News

Twelve students from the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS) at AUK have achieved remarkable success at the Kuwait National Robotics Competition (KNRC) which was supported by Ministry of Education and the Youth Public Authority.  

The students won the Best Design Award and secured third place in the VEX Robotics Tournament category. Competing against teams from 10 other universities, AUK’s students demonstrated exceptional engineering and programming skills at the event. The two teams were under the mentorship of Dr. Ali Roumani, assistant professor of computer science at CEAS.  

The KNRC is an annual event that brings together students from across Kuwait to engage in innovative robotics challenges. It serves as a platform for aspiring engineers to apply their knowledge in a hands-on, competitive environment, where they design, build, and program robots to tackle real-world challenges.  

Team members described their experience as an opportunity that strengthened their collaboration and problem-solving skills. It was both enriching and empowering, reinforcing their passion for hands-on engineering and deepening their understanding of robotics. 

Dr. Ali Roumani emphasized the significance of such competitions in complementing students' academic education with practical, real-world experiences. He stated that computing and technology competitions like KNRC play a vital role in fostering students' creativity and innovation. They enhance technical skills such as programming, design, and engineering while also strengthening problem-solving abilities. Moreover, these competitions promote teamwork, leadership, and communication skills, which are essential for professional success.  

The success of AUK’s CEAS students at KNRC highlights their technical expertise, dedication, and teamwork, reinforcing the University’s role as a leader in engineering and applied sciences education in Kuwait. 
 
AUK team 1 (3rd place team) members: 

AUK team members: 

Group photo of the two teams with their mentor at the competition
  

General photo of the students competing at KNRC
  

General photo of the students competing at KNRC

The Ambassador of India to Kuwait Dr. Adarsh Swaika visited AUK library for a ceremony marking the presentation of a generous collection of books gifted by the Embassy of India in Kuwait. The ambassador was accompanied by officials from the Indian Embassy and were welcomed by Dr. Rawda Awwad, AUK president; Dr. Ali Charara, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; and Ms. Asma Al Kanan, University Librarian.
 
The donated collection, which is currently on special display at the Library, consists of around 50 titles on Indian history, politics, economy, art and culture, intangible heritage, and philosophy. Many of the volumes feature the voices and legacies of icons such as M K Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, and Chanakya, while others such as Heritage of the Mughal World, Jaipur: The Last Destination, and India’s Wild Wonders are coffee-table, hardcover books filled with special illustrations and photographs for readers to immerse themselves in.
 
During the ceremony, Dr. Rawda Awwad thanked the Indian Embassy for their generous donation, emphasizing that the gesture was especially meaningful in that libraries act as a living repository of knowledge where students can broaden their horizons and understand themselves and the world through reading.
 
In turn, H.E. Dr. Adarsh Swaika thanked AUK for their reception of such an event, pointing out that the collection serves as an invitation to bring the young generations of both countries closer together, as students of Kuwait can reacquaint themselves with India, with whom their nation enjoys such longstanding, historical ties. Both Dr. Awwad and Dr. Swaika further noted that the event would mark the beginning of more advanced cooperation between AUK and the Indian embassy.
 
The event afforded guests the opportunity to closely browse some of the unique titles, which now find a home in the AUK library book collection, echoing the event’s goals of mutual understanding through cultural exchange. 
  
  

His Excellency Dr. Adarsh Swaika, ambassador of India to Kuwait
  

General photo of the ceremony
  

AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad presenting a token of appreciation to H.E. Ambassador Adarsh Swaika
  

Group photo of the delegates from the Embassy of India and AUK staff

Dr. Abrar Al-Jamaan, assistant professor of Mathematics at AUK has published an article on soligraphy in the Astronomy and Geophysics journal of the Royal Astronomical Society. Solarigraphy is a distinctive photographic technique that employs specially constructed pinhole cameras, often crafted from upcycled materials like tin cans or film canisters. By exposing photosensitive paper to sunlight over extended periods—sometimes months or even years—these cameras create mesmerizing images that trace the Sun's path across the sky. 

A global project has generated nearly 10,000 solarigraphs from over 100 countries, offering a worldwide perspective on the Sun's movement. This article highlights two specific locations: Kuwait and Madrid. In Kuwait, a camera was strategically mounted to incorporate the American University of Kuwait (AUK) buildings as a backdrop, while in Madrid, cameras were positioned to track the Sun's journey from winter to summer. The resulting images showcase different patterns influenced by local weather conditions: clear days produce continuous lines, whereas cloudy days result in broken, fragmented traces. This visual representation provides insight into the relationship between the Sun’s behavior and regional climate variations. 

