News

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

AUK hosted a book launch authored by Her Excellency, Ambassador Nabeela Al-Mulla. In her groundbreaking memoir, Breaking New Ground on the Global Stage: Memoirs of Kuwait’s First Woman Ambassador (2025), Ambassador Al-Mulla recounts her remarkable journey from a young woman studying in Lebanon to a trailblazing diplomat. She pursued her passion for international relations, penning her thesis on the “de-nuclearization of the Middle East” and eventually making history as Kuwait’s first female ambassador and a pioneering figure in the Gulf region.
 
The event was organized by the AUK library in collaboration with the International Relations Department. It began with welcoming remarks from Ms. Asma Al-Kanan, director of the library, and the book talk was moderated by Dr. Shareefa Al-Adwani, associate professor of political science and chair of the International Relations Department. Drawing from key passages of the book, Dr. Al-Adwani guided the discussion, highlighting pivotal moments in Ambassador Al-Mulla’s career. Reflecting on her historic achievements, including becoming the first woman ambassador from the Gulf, the first Arab woman to head a state delegation at the United Nations, and the first Arab Chairwoman of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors, Ambassador Al-Mulla shared insights into the challenges she faced in navigating global diplomacy. She spoke candidly about the complexities of delicate negotiations, the obstacles she encountered as a woman in a male-dominated field, and the perseverance that fueled her success.
 
The event drew a diverse and engaged audience, including members of the campus community and the broader public. Many attendees participated in a lively Q&A session, seeking to gain deeper insights into Ambassador Al Mulla’s experiences and her dedication to Kuwait’s role on the global stage for over four decades.
  
  
  

H.E. Ambassador Al-Mulla during the talk
   

General photo of the book talk event

Accounting students from AUK recently had the unique opportunity to visit the Capital Markets Authority (CMA). During their visit, they were introduced to several key topics by leading experts from the CMA, enhancing their understanding of the financial markets in Kuwait.
 
The visit covered the following essential topics—regulatory framework where students gained insights into the rules and regulations governing the financial markets in Kuwait, the importance of corporate governance on its application and impact on market integrity and investor confidence, students were introduced to various investment instruments available in the Kuwaiti financial markets, and they explored the role of risk management in financial markets. 
 
This visit provided AUK accounting students with valuable knowledge and practical insights into the workings of the financial markets, preparing them for future careers in finance and accounting. The Capital Markets Authority's commitment to education and professional development was evident throughout the visit, making it a memorable and enriching experience for all participants.
 
  
 

  

Senior systems engineering students Abdulaziz Ali Reda and Shorowq Bukhamsin from the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS) at AUK showcased their groundbreaking capstone project at the prestigious 13th Industries & Construction Exhibition held in Kuwait. The innovative project, supervised by AUK visiting professor of systems engineering, Dr. Aliaa Abou-Ali, and associate professor of systems engineering, Dr. Belal Gharaibeh, is titled, "Enhancing Efficiency in the Oil and Healthcare Sectors with 3D Printed Parts and AI Design." This initiative forms part of their individual projects funded by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS).

Funded by KFAS, the primary objective of the project is to explore specific applications of 3D printing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the manufacturing sector. By focusing on the development of polymer-based mechanical components produced through advanced 3D printing and AI techniques, the project addresses critical supply chain challenges. It aims to replace consumable parts in various industrial scenarios, providing a sustainable and adaptable solution that reduces reliance on imports and mitigates logistical delays.

The students' presentation garnered significant attention from both industry professionals and academic peers. The exhibition also served as a valuable platform for the students to network with leading companies and professionals, enriching their professional development and practical knowledge through real-world engagement.

AUK takes pride in its students' dedication and their contributions to advancing technological innovation in Kuwait. AUK remains committed to supporting initiatives that foster creativity and industry collaboration, bridging the gap between academic research and practical applications in vital sectors such as construction, oil, and healthcare.
  
  

Abdulaziz Ali Reda and Shorowq Bukhamsin conducting their presentation at the exhibition
  

Abdulaziz Ali Reda and Shorowq Bukhamsin engaging with the exhibition attendees
  

Group photo of the students with their project supervisors

The College of Business and Economics (CBE) at AUK hosted a sustainable gardening workshop in the campus’ Bonsai Garden. This event, which was part of the College’s ongoing commitment to PRME, sustainability and experiential learning, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4, 12, and 15). Students and several faculty members participated in the workshop, which focused on creating Kokedama plants, a Japanese gardening art form that emphasizes sustainability and aesthetics.

The workshop began with an introduction by Saud Buhamid, who provided an engaging explanation of the cultural significance of Kokedama plants in Japan. He described their growing popularity as a sustainable and creative alternative to traditional gardening methods, emphasizing their environmental benefits. This was followed by a detailed demonstration by Mohammad Al-Ibraheem, who guided participants through the step-by-step process of creating Kokedama plants. 

After the demonstration, participants worked on creating their own Kokedama plants. The hands-on activity created an interactive and collaborative atmosphere, fostering a sense of community among attendees. The workshop not only provided an enjoyable experience but also offered valuable insights into sustainable gardening practices and their relevance to environmental responsibility.

The event received positive feedback from participants, who appreciated the opportunity to engage in a creative activity while learning about sustainability. The workshop effectively connected theoretical concepts with practical applications, reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship. By combining education and hands-on learning, the event highlighted CBE’s commitment to promoting sustainability and fostering student engagement.
 
 
 

General photo of the Kokedama workshop