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

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16, Nov 2023
Unveiling Blockchain: AUK ORG’s Informative Lecture with Dr. Satya Gupta
The Office of Research and Grants (ORG) at AUK hosted an informative and thought-provoking lecture titled, "Introduction to Blockchain.” Dr. Satya Gupta, a renowned international expert with 42 years of experience in NGN technologies, regulation, interconnection, and broadband, served as the keynote speaker. 

Dr. Iyad Abu Doush, ORG director, introduced Dr. Gupta. With a notable role as the founding Chair of Blockchain for Productivity Forum, Dr. Gupta is deeply involved with various government departments and regulatory bodies. He has earned recognition as one of the top 50 blockchain influencers in India by the community.

Dr. Gupta explained that blockchain is a decentralized digital infrastructure where a distributed ledger is maintained by a network of computers or nodes, ensuring transparency and reducing the risk of data manipulation. He discussed how blockchain is highly compatible with the Internet of Things (IoT) domain, offering immutable records of machine interactions and transactions. Its automated and encrypted nature addresses security and scalability challenges in IoT ecosystems.

He also highlighted that the push for a unified global blockchain infrastructure aims for scalability and standardization. Innovations like alternative consensus mechanisms, new generation blockchains, smart contracts, NFTs, code certification, and interoperability initiatives like the Blockchain Interoperability Alliance are shaping the future, enabling real-time data analysis, fraud prevention, and secure cross-blockchain transactions.
 
The lecture concluded with an engaging Q&A session. 
  
  
  

Dr. Satya Gupta
   

Group photo
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Unveiling Blockchain: AUK ORG’s Informative Lecture with Dr. Satya Gupta
14, Nov 2023
AUK Introduces Cutting-Edge Greenhouse with Innovative Tower Farming Technology
AUK unveiled its innovative greenhouse, a cutting-edge facility strategically crafted to harness the potential of tower farming. This state-of-the-art establishment aims to proactively tackle the rising pressure on food production and overcome the constraints of limited urban space.  
 
AUK partnered with Tower Garden USA, offering tower farming technology with aeroponics, vertical design, LED lighting, and efficient water and nutrient management. Tower farming emerges as a space-efficient, high-yield solution.  
 
By growing plants vertically, tower farms can produce large amounts of fresh produce in a compact space, while consuming less water and energy than conventional farming methods. These towers rely on aeroponic technology, meaning this agriculture method can be 100% soilless. 
 
The greenhouse, covering an area of 80 square meters, comprises three primary sections: the seeding area; tower farm planting and harvesting area; and water pump and nutrient area. It houses a total of 20 towers, including 15 Standard towers with 13 pots, 5 micro towers with 25 pots, and a variety of plants like arugula, lettuce mix, cinnamon basil, parsley, cilantro, and cherry tomato, totaling 1760 plants. 
 
AUK's pioneering greenhouse and tower farming strategy promises to spearhead a profound transformation in urban agriculture. This innovative approach provides a sustainable, space-efficient, and exceptionally productive solution to address the rising demands of future food production. The University's unwavering dedication to sustainable agriculture solidifies its leadership role in this evolving landscape, shaping a future where the cultivation of fresh, nutritious produce is not only efficient but also sustainable. 
 
  
 

General photo of the greenhouse
  

A staff member planting seeds
  

Students visiting the greenhouse
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AUK Introduces Cutting-Edge Greenhouse with Innovative Tower Farming Technology
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07, Nov 2023
AUK students participate in first-of-its kind “50 Women in Cybersecurity” skilling initiative
AUK female students participated in the “50 Women in Cybersecurity” skilling initiative, a groundbreaking program aimed at fostering cybersecurity expertise and empowering local female talents in the field. Created by Mercedes Vazquez, and organized by ESK Holding, the program was held in the AUK Theater. 

Under the patronage of the U.S. Department of State, facilitated through the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait, this skilling initiative represented a holistic and multilayered approach to tackling the ever-evolving challenges of the digital world. Cybersecurity experts exclusively flew in under the sponsorship of the US Embassy to equip participants with the skills needed to enhance cyber resilience. Students had an exclusive chance to explore cybersecurity in-depth, gain insights into various technologies, real-world threats, and cybersecurity techniques used in the U.S.

Among the 50 selected applicants, 16 were AUK students who successfully earned the prestigious certification, signifying their impressive completion of the comprehensive training program. These exceptional students included: Wadha AlAdwani, Dhai Saud AlSaho, Raghad AlSaqran, Kinda Tolba, Dana Alnobani, Mariam Shehadeh, Reem A Qasem, Samar Sayed Zaki Abouzeid, Rawan Saeed Abosedo, Reem Mohammed EL-Sabaa, Shaha Salem Al-Shammari, Farah Khalil, Assil Assaf, Zainab Noorain, Tala Bin Hussain, Alaroob AlHubail. 

