Kaust Admissions Look Book

KING ABDULLAH UNIVERSITY OF
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Graduate Program
2010-2011

INDEX

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 3
MESSAGE FROM THE ASSOCIATE 4
PROVOST FOR GRADUATE AFFAIRS
DEGREE PROGRAMS AT KAUST 6
FIELDS OF STUDY AT KAUST 7
STUDENT PROFILES 12
FACULTY 16
CORE LABS AND MAjOR FACILITIES 24
RESEARCH CENTERS 26
LIFE AT KAUST 28
ADMISSIONS 30

1

Message from
the President
“It is my desire that this new University become one of the world’s great
institutions of research; that it educate and train future generations of
scientists, engineers and technologists; and that it foster, on the basis of
Professor Choon Fong Shih
merit and excellence, collaboration and cooperation with other great
research universities and the private sector.”
(The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud)

Since opening its doors to its founding students in September 2009, King Abdullah University of
Science and Technology (KAUST) has become home to a growing community – drawn from over
70 countries – of exceptional faculty, talented graduate students and dedicated staff, together with
their families. Set on the shores of the beautiful Red Sea, KAUST offers a unique academic-social
environment for our community to work and learn, live and play.

KAUST is the embodiment of the bold vision of King Abdullah to build a research university in Saudi
Arabia with global ambitions to advance science and technology through graduate education,
research, and innovation; to take on the grand challenges facing humanity in the 21st century; and
to build bridges from Saudi Arabia to the world – across peoples, cultures, and continents.

Enabled by an unsurpassed physical infrastructure and state-of-the-art research facilities, KAUST
researchers seek to take on the grand challenges of our time – energy, water, food, and the
environment – and make a difference for Saudi Arabia and the world. Our faculty and students
bring their ideas and creativity, experiences and perspectives from around the world to KAUST in
a collective endeavor to develop interdisciplinary approaches and innovations that leverage the
interconnectedness of science and engineering.

KAUST offers its students an international faculty and rich opportunities for learning, discovery,
and research augmented by an extensive global network of research and education collaborations
with some of the world’s top research universities and corporations. KAUST is the place for
adventurous and imaginative individuals who want to undertake scientific research and engage
in a journey of intellectual and cultural discovery.

You are among the next generation of scholars and scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs. As
a KAUST graduate student, you can play a part in the University’s formative years and contribute
to building it as a world-class research university. Studying at KAUST is the opportunity of a
lifetime to pursue significant questions in science and technology and help create a better future
for humankind.

I look forward to welcoming you soon to our University community.

Choon Fong Shih | President

2 www.kaust.edu.sa 3

Message from
the Associate Provost
for Graduate Affairs
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology “is intended
to usher in a fresh era of scientific discovery in the Middle East.”
(The Royal Society)

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology engages students, faculty, and researchers in
advancing science and technology through bold and collaborative inquiry focused on issues
of regional and global significance. Here, we integrate our academic, research and economic
development programs to find solutions to problems of significance in the focused areas of
energy, water, food and the environment.

We have three divisions in our academic program: Chemical and Life Sciences and Engineering;
Mathematical and Computer Sciences and Engineering; and Physical Sciences and Engineering.
Our eleven fields of study are housed in these divisions. As a graduate student, you will declare a
field of study in one division as your academic program. Because we emphasize interconnections
at KAUST, however, you will be expected to take courses outside the boundaries of your area and
your division to fulfill your degree requirements

The research program at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology is organized around
nine Research Centers. These Research Centers conduct targeted and goal-oriented research and
students may be recruited to work on Research Center projects. Currently, our research centers are
Catalysis; Computational Bioscience; Geometric Modeling and Scientific Visualization; Advanced
Membranes and Porous Materials; Plant Stress Genomics; Solar and Photovoltaics Engineering;
Red Sea; Clean Combustion; and Water Desalination and Reuse.

Supporting our students, researchers and faculty members in our Divisions and Research Centers
are our stellar core laboratories and major facilities. We have amassed the latest supercomputing,
visualization, imaging and analytical equipment available and have outfitted our core laboratories
with modern instrumentation vital to conducting significant research.

To push our research results and innovations to the next stage of development and to support
the diversification of the national economy through innovation, we have an extensive economic
development team. Our economic development specialists lead our technology transfer activities,
run our on-campus research park and innovation center, establish industrial collaborations and
partnerships in Saudi Arabia and across the world, manage seed fund competitions for students
and faculty, and provide training in entrepreneurship to community members.

Though young as an institution, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology has much
to offer students who want to surround themselves with the best minds and the best equipment
to explore how scientific and technological breakthroughs can contribute to the globalized and
knowledge-based economy of the twenty-first century. At KAUST, we welcome you on our mission
of discovery!

Brian Moran | Associate Provost for Graduate Affairs


Degree Programs Fields of Study
EDUCATING PASSIONATE SCIENTISTS FOR FINDING SOLUTIONS TO THE GRAND CHALLENGES IN
POSITIVE CHANGE ENERGY, WATER, FOOD AND THE ENVIRONMENT

GrADuAte ProGrAMS At KinG KAuSt oFFerS two GrADuAte Our degree programs are offered through
three academic divisions, Chemical and Life
ABDullAh univerSity oF SCienCe DeGree ProGrAMS Sciences and Engineering, Mathematical
AnD teChnoloGy and Sciences and Engineering, and Physical
The M.S. degree can be a terminal graduate degree or may Sciences and Engineering.
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) serve as a gateway to the Ph.D. program. The M.S. degree
advances science and technology through bold and collaborative typically takes three semesters to complete. Although students
research. Our fundamental and goal-oriented research has may accelerate their studies and complete the degree in one CheMiCal anD life SCienCeS
regional and global impact. Our globally renowned faculty year (two semester and summer sessions), the three-semester
anD engineering
seek to inspire, teach and train the future leaders in science option allows flexibility to explore thesis, research and
and technology. internship opportunities. The Chemical and Life Sciences and
At KAUST, we catalyze innovation and enterprise to support The Ph.D. typically takes three to four years after completion Engineering Division includes Bioscience,
knowledge-based economic diversification in Saudi Arabia, of a master’s degree. The Ph.D. requires coursework, a research Chemical and Biological Engineering,
the Middle East and the world. We advance science and proposal and an original and independent research project Chemical Science, Environmental Science
technology to transform people’s lives. that culminates in the presentation of a written dissertation. and Engineering and Marine Science.
Some of these programs have specific
KAUST offers graduate degree training in focused programs in
academic tracks, and a student may
the sciences and engineering. The University’s research agenda,
choose the track that best suits his/
based on inspiration and discovery, sits at the foundation of our
her goals. Students are offered modules
degree programs.
consisting of lectures, seminars and
laboratory classes and they are expected
to conduct independent research.

The Chemical and Life Sciences and
Engineering Division boasts state-of- crisis through research on biofuels and course is a self-contained module providing
the-art facilities and resources, including other renewable energy sources. Another a complete review of the subject concerned,
some of the most advanced equipment major focus of the Bioscience program is including Cell Biology, Biochemistry,
in the world for genomics, proteomics, high-performance computing to create Biophysics, Molecular Genetics, Protein
microscopy, nanofabrication and nuclear new methods for information extraction, Structure and Function, Synthetic Biology,
magnetic resonance studies. allowing analysis and understanding Genomics, Stem Cells, and Physiology
of the voluminous data produced from and Metabolic Engineering. Advanced
BioSCienCe (BioS) cutting-edge biological experiments. courses, such as Computational Biology
Finally, the unique location of KAUST and Bioinformatics and the Visualization
The Bioscience Program plays a key on the shores of the Red Sea makes of Biological Systems, are also offered.
role in addressing many of the global comprehensive exploration of the
challenges being tackled by KAUST. An biodiversity of this unique ecosystem and CheMiCal anD BiologiCal
important research thrust of the Bioscience its potential medical applications possible. engineering (CBe)
program is the genomics of stress-toler-
ant plants and how their physiology and The Bioscience Program at KAUST The Chemical and Biological Engineering
metabolism allow them to thrive under comprises modules consisting of lectures, Program offers opportunities to develop
conditions of high salinity, low water, seminars and laboratory classes, as well real-world solutions to global challenges
and/or high temperatures. This research as independent research. Both M.S. and by leveraging basic discoveries in chemical
will impact our ability to grow food in Ph.D. degrees are offered. The Bioscience and biological sciences. These include
arid lands and in areas plagued by water curriculum provides a strong introduction the synthesis of high-performance
scarcity. We address the worldwide energy to the fundamentals of living matter. Each polymers and the development of new

