The iconic main building of AUK, showcasing its elegant modern architecture and welcoming entryway.

News

17, Apr 2024
Dartmouth Fellowship Granted to AUK Faculty Belal Gharaibeh
Upon the recommendation of the Committee on Research and Grants (CRG) at Dartmouth College, the Dartmouth Fellowship has been granted to Dr. Belal Gharaibeh, associate professor of systems engineering, at the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS) at AUK.    
  
Dr. Gharaibeh will be working with Dr. Douglas W. Van Citters on a project entitled “A Comprehensive Study of Radiation Effects on 3D Printed Polymers,” which explores the mechanical and chemical alterations of materials following radiation exposure. Such research is critical for understanding how these materials, widely used in high-stakes environments such as nuclear energy, medical technology, and aerospace, behave under extreme conditions.  
  
AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, reflected on the Dartmouth Fellowship and what it entails, “In the pursuit of knowledge and innovation, the Dartmouth Fellowship serves as a beacon of collaboration and excellence. Through Dr. Belal Gharaibeh's groundbreaking research on radiation effects in 3D printed polymers, we witness the transformative power of interdisciplinary partnerships. This endeavor not only enriches the academic landscape of AUK but also propels us towards a future where scientific advancements redefine the boundaries of possibility."  
 
The fellowship program will run for 8 weeks in the summer of 2024, from June to August. Commenting on the significance of this collaboration, Dr. Gharaibeh stated, “Our collaboration with Dr. Douglas W. Van Citters at Dartmouth College is pivotal to this project. Leveraging his lab's state-of-the-art facilities and expertise ensures a comprehensive analysis of the radiation effects on polymers. This partnership not only augments the scope of our research but also enhances the educational experience for AUK interns, exposing them to cutting-edge research and diverse disciplines.”  
 
This research is anticipated to significantly advance the understanding of 3D printed materials in high-radiation environments. By filling existing knowledge gaps, the findings could lead to innovative applications across various sectors, potentially revolutionizing manufacturing methods in the nuclear industry, enhancing component design in synchrotrons, and improving the safety and efficacy of medical implants.  
 
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. Belal Gharaibeh
View More
Dartmouth Fellowship Granted to AUK Faculty Belal Gharaibeh
14, Apr 2024
AUK Faculty's KFAS Grant Promises Change in Policymaking Landscape
Dr. Ahmad Alsaber, assistant professor of management at the American University of Kuwait (AUK), and his team successfully secured a grant from KFAS for their research project titled “Assessing the relationship between air pollutants on rheumatoid arthritis activity score.” This project aims to delve into the connections between air pollution exposure and the disease activity score (DAS28) among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in Kuwait. 

Dr. Alsaber's expertise in machine learning, particularly the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) approach, will be instrumental in analyzing the data spanning from 2013 to 2023. The project also utilizes advanced statistical methods such as the vector error correction model (VECM) and multiple imputation (MI) techniques to ensure robustness in the analysis.

The research project focuses on key air pollutants including SO2, NO2, PM10, CO, and O3, studying their impact on RA patients' disease activity scores. By employing Granger causality tests, Impulse Response Functions (IRFs) analysis, cointegration tests, unit root tests, and panel VECM, Dr. Alsaber aims to establish both static and dynamic causality between air pollutant emissions and RA disease activity scores. 

This research not only contributes to advancing scientific knowledge but also holds practical implications for policymakers. The results obtained from this study will be pivotal in informing health and environmental policies in Kuwait, aiding policymakers from the Ministry of Health and the Environmental Public Authority in formulating strategies to manage RA disease activity scores effectively through interventions based on air quality indices (AQI). 

Dr. Alsaber’s project represents a significant step towards bridging the gap between environmental factors and public health outcomes in Kuwait. His research epitomizes the ethos of AUK's faculty, who not only excel in their academic pursuits but also actively contribute to the betterment of society.
 
