News
06, Mar 2023
AUK Professor Dr. Ali Bostani Awarded KFAS Grant
AUK assistant professor of electrical engineering, Dr. Ali Bostani, was awarded the Applied Research Grant as part of the National Priority Grant Program at the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS).
The winning project, titled “Advanced Cloud-Enabled Distributed Fault Diagnosis of Smart-Grids with Applications in Health Monitoring of Photovoltaic and Virtual Power Plant,” was directed by Dr. Ali Bostani, who also serves as the chair of the AUK professional development committee. Focusing on designing and developing a health monitoring system for photovoltaic (PV) farms, the outcome of Dr. Bostani’s research proposal would significantly improve the reliability of a new generation of power supply networks. The research proposal also introduces a modular solution that can be augmented with other available, or future, control systems in order to provide a fully autonomous fault-tolerant control solution.
This is the second time Dr. Bostani wins the KFAS grant since he joined AUK. Reflecting on this achievement, Dr. Bostani stated, “As a faculty member at AUK, I am honored and proud to be able to bring such a prestigious grant to our University for the second time. Our past project was accomplished successfully, and we managed to publish 3 articles out of it. I would like to thank the AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, for her letter of support, the dean of the college of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Dr. Amir Zeid, for his continuous guidance, and the director of the Office of Research and Grants, Dr. Iyad Abu Doush, for all his efforts.”
The KFAS Research Grant is a tight competition amongst researchers from different universities and institutions in Kuwait in which a few projects are awarded with the grant. The KFAS strategy is focused on funding research projects that address key national priority areas through basic, applied, and policy research. The goal is to not only expand and build a growing body of knowledge in each key area, but to also ensure the translation and adoption of research outcomes from these research grants, as a means to foster and advance social and economic growth nationally, as well as contribute to scientific advancement globally.
AUK’s distinguished faculty bring a wealth of expertise and experience to their teaching through conducting a wide range of research. Dedicated to advancing their field of study, AUK’s faculty continue to provide world-class education to the next generation of scholars.
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The winning project, titled “Advanced Cloud-Enabled Distributed Fault Diagnosis of Smart-Grids with Applications in Health Monitoring of Photovoltaic and Virtual Power Plant,” was directed by Dr. Ali Bostani, who also serves as the chair of the AUK professional development committee. Focusing on designing and developing a health monitoring system for photovoltaic (PV) farms, the outcome of Dr. Bostani’s research proposal would significantly improve the reliability of a new generation of power supply networks. The research proposal also introduces a modular solution that can be augmented with other available, or future, control systems in order to provide a fully autonomous fault-tolerant control solution.
This is the second time Dr. Bostani wins the KFAS grant since he joined AUK. Reflecting on this achievement, Dr. Bostani stated, “As a faculty member at AUK, I am honored and proud to be able to bring such a prestigious grant to our University for the second time. Our past project was accomplished successfully, and we managed to publish 3 articles out of it. I would like to thank the AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, for her letter of support, the dean of the college of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Dr. Amir Zeid, for his continuous guidance, and the director of the Office of Research and Grants, Dr. Iyad Abu Doush, for all his efforts.”
The KFAS Research Grant is a tight competition amongst researchers from different universities and institutions in Kuwait in which a few projects are awarded with the grant. The KFAS strategy is focused on funding research projects that address key national priority areas through basic, applied, and policy research. The goal is to not only expand and build a growing body of knowledge in each key area, but to also ensure the translation and adoption of research outcomes from these research grants, as a means to foster and advance social and economic growth nationally, as well as contribute to scientific advancement globally.
AUK’s distinguished faculty bring a wealth of expertise and experience to their teaching through conducting a wide range of research. Dedicated to advancing their field of study, AUK’s faculty continue to provide world-class education to the next generation of scholars.
Dr. Ali Bostani
02, Mar 2023
AUK Oral History and Documentation Project: The First of its Kind to Preserve Kuwaiti History
AUK Library has played a significant role in preserving Kuwaiti historical stories through their renowned Oral History and Documentation Project (OHDP). Sponsored by Kuwait Projects Company (KIPCO), OHDP is the first comprehensive program to actively conduct oral histories in Kuwait on a wide range of topics and themes, in order to preserve the voices, memories, and experiences of generations of Kuwaitis and non-Kuwaitis.
The aim of OHDP is to build up a large collection of oral testimonies and documentary evidence from a diverse range of people on various aspects of Kuwait's history. The importance and urgency of this project lies in the dearth of information and resources available on Kuwait’s history since the pre-oil era. The aim of the project is to develop an archive of recorded interviews that will serve as a valuable resource to the AUK community, researchers, and the general public.