membranes for gas and liquid separation, Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry, environMenTal SCienCe Marine SCienCe (MarSe) The mission of MCSE is fully aligned with
as well as the development of new while preparing to work on highly KAUST’s mission to expand the frontiers of
anD engineering (enSe) The Marine Science Program focuses on
materials for reducing greenhouse gases interdisciplinary research challenges. knowledge in science and engineering and
and remediating chemical and biological After completing the M.S. degree, the specific environment of KAUST – the to help diversify the regional economy
The Environmental Science and Red Sea, which is one of the most complex to one that is information and service
threats. Materials for controlled adsorption students will have acquired a sound
Engineering Program focuses directly on and diverse ecosystems in the world based. Key to its success is to fully
of contaminants and release of foundation for a career in chemical
many of KAUST’s research challenges. and at the doorstep of the University, exploit its resources: its computational
pharmaceuticals, as well as new electrodes research or for continuing in advanced
There is worldwide concern with making KAUST a marine science field lab. and network infrastructure, its national
and biomaterials, are likely to have graduate studies.
the availability of clean water, and The Red Sea is not only economically and international collaborations with
direct social and economic impact.
Environmental Engineering examines important for fisheries and tourism, but academic and industrial partners, and
Development and propagation of The Ph.D. program in Chemical Science
methods to purify and reuse water, crucial for coastal protection as well. its highly competitively recruited faculty
stress-tolerant plants, discovery and emphasizes the transition from supervised
as well as to reduce contamination It is extremely fragile and endangered and students.
scale up of alternative and renewable to independent research. To successfully
of existing reserves. Research in due to human exploitation, pollution
energy, and new methods for carbon conduct research in interdisciplinary fields,
environmental engineering allows and climate change. The reefs in the
dioxide utilization all contribute to the the development of broad knowledge
examination of the impact of humans Red Sea are some of the most northern
overall research mission of KAUST. This well beyond the M.S. level is required.
on our environment through resource
aPPlieD MaTheMaTiCS anD
research is facilitated by the tremendous After earning a Ph.D. degree from KAUST, coral reefs in the world, and the high
exploitation, including over-consumption, temperatures and salinity, which would
CoMPuTaTional SCienCe
facilities for high-performance computing a student will be capable of designing
and analysis on campus. and executing independent research
land degradation, and pollution of both cause coral diseases in other places, (aMCS)
air and water. The results of such have led to adaptations that could lead
projects at the world’s leading institutions The Applied Mathematics and
efforts may offer solutions to cleaning to cures for those diseases (e.g., coral
The Chemical and Biological Engineering or in industry laboratories. Computational Science Program at
up excessive carbon dioxide levels, bleaching). Our goal is to develop an
Program offers a choice of two tracks: KAUST prepares students for success in
addressing ozone depletion, decon- integrated understanding of this
Advanced Chemical Engineering and Research opportunities in the Chemical constructing computational solutions to
taminating the soil, and tackling some ecosystem, including fundamental biology MaTheMaTiCal anD
Advanced Biological Engineering. Both Science Program are related to KAUST’s mathematical problems in a variety of
of the issues associated with climate at the molecular and genomic levels,
tracks cover a broad range of advanced strategic goals targeting future needs of
change. KAUST is uniquely positioned to
CoMPuTer SCienCeS anD areas. This preparation emphasizes the
chemical and biological engineering topics the global community. While covering a symbiosis with algae and prokaryotes
utilize high-performance computational engineering DiviSion fundamentals of modeling, analyzing, and
and will equip a student for a successful broad range of topics in chemistry and (Bacteria and Archaea), associated
technologies to confront these issues computationally solving problems in many
and productive career in these fields. chemical engineering, special importance communities of fish, and the physical The Mathematical and Computer Sciences
efficiently and effectively. disciplines. The AMCS program offers five
is given to catalysis research, membrane and chemical environment that impacts and Engineering Division (MCSE) is home tracks, each of which leads to a frontier of
sciences and nanomaterials. Research in and shapes them. This understanding to applied mathematics, computer
CheMiCal SCienCe (CheMS) This program comprises three tracks, could have an impact on global carbon
applied and computational mathematics.
catalysis is focused on single-site, science, and computational science and These tracks are Computational
including Water Quality, Chemistry, and cycling, endangered species, and how
The global challenges that KAUST’s homogeneous, heterogeneous and engineering. Much of the division’s Geoscience, Geometric Modeling and
Treatment; Environmental Microbiology we manage the harvesting of food from
research programs address are directly biological catalysts, which are relevant to focus lies in areas belonging to the Scientific Visualization, Information Science,
and Biotechnology; and Environmental the oceans.
related to chemistry as a fundamental the petroleum industry, the environment, intersections of these disciplines, each Modeling and Numerical Simulation, and
Fluid Mechanics.
science. Correspondingly, the University’s bio-based raw materials, polymers, of which overlaps and interacts closely Partial Differential Equations.
Chemical Sciences Program is based on nanotechnology, and fine chemical The Marine Science Program takes with the other two.
Students entering the program enroll advantage of KAUST’s location on the Red
Chemistry as a core discipline, yet it production. Synthesis and development The Applied Mathematics and
in a set of core courses and then take Sea, a living laboratory with great potential
promotes interactions between KAUST of new organic and inorganic high Each of the programs in MCSE consists Computational Science program aligns
specialty courses in one of the four for exciting science. The program offers
Research Centers, particularly the performance membranes and thin film of a set of essential core courses and with KAUST’s research mission directly
major tracks. The remaining courses two primary academic tracks, one focused
Catalysis, Membrane, Solar Energy, Red technology for gas and liquid separation several academic tracks, ensuring that through its Computational Science and
are technical electives. The four tracks on the study of the biology and ecology
Sea Sciences and Geometric Modeling in industrial processes are the stimulus students have a solid foundation in Engineering activities, as emphasized in
together cover the most important areas of the multitude of marine life forms, and
and Visualization Centers. for our work in membrane sciences. We their discipline while also allowing them the Modeling and Numerical Simulation
in Environmental Science and Engineering, a second track focused on the interactions
synthesize nanomaterials that target clean to choose a curriculum that fits their and Geometrical Modeling and Scientific
and the core plus specialty courses of the physical marine environment with
Students in the Chemical Science Program energy alternatives, reduce greenhouse own professional goals. Visualization tracks, among others. A
and electives will equip a student for atmospheric and climatic conditions.
gain a strong background in modern gas emissions, remediate chemical and key driver in contemporary scientific
a successful and productive career in There is an intentional focus on the local
chemistry by focusing on Analytical, biological threats or control drug delivery. MCSE takes advantage of KAUST’s discovery and engineering design is
these fields. Red Sea system, both as a primary study “Shaheen” BlueGene massively parallel the merger of large-scale data sets
system and as a system with which general computer, one of the most powerful from observation or experimentation
concepts from other marine systems can supercomputers hosted by any university with large-scale simulations. The
be compared. in the world. Also at KAUST is “Cornea,” a mathematics that allows these two
six-wall immersive CAVE, the most densely approaches to merge in such a way
Faculty members in the program have a pixilated and powerfully illuminated that the errors inherent in each may be
wide range of interests, reflected in the advanced computation and visualization reduced in the combination goes under
program’s course offerings. These include facility in the world, which permits a number of rubrics, including data
marine microbiology, molecular ecology high-resolution visualization and assimilation, inverse problems, uncertainty
and genomics, coral reef biology and insonification of simulated and observed quantification, and sensitivity analysis.
ecology, pelagic ecology, and conservation three-dimensional, timte-evolving
of marine resources. Other faculty data sets. MCSE research projects Another key driver is the merger of
members associated with the program include core mathematical and compu- large-scale data sets and simulations
have interests in large-scale data tational techniques, as well as enabling with high-resolution visualization, so
assimilation, geophysical fluid dynamics, technologies applied to real science that scientists can interact in real time
and modeling air-sea interactions. and engineering problems that arise with their data. This merger opens up
through collaborative work. exciting possibilities like real-time
computational steering and the


prepares students for success in creating probe; tools for magnetic analyses including facilities along with superbly equipped MeChaniCal engineering
and applying computational methods to vibrating sample and alternating gradient experimental laboratories. The Electrical (Me)
a variety of areas. Course preparation magnetometers, Kerr-effect and magnetic Engineering program has three major
emphasizes both the fundamental and force microscopes, all of which support tracks: Solid-State Electronics (Circuits The Mechanical Engineering Program
enabling aspects of information research in advanced materials, and Microsystems and Solid-State offers programs leading to M.S. and Ph.D.
technology at multiple levels: hardware biotechnology, electronics, photonics, Devices), Electromagnetics and Photonics, degrees in three tracks: Materials and
and software, compute-intensive and and MEMS/NEMS. and Communications and Signal Processing. Solids; Fluid Mechanics, Thermal Sciences
data-intensive. Tracks of specialization In addition, labs in various areas of These tracks cover the most important and Energy; and Controls and Dynamics.
in CS include: Artificial Intelligence, expertise in Mechanical Engineering areas in modern-day electrical engineering Courses provide a solid foundation in
Computer Systems, High Performance include an integrated environment and will equip a student to have a successful each track, covering subjects such as
Computing, Visual Computing, and dedicated to state-of-the-art modeling, and productive career in these fields. Mechanical Behavior of Engineering
Theoretical Computer Science. simulation and inverse approaches for Materials, Continuum Mechanics,
Computer Science research and education composite materials, state-of-the-art With research groups working Theoretical and Computational Fluid
emphasizes such areas as visualization, instrumentation for experiments in fluid on computational electromagnetics, Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Experimental
algorithms, databases, and networks. mechanics, advanced equipment and integrated nanotechnology, sensing, and Numerical Combustion, Control Design,
facilities for combustion diagnostics, magnetism and microsystems, and sensors, Dynamic Analysis, Modeling, and Simulation.
PhySiCal SCienCeS anD experimental capabilities for reactive the Electrical Engineering program attracts
engineering DiviSion (PSe) flow modeling, and a total internal high-caliber students who seek to work Several features of our program make
refraction fluorescence microscope. on cutting-edge research projects. graduate school at KAUST a unique
engagement of the brain’s innate skill at The Electrical Engineering program is opportunity for talented and motivated
The Physical Sciences and Engineering
detecting changes in imagery. Energy, committed to providing all students in students. In the ME program, research
Division (PSE) includes Earth Science
food, water, and environmental research earTh SCienCe anD the program a stimulating, rewarding, activities take advantage of KAUST’s
and Engineering, Electrical Engineering,
are all data rich, and most research and challenging research environment. world-class, fully staffed and easily
campaigns now include a significant
Materials Science and Engineering and engineering (erSe)
Mechanical Engineering. Some of these accessible core laboratories and
simulation component. The Earth Science and Engineering supercomputing facilities. Campus-wide
programs have specific academic tracks,
and a student may choose the track that (ErSE) program focuses on applications MaTerialS SCienCe anD experimental and computational facilities
CoMPuTer SCienCe (CS) best suits his/her goals. Students will be of modern computational methods to engineering (MSe) support the research conducted in the
offered modules consisting of lectures, study geophysical problems associated laboratories of individual faculty members
The mission of the Computer Science seminars and laboratory classes and will with the atmosphere and/or ocean The Materials Science and Engineering and allow for exciting cross-disciplinary
program is directly aligned with KAUST’s conduct independent research. circulation, earthquakes, oil exploration, program is devoted to preparing students work. A tightly knit network of partnering
mission to expand the frontiers of reservoir modeling, and subsurface who will tackle the major challenges institutions among the most respected
knowledge in science and engineering. PSE boasts superb facilities and resources. phenomena. Students in this program facing the world in terms of sustainability universities in the world fosters opportunities
A key driver in contemporary scientific In particular, students have access to the receive broad training in numerical and alternative energy. With support for high-impact collaborative projects.
discovery and engineering design is the latest supercomputing and visualization methods, mathematical modeling, and from the University’s state-of-the-art
emergence of large-scale simulation, facilities. In addition, a state-of-the-art geophysics, with an option for M.S. research centers, such as the Solar,
which accompanies the traditional seismic field laboratory is available to students to participate in scientific Membrane, Catalysis, Combustion, and
modalities of theory and experiment. As students in the Earth Sciences and research activities that include Desalination Centers, the program aims
simulation becomes relatively cheaper Engineering program. computational, mathematical modeling, to equip students with fundamental and
and experimentation becomes relatively and field-study projects. Ph.D. candidates applied knowledge of nanomaterials and
more expensive, computation is The facilities of the Electrical Engineering in the program conduct original research devices; energy conversion materials
increasingly used to narrow the parameter and Materials Science programs include on a topic related to earth science and and devices biomaterials; and advanced
regimes in which experimentation is a 2,000 m2 Class 1000 clean room and engineering. The program is divided into characterization techniques.
performed. Another driver is the multiple bays at Class 100, and state-of- two tracks that focus on computational
availability of large-scale data sets from the-art thin-film deposition techniques, analysis of (1) fluid earth systems and The Materials Science and Engineering
such sources as satellites, sensors, and including molecular beam epitaxy with (2) solid earth systems. ErSE students Program offers a broad range of faculty
the Internet as well as high-resolution full analysis and atomic layer deposition; must specify one of the two tracks as expertise and world-class core research
and high-throughput experiments. thermal deposition; sputtering; plasma- their major. Students in the fluid earth facilities in advanced fabrication, design
The requirement for high performance enhanced chemical vapor deposition, systems track study flow and transport and analysis of physical properties of
stresses all aspects of computation: metal oxide chemical vapor deposition; processes both beneath and above the materials, with a special focus on energy-
hardware, operating systems, languages, photovoltaic materials and device earth’s surface, including subsurface, efficient devices and applications (solar
algorithms, etc. fabrication and testing; microscopy; surface and atmospheric flows. Students and alternative energy, energy harvesting,
focused ion beam; printing capabilities in the solid earth systems track focus low-consumption electronics). Our
Energy, food, water, and environmental for thin-film processing; laser crystallization on seismology, geophysics, geodynamics long-term goal is to train our students to
research are all data rich, and most and spectroscopy, surface analysis and and geomechanics. develop viable technology-based solutions
research programs now include a two-photon absorption; fabrication and that are sustainable and promote
significant simulation component. testing of solar cells and light-emitting eleCTriCal engineering (ee) renewable energy.
KAUST computer scientists contribute to diodes; thin-film transistors and photodiodes;
the Cyberinfrastructure that supports all magnetic characterization; wet chemistry; Boasting superb facilities and resources,
such activities, and they collaborate in high temperature processing and diffusion the Electrical Engineering program
specific applied research campaigns. The furnaces; local electrode atom probe; laser gives students access to the latest
Computer Science program at KAUST assisted wide angle tomographic atom supercomputing and visualization