 
 

Dr. Ahmad Alsaber
View More
AUK Faculty's KFAS Grant Promises Change in Policymaking Landscape
Showing 10 Articles of 1510
14, Apr 2024
Dr. Malek Mohammad Explores Ethics and Literature Intersection in New Book
Dr. Malek Mohammad, assistant professor of English at AUK, recently published a groundbreaking book that delves into the intersection of literature and ethics. 

The book interrogates the concepts of dignity, power and biopolitics as articulated by European philosophers Michel Foucault and Georgio Agamben and as explored in the works of non-native novelists of the English canon such as J. M. Coetzee and Kazuo Ishiguro. 

Published by Ethics Press, a respected UK-based publisher dedicated to promoting books that explore ethical concerns, this work aligns perfectly with the press's mission. Ethics Press aims to be a leading publisher in this field, with most of its publications authored by esteemed faculty and leaders from universities and organizations worldwide.

Over the past four decades, the "ethical turn" in literary studies has profoundly influenced the methods used in teaching and studying literature. Dr. Malek’s classes reflect this shift. Whether it's an introductory critical reading and writing course or an advanced English seminar, he prioritizes the integration of ethical considerations, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the learning experience.

Dr. Malek Mohammad earned his Ph.D. in English from Texas A&M University in 2010. His doctoral dissertation is titled “The Discourse of Human Dignity and Techniques of Disempowerment: Giorgio Agamben, J. M. Coetzee, and Kazuo Ishiguro.” He taught writing and literature courses in Texas (USA), and since 2012 he has been an assistant professor of English at the American University of Kuwait, where he taught Approaches to Critical Reading and Writing; Writing and Information Literacy; Public Speaking; World Literatures in Translation; World Literatures in English; and Literary Theory and Criticism. His research interests include modern Anglophone literature, ethics, human rights discourse, and the symbiosis of culture and economy. 

The book can be purchased here.  
  
  
  

Book cover
Dr. Malek Mohammad Explores Ethics and Literature Intersection in New Book
28, Mar 2024
AUK Student to Professor: Pioneers Airline Customer Research
AUK Faculty Speaker Series (FSS) recently featured Dr. Fahad Al Khashti, an esteemed AUK alumnus, as the keynote speaker. Dr. Al Khashti, now a full-time lecturer in marketing at AUK, presented his research on "Airline Customer Experiences: A Study of Touchpoints and Their Role in Shaping Purchase Intent." 

Drawing from his academic background, including a Ph.D. in Business and Management from the University of Salford in Manchester, Dr. Al Khashti delved into the intricate world of consumer behavior within the airline industry. His research focused on understanding the impact of touchpoints—critical moments of interaction between customers and companies—on customer purchase intent. 

Throughout the presentation, Dr. Al Khashti highlighted key theories such as Moments of Truth, Peak-End Theory, and the Theory of Planned Behavior, providing attendees with a comprehensive framework for analyzing customer experiences in the airline sector. 

The session concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where attendees shared their own airline experiences and posed insightful questions. Dr. Al Khashti addressed each query with detailed explanations, fostering a collaborative environment for knowledge exchange.

Dr. Al Khashti's participation in the AUK Faculty Speaker Series exemplifies the University's dedication to showcasing the expertise of its alumni. His research not only contributes to academic discourse but also offers valuable insights for industry practitioners seeking to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty within the airline industry. 
   
  
  

Dr. Fahad Al Khashti
AUK Student to Professor: Pioneers Airline Customer Research
28, Mar 2024
AUK's Humanitarian Expedition: Touching Lives in Zanzibar
AUK CharitAble Club volunteers visited Zanzibar on a humanitarian trip to collaborate with Al Sumait University staff and students on Direct Aid. Volunteers observed the work being done by the Direct Aid Foundation in Zanzibar and collaborated with Al-Sumait University students by contributing to their ongoing efforts.   