Currently, the OHDP is focused on recording the life histories of those born before the 1960s. These recorded interviews explore the memories of individuals who experienced the drastic shift in Kuwaiti society with the advent of oil, as well as their experiences of major events such as the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990 and the Gulf War in 1991.
Oral history is a research methodology in which people’s accounts are collected and documented to fill in any missing information from written history in order to preserve Kuwaiti heritage. For a region where written testimonies are comparatively scarce, OHDP provides a substantial archive of oral histories that can serve to widen the field of historical research on Kuwait, particularly in the areas of economic, social, and cultural history.
University Librarian, Asma Al-Kanan, explained the origins of the project and its easy accessibility, “AUK is a pioneer in launching this project. The idea started from the AUK Center for Gulf Studies (CGS), and was later moved to the library to be officially launched in 2020 when the interviews were posted on the project's website and made available to all individuals. It is not limited to university affiliates or even Kuwait. Interested people from all over the world can benefit from it, which helps communicate the history of Kuwait to the general public and researchers who need information and historical references. What also distinguishes our project is the fact that our interviews are in both Arabic and English.”
The interviews are extensive in nature and require 3 to 4 visits for completion. Thus far, a total of 22 interviews have been published on the OHDP website, and the Library is currently working on conducting more interviews.
The project includes interviews with many prominent personalities, including engineer Sarah Akbar, who reflected upon her story as the first woman to work in the oil field; and Ms. Louloua Al-Mulla, who talked about her childhood in the 1940s and her feminist political work with the Women Cultural and Social Society in the 1980s. Former Secretary General for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, Mr. Abdullah Bishara, spoke about the discovery of oil and British presence in Kuwait; and Former Minister, Mr. Muhammad Al-Sanousi, discussed his role during the occupation and the efforts made to rebuild Kuwait after the liberation.
The oral history & documentation project team consists of the project manager, Reem Al-Ali, and the project coordinator, Abdulaziz Al-Mahmeed. Library staff members archive and classify the documents, and publish the interviews on the project’s website. The interviews are also indexed in the University Library in order for interested individuals and researchers to access them.
The University Library does not just organize and arrange content; they create it. These interviews are considered one of the primary sources for research, which helps researchers to benefit from this information.
The Library plans on expanding this project. “There are many plans that we want to implement in cooperation with parties inside and outside Kuwait, including participating in exhibitions and events. This includes collaborating with the Contemporary Art Platform so that the Kuwaiti community is introduced to this project, and the content that was documented by the narrators is reviewed. We also aim to establish activities inside the University campus, teaching students oral history as an important research method through academic curricula,” stated Al-Kanan.
AUK is keen on initiating projects that serve the country and preserve its history and heritage, so that Kuwaiti history reaches the world. It also works to support research production to contribute to the progress and development of the country.
You can benefit from these interviews by visiting the OHDP website:
https://oralhistory.auk.edu.kw/gallery
The aim of OHDP is to build up a large collection of oral testimonies and documentary evidence from a diverse range of people on various aspects of Kuwait's history. The importance and urgency of this project lies in the dearth of information and resources available on Kuwait’s history since the pre-oil era. The aim of the project is to develop an archive of recorded interviews that will serve as a valuable resource to the AUK community, researchers, and the general public.
Currently, the OHDP is focused on recording the life histories of those born before the 1960s. These recorded interviews explore the memories of individuals who experienced the drastic shift in Kuwaiti society with the advent of oil, as well as their experiences of major events such as the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990 and the Gulf War in 1991.
Oral history is a research methodology in which people’s accounts are collected and documented to fill in any missing information from written history in order to preserve Kuwaiti heritage. For a region where written testimonies are comparatively scarce, OHDP provides a substantial archive of oral histories that can serve to widen the field of historical research on Kuwait, particularly in the areas of economic, social, and cultural history.
University Librarian, Asma Al-Kanan, explained the origins of the project and its easy accessibility, “AUK is a pioneer in launching this project. The idea started from the AUK Center for Gulf Studies (CGS), and was later moved to the library to be officially launched in 2020 when the interviews were posted on the project's website and made available to all individuals. It is not limited to university affiliates or even Kuwait. Interested people from all over the world can benefit from it, which helps communicate the history of Kuwait to the general public and researchers who need information and historical references. What also distinguishes our project is the fact that our interviews are in both Arabic and English.”
The interviews are extensive in nature and require 3 to 4 visits for completion. Thus far, a total of 22 interviews have been published on the OHDP website, and the Library is currently working on conducting more interviews.
