STUDENT PROFILE

Fatimah Alhawaj

Junior
Al Qatif
Materials Science and Engineering
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Best thing about KGSP:
The community. Interacting with some of the most creative and intelligent (and funniest) minds of Saudi has definitely been a highlight throughout these two years.
Why science matters for Saudi:
I think Saudi’s heading toward a less oil-dependent future, and STEM is integral to such a transition. From alternative energy resources to new exports, STEM can and should be at the center of these changes.
Best experience so far / How KGSP helped me:
Although the last couple of Convocations have been online, I really enjoyed the graduation ceremony. Something about it bubbles up all the hope and admiration I have. I really look forward to attending the ceremony in person!
Advice for newbies:
It all works out in the end. My experience with the KGSP started my foundation year, which was online. I remember stressing about which college I’ll end up at, what major is “the one,” and if studying abroad was a good choice to make. Of course, the support I got from the KGSP helped a lot. But still, it was a year of change, and it was stressful. But it worked out and it will for you as well, inshallah.
Research Interests:
Computational materials science and semiconductors. SRSI’s six-week experience ignited my enthusiasm for semiconductors, and working on computational mechanics over the summer at UCSD’s CEER REU solidified my interest in computational sciences.

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