News
15, May 2025
AUK Hosts First Student Film Festival Celebrating Young Filmmakers
AUK proudly hosted its first Student Film Festival at the campus theater, marking a milestone in the University’s support for student creativity and visual storytelling.
The event, hosted by AUK student Arumi Al-Mutawa, brought together a vibrant audience of students, faculty, and guests to celebrate original short films, documentaries, and poster artwork created by both current students and alumni. The festival served as a platform for young filmmakers to showcase their talent and passion, with submissions reflecting a wide range of themes, styles, and personal stories.
Judged by esteemed faculty members, Dr. Mohammad Akbar, associate professor of communication and Ramy Khair, associate professor of graphic design at the College of Arts & Sciences, the evening culminated in an award ceremony recognizing standout achievements:
The event, hosted by AUK student Arumi Al-Mutawa, brought together a vibrant audience of students, faculty, and guests to celebrate original short films, documentaries, and poster artwork created by both current students and alumni. The festival served as a platform for young filmmakers to showcase their talent and passion, with submissions reflecting a wide range of themes, styles, and personal stories.
Judged by esteemed faculty members, Dr. Mohammad Akbar, associate professor of communication and Ramy Khair, associate professor of graphic design at the College of Arts & Sciences, the evening culminated in an award ceremony recognizing standout achievements:
- Best Short Film: Last Call — Directed by Shaikha Al-Othman
- Best Documentary: Failaka Island — Directed by Sabeekah Al-Sharaaf
- Best Poster Design: Weld Il Nokhitha — Directed by AUK alumnus Mohammad Al-Sanae
In addition to the films, the festival featured a display of a collection of student-created advertisement posters where the AUK community voted for their favorites. The winners of the Best Ad Poster Design competition were:
- 1st Place: Lynn Sleiman
- 2nd Place: Fatima Al-Saeedi
- 3rd Place: Hussaina Vakil
Commenting on the significance of the event, Fay Al-Humoud, assistant director of the Office of Student Life said, “This festival opened the door for students to express their creativity, share their stories, and connect with the community through film and visual art.”
The event successfully highlighted the growing interest and talent in film and media production at AUK and set the stage for a promising tradition for years to come.
The event successfully highlighted the growing interest and talent in film and media production at AUK and set the stage for a promising tradition for years to come.
Winners of the film festival on stage during the event
14, May 2025
AUK Research on the Rise: 2025 Awards Celebrate Record-Breaking Year
The Office of Research and Grants (ORG) at AUK hosted its annual Research Awards Ceremony, an event dedicated to celebrating academic excellence and research accomplishments across the university.
A key part of the event was the presentation of AUK's research performance for the academic year 2023/24. The university demonstrated substantial progress, with a notable increase in publications indexed in Scopus compared to the previous year. Furthermore, citations rose dramatically, marking a significant growth. The university also experienced a considerable boost in research funding, with grant budgets rising substantially. These developments underscore the institution’s growing research output and its impact within the academic community.
Dr. Aaron Rababaah, Chair of the Committee on Research and Grants (CRG) presented the evaluation process used for this year’s research award applications. Evaluation criteria included intellectual production, patents, grant activity, and research supervision. Each college had one recipient selected through this rigorous process. This year, the following faculty were selected for the Research Award: Dr. Ali Bostani, associate professor of electrical engineering in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences; Dr. Faisal Al-Reshaid, assistant professor of management in the College of Business and Economics; and Dr. Rita Al-Haddad, assistant professor of psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences. Their selection reflects not only academic excellence but also meaningful contributions to the university’s research mission. The ceremony also recognized the top 10 faculty members from each college for their exceptional publication contributions. These individuals were honored with trophies in acknowledgment of their dedication and scholarly achievements.