Reflecting on the importance of an event of such magnitude, Dr. Mohammed El-Abd, the interim dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS), stated, “CEAS has nominated 16 bright student females to participate in the ‘50 Women in Cybersecurity’ event hosted at AUK. Their dedication, hard work, and exemplary skills were on full display as they have represented AUK with great distinction. One team, consisting of AUK students, won the NBK challenge award by providing an innovative solution to facilitate QR payments. By hosting this event, AUK remains committed to supporting and promoting excellence in all fields, and we look forward to continuing to nurture and celebrate talent within our community.”

AUK is committed to continuing its support for distinguished cybersecurity programs and endeavors that empower local female talents in this vital field. The University believes that gender diversity is an essential asset in the ongoing fight against cyber threats, and this initiative is just one of AUK’s many steps towards a more inclusive and secure digital landscape.
 
  
  

Group photo of participants
AUK students participate in first-of-its kind “50 Women in Cybersecurity” skilling initiative
07, Nov 2023
AUK Supports Women's Entrepreneurship Week 2023 with Montclair University
AUK recently hosted Women's Entrepreneurship Week 2023 in collaboration with Montclair State University's Feliciano Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. This event aimed to spotlight the remarkable achievements and potential of women in entrepreneurship and leadership, reflecting AUK's strong commitment to empowering women in the field.  

The central theme of the event revolved around "Women in Male Dominated Industries," a topic of profound importance for advancing gender equality. This theme also aligns with UN Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) and supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG), which is focused on achieving gender equality. 

Dr. Salime Smadi, professor of organizational behavior, extended a warm welcome to the audience, after which, Dr. Sarah Al Shamali, assistant professor of marketing, initiated the discussion. The panelists included Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Duaij, co-founder and managing partner of HD Consulting; Ms. Taiba Al-Humaidhi, founder of Lei Wa Lakom and Ethos Studios; Ms. Sarah AlSayegh, an architect and entrepreneur who currently holds a position in Dar AlSayegh Engineering Consultancy; and Ms. Haya AlBassam, assistant general manager at Commercial Bank of Kuwait and co-founder and managing partner of Peak Fitness.  
 
Throughout the discussion, each panelist delivered insightful perspectives and shared their industry expertise. A range of pivotal subjects were explored, including the definition of male-dominated industries, the formidable challenges faced by women, the invaluable contributions of diverse teams, and the imperative societal shifts required to foster inclusivity.  

Of equal importance, successful initiatives and strategies aimed at promoting gender diversity were deliberated, along with the indispensable roles played by educational institutions and the corporate sector in supporting women's careers within traditionally male-dominated fields. 
The event concluded with a dynamic Q&A session, allowing students to engage in meaningful discussions with the panelists.   

 These events not only align profoundly with AUK's core principles but also stand as a testament to the University's unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality and nurturing the ambitions of women in the field of entrepreneurship. 
  
  
   

Group photo of speakers with CBE dean and faculty
AUK Supports Women's Entrepreneurship Week 2023 with Montclair University
06, Nov 2023
AUK Joins MEBAS Alliance: Supporting Sustainable Entrepreneurship
Assistant dean, Dr. Shihanah Al Mutairi, from the College of Business and Economics (CBE) at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) served as a representative at the 6th International Conference, ‘Entrepreneurship for Sustainability and Impact’ (ESI), hosted by Qatar University. She signed the bylaws at the introduction of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Business Schools Alliance for Sustainability (MEBAS).  

This significant alliance, dedicated to mitigating the impact of climate change, promoting environmental conservation, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations, marks a pivotal step in uniting business schools across the MENA region. The collaboration aims to facilitate the exchange of best practices, innovative ideas, and groundbreaking research, ensuring that member institutions remain at the forefront of sustainability education. 

CBE joins in partnership with 14 AACSB-accredited business schools from the MENA region to take a proactive stance to address the pressing challenges of environmental conservation and sustainability. CBE’s participation in this alliance underscores its commitment to fostering regional cooperation and driving sustainable practices in the wider business community.
 
Dr. Al Mutairi believes that CBE’s mission-driven focus will attach meaning to the needs of students and the environment they will inhabit and enrich. “Through MEBAS, our faculty as thought leaders will offer guidance that aligns to the Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME).  MEBAS allows us to present a unified voice in support of policies targeting the degradation of the environment because of entrepreneurial activity,” she stated.  