In essence, the solarigraphy project is more than just a visual spectacle. It advances our comprehension of solar dynamics, enhances renewable energy solutions, and serves as a creative bridge between art and science, encouraging us all to explore and appreciate the wonders of our universe. 

To read Dr. Abrar’s article, click on this link.
 
 
 

Solarigraphs produced of the daily movement of the Sun from the winter solstice to the summer solstice, starting in Kuwait (left) and ending in Madrid (right)

Dr. Shihanah Al-Mutairi, Associate Professor of Marketing and PRME Coordinator for the College of Business and Economics at the American University of Kuwait, participated in the 11th PRME Chapter Middle East Regional Forum held on December 5, 2024, at Zayed University in Dubai. The forum, themed “Advancing Sustainability Literacy,” brought together educators, business leaders, NGOs, and policymakers to share and explore innovative practices in responsible business and management education.
 
Dr. AlMutairi was a speaker in the “Sustainability-focused Teaching Case Studies on the Middle East” session where she presented her teaching case study on sustainability. Her contribution showcased AUK’s efforts in advancing sustainability literacy through education, reflecting the institution’s dedication to embedding sustainability principles in academic practices. Additionally, Dr. AlMutairi was a judge for the student poster session, evaluating innovative projects demonstrating students’ application of sustainability concepts to real-world challenges.
 
AUK’s active involvement in the forum underscores its commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to promoting responsible management education. Through initiatives like integrating sustainability into its curriculum and fostering regional collaborations, AUK continues to position itself as a leader in sustainability-focused education in the Gulf region.
 
 
 

Dr. Shihanah Al-Mutairi

The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS) at AUK remains steadfast in its mission to cultivate an inspiring and innovative learning environment that nurtures a culture of lifelong learning. Central to this mission is a strong emphasis on undergraduate research, which not only deepens academic engagement but also equips students with the skills and creativity needed to tackle real-world challenges. By providing opportunities for students to showcase their work on regional, national, and international platforms, CEAS fosters the development of essential communication skills and facilitates connections with broader academic and professional networks. 

In alignment with this vision, CEAS faculty members, instructional assistants, alumni, and students actively participated in regional and international conferences during the fall semester. These conferences served as a platform to present groundbreaking capstone and class projects, reflecting the exceptional quality of research conducted within the college. 

The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences continues to prioritize undergraduate research as a cornerstone of its academic philosophy. By enabling students to participate in prominent conferences and contribute to influential publications, CEAS ensures that its graduates are well-prepared to excel in their future endeavors and make meaningful contributions to their fields. 

Highlights of Presented Research 

Published Research in Journals and Books 
 
Further showcasing the high caliber of undergraduate research at CEAS, several projects have been featured in esteemed journals and academic books: 

  
   
  

  

The Art & Graphic Design Department at AUK launched its Fall 2024 Capstone Design Exhibition which took place at the AUK Exhibition Center. The exhibition offered senior students an opportunity to display their creative work, which covered a range of themes, including social and cultural awareness, corporate identity, and entrepreneurship.   

The exhibition ran for one week and participating students were evaluated by industry experts based on their creativity and presentation, their ability to conduct and use graphic design research strategy effectively, and their ability to plan and implement a compelling graphic design display.   

The Chair of the Art & Graphic Design Department, Dr. Fahad Al-Dhawi, talked about the exhibition and the students’ accomplishments, “The students demonstrated remarkable dedication, processing feedback with precision, refining their concepts, and enhancing their design skills. We conducted extensive research, integrating branding strategies, concept mapping, and both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Their willingness to challenge themselves and push beyond their initial ideas was evident in the depth and execution of their projects.” 

Held on a biannual basis, the Capstone Design Exhibition brings together visitors from the field of graphic design, including experts from graphic design studios, publishing houses, film and video production companies, advertising, and multimedia firms.   

AUK’s Graphic Design Capstone Exhibition presents an opportunity for senior students to fully incorporate their design strengths and learning into a focused and extended process of research and visual expression.      

List of students who exhibited their capstone projects: 

 
  
 

 
 

The semester began with an energetic Orientation Week, welcoming freshmen with campus tours, icebreaker games, and essential guidance to help them acclimate to university life. Freshman Ali Al-Rashed reflected, "It made me feel at home right away." 
 