Acting director of the ORG, Dr. Ahmed Al-Saber remarked on the faculty’s thriving research, “I am incredibly proud of the dedication and scholarly excellence demonstrated by our faculty this year. Their outstanding contributions have not only advanced knowledge across diverse fields but have also significantly elevated AUK’s research profile. Our records indicate a remarkable improvement of over 25% in research performance compared to previous years—an achievement that reflects the growing strength of our academic community and its vital role in shaping an inspiring and intellectually vibrant learning environment.”
The 2025 Research Awards Ceremony served not only as a recognition of outstanding academic work but also as a reflection of the vibrant research culture growing at AUK.
A key part of the event was the presentation of AUK's research performance for the academic year 2023/24. The university demonstrated substantial progress, with a notable increase in publications indexed in Scopus compared to the previous year. Furthermore, citations rose dramatically, marking a significant growth. The university also experienced a considerable boost in research funding, with grant budgets rising substantially. These developments underscore the institution’s growing research output and its impact within the academic community.
Dr. Aaron Rababaah, Chair of the Committee on Research and Grants (CRG) presented the evaluation process used for this year’s research award applications. Evaluation criteria included intellectual production, patents, grant activity, and research supervision. Each college had one recipient selected through this rigorous process. This year, the following faculty were selected for the Research Award: Dr. Ali Bostani, associate professor of electrical engineering in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences; Dr. Faisal Al-Reshaid, assistant professor of management in the College of Business and Economics; and Dr. Rita Al-Haddad, assistant professor of psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences. Their selection reflects not only academic excellence but also meaningful contributions to the university’s research mission. The ceremony also recognized the top 10 faculty members from each college for their exceptional publication contributions. These individuals were honored with trophies in acknowledgment of their dedication and scholarly achievements.
Acting director of the ORG, Dr. Ahmed Al-Saber remarked on the faculty’s thriving research, “I am incredibly proud of the dedication and scholarly excellence demonstrated by our faculty this year. Their outstanding contributions have not only advanced knowledge across diverse fields but have also significantly elevated AUK’s research profile. Our records indicate a remarkable improvement of over 25% in research performance compared to previous years—an achievement that reflects the growing strength of our academic community and its vital role in shaping an inspiring and intellectually vibrant learning environment.”
The 2025 Research Awards Ceremony served not only as a recognition of outstanding academic work but also as a reflection of the vibrant research culture growing at AUK.
Dr. Ahmed Al-Saber speaking at the awards ceremony
Dr. Aaron Rabaabah speaking at the awards ceremony
Dr. Ali Bostani receiving his award
Dr. Rita Al-Haddad receiving her award
Dr. Faisal Al-Reshaid receiving his award
Group photo of the awardees
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12, May 2025
AUK Hosts Groundbreaking Conference on Eating Disorders: From Diagnosis to Recovery
AUK Counseling Center held its second annual conference dedicated to addressing the complexities of eating disorders—from diagnosis to recovery. This landmark event brought together leading professionals, researchers, practitioners, and students to engage in meaningful dialogue and explore the latest advancements in treating eating disorders.
Dr. George Chedid, director of the Counseling Center, opened the conference with compelling remarks that traced the historical evolution of eating disorder diagnoses. “Eating disorders are deeply rooted in our collective human experience,” he noted. “Our hope today is to continue shedding light on these disorders, not just through their symptoms, but by understanding their origins, complexities, and the path to recovery.”
Dr. Chedid also extended gratitude to the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait for sponsoring the keynote speaker, Dr. Johanne Hands, director of the Kuwait Counseling Center, whose participation significantly enriched the event.
The conference featured a distinguished lineup of both local and international experts, each offering unique insights into treatment methodologies. From France, Dr. Carolina Becerill shared her work using psychodrama and sociodrama to treat eating disorders as a family issue; Dr. Amir Zourob, psychiatrist at the Fawzia Sultan Healthcare Network, emphasized the efficacy of integrating medication with cognitive behavioral therapy; and, Giuliana Lomonaco introduced the concept of body neutrality as an empowering framework for recovery.