CBE is unwaveringly committed to PRME since 2018 and joined the alliance to advance faculty-student interaction in and out of the classroom, leveraging different levels of impact practices in preparing learners to be productive and socially responsible engaged citizens.
 
 
 

Dr. Shihanah Al Mutairi among university representatives
AUK Joins MEBAS Alliance: Supporting Sustainable Entrepreneurship
06, Nov 2023
AUK Pioneers as Host of IEEEXtreme 17.0 Competition
AUK hosted the IEEEXtreme 17.0 competition this year, achieving a significant milestone as the only university in Kuwait to undertake this prestigious event.  
 
IEEEXtreme is a global programming competition that challenges young minds to solve complex problems under tight time constraints. It attracts participants from around the world, encouraging teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation.  
 
Throughout the 24-hour marathon, three teams representing AUK and Kuwait Technical College (Ktech) showcased their exceptional coding abilities. The AUK team, Golden Camel, finished first in Kuwait. The members of the winning team were Anas Dahshan, Alexandre Meulien, and Adnan Kazi. 
 
This event not only provided an opportunity for participants to test their coding prowess but also served as a platform for networking and knowledge exchange among students, faculty, and professionals. The competition highlights AUK's commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence. 
 
AUK holds a deep sense of pride in its role as a contributor to the global community of young innovators. The University’s unwavering commitment lies in the cultivation of its students' talents and aspirations, persistently offering them opportunities to excel, not only on a national platform but also on the international stage. 
 
 
IEEEXtreme participants
 

AUK Pioneers as Host of IEEEXtreme 17.0 Competition
25, Oct 2023
AUK's Faculty Speaker Series: Featuring Insights from Renowned Experts
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) hosted the ninth talk of the Faculty Speaker Series (FSS), an instrumental platform for students, faculty, and the community to engage with leading experts and scholars on various subjects.  

The ninth presentation, titled “Japanese-Style Capitalism and Corporate Governance,” was hosted online. It featured Dr. Itami Hiroyuki, a distinguished scholar affiliated with the International University of Japan, as the presenter. 

Dr. Hiroyuki's lecture provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to gain insights into the dynamic interplay between capital and people in the corporate world, fostering a deeper understanding of the Japanese model and its potential implications for global business practices. He delved into the pivotal role of individuals in achieving corporate success, with a particular focus on the Japanese perspective on corporate governance. 

AUK is committed to fostering intellectual curiosity and promoting a culture of knowledge sharing. The Faculty Speaker Series continues to be a testament to this commitment, offering a diverse range of perspectives and insights to the campus community and beyond. 
 
  
   

Dr. Itami Hiroyuki
AUK's Faculty Speaker Series: Featuring Insights from Renowned Experts
23, Oct 2023
AUK Department of Art and Graphic Design Showcases Student Paintings in Two Exhibitions
The Art and Graphic Design Department at AUK recently hosted two remarkable student painting exhibitions, curated by the Department’s chair, associate professor of studio arts/ graphic design, William Andersen.  

One of the key themes prevalent in the exhibitions was "homage." Students selected historical artwork of their choice and then reimagined it to reflect their individuality, distinct from the original artist's vision. 

The exhibitions featured artwork primarily utilizing painting as the core medium, with some pieces creatively integrating collage, assemblage, and digital media. Notably, one student, Suad Albahar, explored the idea of blending painting with augmented reality, while another student, Mariam Fahim, pushed the boundaries by constructing a robot capable of creating paintings, both marking pioneering milestones within any ART course at AUK. 

Reflecting on the importance of these exhibitions, Professor Andersen stated, "Exhibitions of this nature serve as significant platforms for showcasing the exceptional dedication and remarkable talent of our students. The exhibitions were carefully curated to spotlight the most compelling artworks that vividly conveyed our students' creative, expressive, political, and aesthetic perspectives. I take immense pride in our students' achievements, and it is a privilege to share their creativity with a broader audience." 

Students exhibiting their artwork included Farah Abdullah, Abdullateif Ahmad, Ritaj Al-Anezi, Zaina Al-Enezi, Al-Qairawan Al-Foudari, Lama Al-Jalal, Rawabi Al-Khamees, Manar Al-Mesri, Haya Al-Qanae, Ghadeer Al-Qattan, Rahaf Al-Saqran, Munirah Al-Zayady, Danah Al-Zayed, Sabika Albahar, Suad Albahar, Jenan AlFelli, Deemah Aljasem, Latifah AlMeshel, AlMaha AlMutairi, Fajer Al Sabah, Aisha Al Saif, Maysa Awad, Lujain ElRuz, Rana Fahad, Mariam Fahim, Amal Ghannam, Layal Gharib, Yasmin Hdaib, Juwana Mahjay, Mariam Mahmoud, Aysha Meshal, Nastaran Mohammade, Mariam Nusseibeh, Jenna Qassem, Sarah Raza, and Fatma Mulla Yousef. Contributing to the success of the exhibition were Amal Ghannam, Deemah Aljasem, and Yousef Abdullah.  