Student Profiles
AN INTERNATIONAL CROSSROADS OF
STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS

aun Mela
Beyond Silicon

Aun Mela grew up in Lahore, Pakistan. While
Mona a student at National University of Singapore
al-SayDlani (NUS), Aun went to McGill University in
erneSTo SanDoval Membrane Science Canada on a student exchange. He liked
Oil Exploration for Sustainable Use McGill and had decided to apply to the
Mona Al-Saydlani graduate program there, when news about
Ernesto Sandoval is from Mexico City. A keen is a native of jeddah, KAUST began to swirl around the corridors
interest in oil exploration and other energy just an hour’s drive from of NUS. Aun was impressed with KAUST’s
technologies drew him to KAUST, even as KAUST. After completing her grand scale and vision, but still had his heart
construction of the university was still underway. undergraduate degree in Chemistry at set on going to McGill. However, when it
When he saw the blueprint for a modern, King Abdulaziz University, Mona went to the was announced that NUS’s president, Choon
state-of-the-art campus with a generous United States to earn a Master’s degree in Fong Shih, was moving to KAUST, Aun, who
admired President Shih’s innovations at aMal ali
endowment for science and technology, he fell Information Science and Technology at Indiana Curing Multiple Sclerosis
in love with the idea. He says, “I couldn’t be State University. Mona decided to return home NUS, did not hesitate any longer. He joined
anything but excited.” to Saudi Arabia and to her love of “playing KAUST’s electrical engineering program
last year. Amal Ali grew up in Amman, the capital city
with chemicals” when she learned she had of jordan. Although neither of her parents
Ernesto works on seismic imaging in the Earth been accepted in KAUST’s Ph.D. program. Once
Science and Engineering program to develop Aun works with Prof. Muhammad Hussain on have a background in science, they encouraged
on campus, she joined KAUST’s Advanced graphene-based Field Effect Transistors (FET). their daughter to become a scientist.
methods that accurately pinpoint oil sources Membranes and Porous Materials Center.
beneath the earth’s surface. These methods, Graphene, Aun believes, is a good alternative
for transistors beyond the silicon era. A At KAUST, Amal works with Dr. jasmeen
Ernesto points out, are going to be indispensable Mona’s main area of interest is studying Merzaban on the use of neural stem cells
for the environmentally friendly use of resources. cost-effective and environmentally benign graphene switch has not yet been successfully
created, but Aun hopes that, in a few years, (NSCs) for the treatment of multiple sclerosis,
“Oil is a valuable energy source. It has a bad methods to process natural gas. The high a disease that inhibits the ability of nerve
reputation because of how it was extracted content of carbon dioxide in natural gas we might begin to see it revolutionize the
field of solid-state devices. Aun enjoys cells in the brain and spinal cord to
and used in the past, but there are sustainable prevents it from burning efficiently. If a communicate with each other. At the present
ways to manage and use oil.” membrane can separate the carbon dioxide working with equipment and software and
is thrilled with the hands-on internships he time, there is no cure for the disease. Recent
during the processing of natural gas, the research has indicated that affected mice
Ernesto is eager to put the skills and knowledge he efficiency of the fuel would be increased and completed at Stanford and the American
has acquired at KAUST to use and is interviewing University in Cairo. treated with NSCs show improvement, but
production costs reduced. There is a push the mechanism behind the improvement
for a position in the oil industry. Unlike other across the world to develop new membrane
scientific research, where industrial applications After a day of classes and lab work, Aun likes is not understood. Amal hopes that her
technologies to remove unwanted components to relax with a round of squash. He also research will shed light on the area and that
may be several years down the road, he says in from natural gas and Mona and scientists at
his field, research can move from the lab into says KAUST’s financial support package has a cure will be developed someday soon.
the Advanced Membranes and Porous Materials been a great relief, as he is not only able to
practice within weeks. Ernesto likes facing Center are in the race. Amal appreciates the diversity in the KAUST
the challenges posed by this competitive, cover his current living expenses but also
pay off his undergraduate student loans. In community. She says, “Many of us were new
dynamic environment. Mona was an intern at Dow Chemical in to KAUST and to the country, so we wanted
Switzerland. She worked with a customer Singapore, Aun tutored high school students
Besides his work, Ernesto is passionate about to help pay for his education and discovered to know new people. It was easy to make
application specialist to test samples for oil friends.” She takes the campus bus with her
diving. According to him, the Red Sea coast and gas companies, using a Bactron Anaerobic then that he enjoyed teaching. He would,
off Thuwal is one of the best locations he has eventually, love to return to Pakistan and friends to jeddah on weekends. In her spare
Chamber. Mona is immersed in her lab work time away from the lab, Amal likes to read.
explored. “The coral reefs here are pristine and during the week at KAUST but makes it a point teach in an engineering college.
unexplored. The colors are amazing, and you to go to the gym every day. She also likes
don’t have to go too far or too deep to getting together with her friends and cooking
experience the vibrancy of life underwater.” international foods.


aBDulrahMan al-Shuhail Joanna ooMMen Marie-Jean Thoraval gouDa Chen
Seismic Imaging Nanotechnology Drop Impact Data Mining