These varied perspectives provided attendees with a holistic understanding of eating disorders, highlighting both innovative and evidence-based approaches to treatment.
The event was attended by AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, along with university deans, faculty members, and participants from academic and healthcare institutions across Kuwait. The enthusiastic engagement and active discussions throughout the day underscored the conference’s success and the timeliness of its theme.
The conference exemplifies AUK’s ongoing commitment to promoting mental health awareness, academic collaboration, and community impact. By leading initiatives that address urgent societal challenges, AUK continues to affirm its role as a hub for knowledge, compassion, and change.
Dr. George Chedid, director of the Counseling Center, opened the conference with compelling remarks that traced the historical evolution of eating disorder diagnoses. “Eating disorders are deeply rooted in our collective human experience,” he noted. “Our hope today is to continue shedding light on these disorders, not just through their symptoms, but by understanding their origins, complexities, and the path to recovery.”
Dr. Chedid also extended gratitude to the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait for sponsoring the keynote speaker, Dr. Johanne Hands, director of the Kuwait Counseling Center, whose participation significantly enriched the event.
The conference featured a distinguished lineup of both local and international experts, each offering unique insights into treatment methodologies. From France, Dr. Carolina Becerill shared her work using psychodrama and sociodrama to treat eating disorders as a family issue; Dr. Amir Zourob, psychiatrist at the Fawzia Sultan Healthcare Network, emphasized the efficacy of integrating medication with cognitive behavioral therapy; and, Giuliana Lomonaco introduced the concept of body neutrality as an empowering framework for recovery.
These varied perspectives provided attendees with a holistic understanding of eating disorders, highlighting both innovative and evidence-based approaches to treatment.
The event was attended by AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, along with university deans, faculty members, and participants from academic and healthcare institutions across Kuwait. The enthusiastic engagement and active discussions throughout the day underscored the conference’s success and the timeliness of its theme.
The conference exemplifies AUK’s ongoing commitment to promoting mental health awareness, academic collaboration, and community impact. By leading initiatives that address urgent societal challenges, AUK continues to affirm its role as a hub for knowledge, compassion, and change.
Dr. Johanne Hands, director of the Kuwait Counseling Center speaking at the conference
Dr. Carolina Becerill speaking at the conference
Dr. Georges Chedid, director of the AUK Counseling Center speaking at the conference
Dr. Amir Zourob, psychiatrist at Fawzia Sultan Healthcare Network speaking at the conference
Giuliana Lomonaco speaking at the conference
Activity with audience participation at the conference
Group photo of the AUK Counseling Center staff
04, May 2025
AUK Wins Gold at 2025 MENASA NASPA Awards for Autism Buddy Program Initiative
AUK has been named the GOLD Award Winner in the category of Excellence in Student Success at the 2025 MENASA Area Recognition of Merit Awards, hosted by NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. This prestigious recognition celebrates AUK Counseling Center’s Buddy Program Initiative for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a pioneering effort to create a more inclusive and supportive campus environment. The award was accepted by the Center’s director and program lead, Dr. Georges Chedid during the MENASA NASPA Conference at New York University Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Launched as part of AUK’s ongoing commitment to student well-being, the Buddy Program pairs students with autism spectrum disorder with trained peer mentors to foster social engagement, ease the transition to university life, and enhance academic and personal development. The initiative reflects AUK’s holistic approach to education—where diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of student success.
Dr. Georges Chedid expressed his appreciation for the recognition, stating, "This award is a testament to AUK's commitment to inclusivity, mental health support, and student-centered programming. The Buddy Program is not only about mentorship—it’s about fostering understanding, building community, and helping every student feel seen and supported." He added: “This program would not have been possible without the dedication, collaboration, and hard work of my incredible team!”
The MENASA Area Recognition of Merit Awards highlight impactful programs across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia that advance student success and institutional excellence. AUK’s recognition places it among a distinguished group of institutions shaping the future of student support in the region.