Following this, the university hosted its annual Health Week from November 3rd to November 6th, 2024, transforming the campus into a hub of wellness and activity. The event featured interactive booths by fitness experts and health institutions, offering free consultations, fitness challenges, and health resources. Anas Abdallah, AUK’s Sports Coordinator, noted, "The turnout was beyond our expectations. Seeing the AUK community come together for this initiative was truly rewarding." 
 
Sports and Teamwork: A Thrilling KIPCO University Championship 
AUK’s athletic prowess was on full display at the KIPCO University Championship (KUC), where over 200 athletes from four universities competed in volleyball and soccer tournaments. AUK secured second place in multiple categories, highlighting the students' teamwork and resilience. Salah Abdel Fattah shared, "The league was well-organized, and the sense of community stood out the most." 
 
Celebrating Talent and Creativity 
One of the semester’s most celebrated events was the Talent Show, which drew over 400 attendees. The event featured 14 outstanding performances, showcasing music, dance, poetry, and more. Guest judges, including renowned musician Yousif Yaseen, praised the participants’ creativity and dedication. Winner Hoor Abul expressed, "Winning this year’s Talent Show was a dream come true. This experience gave me confidence I never knew I had." 
 
Expanding Horizons: International Engagements 
AUK students also made their mark on the global stage. The AUK Model United Nations (AUKMUN) delegation excelled at the Georgetown Qatar MUN Conference, with Mona AlAsousi receiving an Honorable Mention. The Vienna trip, organized by the IRC, provided students with insights into global diplomacy through visits to organizations like OPEC and the United Nations. In Riyadh, the Finance Club’s "Glimpse at the Corporate World" series offered valuable exposure to the corporate landscape. 
 
Campus Events: Unity and Cultural Exchange 
Back on campus, students embraced creativity and collaboration. The Graphic Design Club’s "Grafika Market" highlighted local artistic talent, while the Finance Club’s "Play it Forward" fundraiser for Palestine and Lebanon united students for a humanitarian cause. Another standout was the "Desi with AOU" festival, a vibrant celebration of Desi culture that included music, cuisine, and traditional performances. 
 
Looking Ahead 
The Fall semester underscored AUK’s commitment to excellence, diversity, and community. Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Farhan remarked, "This semester has been an incredible journey filled with achievements and growth. I am confident that the Spring semester will be even more amazing." 
 
With exciting events such as the Guinness World Record attempt, the AUK Carnival, the inaugural Student Film Festival, and the KUC Spring tournament on the horizon, the Spring semester promises to continue the momentum, providing students with dynamic, inspiring, and unforgettable experiences. 
 
  

Sports and Teamwork: A Thrilling KIPCO University Championship
  

     
   
Celebrating Talent and Creativity
   

   
   
Expanding Horizons: International Engagements
  

  
  
Campus Events: Unity and Cultural Exchange
  

The Creative Printmaking Conference in Kuwait returned for its second year, offering an appealing exploration of printmaking as a medium for experiential and experimental artistic expression. This year’s theme, OASIS, was intentionally broad, allowing participants the freedom to envision and interpret concepts beyond the traditional boundaries of printmaking—embracing revelation, imagination, retreat, landscape extension, engagement, impressions, cultural convergence, rhythmic clutter, and the dynamic relationship between prints and cultures. 
 
Dr. Fahad Al-Dhawi, assistant professor of graphic design served as the design lead and visual identity designer for the conference; he worked alongside a talented team of students, Mohammad Al-Osaimi (intern) and design student, Areni Aghob. Together, they developed the social media posters, schedules, merchandise items of the conference, ensuring a cohesive and impactful presence across all touchpoints. In addition to branding, they also designed the official conference catalog, reflecting the essence of OASIS through thoughtful composition, materiality, and typographic expression. 
 
The Department of Art & Graphic Design hosted the first and second rounds of lectures at the AUK theater, while the main workshops were held at MOMA. Keynote speakers, artists, designers, and visionaries shared their journeys, offering fresh perspectives and critical insights into the evolving landscape of printmaking. The Department became a central hub for the intersection of thought and academic discussion on printmaking and its broader implications. Several faculty members from within the Department contributed to the lecture series, each bringing their unique perspective on the subject matter: 
 

 
These lectures not only deepened the understanding of printmaking but also brought meaningful dialog to the fore, positioning the Department and University at an interdisciplinary space for creative exploration, cultural dialog, and the continuous evolution of printmaking as a contemporary artistic practice.
 
 
 

Conference delegates at a printmaking workshop
   

Dr. Fahad Al-Dhawi speaking at the conference
  

Group photo of the conference speakers and attendees