AUK continually encourages and empowers its students to pioneer a myriad of innovative forms of artistic expression. This dedication to the arts reflects AUK's unwavering commitment to promoting creative excellence and artistic exploration. 
  
   
  

 
Click on the Image to view the Photo Gallery
AUK Department of Art and Graphic Design Showcases Student Paintings in Two Exhibitions
23, Oct 2023
Dr. Iyad Abu Doush Speaks at M-Enabling Conference: A Transformative Experience in Accessibility and AI
AUK Office of Research and Grants (ORG) director, Dr. Iyad Abu Doush, recently attended and presented at the M-Enabling Conference, an event hosted annually by the Global Initiative for Inclusive Information and Communication Technologies (G3ict). The conference, which took place in Washington, DC, served as an enlightening and enriching platform to champion accessible technologies and environments for individuals with disabilities and older demographics.

The M-Enabling Summit, now in its distinguished position as the preeminent international conference and exhibition, is dedicated to advancing the world of technological advancements that empower individuals with disabilities and older populations to engage with digital content and services in innovative and inclusive ways.

Dr. Abu Doush delivered a thought-provoking presentation titled, "Leveraging AI Tools for Accessibility in Product Development." His presentation emphasized the transformative potential of AI, such as Chat GPT and Co-pilot, in facilitating the development of accessible codes for products catering to individuals with disabilities. The conference served as a platform to explore recent advancements in technology, including human-centered AI, AI-generated images, smart cities designed for inclusivity, and AI-powered inclusion solutions.

He also connected with experts in the field of accessibility, engaging in discussions on potential collaborations. Dr. Abu Doush attended the Mobile Accessibility Workshop, which delved into strategies for integrating accessibility into mobile development for both iOS and Android platforms.

The knowledge gained during the conference promises to have a significant impact on Dr. Abu Doush's teaching in various computer science courses. The courses he teaches, such as Data Structures and Algorithms, Analysis of Algorithms, Mobile Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Intelligent Systems, and Capstone Project are all poised to benefit from the insights and innovations he brought back from the M-Enabling Conference.

Dr. Abu Doush’s experience will have a profound impact on the future of his research and teaching at AUK, thereby directly influencing the lives of numerous individuals with disabilities and older demographics. 
 
 
 

Dr. Iyad Abu Doush giving his presentation
Dr. Iyad Abu Doush Speaks at M-Enabling Conference: A Transformative Experience in Accessibility and AI
22, Oct 2023
AUK Collaborates with Al-Manakh to Champion Sustainability
The College of Business and Economics (CBE) at AUK collaborated with Al-Manakh, Kuwait’s first climate change non-governmental organization (NGO), to hold a panel discussion promoting sustainability in business. The event fostered a culture of sustainable practices among its attendees, a testament to CBE’s unwavering commitment to the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME).  

Ms. Mariam Alsaad served as a moderator representing Al-Manakh moderator and introduced the panelists: Mr. Hussain Jassim, owner of Sanity Store, Kuwait's first zero-waste store that sells sustainable products; AUK alumna Ms. Hind AlKhatrash, owner of Leap Loves Green, the first Kuwaiti company offering sustainable female products; and Ms. Ebtisam Al Haddad, GM, strategic planning department at the Commercial Bank of Kuwait.   

The discussion delved into the urgency of addressing climate change, strategies for improving energy efficiency, and the impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in business. The advantages of sustainability in business was also underscored, including resource conservation for operational efficiency, brand enhancement, business resilience, and cost reduction in debt and equity. 

Each panelist elaborated on their approach to incorporating sustainability into their organizations, inspiring students to embrace individual and collective responsibility and implement sustainable practices too. The discussion emphasized the transformative impact students can have in shaping a more sustainable future. 

AUK's dedication to fostering a culture of sustainability is not only evident in its curriculum but also in the various initiatives and discussions it promotes, all aimed at instilling environmental and social responsibility in its students and the wider community. As an advocate for sustainability, AUK continues to make significant contributions towards a more sustainable and responsible future, setting an example for educational institutions worldwide. 
  
   
  

Group photo of the panelists
 
  

Group photo of the panelists
  
  

General photo of the attendees
AUK Collaborates with Al-Manakh to Champion Sustainability
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