AUK Charitable Club’s main destination was Al-Sumait University and other Direct Aid projects (schools and an orphanage) in Zanzibar. The AUK team visited Direct Aid's different facilities and helped establish CharitAble's Al-Sumait chapter, making CharitAble the first AUK club to establish a chapter outside of the University. 

Commenting on the trip, Homoud Al Sabah, President of CharitAble Club said, “It is important to recognize the privilege that we have and to count our blessings. At the same time, we must also use this privilege to help those who are less privileged than us.”

During this expedition, AUK students didn't just observe impactful initiatives, they actively participated in them. Their involvement left a tangible legacy of compassion and unity, resonating with AUK's fundamental commitment to supporting communities, both locally and globally.
 
 
 

CharitAble members meeting the president of Zanzibar during the graduation ceremony at Al Sumait University
    

CharitAble member meeting counseling majors at Al-Sumait University
AUK's Humanitarian Expedition: Touching Lives in Zanzibar
28, Mar 2024
Empowering AUK Faculty: Insights into Open-Access Publishing with Taylor & Francis
The Office of Research and Grants at AUK, in partnership with Taylor and Francis, a renowned academic publisher, hosted an online training session for all faculty. The session, led by Mr. Mohamed Adel Bassim, aimed to improve understanding of open-access publishing and its advantages for authors and researchers.

The training session started with an introduction to Taylor & Francis and an overview of their journals. Participants learned how to assess published content and understand its impact on research, which is crucial for academic endeavors. The session also focused on practical aspects, such as how to find the right journal for specific research interests, use journal metrics effectively, and explore the AUK open-access membership agreement.
 
Participants were also familiarized with handy tools like the Journal Suggested Tool and Call for Paper Tool on the Author Services Platform, designed to facilitate the publishing process. Towards the end of the session, a live demonstration of Taylor & Francis Online showcased peer-reviewed journals accessible on tandfonline.com, equipping attendees with valuable insights and resources for effective open-access publishing.
 
Mr. Bassim discussed the advantages of publishing in fully open-access journals, hybrid open-access journals, or F1000’s Open Research publishing venues. He also highlighted the significance of open access and the specific open-access agreement available for authors at AUK.
 
The online session concluded with a Q&A.  
  
  
  

Screenshot of the lecture
Empowering AUK Faculty: Insights into Open-Access Publishing with Taylor & Francis
28, Mar 2024
From Pen to Paper: Fareed Abdal Shares Experience and Insight
Dr. Fahad Dhawi, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at AUK, recently facilitated a compelling lecture by the esteemed local artist and educator, Fareed Abdal. This talk was a part of Dr. Dhawi's Arabic & Islamic Calligraphy Course, known for its inclusion of distinguished guest speakers. 

Abdal stands as a pillar in the Kuwaiti artistic community, known not only for his architectural prowess but also for his dedication to advancing both the material and spiritual dimensions of the Arab world.  

His lecture explored the evolution and distinctive characteristics of both the Kufic and Maghrebi Scripts, after which an engaging workshop ensued, designed to enhance students' proficiency in these revered calligraphic styles.  

He then guided participants through the intricacies of handling the reed pen, encouraging them to employ their own bamboo, kamish, or jail pens to meticulously inscribe their names on sheets of paper. The completed works were then laid out for collective review. 

AUK prides itself on enriching its academic environment by featuring guest speakers who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to its students. These esteemed guests, often experts in their respective fields, offer unique perspectives and insights that complement the University's curriculum. 
  
  
  

Dr. Fahad Dhawi and Mr. Fareed Abdal
   

Students artworks
   

Students artworks
From Pen to Paper: Fareed Abdal Shares Experience and Insight
27, Mar 2024
AUK Celebrates Student Talent and Innovation: CEAS Hosts Inaugural Programming Contest
The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS), in partnership with the ACM Student Chapter, hosted its first programming contest. The contest brought together students from different disciplines in the college to compete in a challenging yet rewarding environment.  