This recognition marks a significant milestone for AUK, reinforcing its role as a regional leader in inclusive education and student-centered programming. Winning the GOLD Award affirms the university’s commitment to innovation in student support and highlights the profound impact of the Buddy Program on campus life. It also serves as an inspiration for future initiatives aimed at empowering all students to thrive, while elevating AUK’s profile within the global higher education community.
Launched as part of AUK’s ongoing commitment to student well-being, the Buddy Program pairs students with autism spectrum disorder with trained peer mentors to foster social engagement, ease the transition to university life, and enhance academic and personal development. The initiative reflects AUK’s holistic approach to education—where diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of student success.
Dr. Georges Chedid expressed his appreciation for the recognition, stating, "This award is a testament to AUK's commitment to inclusivity, mental health support, and student-centered programming. The Buddy Program is not only about mentorship—it’s about fostering understanding, building community, and helping every student feel seen and supported." He added: “This program would not have been possible without the dedication, collaboration, and hard work of my incredible team!”
The MENASA Area Recognition of Merit Awards highlight impactful programs across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia that advance student success and institutional excellence. AUK’s recognition places it among a distinguished group of institutions shaping the future of student support in the region.
This recognition marks a significant milestone for AUK, reinforcing its role as a regional leader in inclusive education and student-centered programming. Winning the GOLD Award affirms the university’s commitment to innovation in student support and highlights the profound impact of the Buddy Program on campus life. It also serves as an inspiration for future initiatives aimed at empowering all students to thrive, while elevating AUK’s profile within the global higher education community.
Dr. Georges Chedid at the award ceremony
Dr. Georges Chedid accepting the award at the ceremony
29, Apr 2025
AUK Alumna Taiba Al-Humaidhi Honored by AACSB as 2025 Influential Leader
AUK is proud to announce that alumna Taiba Al-Humaidhi has been recognized by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) as part of its 2025 Class of Influential Leaders. This prestigious global recognition celebrates 24 exceptional alumni who are creating meaningful change through entrepreneurial innovation and social impact.
Taiba Al-Humaidhi, a graduate of AUK’s class of 2006 from the College of Business and Economics, is the founding executive of Lei Wa Lakom, an initiative dedicated to women’s empowerment through mentorship and community support. As a member of this year’s AACSB Influential Leaders cohort, she is recognized in the category of Community or Social Impact for her visionary leadership and commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment for women in Kuwait and beyond.
A member of AUK’s inaugural bachelor’s in business administration graduating class, Taiba has built an impressive career with a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. She previously held a role at Zain Kuwait and went on to co-found BTZ Group, Floward, and Serve Bakery. Her current venture, Lei Wa Lakom creates a network that connects aspiring women with experienced mentors, helping them build confidence, navigate challenges, and pursue personal and professional goals.
The AACSB Influential Leaders award recognizes alumni from accredited business schools whose work exemplifies the role of business education in addressing today’s most pressing challenges. In honoring Taiba, AACSB celebrates her efforts in driving social impact and shaping a future rooted in collaboration, empowerment, and opportunity.
Taiba’s achievements reflect the values of innovation, community engagement, and leadership that AUK strives to instill in all its students.
Taiba Al-Humaidhi, a graduate of AUK’s class of 2006 from the College of Business and Economics, is the founding executive of Lei Wa Lakom, an initiative dedicated to women’s empowerment through mentorship and community support. As a member of this year’s AACSB Influential Leaders cohort, she is recognized in the category of Community or Social Impact for her visionary leadership and commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment for women in Kuwait and beyond.
A member of AUK’s inaugural bachelor’s in business administration graduating class, Taiba has built an impressive career with a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. She previously held a role at Zain Kuwait and went on to co-found BTZ Group, Floward, and Serve Bakery. Her current venture, Lei Wa Lakom creates a network that connects aspiring women with experienced mentors, helping them build confidence, navigate challenges, and pursue personal and professional goals.
