2013 September Beacon

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

BEACON ‫املنـارة‬ at Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

September 2013 / Thul Qedah 1434 Volume 4, Issue No. 1

the

www.kaust.edu.sa

Prof. Chameau chats with The Beacon.

Hatoon Baazim, MS candidate in Bioscience, delivered a heartfelt address to the gathering at Convocation.

A Chat with President Jean-Lou Chameau With the onset of the new academic year, The Beacon sat down with President Chameau to learn more about his thoughts on driving principles such as passion and discovery, as well as his first impressions at KAUST.

Q: In your comments to students at orientation, you mentioned the importance of a passion for discovery. Why is that important?

A: The passion for discovery is clearly important. That’s what drives you, what makes you

President Jean-Lou Chameau addresses the student body, faculty, and staff at the University’s Fourth Convocation. .‫الرئيس شامو في حفل استقبال طلبة العام اآلكاديمي الجديد‬

Fourth Academic Convocation

ask questions, what makes you want to address

‫امللك عبداهلل قدم هدية عظيمة‬ ‫للمملكة بإنشاء هذه اجلامعة‬

difficult, important problems. It also is what

Energy and excitement could be felt in the air as students,

keeps you working when your research is chal-

faculty, and staff were reminded at the Fourth Academic Convocation

lenging. Science and engineering are difficult

that each person at KAUST is responsible for its success, and, in

disciplines, and sometimes you have to work

President Chameau’s words, each should “dream big, take chances,

very hard. In fact, passion alone is not suffi-

have an impact, and make a difference.”

cient. You have to be focused, and you have to

our great research centers, and there they can

KAUST is about excellence, collaboration, curiosity, discovery, innovation, and impact. All of you are crucial in fulfilling these challenging aspirations…”

- President Chameau

explore their passions, be it looking at new

The Convocation, marking the start of the academic year, was

energy, at solving environmental problems,

President Jean-Lou Chameau’s first address to University as a whole.

at finding ways for better food production, or

In his inspiring remarks he told students they had been given a gift.

improving bioscience. They can address very

“King Abdullah made a great gift to Saudi Arabia by creating this

important questions of science, be very curious,

research university. The King also provided the gift of resources that

and, at the same time, translate their research

enables our scholars, including you, to explore critical and difficult

into something of practical importance.

problems without constraints and to be the best they can be,” he said.

be interested in making an impact on the world and society. I think that the young people who join KAUST have amazing opportunities. For example, they can participate in the work of

“All of you share another gift, the gift of a powerful intellect…Starting

Q: Some may argue that you either have passion or you don’t. What are your thoughts?

A: I may be an idealistic person, but I believe all

this week you will be working with faculty and other students and

of us have passion inside us. Passion for things

sionate about what they do; to work hard and take advantage of the great

like science and discovery is in every person. I

research centers and laboratories and the remarkable colleagues they will

think to nurture it, you have to force yourself

find on campus; to prepare themselves to be leaders; to be resolved to

sometimes to ask questions, not take things for

grow as a person; and to contribute to the KAUST community.

scholars who are among the finest minds in the world.”

He went on to tell the students that along with these gifts comes a duty to fully realize their potential. He asked them to do five things: to be pas-

granted. If things don’t make sense to you, ask

“KAUST is about excellence, collaboration, curiosity, discovery,

questions. I think we do all have passion in us,

innovation, and impact. All of you are crucial in fulfilling these chal-

and passion for science, for discovery, is found

lenging aspirations…” President Chameau continued, “All of you:

in everybody too.

faculty, staff, students, and your families are the miracle workers of KAUST. The greatness of the institution resides in you.”

In closing, President Chameau said, “All of us have the great fortune

Chat with the President | Continued on p4

INSIDE:

