Celebrating Innovation: AUK Hosts NASA Space Apps Challenge Winners' Ceremony

AUK hosted a special ceremony celebrating the first-place winners of the NASA Space Apps Challenge. This globally renowned competition brings together creative minds to tackle real-world challenges. The winners' innovative solutions were honored in the presence of prominent figures in science, education, and technology.
 
The ceremony was attended by NASA Deputy Administrator, Ms. Casey Swails, whose visit underscored the event's significance in fostering global innovation. Also in attendance were representatives from the U.S. Embassy; AUK President Dr. Rawda Awwad; Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST) President, Professor Khalid Al-Begain; and Ms. Eman Al-Awadhi representing the event sponsors, KIPCO. Each contributed to making the event a memorable celebration of talent and creativity. 
 
Commenting on this event’s importance, Dr. Rawda Awwad stated, “We were honored to welcome the U.S. Embassy and Ms. Casey Swails, NASA Deputy Associate Administrator, to our campus. It gave the winning team of students of the NASA Space App Challenge a unique chance to engage directly with NASA professionals and see firsthand the value of their teamwork and success. Events like this highlight how inter-institutional student collaboration at an interdisciplinary level can make a real impact through education, exploration, and discovery, and it shows just how important global experiential learning is for the future of our planet. AUK looks forward to more collaborations of this sort in the future.”
 
Dr. Marwa Sharawi, assistant professor of computer science at AUK and NASA’s local lead, along with the dedicated organizing team, also played a crucial role in the event's success, reflecting AUK’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation.
 
By emphasizing innovation and technology, AUK inspires the next generation of thinkers and creators while remaining at the forefront of advancing STEM education, all within the enriching environment of a liberal arts framework. 
 
  
  

First place winners with Ms. Casey Swails and AUK faculty
  

Ms. Casey Swails and Dr. Rawda Awwad
  

First place winners discussing their project
  

Professor Khalid Al-Begain talking to students
 
 
 First place winners receiving certificate from Ms. Casey Swails