The AACSB Influential Leaders award recognizes alumni from accredited business schools whose work exemplifies the role of business education in addressing today’s most pressing challenges. In honoring Taiba, AACSB celebrates her efforts in driving social impact and shaping a future rooted in collaboration, empowerment, and opportunity.
Taiba’s achievements reflect the values of innovation, community engagement, and leadership that AUK strives to instill in all its students.
Taiba Al-Humaidhi receiving her award with the faculty of the College of Business and Economics
29, Apr 2025
Sub-National Culture and Competitive Behavior: AUK Faculty Speaker Explores How Geography Shapes Business Strategy
As part of the spring 2025 Faculty Speaker Series, AUK welcomed Mr. Muhammad Deabas, Instructor of Economics in the College of Business and Economics, to present his ongoing research, titled, “Does Sub-National Culture Affect Product-Market Competition? Evidence from Fast-Clock Speed Industries.”
Mr. Deabas’s presentation explored how differences in institutional and cultural environments—specifically at the sub-national level—influence firm competitive behavior and performance. Drawing on data from global and non-global cities, the research highlights the role of geography and local norms in shaping how businesses compete, particularly in fast-paced industries.
Mr. Deabas examined how firms headquartered in global cities—such as New York, London, Tokyo, and Paris—demonstrate greater competitive aggressiveness compared to firms in non-global cities. These cities, defined by their access to advanced services in law, finance, and technology, often operate as distinct institutional environments that are “disembedded” from national norms.
The research findings show that firms in global cities are more aggressively competitive and that local cultural norms further enhance the relationship between competition and firm performance. This contributes to the growing body of literature on institutional heterogeneity, offering new insights into how local environments shape strategic decision-making in global business contexts.
The session concluded with an engaging Q&A segment, where attendees discussed the implications of the research for international business strategy and economic development.
The AUK Faculty Speaker Series provides a platform for faculty to share their research with students, colleagues, and the wider community. Through these scholarly exchanges, the university fosters critical dialogue and contributes to the advancement of academic knowledge in Kuwait and beyond.
Mr. Deabas’s presentation explored how differences in institutional and cultural environments—specifically at the sub-national level—influence firm competitive behavior and performance. Drawing on data from global and non-global cities, the research highlights the role of geography and local norms in shaping how businesses compete, particularly in fast-paced industries.
Mr. Deabas examined how firms headquartered in global cities—such as New York, London, Tokyo, and Paris—demonstrate greater competitive aggressiveness compared to firms in non-global cities. These cities, defined by their access to advanced services in law, finance, and technology, often operate as distinct institutional environments that are “disembedded” from national norms.
The research findings show that firms in global cities are more aggressively competitive and that local cultural norms further enhance the relationship between competition and firm performance. This contributes to the growing body of literature on institutional heterogeneity, offering new insights into how local environments shape strategic decision-making in global business contexts.
The session concluded with an engaging Q&A segment, where attendees discussed the implications of the research for international business strategy and economic development.
The AUK Faculty Speaker Series provides a platform for faculty to share their research with students, colleagues, and the wider community. Through these scholarly exchanges, the university fosters critical dialogue and contributes to the advancement of academic knowledge in Kuwait and beyond.
Group photo of the speaker and attendees
Muhammad Deabas during his talk
27, Apr 2025
AUK Library Open House explores artificial intelligence
The AUK Library hosted its annual Open House for all members of the university community, with this year’s theme focused on artificial intelligence. This latest edition of the open house showcased a diverse array of library specialties, student clubs, and external community partners, all dedicated to deepening visitors’ engagement with and understanding of AI. These efforts spanned displays of the latest AI industry applications and fun challenges around the role of AI in creative or academic settings.
The AUK community actively engaged in thought-provoking puzzles designed to test knowledge and spark conversations about AI use. Students from the Lambda Pi Eta (LPE) National Communication Honor Society explored the influence of AI in media at their designated booth, while members of the library teams ran an AI-themed photography booth and other activities focused on AI facts, AI capabilities, and AI literacy. AI-powered artworks by GDES students were placed on display during the event.
