AUS boot camp empowers tomorrow’s industrial engineers

At American University of Sharjah’s (AUS) Industrial Engineering Boot Camp, Marya Aburukba, a dedicated grade 12 student from Sama American Private School, embarked on an educational journey that will help shape her academic and professional journey. 

Chosen from a competitive pool of over 100 applicants from 38 schools, Aburukba was one of the 45 students chosen to participate in the fourth edition of this enriching program. This opportunity was particularly significant for Aburukba, dovetailing with her recent decision to pursue a degree in industrial engineering at AUS.

The boot camp included an introductory session by Dr. Abdulrahim Shamayleh, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Industrial Engineering, and Dr. Bayan Hamdan, Assistant Professor of Industrial Engineering offering insights into the dynamic world of industrial engineering. 

"This session was an eye-opener. It bridged my theoretical knowledge with the practical applications of industrial engineering in real-world scenarios," said Aburukba.

A particularly transformative experience for Aburukba was the Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Industrial Engineering session with Dr. Hussam Alshraideh, Associate Professor of Industrial Engineering. Here, participants were immersed in developing an AI-based healthcare decision support system. 

"The project was challenging yet exhilarating. It underscored the potential of industrial engineering in revolutionizing healthcare," Aburukba said.

Further enriching the experience, a session on supply chain management, facilitated by Dr. Shamayleh, enabled Aburukba and her peers to delve into the complexities and challenges of supply chain operations through a simulation game, which she described as “ a fun and interactive way to understand the critical aspects of supply chains."

The students also enjoyed touring AUS’ cutting-edge facilities, including the Industry 4.0 and supply chain labs. 

"The labs at AUS are not just about academic learning; they are hubs of innovation and creativity," Aburukba said.

Dr.  Shamayleh, reflecting on the boot camp's impact, stated: "Seeing students engage and grow is the true reward of this boot camp. We are committed to inspiring the next generation of industrial engineers. Aburukba's experience at the boot camp solidified her decision to pursue industrial engineering at AUS, marking the beginning of her exciting journey in this dynamic field."

For information on upcoming CEN camps for high school students, click here.