Abdulrahman Al-Shuhail is from Al Khobar joanna Oommen’s father is an electrical Marie-jean Thoraval is from an area in the Gouda Chen is from China where he studied
in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. engineer specializing in power systems. French Alps of pristine beauty and great computer science at Sun Yat Sen University.
Although his family had no connection to joanna followed in his footsteps when she isolation. Though Marie-jean loved the Upon graduation, Gouda had a job offer at
the oil industry, he was keenly aware of the went to the Birla Institute of Technology in peacefulness of his hometown, he decided China Mobile and was set to join the company
close vicinity of oil fields to his home. He her native India to study electrical engineering. early on that he also needed to see the when he heard about KAUST. When he
says, “the discovery of oil revolutionized my She had been influenced by her father’s passion world. His travels have taken him to japan, looked at the KAUST website, Gouda was
country. I want to be part of the future of for his work and their constant discussions of China, Singapore, and now Saudi Arabia. amazed by the state-of-the-art labs, striking
the oil industry here.” her high school math and physics problems. architecture, and supercomputing facilities.
Marie-jean studied at Ecole Polytechnique
joanna heard about KAUST in her third year He was also excited that famous faculty like
After completing his undergraduate studies and later at IMFT, Toulouse, specializing in
of college and she enthusiastically decided mathematician Dr. David Keyes were going
at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Fluid Dynamics. In 2007, Marie-jean went
to apply. When news of her admission to to KAUST. Gouda decided to take a chance
Minerals in Dhahran, Abdulrahman was to the National University of Singapore to
KAUST arrived, she was thrilled to accept. and applied to KAUST. He was thrilled to be
working at Schlumberger when he heard work with Dr. Sigurdur Thoroddsen on
accepted and was also pleasantly surprised
about KAUST. He had always planned to get joanna works on materials characterization high-speed imaging of drops and bubbles.
to learn that 50 other students from China
a graduate degree but wanted to study in an and nanotechnology. She has been working When Professor Thoroddsen took a position at
were also going to study at KAUST.
area related to energy. When he learned that on a project in collaboration with researchers a brand new university called KAUST, Marie-jean
KAUST had recruited excellent faculty and from Cornell University and she went to jumped at the opportunity to continue working Gouda works with Dr. Panos Kalnis on data
that he would be able to work in a program Cornell during the summer to continue her with his advisor in Saudi Arabia. Marie-jean management and data mining. With the
focused on industrial applications, he jumped work with them. Her project was to investigate studies the impact of drops falling into a development of the Internet, social networking
at the chance of enrolling. Abdulrahman now nano-scale ionic materials (NIMs), which are liquid pool, with a high-speed (one million sites, and research in genetics, data sets are
works on seismic imaging to study earthquake organic-inorganic hybrid materials comprising frames per second) camera. He is fascinated becoming larger and larger. The purpose of
activity in Saudi Arabia to identify optimal an inorganic nanoparticle core surrounded by the complexity and visual beauty of this data management is to find efficient
locations for setting up geophones and seismic by organic chains. joanna points out that seemingly simple phenomenon. His work has methods to help people make full use of
stations in the country. the hybrid aspect of NIMs makes them more impact on a number of applied fields, such data, whether in scientific fields or in
versatile than purely organic or inorganic as the two-phase flow of oil and gas and the day-to-day life.
The methodology of this research program
materials. NIMs may be useful in a variety of functioning of inkjet printers.
is also valuable in oil exploration. Scientists Gouda and three of his classmates were
sustainable resource management industries
create an artificial earthquake by vibrating the Marie-jean, who is an avid mountaineer and finalists at the ACM SIGMOD programming
such as solar energy, carbon capture, and water
ground and measure the resulting echoes. rock climber, spends his free time learning to competition and were invited to present
desalination. joanna is very excited
In the process, an accurate assessment of windsurf in the Red Sea. Besides his native their implementation in the US. He also
that the work she has done at KAUST will
what is below the surface of the earth can French, Marie-jean also speaks English and spent additional time in the US completing an
soon be published in the journal of the
be made using advanced calculations. These Mandarin Chinese. He would like to learn internship at IBM in New York. Gouda enjoyed
Electrochemical Society.
techniques could significantly increase the Arabic next. He says “It’s very nice walking working with an IBM team to improve the
accuracy of locating oil reservoirs. joanna thinks the cultural diversity on around campus and learning about the performance of a Message Passing Interface,
campus is amazing. She has also been busy diversity of Arabic culture.” an application that allows computers to
Abdulrahman spends his time outside the lab
learning to cook from online recipe sites. communicate with one another and is used
relaxing with friends and running or swimming.
She is glad the grocery store at KAUST is well in computer clusters and supercomputers.
He says, “KAUST a new and diverse
stocked with spices to support her cooking He found the research environment at IBM
environment, and we get to set the trends.
experiments. Besides her lab, the other place to be similar to the environment at KAUST:
This is one of the biggest reasons I came here.”
on campus she frequently visits is the Harbor very focused and collaborative. He sums
Library. An avid reader, she says, “I read all up his experience, of making friends from
sorts of books from nonfiction, to mystery, to all over the world and meeting renowned
journal articles, depending on my mood.” speakers at events like the Winter Enrichment
Program, in one word: “unbelievable.”


ray a. Bressan filtration; and evaluation of disinfection of porous materials. His materials are
Associate Director, Plant Stress Genomic and (chlorination and ozonation) byproducts. important for a wide range of applications
Technology Research Center; Named Professor, (Ph.D./Habilitation, University of including controlled adsorption and release,
Molecular Biology and Plant Physiology Poitiers, France) separation, catalysis, drug delivery,
Dr. Bressan’s research interests include optics, and as electrodes and biomaterials.
both the biotic and abiotic stress tolerance Mohamed eddaoudi (Ph.D., jilin University, China)
of plants. He also has a strong interest in Professor, Chemical Science

Faculty genetics and molecular genetics and has Kuo-Wei huang
Dr. Eddaoudi’s research is concerned
facilitated the incorporation of genetic Assistant Professor, Chemical Science
with developing new design and synthesis
approaches into the physiology and
approaches to the construction of functional Dr. Huang’s research centers on catalysis,
biochemistry of plant stress biology. (Ph.D.,
solid state materials and metal-organic including the physical organometallic
Colorado State University, United States)
materials that will address many chemistry of small molecule activations
A COMMUNITY OF SCIENTISTS challenging social issues, including clean and functionalizations for renewable
energy alternatives, reducing greenhouse energy (water splitting) and carbon dioxide
gas emissions, remediating chemical and utilization. In addition, his interests include
biological threats, and controlled drug delivery. polymer chemistry with its applications,
(Ph.D., Denis Diderot University, France) as well as OFT studies and modeling of
transition metal catalysis. (Ph.D., Stanford
Jörg eppinger University, United States)
Assistant Professor, Chemical Sciences
Stein Kaartvedt
Dr. Eppinger’s research is focused on a
Professor, Marine Science
deeper understanding and application
of nature’s catalysis toolbox for the Dr. Kaartvedt’s research interests are
design of highly selective and active in marine pelagic ecology, focusing on
molecular catalysts. In a multidisciplinary distribution and behavior of zooplankton
approach, organometallic synthesis, and fish and their predator-prey relationships.
electrochemistry, and biotechnological His work is based on field studies from
methods are combined to deliver catalytic a wide variety of habitats, with particular
solutions for prospective demands of focus on novel ways of using submerged,
The University is growing synthetic chemistry. (Ph.D., Technical stationary echo sounders for in situ
University of Munich, Germany) studies of individuals, populations, and
its faculty by recruiting marine communities. (Ph.D., University of
experienced senior scientists Christoph gehring Bergen, Norway)
and top young scholars. The Professor, Plant Science
niveen M. Khashab
following list of faculty Dr. Gehring’s research interest is in plant
Assistant Professor, Chemical Science;
responses to environmental stimuli, the
members is constantly underlying molecular structures and
Assistant Professor, Environmental Science
expanding. Please check modes of downstream signal transduction,
and Engineering

KAUST’s website and finally, the systemic responses at the Dr. Khashab’s interests are in programmable
level of transcription and translation. and controllable microscale robots
(www.kaust.edu.sa) for updates (Ph.D., University of London, comprised of nanoscale parts. She is
on the faculty. United Kingdom) interested in bioresponsive single-wall
carbon nanotubes and nanodiamonds,
Samir M. hamdan total synthesis of biologically active
Assistant Professor, Biosciences heterocycles, and design and delivery of
CheMiCAl AnD liFe Jean Marie Basset from water. (Ph.D., University of Lyon,
Jean-Philippe Croué P-glycoprotein inhibitors. (Ph.D.,
Director, Catalysis Research Center; Named France). Dr. Hamdan’s research combines
SCienCeS AnD Professor of Chemical Science
Professor, Environmental Science and
biochemical, biophysical, and structural
University of Florida, United States)
enGineerinG DiviSion Michael Berumen Engineering
tools with single-molecule techniques Zhiping lai
Dr. Basset’s research is focused on
Assistant Professor, Marine Science Dr. Croué’s research activities pertain to to understand the molecular mechanisms
interfacing homogeneous and heterogeneous Assistant Professor, Chemical and Biological
drinking water and wastewater underlying the multi-protein DNA replication
gary l. amy catalysis creating the area of “surface Dr. Berumen’s research focuses on a Engineering
reclamation treatments, including: machinery, the replisome, and its interplay
Director, Water Desalination and Reuse Research organometallic chemistry.” This new field of range of coral reef taxa, but specializes Dr. Lai’s research is directed toward
isolation and characterization of Natural with DNA repair and recombination.
Center; Named Professor, Environmental chemistry led to the discovery of a number in the family of butterflyfish. His current understanding and using porous materials
Organic Matter (NOM) and Effluent Organic (Ph.D., Australian National University,
Engineering of new catalytic reactions in the fields of projects address larval connectivity in such as zeolite, mesoporous silica, metal
Matter (EfOM); removal of dissolved organic Canberra, Australia)
Dr. Amy’s research focuses on membrane energy, green chemistry and environment, coral reef fishes, movement ecology of organic frameworks and their membranes,
matter by physical chemical treatments
technology, innovative adsorbents, ozone/ such as alkane metathesis used to coral reef organisms, and demography polymeric and inorganic mixed matrix
(i.e. coagulation and anion exchange); yu han
transform paraffins into its lower and of reef fishes, as well as the impact of membranes, membrane reactors, gas
advanced oxidation, riverbank filtration characterization of organic foulants of Assistant Professor, Chemical and Biological
higher homologues, Ziegler-Natta climate change and other disturbances on separations, hydrocarbon mixture separations
and soil aquifer treatment, natural organic low and high pressure membranes (river Engineering waste-water treatments, recovery of indus-
matter and disinfection by-products, and de-polymerization, which transforms coral reef ecosystems. (Ph.D., james Cook water, desalination, wastewater reclamation); trial organic solvents, and chemical sensors.
micropollutants. (Ph.D., University of polyethylene into diesel range gasoline, University, Australia). impact of chemical or physical pre-treat- Dr. Han’s research interests are in the (Ph.D., University of Massachusetts,
California, Berkeley, United States). conversion of methane into higher alkanes
ments prior to high pressure membrane synthesis, characterization and applications United States)
as well as the removal of traces of arsenic