The open house also welcomed external community partners including representatives of Naseej and Virtus who showcased digital solutions that bring students greater access to educational resources and publications. Additionally, a team from Zena Technology were present to demonstrate AI-assisted virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications that can make powerful contributions to sectors like manufacturing and even healthcare.
The library team also introduced new tailored resources such as AI tool recommendations, research guides, and tailored reading lists aimed at supporting and enhancing the academic journey for scholars and students alike. Community members were also informed about the many avenues to access and make the most of the library’s collections as well as their support services.
By empowering individuals with the tools, information, and inspiration needed to navigate the ever-changing, uncertain artificial intelligence landscape, the AUK library exemplifies the transformative potential of education in building a more human-centered, tech-savvy future for generations to come.
The AUK community actively engaged in thought-provoking puzzles designed to test knowledge and spark conversations about AI use. Students from the Lambda Pi Eta (LPE) National Communication Honor Society explored the influence of AI in media at their designated booth, while members of the library teams ran an AI-themed photography booth and other activities focused on AI facts, AI capabilities, and AI literacy. AI-powered artworks by GDES students were placed on display during the event.
The open house also welcomed external community partners including representatives of Naseej and Virtus who showcased digital solutions that bring students greater access to educational resources and publications. Additionally, a team from Zena Technology were present to demonstrate AI-assisted virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications that can make powerful contributions to sectors like manufacturing and even healthcare.
The library team also introduced new tailored resources such as AI tool recommendations, research guides, and tailored reading lists aimed at supporting and enhancing the academic journey for scholars and students alike. Community members were also informed about the many avenues to access and make the most of the library’s collections as well as their support services.
By empowering individuals with the tools, information, and inspiration needed to navigate the ever-changing, uncertain artificial intelligence landscape, the AUK library exemplifies the transformative potential of education in building a more human-centered, tech-savvy future for generations to come.
General photos of the event
17, Apr 2025
AUK Welcomes Dartmouth Students: Building Global Bridges Through Internships
AUK continues to set the standard for global education and cross-cultural engagement, proudly welcoming students and interns from international prestigious institutions. This spring, AUK is excited to host two outstanding interns from Dartmouth College: Brennan Welsh and Sheima Ben-Abdallah.
Brennan Welsh, a Middle Eastern Studies major with a minor in English, chose to gain a valuable and immersive experience working in academia within the Gulf region through his internship with the General Education Department and the Office of International Student Programs. His goal is to gain a better understanding of the similarities and differences between Kuwait, the US, and other areas of the Middle East, as well as gain career experience. He is also looking forward to diving into Kuwait’s culinary scene, vibrant shopping hubs, and historic landmarks.
Sheima, majoring in Government and Middle Eastern Studies, was inspired to join the AUK community by the enthusiastic praise of past Dartmouth interns who described the campus as an instant home. Drawn to AUK’s dynamic approach to outreach and community relations, Sheima is interning with the International Relations Department and the Office of International Student Programs. She is eager to explore Gulf politics, Kuwait’s role on the global stage, and the country’s rich cultural institutions—from art galleries to museums.
These remarkable interns bring fresh perspectives, academic passion, and a deep curiosity for cultural exchange. Their contributions enrich the AUK experience not just for themselves, but for the entire campus community. By continuing to host exceptional international interns, AUK proudly reaffirms its mission to foster global connections and prepare students to thrive as engaged, thoughtful world citizens.
Brennan Welsh, a Middle Eastern Studies major with a minor in English, chose to gain a valuable and immersive experience working in academia within the Gulf region through his internship with the General Education Department and the Office of International Student Programs. His goal is to gain a better understanding of the similarities and differences between Kuwait, the US, and other areas of the Middle East, as well as gain career experience. He is also looking forward to diving into Kuwait’s culinary scene, vibrant shopping hubs, and historic landmarks.