The project includes interviews with many prominent personalities, including engineer Sarah Akbar, who reflected upon her story as the first woman to work in the oil field; and Ms. Louloua Al-Mulla, who talked about her childhood in the 1940s and her feminist political work with the Women Cultural and Social Society in the 1980s. Former Secretary General for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, Mr. Abdullah Bishara, spoke about the discovery of oil and British presence in Kuwait; and Former Minister, Mr. Muhammad Al-Sanousi, discussed his role during the occupation and the efforts made to rebuild Kuwait after the liberation.
The oral history & documentation project team consists of the project manager, Reem Al-Ali, and the project coordinator, Abdulaziz Al-Mahmeed. Library staff members archive and classify the documents, and publish the interviews on the project’s website. The interviews are also indexed in the University Library in order for interested individuals and researchers to access them.
The University Library does not just organize and arrange content; they create it. These interviews are considered one of the primary sources for research, which helps researchers to benefit from this information.
The Library plans on expanding this project. “There are many plans that we want to implement in cooperation with parties inside and outside Kuwait, including participating in exhibitions and events. This includes collaborating with the Contemporary Art Platform so that the Kuwaiti community is introduced to this project, and the content that was documented by the narrators is reviewed. We also aim to establish activities inside the University campus, teaching students oral history as an important research method through academic curricula,” stated Al-Kanan.
AUK is keen on initiating projects that serve the country and preserve its history and heritage, so that Kuwaiti history reaches the world. It also works to support research production to contribute to the progress and development of the country.
You can benefit from these interviews by visiting the OHDP website:
https://oralhistory.auk.edu.kw/gallery
AUK librarian, Ms. Asma Al-Kanan
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02, Mar 2023
AUK Research Affiliate and Alumna Co-Author Book
AUK research affiliate and licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Juliet Dinkha, and AUK alumna and communications professional, Aya Abdulhadi, published a co-authored book, titled, “Navigating Social Identity: A Young Adult Story of Time.”
The book synopsis reads as follows, “This book is focused on youth and young adults. We explore aspects of how youth are socialized and how they frame and form their self-identity. Our book looks at Kuwait, a multifaceted society which is often misunderstood by the Western world as mired in a legacy of war, hard-line Islamic values and oil. However, Kuwait is a sophisticated cosmopolitan where Islamic values mesh with Western ideals on consumerism, dating, media consumption and liberal arts education. Our book is centered on the youth and young adults in a society who are modernizing Kuwait beyond its concrete and glass skyscrapers and Western luxury brands. We explore the numerous aspects of the lives of young adults from media consumption, to the effects of gender segregation in university life, to altruism, to social media habits, the effects of Western cultural imperialism on their body image to depression and coping skills, and most recently, the effects of living with a pandemic.”
Dr. Juliet Dinkha has been in the educational field for over 20 years. Her interest has always been in teaching, educating, and disseminating information to the public. Dr. Dinkha has a private practice whereby she provides psychoanalysis/psychotherapy and conducts assessments to a diverse client population both in the Middle East as well as the United States of America.
Aya Abdulhadi is a communication and media graduate from AUK. She has over a decade of expertise consulting corporate and consumer-focused brands, building their communication plans and brand strategy across the MENA region. Her experience includes working with one of the leading marketing and communications agencies, under the WPP Group.
The publication of a book of this caliber is reflective of the University’s encouraging environment that ensures every member achieves their full potential. Such a collaboration speaks to the high level of intellectual engagement that AUK fosters through its academic setting.
The book can be purchased through the following website: https://outskirtspress.com
The book synopsis reads as follows, “This book is focused on youth and young adults. We explore aspects of how youth are socialized and how they frame and form their self-identity. Our book looks at Kuwait, a multifaceted society which is often misunderstood by the Western world as mired in a legacy of war, hard-line Islamic values and oil. However, Kuwait is a sophisticated cosmopolitan where Islamic values mesh with Western ideals on consumerism, dating, media consumption and liberal arts education. Our book is centered on the youth and young adults in a society who are modernizing Kuwait beyond its concrete and glass skyscrapers and Western luxury brands. We explore the numerous aspects of the lives of young adults from media consumption, to the effects of gender segregation in university life, to altruism, to social media habits, the effects of Western cultural imperialism on their body image to depression and coping skills, and most recently, the effects of living with a pandemic.”
Dr. Juliet Dinkha has been in the educational field for over 20 years. Her interest has always been in teaching, educating, and disseminating information to the public. Dr. Dinkha has a private practice whereby she provides psychoanalysis/psychotherapy and conducts assessments to a diverse client population both in the Middle East as well as the United States of America.
Aya Abdulhadi is a communication and media graduate from AUK. She has over a decade of expertise consulting corporate and consumer-focused brands, building their communication plans and brand strategy across the MENA region. Her experience includes working with one of the leading marketing and communications agencies, under the WPP Group.
