Student Enrichment Spotlight: Yousif Aldolaijan

05/30/2017

Yousif Aldolaijan, DSEF Researcher

For the second consecutive year, Yousif Aldolijan, is spending his summer conducting research on Distributed Systems Experimentation Framework (DSEF) at the University of Southern California’s Networked Systems Lab with Dr. Wyatt Lloyd. Yousif is a Sophomore majoring in Computer Science at USC.

Yousif’s research focuses on connecting computers through a shared network. This network creates an expansion of functions that are impossible to attain using a single machine; in other words, the sum is greater than the whole. DSEF also provides verifiable results without the dependence on system-specific scripts. Sometimes system-specific scripts can be faulty, or incompatible with different hardware, so this allows for a greater flow of information. He has identified four specific goals for his Distributed Systems research: (1) measure hardware performance, (2) create better storage and access to data, (3) develop a process by which any distributed system can be made to utilize DSEF, and (4) support test beds seeking to ensure the portability of DSEF.

Yousif is excited to build upon his previous research on DSEF and learn more about the field from graduate students and professors through collaboration and hands-on research. This enriching opportunity also gives him the chance to continue working on a promising project that could have a substantial impact on distributed systems evaluation.

Yousif working at his office to improve the DSEF

KGSP’s commitment to providing meaningful enrichment opportunities tailored to individual student needs, talents and professional goals differentiates the Scholarship from other programs of its kind. KGSP students benefit from participating in at least two such activities each year—one in the summer, and one during the regular academic term. Summer enrichment activities include academic research at the home university, specialized research and enrichment programming at a visiting institution, industrial internships, and summer research placements with a KAUST faculty member on campus. Additional opportunities available throughout the year include attendance at conferences, seminars, short courses, training, as well as additional engagement activities with KAUST faculty and leadership. In 2016/17 academic year, over 90 percent of all undergraduates participated in such activities.

STUDENT PROFILE

KGSP students represent the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s future scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and thought-leaders. As both individuals and as a community, they reflect the KAUST mission of driving scientific discovery through excellence in education and cutting-edge research, and share a commitment to fostering innovation, economic development, and social prosperity throughout the Kingdom and the world.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

Selection to the KGSP is extremely competitive, and currently by invitation only. Successful applicants are Saudi Arabian students in their final year of high school who demonstrate impressive academic credentials within STEM fields, meaningful extra-curricular achievements, and who share the KAUST ethos of continuous discovery. Learn more here.

KGSP ADMINISTRATION

The KGSP is administered by the Office of Strategic National Advancement at KAUST, under the direction of Vice President & Senior Associate to the President, Dr. Najah Ashry. Strategic National Advancement directs the university's strategy to serve Saudi Arabia's transformational priorities: Through initiatives in young talent and Saudi workforce development, social responsibility, and national engagement, the Office contributes to a thriving innovation ecosystem by building knowledge capacity, creating opportunities, and strengthening impact.