Student Spotlights

On their home university campuses, KGSP students take advantage of many fun and educational activities to explore the intersection of their academic and personal interests. Engagement with activities outside the classroom is highly encouraged by the KGSP, as such opportunities allow students to expand their knowledge, broaden their social network, and develop their professional business acumen; qualities that will benefit and enrich their development both as students and as future leaders.

Student Spotlight: Yasser Althuwaini

Yasser Althuwaini, a freshman majoring in Mechanical Engineering at The George Washington University (GW), along with his research team won Third Place in the third annual George Hacks Medical Solutions Hackathon. Organized by the student organization George Hacks, the Hackathon brings together students, professors, and faculty throughout the various academic schools at GW, to brainstorm and cultivate new and innovative ideas to improve medical technology within just 24 hours. The two-day event provided training workshops to help students develop their ideas.

“Broadening my learning areas and experiencing new things have always been important to me…” Yasser said, “so I couldn't resist the opportunity to join George Hacks”. He enjoyed participating in the event, believing that the competition was a great way to encourage the best effort out of his peers, especially with professors and practicing doctors in attendance and providing professional insight to their constructs.

Yasser working during Hackathon brainstorming session

His team pitched the idea of creating a prototype of a voice-commanded ergonomic and height-adjustable step stool for surgeons. Through its development, Yasser connected his interest in automating vehicles, particularly when it came to the design of the stool’s small mechanical parts and automaton feature.

Through this experience, Yasser expanded his professional networking by meeting many upperclassmen, professors, GW hospital staff, and even the GW President Thomas Le Blanc. Some professionals have already expressed interest in any future potential projects from Yasser. As a freshman, Yasser is a prime example of the ambition and drive of KGSP students.

Yasser with his teamates next to GWU President Thomas LeBlanc