James luyten modifications (surface coatings/fouling as controlled surface modification with mechanisms underlying plant responses Xin gao
Director, Red Sea Science and Engineering resistance). (Ph.D., University of Texas at active metal centers that will lead to to harsh environments such as soil salinity, Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Research Center; Professor, Marine Science Austin, United States) unprecedented rates and selectivity for drought and cold temperatures. He is
various (photo)catalytic process. (Ph.D., also interested in the mechanisms of Dr. Gao’s research considers bioinformatics
Dr. Luyten’s research includes observations and algorithms, with focus on designing
and models of ocean currents, physical Timothy ravasi Tokyo Institute of Technology, japan) gene silencing and in the role of epigenetic
gene regulation in stress adaptation. highly-efficient algorithms and high-quality
and chemical properties on appropriate Associate Professor, Biology
Christian voolstra (Ph.D., Purdue University, United States) systems that work on real biological data,
spatial and temporal scales to understand Dr. Ravasi is working to develop computational and modeling complex biological systems;
the underlying processes that control Assistant Professor, Marine Science
models of biological signaling, transcription machine learning. (Ph.D., University of
their transport and distribution, with regulatory networks, and regulatory pathways, Dr. Voolstra’s research interests are MAtheMAtiCAl AnD Waterloo, Canada)
a particular emphasis in developing an to integrate, model, and visualize the evolutionary genomics and systems biology CoMPuter SCienCeS AnD
integrated understanding of coral reefs, enormous amount of data derived from of coral reefs. He focuses on adaptive enGineerinG DiviSion ibrahim hoteit
their habitats and ecology. (Ph.D., modern biological experiments. He also evolution and coral-specific genes in Assistant Professor, Earth and Environmental
Harvard University, United States) uses a metagenomic approach to explore mechanisms of bleaching and stress, the
vladimir Bajic Sciences and Engineering
microbial biodiversity in the Red Sea to machinery of mutualism between corals
Jasmeen Merzaban discover useful microbial bioactive molecules. and algae, and the role of prokaryotes Director, Computational Bioscience Research Dr. Hoteit’s research interests are in the
Center; Professor, Applied Mathematics and theoretical developments of advanced data
Assistant Professor, Biochemistry (Ph.D., University of Milan, Italy) in these processes. (Ph.D., University of
Computational Science assimilation methods for the estimation of
Cologne, Germany)
Dr. Merzaban’s research interests focus the state of large dimensional nonlinear
on understanding and optimizing the valentin rodionov Dr. Bajic’s primary interest is in the
Peng Wang facilitation of biological discoveries systems. He is also involved in the
mechanism by which immune and stem Assistant Professor, Chemical Science
through the use of sophisticated bioin- development of oceanic and atmospheric
cells exit the blood circulation to “home” Assistant Professor, Environmental Sciences
Dr. Rodionov’s research interests are formatic systems combined with data data assimilation systems. (Ph.D.,
to specific sites within the body using and Engineering
broadly focused on nano- and mesoscale modeling methods, with an emphasis on Université joseph Fourier, France)
biochemical, biophysical, and imaging catalytic systems, such as micelles or Dr. Wang’s research interests are in the inference of new information not
techniques with in vivo mouse models. colloidal particles, capable of emergent environmental nanotechnology, particularly Panos Kalnis
explicitly present in biomedical data.
(Ph.D., University of British behavior. His Supermolecular and Micellar design, synthesis and application of (D.Eng.Sc., University of Zagreb, Associate Professor, Computer Science
Columbia, Canada) Catalysis group focuses on enzyme-like novel nanomaterials for environmental Yugoslavia)
self-assembled catalysts using approaches remediation and in developing point of Dr. Kalnis focuses on databases. Among
Ken Minneman inspired by biological evolution. (Ph.D., care nanosensors for contaminant detection. other areas, he is interested in efficient
victor Manuel Calo query processing of very large datasets
Dean, Division of Chemical and Life Sciences Scripps Research Institute, United States He is also seeking new ways to immobilize
and Engineering; Named Professor, Assistant Professor, Earth and Environmental (e.g., data warehousing), highly
enzymes, bacteria, or cells for contaminant
Sciences and Engineering; Assistant Profes- distributed databases (e.g., peer-to-peer
Bioscience Pascal Saikaly degradation and environmental detection. sor, Applied Mathematics and Computational
(Ph.D., University of California, Santa systems) and data processing that
Dr. Minneman’s research interests are in Assistant Professor, Environmental Science Science
Barbara, United States) requires a lot of computational power
G protein coupled receptors mediating and Engineering
Dr. Calo’s research interests include the (e.g., multi-core processors). (Ph.D.,
drug and hormone action, including their Dr. Saikaly’s research focuses on the liming Xiong computational aspects of fluid dynamics, Hong Kong University of Science and
drug specificity, structure, oligomerization microbial ecology of wastewater treatment, solid mechanics, phase separation, fluid- Technology, China)
state, signaling properties, and interactions microbial fuel cells, and membrane Associate Professor, Plant Science
structure interaction, geomechanics,
with intracellular scaffolding proteins. bioreactors. (Ph.D., University of Dr. Xiong’s research interests are in high-performance computing, and aslan Kasimov
(Ph.D., University of Cambridge, Cincinnati, United States) the mechanisms of plant response and geometrical modeling. (Ph.D., Stanford Assistant Professor, Applied Mathematics and
United Kingdom)
adaptation to adverse environmental University, United States) Computational Science
ulrich Stingl conditions, such as drought and extreme
arnab Pain temperatures, and the development of andrea fratalocchi Dr. Kasimov is interested in analysis and
Assistant Professor, Marine Science
Associate Professor, Bioscience stress-resistant crop plants. (Ph.D., University numerical solution of partial differential
Assistant Professor, Electrical Engineering;
Dr. Stingl focuses on combining novel of Arizona, United States; D.Sc., Chinese equations in connection with problems
Dr. Pain’s research interests are in Assistant Professor, Applied Mathematics and
cultivation techniques with modern Academy of Sciences, China) of compressible flow, shock and detonation
parasite genomics and transcriptomics, Computational Science
cultivation-independent techniques like dynamics, combustion, fluid dynamics,
comparative genomics, host-pathogen genomics and proteomics to elucidate Dr. Fratalocchi’s research focuses on nonlinear waves, hydrodynamic instability,
interactions, non-protein-coding RNAs Jun yu
the physiology and ecotype speciation of linear and nonlinear waves in disordered traffic flow and congestion phenomena,
and regulation of gene expression in different members of microbial communities Professor, Bioscience systems, with applications in energy, multi-phase flow, and fluid flow interaction
parasites, and genomic diversity in in the Red Sea. He is also interested in medicine and materials science. (Ph.D., with elastic boundaries. (Ph.D., University
Dr. Yu’s research interests are in genome
pathogenic and non-pathogenic symbiotic systems with eukaryotic hosts University of Rome, Italy) of Illinois, United States)
sequencing, assembly and annotation,
microorganisms. (Ph.D., University of and microbial symbionts, like termite genome analysis, transcriptomics,
Cambridge, United Kingdom) Markus hadwiger
guts and corals. (Ph.D., University of epigenetics, single nucleotide polymorphism David Ketcheson
Konstanz, Germany) discovery and analysis, phenotypic plasticity, Assistant Professor, Computer Science Assistant Professor, Applied Mathematics and
ingo Pinnau genome sequence and structure evolution, Computational Science
Director, Membranes Research Center; Kazuhiro Takanabe network analysis, and systems biology. Dr. Hadwiger’s research interests are in
Named Professor, Chemical Engineering scientific visualization, especially petascale Dr. Ketcheson’s research interests are
Assistant Professor, Chemical Science (Ph.D., New York University, United States) in the areas of numerical analysis and
visualization and scientific computing,
Dr. Pinnau’s research focuses on synthesis hyperbolic PDEs. His work includes
Dr. Takanabe’s research interests include volume visualization, medical visualization,
of high-performance polymers, development Jian-Kang Zhu development of efficient time integration
generation of completely renewable interactive segmentation and image
of high-performance membranes for gas Director, Plant Stress Genomic and Tech- methods, wave propagation algorithms,
hydrogen from photocatalytic water processing, GPU-based algorithms,
and liquid separations, hybrid organic/ nology Research Center; Named Professor, and modeling of wave phenomena in
splitting, development of solid catalysts and general-purpose computations on
inorganic membranes, nanostructured Molecular Biology and Plant Physiology heterogeneous media. (Ph.D., University
in the form of novel classes of oxides, GPUs. (Ph.D., Vienna University of
microporous polymer membranes, of Washington, United States)
(oxy)nitrides and (oxy)sulfides, as well Dr. Zhu is interested in the molecular Technology, Austria)
thin-film technology, and membrane