Participants competed in trying to solve as many problems as they could with the 3-hour time frame. The contest drew participation from 25 students, spanning from freshmen to seniors, representing a diverse range of different majors that included computer science, computer engineering, and electrical engineering. 

CEAS dean, Dr. Mohammed EL-Abd, remarked on the resounding success of the contest, "We are immensely proud of all the participants for their hard work and dedication. Their passion and enthusiasm are a testament to the caliber of our students. We look forward to building on the success of this inaugural event and continuing to provide opportunities for students to excel and thrive in the ever-evolving world of technology."  

The programming contest was organized by a team of faculty from CEAS: Mrs. Dima Aburshaid, senior instructor; Ms. Razan AlFar, instructional assistant; and Mr. David Liang, teaching assistant.   

Commenting on the contest, Mrs. Dima Aburshaid stated, “There is a huge learning curve in these contests. Participants are required to skim through a set of several problem statements, identify which problems to tackle first, read text and deduce the requirements, devise a solution, and debug their code to finally have the correct solution.” 

The contest concluded with an award ceremony recognizing the outstanding performance of seven students. Reem Qasem won first place, followed by Moemen ElByah in second place, and Shrouq Abdulsalam in third. Special recognition was also extended to the top three experienced competitors: Yousef AlHamad, Bader Al-Otaibi, and Fahad Kalloush. A special recognition of the top novice coder was awarded to Jana Hassan. 

Contests such as these foster invaluable skills and camaraderie among students, further enriching their educational experience, while also serving as a testament to the collaborative spirit and dedication of the AUK campus community. 
  
  
   

General photos from the contest
  

General photos from the contest
​  

Students receiving awards
  

Students receiving awards
​  
AUK Celebrates Student Talent and Innovation: CEAS Hosts Inaugural Programming Contest
27, Mar 2024
AUK Hosts Risograph Workshop with Romain Danger
AUK hosted Romain Danger, founder of Warshagraph and member of the Art & Graphic Design Department advisory board, to conduct an advanced four-color risograph workshop. 

The workshop focused on leveraging software tools such as Spectrolite, Procreate, Illustrator, and Photoshop to master the art of color separation and layering for printing. Risograph printing, renowned for its distinctive aesthetic and environmentally friendly attributes, was explored in depth during the sessions. 

Participants gained hands-on experience and knowledge that will enable them to create vibrant and visually striking prints while embracing sustainable printing practices. 

The workshop concluded with a visit to Danger’s Warshagraph studio to print their final works. 
  
  
General photos of the artworks 
 

AUK Hosts Risograph Workshop with Romain Danger
27, Mar 2024
AUK's Alumna-Led Workshop Inspires Artistry
AUK hosted a Clay Relief Sculpture Workshop at the Art Hub on its campus, led by AUK alumna, Sepideh Behbehani. The workshop spanned two days and aimed to help students create relief sculptures inspired by the "Saint Helena, Empress" artwork by Desiderio da Settignano.  

During the workshop, Behbehani introduced the students to the principles and techniques of relief sculpture. She also provided historical context and examples to inspire the students. The students then worked with clay to create their interpretations of "Saint Helena, Empress," with Sepideh providing personal feedback and demonstrations to help them refine their skills.  

Throughout the workshop, the emphasis was on creativity, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. Students had the opportunity to explore their artistic style while also gaining valuable insights into the techniques used by Desiderio da Settignano.  

On the second day of the workshop, students completed their clay relief sculptures, gaining practical skills and a deeper understanding of the art form. Behbehani's guidance empowered the students to express themselves artistically and develop a greater appreciation for the complexities of relief sculpture.  

Through events like these, AUK not only provides students with valuable skills and knowledge but also cultivates a sense of community and collaboration. Behbehani's dedication to sharing her expertise underscores the bond between AUK and its alumni, highlighting the University's role in producing high-quality graduates who return to give back to their alma mater.  
  
 
 
General photos from the workshop
   

AUK's Alumna-Led Workshop Inspires Artistry
© American University of Kuwait Terms of Service Privacy Statement