the complexities of modern journalism," said Khan.

During the year-long, non-residential fellowship, Khan will receive rigorous training from experts and mentors in the United States. Supported by an advisory board in the UAE, her focus will be on illuminating the mental health challenges faced by expatriate fathers who are living away from their families or support networks.

Dr. Sohail Dahdal, Professor and Head of the Department of Media Communication at AUS, commended Khan's accomplishments saying: "AUS takes immense pride in its graduates who continue to excel in the industry. Khan's journey is a testament to the institution's commitment to providing students with a holistic education that empowers them to make a meaningful impact. Her selection for this fellowship reflects her dedication and the quality of education she received at AUS."

Reflecting on her future plans, Khan shared: "I am applying my skills and further immersing myself in real-world journalism through my current role at Al Arabiya. Additionally, I'm excited to return to AUS to pursue a Master of Arts in International Studies. I eagerly anticipate the transformative journey that the Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism will offer."

The Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, offered through the AUS College of Arts and Sciences, prepares a new generation of communicators who combine creativity and technical digital skills to create and manage content relevant to corporate and non-profit sectors. The Department of Media Communication's concentrations in journalism and integrated marketing communications engage students through on-campus and field-based learning and training, aligning them with the latest industry trends.

To know more about the College of Arts and Sciences and its offerings, visit www.aus.edu/cas.