David Keyes applied geometry and visual computing, climate change, climate downscaling,
Dean, Mathematical and Computer Sciences in particular, geometric modeling, geometry atmospheric convection; assessment of
and Engineering; Named Professor, Applied processing, geometric computing for anthropogenic impacts and geoengineering;
Mathematics and Computational Science architecture and manufacturing, robot air-sea interaction, evaluating environmental
kinematics, 3D computer vision and consequences of catastrophic events like
Dr. Keyes’ research interests include visualization. (Ph.D., Vienna University of volcanic eruptions, nuclear explosions,
scientific computing, parallel algorithms, Technology, Austria) forest and urban fires, and air pollution,
parallel performance analysis, computational transport of aerosols, chemically and
aerodynamics, computational radiation
hany ramadan optically active atmospheric tracers,
transport, computational combustion, their radiative forcing and effect on climate.
and optimization. (Ph.D., Harvard University, Assistant Professor, Computer Science
(Ph.D., Moscow Physical Technical
United States) Dr. Ramadan’s work focuses on operating Institute, Russia)
systems, concurrent programming,
Taous-Meriem laleg-Kirati databases, as well as software and hardware Shuyu Sun
Assistant Professor, Applied Mathematics and for parallel programming. (Ph.D., University
Assistant Professor, Applied Mathematics and
Computational Science of Texas at Austin, United States) Computational Science; Assistant Professor,
Dr. Laleg-Kirati works on developing Earth Sciences and Engineering
new signal analysis tools, cardiovascular alyn rockwood
Dr. Sun’s research interests are in the
modeling and analysis, solitons and Associate Director, Geometric Modeling and
Scientific Visualization Research Center; numerical solution of partial differential
inverse scattering theory, numerical equation systems with engineering
computation of Fourier Integral Operators, Professor, Applied Mathematics
applications. He has been working in the
and Inverse problems. (Ph.D., INRIA, Dr. Rockwood’s research is focused on computational modeling of single-phase
Pans-Rocquencourt and Versailles Saint developing new modeling techniques for and multi-phase flow in reservoir
Quentin en Yvelines University, France) industrial design and animation, volume engineering, and contaminant transport
meshing for FE analysis, a new basis in groundwater, bays and estuaries.
niloy J. Mitra for image processing, and engineering Other areas of Dr. Sun’s research work
Assistant Professor, Computer Science applications of Clifford Algebra. (Ph.D., include computational angiogenesis in
University of Cambridge, United Kingdom) biomedical engineering. (Ph.D., University
Dr. Mitra’s research interests are in
of Texas at Austin, United States)
geometric modeling, geometry processing, ravi Samtaney
shape analysis, shape-preserving
deformations, scan alignment, and
Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering; raul Tempone
Associate Professor, Applied Mathematics Associate Professor, Applied Mathematics ying Wu exploring seismic data with special hakan Bağcı
visualization. Dr. Mitra works on detection emphasis on media that exhibit anisotropic
and Computational Science and Computational Science Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Assistant Professor, Electrical Engineering
of symmetry and structural regularity in behavior of wave propagation. (Ph.D.,
Dr. Samtaney operates at the intersection Computational Science
three-dimensional geometry, and also Dr. Tempone has been working on Colorado School of Mines, United States) Dr. Bağcı’s research focuses on various
in application of geometry processing in of applied mathematics, physics, and posteriori error estimates for stochastic Dr. Wu focuses on effective medium aspects of applied and theoretical
architectural design and other art forms. engineering, from fundamental processes differential equations (SDEs). These theory for elastic metamaterials and wave computational electromagnetics. (Ph.D.,
in fluid mechanics (shocks, turbulence,
Mohamed-Slim alouin
(Ph.D., Stanford University, United States) equations have been used extensively propagation in strongly scattered random University of Illinois, United States)
ablation, ionization, etc.) to numerical elastic media; metamaterials for elastic Professor, Electrical Engineering
in many areas of application, including,
Mikhail Moshkov methods and large-scale computing among others, chemistry, biology, physics waves; electromagnetic waves in random Dr. Alouini’s research interests are in osman Bakr
Professor, Applied Mathematics and Compu- (adaptive meshing, scalable solvers, software as well as social sciences and finance. Dr. media. (Ph.D., Hong Kong University of the modeling, design, and performance Assistant Professor, Materials Science
tational Science engineering, etc.). (Ph.D., Rutgers University, Tempone has pursued related research Science and Technology, China) analysis of wireless communication
United States) for deterministic differential equations systems. (Ph.D., California Institute of Dr. Bakr’s research interests are concerned
Dr. Moshkov’s research interests include the with the physics and chemistry of nano-
study of time complexity of algorithms in Basem Shihada
producing novel results, namely the PhySiCAl SCienCeS AnD Technology, United States)
materials. (Ph D., Harvard University,
analysis of convergence rates of adaptive
such computational models as deterministic
Assistant Professor, Computer Science algorithms for ordinary differential enGineerinG DiviSion husam n. alshareef United States)
and nondeterministic decision trees
equations and partial differential equations Associate Professor, Materials Science and
and acyclic programs with applications Dr. Shihada’s research covers a wide Tala’at al-Kassab fabrizio Bisetti
(PDEs). (Ph.D., Royal Institute of Technology Engineering
to combinatorial optimization, fault range of topics in broadband wired Associate Professor, Materials Science and
[KTH], Sweden) Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering
diagnosis, pattern recognition, machine and wireless communication networks, Engineering Dr. Alshareef’s research interests are
learning, data mining and analysis of including wireless Metropolitan Area in functional oxides for electronics, Dr. Bisetti’s research interests are in
Bayesian networks, and the analysis and Networks such as Institute of Electrical
antoine vigneron Dr. Al-Kassab’s research focuses on computational fluid mechanics applied
nanoelectronics, and energy--harvesting
design of classifiers based on decision and Electronics Engineers IEEE 802.16 Associate Professor of Computer Science experimental and theoretical investigations applications. (Ph.D., North Carolina State to multi-physics, multi-scale complex
trees, reducts, decision-rule systems, and networks, Fiber-Wireless (FIWI) network to reveal the link between the physical University, United States) flows including turbulent reactive flows,
Dr. Vigneron’s research focuses on the
lazy learning algorithms. (Ph.D., Saratov integration, and optical networks. (Ph.D., properties, such as hardness or magnetic turbulent aerosols and flame synthesis
complexity of algorithms for motion
State University, D.Sc., Moscow State University of Waterloo, Canada) behavior of a material, and the arrangements of nanomaterials. (Ph.D., University of
planning, description of shape, and aram amassian
University, Russia) of its constitutional different species at California, Berkeley, United States)
proximity search; applications in Assistant Professor, Materials Science and
georgiy Stenchikov the atomic scale. (Ph.D., University of
biology, engineering and robotics. Engineering
helmut Pottmann Göttingen, Germany)
Professor, Environmental Science and Applied (Ph.D., Hong Kong University of Science
Director, Geometric Modeling and Scien- Mathematics and Computational Science and Technology, China) Dr. Amassian’s research interests are
tific Visualization Research Center; Named Tariq a. alkhalifa in the area of molecular materials for
Professor, Applied Mathematics and Compu- Dr. Stenchikov’s research interests are in electronic and solar energy applications.
Professor, Geophysics
tational Science multi-scale modeling of environmental (Ph.D., Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal,
processes and numerical methods, global Dr. Alkhalifa’s research interests are in Canada)
Dr. Pottmann’s research interests are in imaging and velocity model building for

