KGSP Seniors Graduate and Prepare for Next Steps

As summer takes off, the KGSP senior class of 2025 finds themselves closing the chapter on their time in their undergraduate studies and looking forward to their futures. We were able to connect with a few of these students to reflect on their journeys, both behind and ahead of them. Dana Hejazi at UC Berkeley, Adel Fadhul at University of Rochester, and Ali Bohliga at University of Virginia are three of the 73 KGSP seniors graduating from universities with their undergraduate degrees at the close of this academic year.

I am a Nuclear Engineer now and while these past 4 years were very hard, it was all worth it. My dream of becoming a Nuclear Engineer became a reality! ~Dana Hejazi

The years in KGSP carried many fond memories for students and each of these graduates shared what stood out for them. Dana’s favorite memory of KGSP is walking on stage at the Seniors’ commencement, “feeling proud to be one of the first if not the first KGSP student graduating with a Nuclear Engineering degree!” Adel found that every moment he spent being a Peer Student Guide (PSG) was a blessing. “I loved chatting with KGSP [Cohort] 13 and 14 [students] about various things of life and hosting fun game nights!” Ali also found the KGSP convocation graduation ceremony to be one of the most memorable moments. “Seeing all my friends who’ve been with me through the past few years graduating was incredibly joyful and fulfilling. I truly cherish every moment of this journey.”

Dana and Adel shared that their research work has been a strong source of pride for each of them. Dana completed cutting-edge research under her mentor, Alexandra Kennedy, with the supervision of Prof. Raluca Scarlat. She was the first author on a publication about the potential of nuclear energy in the Kingdom. Adel sees that his hard work in his research career has paid off with a “super cool” publication in the ACS Energy Letters journal. Along with his research Adel was also in leadership positions at his home university of University of Rochester. “Go Yellowjackets!”

Sharing his words of wisdom with the KGSP students currently on their undergraduate journey -

I am glad I never gave up even when it felt like it was the only option. Always, always, ALWAYS reach out for help when you need it. Whether it is academic, mental, or physical—close your eyes and send that email/message. It is okay to need help. It is okay to be vulnerable with the people who are there to support you. So try not to contribute to the things that keep you down and give yourself a break every now and then, after all, you totally deserve it! ~Adel Fadhul

These three graduates all have plans to attend KAUST this coming year. Dana is excited to get started at KAUST. “I plan to put my best effort into developing the Nuclear Energy field in the Kingdom, and expanding the opportunities at KAUST for others passionate about Nuclear Engineering!” Adel will be pursuing his master’s degree in chemical engineering
“hopefully conducting more cool research and learning new things.” Ali plans to join the new Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship  (TIE) Master’s program at KAUST.

The 17-year-old me would be so proud and impressed with who I’ve become. The connections and friendships I built along the way. I believe we’ve created lifelong bonds that I’ll always carry with me. ~Ali Bohliga