North Carolina State University Summer Research Program

07/16/2017

From May 14^th to June 17^th, 28 students participated in a customized research program at North Carolina State University, specially developed by the Program and NC State for KGSP students. Students were strategically matched with professors whose research aligned with their academic interests, and worked on a variety of projects that required creative thinking in applying engineering concepts to unique world problems.

Sample Projects:

Abdulelah Alamri (Freshman, Texas A&M University) conducted research on little-known 18^th Century scientist Roger Boscovitch and his work on Unified Theory. One of his responsibilities was locating primary source documents from libraries and research institutions from around the world.

Ahmad Tashkandi (Freshman, Texas A&M University) and Khuzam Alshubbar (Sophomore, University of Wisconsin-Madison) researched the most efficient directions to focus a wind turbine by constructing models, while using controlled lab equipment to measure results.

Afnan Tolah (Freshman, North Carolina State University) and Rawan Al Yahya (Sophomore, University of Arizona) constructed models to produce sparks that simulated the effects of combustion in a jet engine by using an array of power tools and equipment.

Fatema Al Hani (Freshman, North Carolina State University) and Abdullah Alquwayzani (Freshman, Texas A&M University) built a prototype for a radio-operated boat designed to locate invasive species in local bodies of water.

Zainab Alnajar (Sophomore, SUNY-Stony Brook) and Ahmed Albuwaydi (Freshman, University of Colorado, Boulder) studied the conversion of 2D shapes into 3D structures by using Origami as a medium.

Participants also had the opportunity to present their work during a Summer Research Fair; congratulations to all NCSU Summer Research participants for their outstanding work!

Ahmad Tashkandi and Khuzam Alshubbar report their findings on wind turbine angles

Khalid Alghamdi and Khalid Aldawood analyze bird migration patterns through linear regressions

Ayman Alzomaili and Abdullah Abu Alshuor present their findings on the best materials for automobile hoses

Abdulmohsen Nadeem and Omar Mandurah (not present in photo) discuss microchip protection

Marram Andijani reports her findings on 3D printing

Zainab Alnajar and Ahmed Albuwaydi present on “The Science of Origami”

(left to right): Mohammed Subah, Abdulrahman Al Harbi, Ahmed Albuwaydi and Khalid Algashgari, celebrate a job well done

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 programing 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, trainings, as well as additional engagement activities with KAUST faculty and leadership. In AY 2016/17, 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.