Student Enrichment Spotlight: Eman Alhajji
Eman Alhajji, a senior majoring in Materials Science and Engineering at North Carolina State University (NCSU), was recently selected to participate in the National Academy of Engineering’s Grand Challenges Scholars Program (GCSP) during the 2017-18 academic year. This program, launched in 2009, is designed to prepare the next generation of engineers to “address complex social issues that require innovative technology and a systems approach to solving them”. Of the 14 pre-established Grand Challenge research topics, Eman chose to work on Making Solar Energy Economical.
During summer 2017, Eman worked with KAUST Professor Husam Alshareef and doctoral student, Fan Zhang on a project focused on increasing the efficiency of sodium ion batteries. This research will now be incorporated into Eman’s GCSP proposal. Throughout the upcoming academic year, Eman will have the opportunity to present her research at a national Grand Challenge Summit while networking with other GCSP scholars, as well as at her home university of NCSU.
Congratulations Eman!
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.
—King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al Saud
1924 – 2015