The publication of a book of this caliber is reflective of the University’s encouraging environment that ensures every member achieves their full potential. Such a collaboration speaks to the high level of intellectual engagement that AUK fosters through its academic setting.
The book can be purchased through the following website: https://outskirtspress.com
Book cover
01, Mar 2023
AUK Commemorates Kuwait’s National and Liberation Days with Activities
AUK held a weeklong celebration of Kuwait’s National and Liberation Days with various activities on campus. Organized by the Office of Student Life, Division of Student Affairs, the celebrations reinforced Kuwait’s national identity and promoted an appreciation of the country’s cultural and historical heritage.
Student clubs and organizations prepared a series of events and functions that showcased Kuwait’s cultural diversity. AUKMUN used resemblances of traditional Kuwaiti motifs and architecture to create an immersive experience that represented Kuwait’s extensive history; and the International Relations Club (IRC) set up a booth detailing Kuwaiti Women’s role in the invasion.
IRC also invited Mr. Ayman Al-Ali, an activist and former prisoner of war, to discuss the events that preluded the Iraqi invasion. Mr. Al-Ali spoke about the repercussions of Iraq and Iran's agreement to stop the war between them, and the effect that had on Iraq's relations with its neighboring countries, especially Kuwait. He detailed how the situation in Iraq after the war led to the invasion of Kuwait in 1990, and he also talked about his experience during the first day of the invasion until he was captured two days before the ground attack, which led to the liberation of Kuwait on February 26, 1991.
Commenting on the celebrations that have been taking place on campus, Omar Mehdi, director of Student Life, said, “As Kuwait's National and Liberation Day is a significant milestone in Kuwaiti history, it is crucial that our student body is able to commemorate this special day in a meaningful and appropriate way. With this in mind, there are many student-led initiatives taking place which seek to promote a sense of community and solidarity among our students. These initiatives are essential to help our student body learn about and appreciate the importance of Kuwait's National and Liberation Day, as well as promote a greater appreciation of our country and its culture.”
The campus community also enjoyed old Kuwaiti souk themed stalls and live traditional music. Students competed in tournaments and played traditional Kuwaiti games organized by Charitable. In addition, Kuwaiti themed snacks were given out by the Student Council, and the Anthropology Club set up a photobooth with a Kuwait-themed backdrop, creating a fun atmosphere on campus.
AUK ensures students deepen their understanding of Kuwait’s culture and traditions whilst also celebrating the achievements of Kuwait and its people. With the campus-wide celebrations and decorations in place, AUK continues to foster a sense of national pride and identity among students, faculty and staff.
Student clubs and organizations prepared a series of events and functions that showcased Kuwait’s cultural diversity. AUKMUN used resemblances of traditional Kuwaiti motifs and architecture to create an immersive experience that represented Kuwait’s extensive history; and the International Relations Club (IRC) set up a booth detailing Kuwaiti Women’s role in the invasion.
IRC also invited Mr. Ayman Al-Ali, an activist and former prisoner of war, to discuss the events that preluded the Iraqi invasion. Mr. Al-Ali spoke about the repercussions of Iraq and Iran's agreement to stop the war between them, and the effect that had on Iraq's relations with its neighboring countries, especially Kuwait. He detailed how the situation in Iraq after the war led to the invasion of Kuwait in 1990, and he also talked about his experience during the first day of the invasion until he was captured two days before the ground attack, which led to the liberation of Kuwait on February 26, 1991.
Commenting on the celebrations that have been taking place on campus, Omar Mehdi, director of Student Life, said, “As Kuwait's National and Liberation Day is a significant milestone in Kuwaiti history, it is crucial that our student body is able to commemorate this special day in a meaningful and appropriate way. With this in mind, there are many student-led initiatives taking place which seek to promote a sense of community and solidarity among our students. These initiatives are essential to help our student body learn about and appreciate the importance of Kuwait's National and Liberation Day, as well as promote a greater appreciation of our country and its culture.”
The campus community also enjoyed old Kuwaiti souk themed stalls and live traditional music. Students competed in tournaments and played traditional Kuwaiti games organized by Charitable. In addition, Kuwaiti themed snacks were given out by the Student Council, and the Anthropology Club set up a photobooth with a Kuwait-themed backdrop, creating a fun atmosphere on campus.
AUK ensures students deepen their understanding of Kuwait’s culture and traditions whilst also celebrating the achievements of Kuwait and its people. With the campus-wide celebrations and decorations in place, AUK continues to foster a sense of national pride and identity among students, faculty and staff.