victor Manuel Calo aamir farooq performance and integration; optics atif Shamim
Assistant Professor, Earth and Environmental Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering and materials science of thin films and Assistant Professor, Electrical Engineering
Sciences and Engineering; Assistant Profes- nanostructures; combinatorial techniques
sor, Applied Mathematics and Computational Dr. Farooq’s research interests are in in photonic and electronic materials Dr. Shamim’s research interests are in
Science the areas of energy sciences, combustion discovery; photosensitive materials for System-on-Chip (SoC) and 3D ceramic
chemistry, and laser diagnostics. He is optoelectronic applications; chemical or organic System-on-Package (SoP)
Dr. Calo’s research interests include the interested in the development of new designs to realize highly miniaturized
and biological sensors; quantum simulations
computational aspects of geometrical laser-based sensors and their application and smart wireless components/devices
of materials. (Ph.D., University of Arizona,
modeling, fluid dynamics, solid mechanics, to energy-conversion processes of renewable for wearable and implantable biomedical
United States)
phase separation, fluid-structure interaction, and traditional energy resources. (Ph.D., sensors, advanced personal communication
geomechanics, and high-performance Stanford University, United States) appliances and energy harvesting modules.
computing. (Ph.D., Stanford University, Sigurjón Jónsson
(Ph.D., Carleton University, Canada)
United States) Associate Professor, Geophysics
ian foulds
Assistant Professor, Electrical Engineering Dr. jónsson’s research focuses on the georgiy Stenchikov
Sahraoui Chaieb use of satellite geodesy, primarily satellite Professor, Environmental Science; Professor,
Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering Dr. Foulds researches microfabricated cell radar interferometry (InSAR) and GPS, to Applied Mathematics and Computational
arraying devices for use in automated study areas threatened by major earthquakes Science
Dr. Chaieb’s research interests are in study of cell metabolic processes. (Ph.D., or volcanic activity. He uses these crustal
biomembranes biophysics with application Simon Fraser University, Canada) Dr. Stenchikov’s research interests are in
deformation measurements, along with
in cell mechanics and drug delivery, multi-scale modeling of environmental
modeling, to retrieve information about
nanomaterials for biological and renewable andrea fratalocchi processes and numerical methods; global
subsurface geophysical processes such as
energy applications and nanotechnology. Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering climate change, climate downscaling,
earthquake fault slip, post seismic relaxation,
(Ph.D., Ècole Normale Supèrieure, France) and Applied Mathematics and Computational atmospheric convection; assessment of
and magma accumulation. (Ph.D., Stanford
Science University, United States) anthropogenic impacts and geoengineering,
Suk ho Chung aurelien Manchon fabrication. (Ph.D., Stanford University, air-sea interaction, evaluating the
Dr. Fratalocchi’s research focuses on Assistant Professor, Materials Science and United States)
Director, Clean Combustion Research Center; environmental consequences of catastrophic
linear and nonlinear waves in disordered Jürgen Kosel Engineering
Professor, Mechanical Engineering events like volcanic eruptions, nuclear
systems, with applications in energy, Assistant Professor, Electrical Engineering ravi Samtaney
Dr. Manchon’s research addresses the issue explosions, forest and urban fires; and
Dr. Chung’s research interest is in medicine and materials science (Ph.D.,
Dr. Kosel’s research interests are in sensors of spin transport in magnetic and non- Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering air pollution, transport of aerosols,
fundamental combustion focused on energy, University of Rome, Italy)
for biological and technical applications, magnetic hybrid structures, as well as its chemically and optically active atmospheric
environment, and fuel issues, related to Dr. Samtaney’s research interests are in areas
microsystems, biomedical engineering, interaction with magnetization dynamics. tracers, and their radiative forcing effect
high-efficiency low-emission combustion ibrahim hoteit of alternative energy, computational fluid
magnetism, and materials science. (Ph.D., (Ph.D., Université joseph Fourier, France) on climate. (Ph.D., Moscow Physical
systems of internal combustion engine, gas Assistant Professor, Earth and Environmental
dynamics and plasma physics, numerical
Vienna University of Technology, Austria) Technical Institute, Russia)
turbines, and boilers and burners. (Ph.D., Sciences and Engineering
methods, and high-performance computing.
Northwestern University, United States) Boon S. ooi (Ph.D., Rutgers University, United States) 
Dr. Hoteit’s research interests are in the gilles lubineau Shuyu Sun
Professor, Electrical Engineering
theoretical developments of advanced data gerard Thomas Schuster Assistant Professor, Physical Sciences and
Christian Claudel Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Dr. Ooi’s research interests are in Engineering and Applied Mathematics and
assimilation methods for the estimation
Assistant Professor , Electrical Engineering Dr. Lubineau’s research interests include the theoretical and experimental study Professor, Geophysics
of the state of large dimensional nonlinear Computational Science
and Mechanical Engineering virtual testing, identification, modeling, of semiconductor nanostructures and
systems. He is also involved in the Dr. Schuster’s research interests are in Dr. Sun’s research interests are in
Dr. Claudel’s research interests are in development of oceanic and atmospheric and simulation strategies for composites, monolithic integration of photonic devices seismic imaging applications in engineering, computational methods for a variety of
cyberphysical systems monitoring and data assimilation systems. (Ph.D., Université especially for predicting severe mechanisms for fiber-optic communication, sensor, earthquake hazard mitigation, and engineering and scientific applications. His
participatory sensing, with emphasis on joseph Fourier, France) of degradation in CRFP. (Ph.D./Habilitation, and biomedical imaging applications. exploration geophysics. He is the research includes the modeling and
environmental applications. (Ph.D., École Normale Supérieure de Cachan (Ph.D., University of Glasgow, Scotland)  coordinator of the KAUST seismic field simulation of single-phase flow, multi-phase
University of California, Berkeley, Muhammad Mustafa hussain (ENS-Cachan), France) laboratory that consists of more than 600 flow and reactive transport in porous
United States) Assistant Professor, Electrical Engineering
iman S. roqan channels of recording geophone stations media, as well as the numerical analysis of
Martin Mai Assistant Professor, Materials Science linked by a state-of-the-art digital relevant algorithms. (Ph.D., University of
Tamer el Sayed Dr. Hussain’s research vision is to Associate Professor, Geophysics network. He is actively pursuing the
Dr. Roqan studies optical, magnetic, and Texas at Austin, United States)
integrate advanced nanomaterials with theoretical and practical development of
Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering Dr. Mai’s research interests include the structural properties of semiconductors,
nanofabrication into ultra low or no seismic interferometry. (Ph.D., Columbia
Dr. El Sayed’s research interests are in power electronics and nano-systems physics of earthquakes and the resulting to investigate the optical excitation Sigurdur Thorodssen
University, United States)
the constitutive modeling of soft materials to build integrated nanotechnology for complexity of earthquake phenomena, mechanisms and to improve the quality of Professor, Mechanical Engineering
applied to traumatic brain injuries and energy, environment, and medical as seen, for instance, through earthquake-source the grown films and their luminescence udo Schwingenschlögl Dr. Thorodssen’s research interests are in
reinforcement of structures. He is also applications. (Ph.D., University of Texas at imaging, dynamic rupture modeling, and and ferromagnetic properties. She is also
Assistant Professor, Materials Science and experimental fluid mechanics, focusing on
interested in crystal plasticity, uncertainty Austin, United States) numerical simulation of the long-term interested in improving the performance
Engineering the use of ultra-high-speed video imaging
quantification, and large scale computing. evolution of faults and related earth- of optoelectronics devices and optical
to study the dynamics of free-surface
Dr. El Sayed is the principal investigator ghassan Jabbour quake characteristics. His works extends spectroscopy for other materials, such Dr. Schwingenschlögl’s research interests
flows. (Ph.D., University of California,
of the Computational Solid Mechanics to ground-motion simulation for seis- as biomaterials. (Ph.D., University of concentrate on the electronic and
Professor, Electrical Engineering and Materi- San Diego, United States)
Laboratory (CSML) at KAUST with the mic-hazard and earthquake-engineering Strathclyde, Scotland) structural properties of nanostructured
als Science and Engineering
primary goal of formulating verified and applications. (Ph.D., Stanford University, systems, in particular those including
validated massive parallel computational Dr. jabbour’s research interests include United States) Khaled nabil Salama surfaces and interfaces. (Ph.D., Universitat
campaigns to advance predictive science. photovoltaic materials and devices; flexible Augsburg, Germany)
Assistant Professor, Electrical Engineering
(Ph.D., California Institute of Technology, and stretchable nanothick electronics and
United States) photonics; nano and macro printed optical, Dr. Salama’s research interests cover
electronic and optoelectronic materials a variety of interdisciplinary aspects of
and devices; optimization of OLEDs electronic circuit design and semiconductor

The Coastal & Marine resources lab facilitates Red Sea The nanobiology lab is part of the KAUST Electron Microscopy
research and development, thereby taking advantage of Facility that serves as a state-of-the-art instrumentation and
KAUST’s spectacular geographic location. It constructs and techniques center for nano-characterization studies in life and
deploys modern oceanographic instrumentation; provides materials science. These techniques include Cyro Em (examination

Core labs and Major
operational services to support research vessels for marine of vitrified samples).
exploration, diving and sampling; maintains indoor and outdoor
seawater facilities for culturing marine organisms.

research Facilities
The nanofabrication laboratory comprises 2000 sq m of
Class 1000 clean room space, with multiple bays at Class 100.
The imaging and Characterization laboratory has It integrates a diversity of advanced tools for the fabrication of
comprehensive facilities for scanning, transmission, confocal, micro/ nano–scale devices to support research in advanced materials,
and Raman microscopy, magnetic and thermal measurements, biotechnology, electronics and photonics, and MEMS/NEMS.
and other instrumentation for materials characterization. These Each service bay has a full complement of utilities, including
STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES FOR allow the visualization of nanostructures, devices and surfaces high purity DI water, high purity nitrogen, reactive gases, and
CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH down to the level of individual atoms. chilled water.

ADvAnCeD CoMPutAtion AnD
viSuAlizAtion FACility

The visualization lab at KAUST hosts a Mechdyne-built
CAVE, creating the world’s highest resolution and brightest virtual
environment. This immersive visualization facility comprises 24 of
the world’s highest native resolution projectors (4096 x 2160
pixels each), with four illuminating each side of a cubic space;
a fully immersive stereoscopic visual environment; 100 million
pixels; allows up to 8 viewers in the environment.
An advanced audio Studio complements the visual experience.
A CORNEA cluster provides computational power to drive the
displays: 96 quad-core CPUs; 768 gigabytes of RAM; 12 TB of
internal hard drive capacity; dual gigabit interprocessor connectivity;
2 x 10 gigabit uplinks; 96 FX5600 GPUs; 144 GB of graphics
memory; 48 TB of external storage.
A Multi-Purpose room has an ultra high resolution (32 million
pixel) digital cinema projection system, allowing stereoscopic
viewing for an audience of 75. This room also provides a
reconfigurable dynamic collaborative display environment for
inter-disciplinary research.

At KAUST, we have several Center For DeeP CoMPutinG reSeArCh
Core Labs and Major AnD SuPerCoMPutinG FACilitieS
Facilities that are available
to support the research of KAUST has partnered with IBM to establish a Supercomputing
Research Center. KAUST has named its supercomputer Shaheen,
faculty, scientists and after the Arabian falcon famed for its swiftness of flight. This
graduate students. 16-rack IBM Blue Gene/P system is equipped with 4 gigabyte
memory per node and capable of 222 teraflops, making KAUST
campus the site of one of the world’s fastest supercomput-
The analytical Chemistry Core lab has facilities for The Proteomics Core lab has state-of-the-art instrumentation ers in an academic environment. KAUST is targeting petaflop
spectroscopy, chromatography and mass spectrometry, trace for the discovery and characterization of proteins implicated in capability within three years.
The nuclear Magnetic resonance (nMr) laboratory
metals analysis, wet chemistry, and surface analysis. The state- important cellular processes. Focus will be on deep Proteome Analysis comprises a suite of 10 NMR spectrometers for solution-based KAUST’s advanced IT infrastructure includes ubiquitous wireless
of-the-art instrumentation and operations are controlled by a for the discovery of putative functional regulatory proteins. and solid-state samples, together with comprehensive sample and wired connectivity, with a 40 Gbps backbone and multiple
Labware LIMS system. preparation facilities for the study of macromolecular structures 10 Gbps connections between campus buildings. Abundant
and spatial distributions, dynamics in solution, and chemical dark fiber is ready to be activated when needed. KAUST will
The nucleic acid Synthesis (oligo) Core lab uses state- also be connected to the IT networks across the world, eventually
The genomics Core lab provides services vital to the study of-the-art instrumentation for the manufacture of DNA, RNA composition of small features in solid-state samples. All
spectrometers are equipped with hardware for state-of-the-art running at 10 Gbps directly to Internet2 and GEANT2.
of cellular materials by focusing on genetic analysis of samples. and a broad range of analogs of these molecules as unique
This includes DNA sequencing and synthesis, as well as micro-array reagents to facilitate the development of highly specialized multinuclear experiments, including gradient probes and the
and real-time PCR analysis. biological assays for the elucidation of gene structure and capability for multi-channel pulsing with deuterium decoupling.
function in the genome. Cryoprobes are installed at all field strengths.


research Centers
KAUST’S UNIQUE “MATRIX” STRUCTURE WHERE SCIENTISTS
ARE UNENCUMBERED BY DEPARTMENTAL BOUNDARIES
AND WORK IN RESEARCH CENTERS ON
TARGETED PROBLEMS