Sheima, majoring in Government and Middle Eastern Studies, was inspired to join the AUK community by the enthusiastic praise of past Dartmouth interns who described the campus as an instant home. Drawn to AUK’s dynamic approach to outreach and community relations, Sheima is interning with the International Relations Department and the Office of International Student Programs. She is eager to explore Gulf politics, Kuwait’s role on the global stage, and the country’s rich cultural institutions—from art galleries to museums.
These remarkable interns bring fresh perspectives, academic passion, and a deep curiosity for cultural exchange. Their contributions enrich the AUK experience not just for themselves, but for the entire campus community. By continuing to host exceptional international interns, AUK proudly reaffirms its mission to foster global connections and prepare students to thrive as engaged, thoughtful world citizens.
Dartmouth interns, Brennan Welsh and Sheima Ben-Abdallah at AUK
14, Apr 2025
AUK Faculty Research Receives International Acclaim with Two Prestigious Honors
AUK is proud to announce that a research paper authored by Dr. Rita W. El-Haddad, associate professor of graphic design and Dr. Stavros P. Hadjisolomou, associate professor of psychology has been recognized with two distinguished accolades, marking a major milestone for the university's academic contributions on a global scale.
The research explored how individuals across different cultures respond emotionally to distant yet threatening global events. The Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24 2022, created a unique opportunity to examine this question through empirical research. AUK's contribution showcases the importance of incorporating diverse regional perspectives in understanding global psychological phenomena. This research emphasizes the importance of considering cultural and individual differences in psychological resilience, while offering evidence-based insights for crisis intervention strategies in an increasingly interconnected world.
The paper has received the International Best Paper Award from the International Society for the Science of Existential Psychology (ISSEP), a recognition that highlights the innovative and impactful nature of the research within the global academic community.
In addition to this honor, the paper has also garnered significant attention from Nature Communications, one of the world’s leading scientific journals. It has been ranked as the 8th most downloaded article in the Social Science and Human Behaviour category for 2024, with an impressive 14,877 downloads. As a result, the paper has been featured in a special curated collection of top-performing research and will benefit from extended promotion across Nature’s social media platforms in the coming weeks.
Nature Communications has also awarded the publication an official digital badge, which can be used in academic presentations, email communications, and social media posts to further highlight this exceptional achievement.
This dual recognition not only reflects the dedication and scholarly excellence of AUK’s faculty but also reinforces the international standing of the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the College of Arts and Sciences, and AUK as a whole.
The research explored how individuals across different cultures respond emotionally to distant yet threatening global events. The Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24 2022, created a unique opportunity to examine this question through empirical research. AUK's contribution showcases the importance of incorporating diverse regional perspectives in understanding global psychological phenomena. This research emphasizes the importance of considering cultural and individual differences in psychological resilience, while offering evidence-based insights for crisis intervention strategies in an increasingly interconnected world.
The paper has received the International Best Paper Award from the International Society for the Science of Existential Psychology (ISSEP), a recognition that highlights the innovative and impactful nature of the research within the global academic community.
In addition to this honor, the paper has also garnered significant attention from Nature Communications, one of the world’s leading scientific journals. It has been ranked as the 8th most downloaded article in the Social Science and Human Behaviour category for 2024, with an impressive 14,877 downloads. As a result, the paper has been featured in a special curated collection of top-performing research and will benefit from extended promotion across Nature’s social media platforms in the coming weeks.
Nature Communications has also awarded the publication an official digital badge, which can be used in academic presentations, email communications, and social media posts to further highlight this exceptional achievement.
This dual recognition not only reflects the dedication and scholarly excellence of AUK’s faculty but also reinforces the international standing of the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the College of Arts and Sciences, and AUK as a whole.
The official digital badge awarded by Nature Communications
14, Apr 2025
Dartmouth Fellowship Granted to AUK Faculty Ali Bostani
Upon the recommendation of the Committee on Research and Grants (CRG) at Dartmouth College, the Dartmouth Fellowship has been granted to Dr. Ali Bostani, associate professor of electrical engineering, at the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS) at the American University of Kuwait (AUK).