General photos from the celebrations
Mr. Ayman Al-Ali during his talk
23, Feb 2023
AUK Department of Art and Graphic Design Hosts Talk by Illustrator Zahra Marwan
AUK Department of Art and Graphic Design hosted a talk by Zahra Marwan, an artist and illustrator who discussed her career in Kuwait and New Mexico. Moderated by associate professor of art and graphic design, Clark Stoeckley, the talk gave students the opportunity to get an insider’s perspective through being exposed to a leading designer’s artwork.
Zahra began by discussing her career path. Working as a traditional artist with watercolor and ink, she creates work that reflects her cultural roots in Kuwait and her life now in New Mexico. Zahra showed her entire process of illustrating and authoring children’s books, including reference photography, concept sketches, drafts sent to her editors, and the final layout.
During the presentation, she read her debut picture book, Where Butterflies Fill the Sky, published by Bloomsbury Books in 2022 and named one of the New York Times / New York Public Library Best Illustrated books.
Commenting on the event, professor Stoeckley highlighted the significance of such talks and why they are important to host, “Through these guest lectures, AUK Design majors are exposed to real-world successful artists, designers, and entrepreneurs to hear their stories and advice and to build awareness of the expectations of the field. Our students can interact with leading authors, designers, and illustrators, learn about their career path, research, writing, and work, and hear of the best practices to develop a unique identity.”
The event concluded with a Q&A session in which the audience asked thought-provoking questions, instigating engaging dialogue and discussion. Events as such provide students with invaluable insights into the design industry and the opportunity to learn from experts to apply key theoretical concepts to real-life experiences.
Zahra Marwan holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Mexico in Languages and Literature, with a minor in Flamenco Dance and History and a minor in Philosophy. She studied the visual arts in France works with museums, non-profits, theater companies, and cultural centers. She is honored with the UN Human Rights Commission award for creating art that brings visibility to indigenous groups and minority rights. She maintains her studio at the Harwood Art Center, where she incorporates Kuwaiti tendencies into her daily life.
Zahra began by discussing her career path. Working as a traditional artist with watercolor and ink, she creates work that reflects her cultural roots in Kuwait and her life now in New Mexico. Zahra showed her entire process of illustrating and authoring children’s books, including reference photography, concept sketches, drafts sent to her editors, and the final layout.
During the presentation, she read her debut picture book, Where Butterflies Fill the Sky, published by Bloomsbury Books in 2022 and named one of the New York Times / New York Public Library Best Illustrated books.
Commenting on the event, professor Stoeckley highlighted the significance of such talks and why they are important to host, “Through these guest lectures, AUK Design majors are exposed to real-world successful artists, designers, and entrepreneurs to hear their stories and advice and to build awareness of the expectations of the field. Our students can interact with leading authors, designers, and illustrators, learn about their career path, research, writing, and work, and hear of the best practices to develop a unique identity.”
The event concluded with a Q&A session in which the audience asked thought-provoking questions, instigating engaging dialogue and discussion. Events as such provide students with invaluable insights into the design industry and the opportunity to learn from experts to apply key theoretical concepts to real-life experiences.
Zahra Marwan holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Mexico in Languages and Literature, with a minor in Flamenco Dance and History and a minor in Philosophy. She studied the visual arts in France works with museums, non-profits, theater companies, and cultural centers. She is honored with the UN Human Rights Commission award for creating art that brings visibility to indigenous groups and minority rights. She maintains her studio at the Harwood Art Center, where she incorporates Kuwaiti tendencies into her daily life.
Zahraa Marwan during her presentation
22, Feb 2023
AUK Hosts Talk by Palestinian Culture Center
AUK hosted a talk by the Palestinian Culture Center. The talk was presented by IT engineer and researcher, Tarek Bakri, who is most famous for his project “We Were and Still Are...Here” that documents Palestine through visual storytelling.
During the talk, Bakri detailed his main mission of creating bridges that connect Palestinians of all ages from around the world with their homeland through collecting and authenticating their stories. He uses his platform to take comparative pictures and videos of prominent sites, houses, and villages.
Commenting on the successful outcome of the event, Bakri said, “Visual storytelling is a new technique and strategy that we are constantly using to convey messages about the Palestinian cause. This event really highlighted the role of youth as initiators, and I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to AUK for hosting our talk.”
Emphasizing the importance of preserving Palestinian identity and raising awareness, Bakri discussed how film and photography have a unique and powerful ability to capture emotions and convey messages in a way that can transcend language, culture, and time; making them essential tools for both artistic expression and social commentary.
The event concluded with a Q&A session in which the audience asked thought-provoking questions, instigating engaging dialogue and discussion. Through hosting events and spokespeople of this caliber, AUK continues to promote positive social change and foster community engagement around shared values and goals.