At KAUST, our Research Centers are technologies that provide efficient and drought- or salt- tolerant plants (e.g.,
organized around focused programs sustainable separation processes. xerophytes, resurrection plants, and
of research. They are designed to find halophytes) as well as in model plants
answers through research to challenging The Catalysis Center develops new such as Arabidopsis and rice.
and pressing problems that impact both catalysts, new catalytic reactions, and
Saudi Arabia and the world. They are not new catalytic technologies. The center The red Sea Center develops an
permanent units and are very adaptable. focuses on catalyst discovery and catalysis integrated understanding of coral reef
If the problems that a Research Center is by design. ecosystems and their oceanographic context
working on are solved, then the Research - the physical, chemical, biological and
Center has done its job. Resources will The Clean Combustion Center pursues geological environment, the stresses arising
then be directed to other centers and other leading solutions to global challenges from natural as well as anthropogenic factors
problems rather than used to perpetuate arising from the combustion of fossil including overfishing, pollution, coastal
the Center. fuels, such as pollutant control, global development, and global climate change.
warming and climate change abatement,
The idea behind the Research Centers and sustainable fuel usage. The Solar and Photovoltaics
and our unique matrix structure of engineering research Center focuses on
programs and research centers is that The Computational Bioscience renewable energy science and engineering
bringing scientists from many disciplines Center gathers experts in the fields of to provide the foundation for innovation in
together to work on significant problems life and medical sciences, engineering, efficient and low-cost disruptive photovoltaic
rather than leaving them in their separate physics, chemistry, mathematics, and (PV) foundational technologies.
labs to work independently will create computer science to work together on
important synergies. The interchange of experimental design, data acquisition and The Water Desalination and reuse
various perspectives and various approaches analysis, and development of sophisticated Center develops methods to expand
will lead to new insights and faster progress. computational approaches to produce sustainable water sources while minimizing
viable solutions for complex problems in energy use, chemical use, waste residuals,
A typical Research Center at KAUST consists biology and medicine. environmental impact and the carbon
of 8-10 members of faculty, 40-50 footprint.
graduate students, research scientists The geometric Modeling and Sci-
and engineers, postdoctoral researchers, entific visualization Center performs
visiting researchers (including resident fundamental and application-oriented
and visiting scientists from industry) and research in a variety of areas of visual
administrative and technical staff. computing, such as geometric modeling
and geometry processing, scientific
The advanced Membranes and visualization, virtual reality, rendering,
Porous Materials Center offers an simulation, computational geometry and
interactive multidisciplinary scientific topology, computer vision, and
environment for experts and students imaging science.
in the fields of chemical, biological, and
environmental engineering, materials The Plant Stress genomics Center
science, nanotechnology, and computer focuses on identifying salt and drought
science to develop novel, cutting-edge tolerance genes and pathways in naturally


life at KAuSt

GrADuAte ServiCeS graduate student success. Graduate
Involvement and Recreation
The Offices of Development and Support manages graduate student organiza-
and Campus Life support graduate student tions, which provide opportunities
success by managing the delivery of services to participate in educational, social,
and resources of several offices. The office cultural, and recreational programs,
works closely with the Graduate Student activities, and special events with
Council and collaborates with other KAUST peer colleagues.
offices and departments to enhance
graduate students’ experiences. ProFeSSionAl
DeveloPMent
GrADuAte SKillS lAB
Professional Development prepares
The Graduate Skills Lab provides resources graduate students to make appropriate
and services to graduate students in decisions and develop lifelong career
support of their overall academic success. management skills and to successfully
The Graduate Skills Lab has services to assist negotiate and promote themselves
students with English for Special Purposes. It in the job market; promotes em-
offers tutoring as well as course instruction, ployment and internship opportunities
workshops, seminars and one-on-one worldwide; facilitates on-campus
tutoring. Graduate students may make The Council also seeks to expand the options
networking opportunities with employers; and opportunities for student employment
appointments for individual consultations. and informs graduate students of the latest after graduation.
employment trends in science and technology.
GrADuAte reSiDenCe liFe Graduate students may make appointments
for individual consultations.
AthletiC FACilitieS
Graduate Residence Life serves as a resource
to students throughout their residential Students have access to extensive athletic
experience at KAUST. To complement heAlth, wellneSS AnD facilities, which include: swimming
graduate students’ academic and research CounSelinG pools; a rock climbing wall; billiard and
pursuits, the office promotes educational, snooker tables; exercise facilities staffed
cultural, and social opportunities and Health, Wellness, and Counseling supports with professional trainers; tennis courts;
encourages graduate students to capitalize the complete physical, emotional, mental, squash courts; racquetball and badminton CoMMunity ServiCeS
upon the multicultural environment in spiritual, social and environmental courts; a bowling alley; soccer; baseball Community and residential services are provided and include:
which they live at KAUST. Graduate Residence well-being of graduate students, through and athletic fields; basketball courts; a Shopping, services, support—all easily accessible on daycare centers; home maintenance; high-speed internet; satellite
Life coordinates with other departments individual and group sessions, workshops 9-hole grass golf course (lighted); a beach; campus television; electricity and water; refuse removal; and local
to provide appropriate services and and outside referrals. Graduate students and a seaside marina with full yacht and telephone service.
sailing facilities. KAUST offers a variety of community resources to help students
resources in support of a safe and positive may make appointments for health and
enjoy active, healthy lives by balancing their studies with satisfying
living experience in KAUST. wellness-related consultations.
Exercise and wellness programs are open to leisure opportunities. The university offers shuttle bus and taxi
students. These programs are designed to services to students. Complimentary bus service is also offered to SChoolS
GrADuAte involveMent meet individual interests and goals, as well the nearby cities of jeddah and Mecca.
GrADuAte CounCil KAUST’s commitment to quality of life for students extends to all
AnD reCreAtion as a wide variety of fitness levels. Programs members of their families. From early childhood centers designed
The Graduate Council represents KAUST include those for weight loss, stress The harbor District commercial center offers all the services
and conveniences that members of the university community need, to enrich and engage preschoolers to high school programs that
Graduate Involvement and Recreation graduate student interests to university management, cardiovascular endurance
including: a grocery store; a dry cleaner; a theater with cinemas and a will prepare students to take on the challenges of higher education,
provides opportunities for graduate students administration, faculty, staff, community, and sports-specific conditioning.
stage for live performances; a bank; a travel agent; a post office; a the KAUST Schools provide a solid foundation for a lifetime of
to develop their leadership and intercultural and industry. Core objectives of the Council learning and achievement.
skills; fosters their learning and engagement; include promoting the quality of instruction beauty salon; and a variety of restaurants and cafes.
and promotes community in support of and research at the University.


FinAnCiAl SuPPort
The KAUST Fellowship is the scholarship program of the King
Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).

All Master’s and PhD students admitted to KAUST will benefit

Admissions
from the exceptional KAUST Fellowship scholarship package that
supports students for the duration of their graduate studies. The
benefits of the KAUST Fellowship include:
• Full tuition support
• Monthly living allowance
• Housing
• Private medical and dental coverage
• Relocation support
APPliCAtion ProCeDure quantitative score on the GRE will enhance a student’s application. • Potential for additional scholarships for the highest
Official test results should be sent directly from ETS. The KAUST achieving students
All applications must be submitted online at http://www.kaust. university code is 4139. The average score on the GRE quantitative
edu.sa section was 780 for admitted students in the 2010 admission.

There are five components to the KAUST application, including: Applicants should submit an official university transcript from every ADMiSSionS ContACt
institution previously attended. A scanned copy of an unofficial
• Statement of purpose Please contact the Admissions Office if you have any questions
transcript should be uploaded into the online application form. An
• Curriculum vitae (CV) official transcript must be sent directly from the university in a about applying to KAUST.
university sealed envelope to:  Graduate Affairs, Building 9, Suite
• Official university transcripts
4328, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology,  4700 admissions@kaust.edu.sa
• Three letters of recommendation King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Telephone: +966 (0)2 808 3428
jeddah 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Official TOEFL or IELTS English language proficiency
Graduate Affairs,
score (if English is not your native language) The applicant should submit a statement of purpose with his/ Engineering Building (Building 9), Suite 4328
• Official GRE scores (GRE submission is encouraged and her application. In this statement, the applicant should describe King Abdullah University of Science and Technology,
will enhance an application, but it is not a compulsory his/her motivation for seeking admission to KAUST and his/her 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
requirement for consideration.) preparation for the program to which he/she is applying. The Thuwal 23955-6900,
applicant should describe research and study interests, as well Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
as plans for the future. Demonstrating an aptitude for academic
APPliCAtion requireMentS study and research-leadership potential may enhance an
The applicant should complete his/her bachelor/master’s degree applicant’s statement of purpose.
prior to the semester of enrollment, in a KAUST-relevant field of
The applicant must have three letters of recommendation
study, such as Engineering, Mathematics, or the Physical,
submitted on his/her behalf. Letters of recommendation are
Chemical and Biological Sciences.
extremely important and should be written by professors or
There is no minimum GPA requirement for admission. However, advisers under whom the applicant has studied (course work or
most candidates will have an average cumulative GPA of 3.5 or research). The recommender should provide details about how
higher on a 4.0 scale or equivalent in other international grading he/she knows the applicant’s work, as well as comparative
systems. The average GPA of admitted students is currently 3.7 statements (e.g., top 1% of class, best in past five years, etc.),
on a 4.0 scale. and insight into research ability.

KAUST requires a minimum TOEFL score of 79 on the IBT
(Internet Based Test) or 6.0 on the IELTS (International English ADMiSSionS DeADlineS
Language Testing System). KAUST’s university code for the TOEFL
exam is 4107. Only official TOEFL or IELTS scores will be accepted. Please check the KAUST website (www.kaust.edu.sa) for application
TOEFL or IELTS scores for tests administered by an educational deadlines. Normally, the deadline is October 15 for enrollment
institution for admission to that particular institution in the semester beginning in january and it is january 15 for
are not acceptable. enrollment in the semester beginning in September.

A TOEFL or IELTS score is not required if the applicant is a native It should be noted that most programs have no formal closing
speaker of English (English is the primary language spoken in date, however some programs will fill quickly and the applicant
the home) or received a Bachelor’s degree from a university in is advised to apply and complete his/her application before
the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or April for Fall Semester enrollment. This is to ensure that there is
New Zealand. enough time for the visa application and relocation process.

KAUST does not require the GRE exam for admission. However,
we encourage students to take the GRE general test. A high


www.kaust.edu.sa

32 www.kaust.edu.sa

www.kaust.edu.sa

For more information e-mail: admissions@kaust.edu.sa

Kaust Admissions Look Book

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Kaust Admissions Look Book