Dr. Bostani will be working alongside Dr. Timothy Pierson and Professor David Kotz on a cutting-edge research initiative titled Enhancing Harmonic Radar Technology for Smart-Home Security Through Reconfigurable Antennas and AI Integration. The collaborative project aims to advance smart-home security systems by improving detection range, classification accuracy, and environmental adaptability. This will be achieved through the integration of innovative antenna designs with artificial intelligence technologies—positioning the research at the intersection of engineering, data science, and everyday applications in modern home environments.
AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, expressed her pride in the faculty’s global standing, “Our annual Dartmouth-AUK Fellowship highlights the strength of our faculty research initiatives. The synergy that underscores this relationship with our partner institution unleashes an essential university dynamic—namely, creativity through collaboration. We are proud of our faculty and always wish them the very best.”
The fellowship program will run for 8 weeks in the summer of 2025, from June to August. Commenting on the significance of this collaboration, Dr. Bostani stated, “It is a great honor to be awarded the Dartmouth-AUK Fellowship and to have the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Timothy Pierson and Professor David Kotz. This fellowship marks an exciting milestone in my research journey, allowing me to explore the intersection of reconfigurable antenna design and artificial intelligence to advance harmonic radar systems. Our goal is to significantly enhance smart-home security by improving the accuracy, adaptability, and range of device detection—even in challenging scenarios where devices attempt to remain hidden. I am proud to represent the American University of Kuwait in this impactful international collaboration that addresses critical challenges in cybersecurity and the evolving Internet of Things landscape.”
The Dartmouth Fellowship empowers AUK recipients to produce impactful research, offering a distinctive avenue for professional growth within the University's scholarly network. Dartmouth and AUK have leveraged their partnership over twenty years, engaging in collaborative research, joint initiatives, and resource sharing, fostering strong connections among students and faculty from diverse backgrounds.
Dr. Bostani will be working alongside Dr. Timothy Pierson and Professor David Kotz on a cutting-edge research initiative titled Enhancing Harmonic Radar Technology for Smart-Home Security Through Reconfigurable Antennas and AI Integration. The collaborative project aims to advance smart-home security systems by improving detection range, classification accuracy, and environmental adaptability. This will be achieved through the integration of innovative antenna designs with artificial intelligence technologies—positioning the research at the intersection of engineering, data science, and everyday applications in modern home environments.
AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, expressed her pride in the faculty’s global standing, “Our annual Dartmouth-AUK Fellowship highlights the strength of our faculty research initiatives. The synergy that underscores this relationship with our partner institution unleashes an essential university dynamic—namely, creativity through collaboration. We are proud of our faculty and always wish them the very best.”
The fellowship program will run for 8 weeks in the summer of 2025, from June to August. Commenting on the significance of this collaboration, Dr. Bostani stated, “It is a great honor to be awarded the Dartmouth-AUK Fellowship and to have the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Timothy Pierson and Professor David Kotz. This fellowship marks an exciting milestone in my research journey, allowing me to explore the intersection of reconfigurable antenna design and artificial intelligence to advance harmonic radar systems. Our goal is to significantly enhance smart-home security by improving the accuracy, adaptability, and range of device detection—even in challenging scenarios where devices attempt to remain hidden. I am proud to represent the American University of Kuwait in this impactful international collaboration that addresses critical challenges in cybersecurity and the evolving Internet of Things landscape.”
The Dartmouth Fellowship empowers AUK recipients to produce impactful research, offering a distinctive avenue for professional growth within the University's scholarly network. Dartmouth and AUK have leveraged their partnership over twenty years, engaging in collaborative research, joint initiatives, and resource sharing, fostering strong connections among students and faculty from diverse backgrounds.
Dr. Ali Bostani, associate professor of electrical engineering at AUK