Bakri is the recipient of the 2018 Jerusalem Award for Culture and Creativity and has held several exhibitions and seminars in Palestine, the Arab World, and Europe. To learn more about Bakri’s initiative, visit his website: https://tarekbakri.com
During the talk, Bakri detailed his main mission of creating bridges that connect Palestinians of all ages from around the world with their homeland through collecting and authenticating their stories. He uses his platform to take comparative pictures and videos of prominent sites, houses, and villages.
Commenting on the successful outcome of the event, Bakri said, “Visual storytelling is a new technique and strategy that we are constantly using to convey messages about the Palestinian cause. This event really highlighted the role of youth as initiators, and I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to AUK for hosting our talk.”
Emphasizing the importance of preserving Palestinian identity and raising awareness, Bakri discussed how film and photography have a unique and powerful ability to capture emotions and convey messages in a way that can transcend language, culture, and time; making them essential tools for both artistic expression and social commentary.
The event concluded with a Q&A session in which the audience asked thought-provoking questions, instigating engaging dialogue and discussion. Through hosting events and spokespeople of this caliber, AUK continues to promote positive social change and foster community engagement around shared values and goals.
Bakri is the recipient of the 2018 Jerusalem Award for Culture and Creativity and has held several exhibitions and seminars in Palestine, the Arab World, and Europe. To learn more about Bakri’s initiative, visit his website: https://tarekbakri.com
Tarek Bakri during his presentation
General photo of the audience
21, Feb 2023
AUK Hosts 8th KALD International Annual Conference
AUK hosted the 8th Kuwait Association for Learning Differences (KALD) International Annual Conference. The conference, titled “Practical Solutions for Dyslexia,” is accredited by the British Dyslexia Association (BDA).
Through this conference, educators and specialists gained a better understanding of the problems that dyslexic learners face, including the appropriate methods and resources to help support them within the context of their learning environment.
The conference was the first of three sessions that will lead to achieving and receiving a qualification from BDA. Presenting at the conference were Lynn Lovell, BDA Head of Professional Practice; Kayleigh Chang, BDA Professional Level Tutor; and Dr. Huda Shabaan, assistant director at the AUK Counseling Center, and KALD Conference General Coordinator Development and Schools Evaluation Consultant.
The KALD conference gave all attendees the opportunity to complete the level 2 BDA accredited program, comprising of 3 days of training. Candidates can later apply for the level 5 BDA accredited program, after which they can upgrade to the BDA level 7 Diploma in Dyslexia Assessment and Intervention that will enable them to formally diagnose dyslexia, gaining an Assessment Practicing Certificate (APC).
In attendance were education professionals, specialists, and those with an interest in dyslexia and looking to attend training or build towards an accredited outcome.
Through this conference, educators and specialists gained a better understanding of the problems that dyslexic learners face, including the appropriate methods and resources to help support them within the context of their learning environment.
The conference was the first of three sessions that will lead to achieving and receiving a qualification from BDA. Presenting at the conference were Lynn Lovell, BDA Head of Professional Practice; Kayleigh Chang, BDA Professional Level Tutor; and Dr. Huda Shabaan, assistant director at the AUK Counseling Center, and KALD Conference General Coordinator Development and Schools Evaluation Consultant.
The KALD conference gave all attendees the opportunity to complete the level 2 BDA accredited program, comprising of 3 days of training. Candidates can later apply for the level 5 BDA accredited program, after which they can upgrade to the BDA level 7 Diploma in Dyslexia Assessment and Intervention that will enable them to formally diagnose dyslexia, gaining an Assessment Practicing Certificate (APC).
In attendance were education professionals, specialists, and those with an interest in dyslexia and looking to attend training or build towards an accredited outcome.
AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, with conference members
AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, with conference members
20, Feb 2023
AUK Hosts TEFL Kuwait Interdisciplinary Multidisciplinary Conference 2023
AUK hosted the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) interdisciplinary multidisciplinary conference that explored innovation, integration, and digital transformation through education.
The TEFL Kuwait International Conference brought together experts in language, education, business, and technology to discuss recent innovations, trends, challenges, and solutions to matters in language, education, business, and technology.
AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary education in her welcome speech, “Today we have come together to explore the intersections of educational frameworks and learning and teaching strategies knowing that we can work together to create a more comprehensive and effective learning experience for our students. We understand that education fails when it adopts a one-size-fits all approach. I believe that we can all agree that by considering multiple perspectives, we can provide a more well-rounded education to our students that is sufficiently agile when we are required to pivot at a moment’s notice and that is also adaptable with the changing times.”
Some of the keynote speakers that presented during the conference included Dr. William Cope, professor in the Department of Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership; Dr. Thanassis Rikakis, dean of USC Lovine and Young Academy for Arts, Technology, and the Business of Innovation; Dr. Abdullatif AlShamsi, professor of engineering and education in the Higher Colleges of Technology; Ms. Sara Hussain Akbar, Kuwaiti chemical petroleum engineer; Dr. Ebtehal AlKhateeb, assistant professor at Kuwait University in the Department of English Language and Literature; and Dr. Christine Coombe, former TESOL International president.
TEFL Kuwait promotes English language learning and teaching methodologies in Kuwait, the Gulf and the globe. With upwards of 900 members from 73 countries, the TEFL Kuwait community includes educators from Kuwait and the MENA region as well as a diverse range of global participants from a host of nations and continents from the USA to the UK, Canada, Europe, South America, Asia and Africa. Through TEFL Kuwait, educators of the English language as well as educators who teach their subjects in the English language stay abreast of the latest trends impacting education.
First Year Experience (FYE) senior instructor, and TEFL membership chair and co-founder, Ms. Sandra Stein, organized the event that exhibited a very thought-provoking and engaging atmosphere. Attendees included representatives of universities, teachers from public and private sectors, and other related organizations, such as language schools.
The TEFL Kuwait International Conference brought together experts in language, education, business, and technology to discuss recent innovations, trends, challenges, and solutions to matters in language, education, business, and technology.
AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary education in her welcome speech, “Today we have come together to explore the intersections of educational frameworks and learning and teaching strategies knowing that we can work together to create a more comprehensive and effective learning experience for our students. We understand that education fails when it adopts a one-size-fits all approach. I believe that we can all agree that by considering multiple perspectives, we can provide a more well-rounded education to our students that is sufficiently agile when we are required to pivot at a moment’s notice and that is also adaptable with the changing times.”
Some of the keynote speakers that presented during the conference included Dr. William Cope, professor in the Department of Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership; Dr. Thanassis Rikakis, dean of USC Lovine and Young Academy for Arts, Technology, and the Business of Innovation; Dr. Abdullatif AlShamsi, professor of engineering and education in the Higher Colleges of Technology; Ms. Sara Hussain Akbar, Kuwaiti chemical petroleum engineer; Dr. Ebtehal AlKhateeb, assistant professor at Kuwait University in the Department of English Language and Literature; and Dr. Christine Coombe, former TESOL International president.
TEFL Kuwait promotes English language learning and teaching methodologies in Kuwait, the Gulf and the globe. With upwards of 900 members from 73 countries, the TEFL Kuwait community includes educators from Kuwait and the MENA region as well as a diverse range of global participants from a host of nations and continents from the USA to the UK, Canada, Europe, South America, Asia and Africa. Through TEFL Kuwait, educators of the English language as well as educators who teach their subjects in the English language stay abreast of the latest trends impacting education.
First Year Experience (FYE) senior instructor, and TEFL membership chair and co-founder, Ms. Sandra Stein, organized the event that exhibited a very thought-provoking and engaging atmosphere. Attendees included representatives of universities, teachers from public and private sectors, and other related organizations, such as language schools.
Group photo of TEFL attendees
16, Feb 2023
AUK Begins Spring Semester with Orientation and Welcome Week Activities
AUK began the spring semester by welcoming new students with a comprehensive orientation to introduce them to facilities and services available on campus and activities that acclimate them to university life.
University president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, welcomed students during the orientation and detailed the ways in which students will benefit from their time at AUK, “You are now paving your own path and creating your own story. While you’re here at AUK you will have the opportunity to learn new things, acquire new knowledge, and develop new skills. You will meet new people, some of which will even become your lifelong friends. You will also have the opportunity to hone in on your own personal attributes in really, truly profound ways that will prepare you for life after university.”
Presentations by the Office of Scholarship & Financial Aid, Division of Student Affairs, and the Student Council took place. Students were then able to communicate with one another through ice breaker activities, and a commemorative group picture was taken to end the day.
During the first week of the spring semester, an array of activities were organized by the Office of Student Life, Division of Student Affairs that included sports games such as bubble football and VR games. Students also got the chance to familiarize themselves with all the clubs and organizations that they could join on campus through the involvement fair.
AUK student Lynn Pais is serving as the president of the Anthropology Club; she explained how her club advocates for diversity, “The anthropology club really encourages diversity. We want to provide a global understanding of culture and tradition through inclusive and interactive ways. We would love students to join us in having an open discussion about culture and participate in our events.”
Commenting on the orientation and activities taking place on campus, the dean of student affairs, Ms. Hala Al-Abdulrazzaq, said, “We are happy to welcome the Class of 2026 to our campus, and we are truly pleased to see our returning students during the social activities of Welcome to the Pack Week this semester. We wish the AUK Community a great semester.”
Through initiating these orientations and activities, AUK continues to foster a community of students who are tight-knit and united in their scholastic and professional goals.
University president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, welcomed students during the orientation and detailed the ways in which students will benefit from their time at AUK, “You are now paving your own path and creating your own story. While you’re here at AUK you will have the opportunity to learn new things, acquire new knowledge, and develop new skills. You will meet new people, some of which will even become your lifelong friends. You will also have the opportunity to hone in on your own personal attributes in really, truly profound ways that will prepare you for life after university.”
Presentations by the Office of Scholarship & Financial Aid, Division of Student Affairs, and the Student Council took place. Students were then able to communicate with one another through ice breaker activities, and a commemorative group picture was taken to end the day.
During the first week of the spring semester, an array of activities were organized by the Office of Student Life, Division of Student Affairs that included sports games such as bubble football and VR games. Students also got the chance to familiarize themselves with all the clubs and organizations that they could join on campus through the involvement fair.
AUK student Lynn Pais is serving as the president of the Anthropology Club; she explained how her club advocates for diversity, “The anthropology club really encourages diversity. We want to provide a global understanding of culture and tradition through inclusive and interactive ways. We would love students to join us in having an open discussion about culture and participate in our events.”
Commenting on the orientation and activities taking place on campus, the dean of student affairs, Ms. Hala Al-Abdulrazzaq, said, “We are happy to welcome the Class of 2026 to our campus, and we are truly pleased to see our returning students during the social activities of Welcome to the Pack Week this semester. We wish the AUK Community a great semester.”
Through initiating these orientations and activities, AUK continues to foster a community of students who are tight-knit and united in their scholastic and professional goals.
AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, giving her speech
Dean of student affairs, Ms. Hala Al Abdulrazzaq, giving her speech
Group photo of newly admitted students
AUK students during the tour
Students during the involvement fair
Students during the involvement fair
09, Feb 2023
AUK Students Showcase Artwork in History of Arab Design Exhibition
Graphic design students at AUK showcased their work in an exhibition that centered on the history of Arab design. The exhibition was organized by assistant professor of graphic design, Dr. Fahad Dhawi, for his Special Topics course.
The event showcased how Arabic graphic design is influenced by history, regional trends, and cultural phenomena, and to develop critical thinking and effective communication as it pertains to Arabic graphic design.
The exhibited projects encompassed Arabic calligraphy, typography, lettering, sculpture, mix media, painting, illustration and manuscript. Mashrabiya, poster, product, and furniture designs were also incorporated into the students’ work.
Commenting on the significance of this exhibition and its distinctiveness, Dr. Dhawi stated, “The course and final projects featured in the exhibition highlight the importance of visual identity and culture. There is no design course in the Gulf region that covers the work of more than 200 Arab designers, or detailed information (timelines) on the establishment and evolution of Arab art and design colleges, editorial design, poster design, cinema, typewriter, language learning, printing press, and calligraphy in pre-colonial and post-colonial eras in one semester. Therefore, this course would be one of the first in Kuwait—if not in the region—that exposes students to this content through written reflection papers, engaging lectures, collaborative class activities, and discussions.”
An engaging platform was offered for students through this exhibition to celebrate creativity, strength of communication design, power of voice and artistic expression as well as the power of art, culture, and collaboration.
The event showcased how Arabic graphic design is influenced by history, regional trends, and cultural phenomena, and to develop critical thinking and effective communication as it pertains to Arabic graphic design.
The exhibited projects encompassed Arabic calligraphy, typography, lettering, sculpture, mix media, painting, illustration and manuscript. Mashrabiya, poster, product, and furniture designs were also incorporated into the students’ work.
Commenting on the significance of this exhibition and its distinctiveness, Dr. Dhawi stated, “The course and final projects featured in the exhibition highlight the importance of visual identity and culture. There is no design course in the Gulf region that covers the work of more than 200 Arab designers, or detailed information (timelines) on the establishment and evolution of Arab art and design colleges, editorial design, poster design, cinema, typewriter, language learning, printing press, and calligraphy in pre-colonial and post-colonial eras in one semester. Therefore, this course would be one of the first in Kuwait—if not in the region—that exposes students to this content through written reflection papers, engaging lectures, collaborative class activities, and discussions.”
An engaging platform was offered for students through this exhibition to celebrate creativity, strength of communication design, power of voice and artistic expression as well as the power of art, culture, and collaboration.
Students’ projects