News 1-5

Fourth Academic Convocation | Continued on p5

Research 6-7

‫كال من الطلبة وأعضاء هيئة التدريس‬ ًّ ‫ساد شعور مفعم بالحماس والتشويق‬ ‫والموظفين في الحفل الرابع الستقبال طلبة العام االكاديمي الجديد عند‬ ‫لو شامو والتي بين خاللها أن كل فرد‬-‫سماعهم كلمة رئيس الجامعة جان‬ ‫في جامعة الملك عبداهلل مسؤول عن نجاحها وأنه ينبغي على كل شخص‬ ‫أن تكون لديه أحالمًا كبيرة ويغتنم الفرص المتوفرة وأن يكون مؤثر ًا‬ .‫ويحدث التغيير‬ ‫لو شامو في حفل استقبال طلبة العام األكاديمي‬-‫وكان خطاب الرئيس جان‬ ‫ حيث‬، ‫ هو أول خطاب رسمي له مخاطبًا مجتمع الجامعة بأكمله‬،‫الجديد‬ ‫ " قدم الملك عبداهلل هدية‬: ‫أشاد بهدية الملك عبداهلل للطلبة بقوله‬ ‫عظيمة إلى المملكة العربية السعودية عبر إنشائه هذه الجامعة البحثية‬ ‫وتزويدها بالموارد التي تمكن علمائنا من بحث واستكشاف المشاكل‬ ‫ كما بين الرئيس شامو للطلبة الجدد أنه‬."‫الحرجة والصعبة دون قيود‬ ‫سيتسنى لهم العمل في جامعة الملك عبداهلل مع أعضاء هيئة تدريس‬ .‫وطلبة وباحثين من بين أفضل العقول في العالم‬ ‫وقال مخاطبًا الطلبة أنه مع امتالك موهبة الفكر تأتي على عاتقهم مسؤولية‬ ‫ أن يعملوا‬:‫ وطلب منها أن يقوموا بخمسة أشياء‬.‫تحديد قدراتهم بالكامل‬ ‫ وأن يستفيدوا من مراكز ومختبرات األبحاث الكبرى في‬،‫بحماس وشغف‬ ‫يعدوا أنفسهم ليكونوا‬ ّ ‫ أن‬،‫الجامعة وخبرات زمالئهم في الحرم الجامعي‬ ‫ وأن يساهموا في بناء مجتمع‬،‫ وأن يعقدوا العزم على تطوير أنفسهم‬،‫قادة‬ .‫جامعة الملك عبداهلل‬ ‫وأكد الرئيس شامو في ختام خطابه على أن منسوبي جامعة الملك عبداهلل‬ ‫محظوظون لخوضهم هذه المغامرة العظيمة ودعاهم بأن يفخروا بذلك‬ ‫ ثم استعرض‬.‫ وبعد ذلك قدم الرئيس شامو قادة الجامعة للحضور‬.ً‫دائما‬ ‫ أسماء‬،‫ العميد المشارك لشؤون الدراسات العليا‬،‫البروفسور برايان موران‬ ،‫ هتون باعظيم‬،‫ممثلي مجلس طالب الدراسات العليا وقدم أحد أعضائها‬ ‫طالبة درجة الماجستير في العلوم البيولوجية تحت قيادة البروفسور‬ .‫مجدى محفوظ في مركز الزراعة الصحراوية‬ ‫وتحدثت الطالبة هتون في كلمتها للطلبة الجدد عن انطباعاتها العامة‬ ‫وتجاربها الشخصية في جامعة الملك عبداهلل التي كانت مدهشة بحسب‬ ‫ وتحدثت أيضًا عن‬.‫ وتطلعاتها التي جاءت كما كانت تأمل‬،‫وصفها‬ ‫انضمامها إلى الجامعة و كيف أثر فعليًا على حياتها كونها سيدة سعودية‬ ‫ وأشادت بالتنوع الثقافي‬،‫أعطيت الفرصة لتكون جزء ًا من هذه الجامعة‬ ‫ واختتمت حديثها بقولها انها‬.‫الذي عاشته في الجامعة خالل عام كامل‬

5 ‫تتمه صفحة‬

Community 8

2

September 2013

News

The Beacon

In this issue you can learn more about Convocation held on Sept. 3, which heralded the beginning of

International Physics and Chemistry Olympiads; and the other about the Saudi Research Science

KAUST’s fifth academic year and was the first address to the university as a whole by President

Institute - both held at KAUST and run by Saudi Initiatives and other KAUST members.

Jean-Lou Chameau. This issue also offers readers a chance to get to know Prof. Chameau through a recent informal Question and Answer interview.

The development of Saudi youth through cooperation between Saudi Initiatives, Mawhiba, and government agencies is highlighted in two stories: one about the training for the

KAUST research highlights appear in two articles, and there is also coverage of the arrival of R/V Thuwal, KAUST’s newly purchased vessel for research in the Red Sea. And don’t miss the stories and photos on page 8 welcoming our new students and introducing a new marine mascot, Fred, the turtle. 

—THE BEACON Editorial

The Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 1, September 2013. Published by The Communications Department, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia. Contact Salah Sindi salah.sindi@kaust.edu.sa, or Michelle D'Antoni michelle.dantoni@kaust.edu.sa © King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. Printed on partially recycled paper.

for electricity generation in the Kingdom. The program in general will have a broad impact on energy conservation, sustainability, education and training, and industry development, as well as society at large.”

Dr. Suwaiyel agreed, stating that the agreement corresponds to KACST’s strategic plans to produce technology transfer that will “serve the Kingdom’s sustainable development and its requirements.” He noted that lighting utilizing semiconductors and lasers is very important for reducing energy consumption. 

KAUST and the Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics (ACPFG) Sign MoU to Deliver Salt Tolerant Crops (Front row, L-R) KAUST Vice President for Research Prof. Jean Fréchet, KACST President Dr. Mohammed I. Al-Suwaiyel, and Dr. Henry Yang, Chancellor of the University of California Santa Barbara, sign a tripartite agreement on July 14, affirming the commitment of the three institutions to develop ultra-high performance solid-state lighting technology.

KAUST and The Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics (ACPFG) at the University of Adelaide in Waite, Australia, on July 29, 2013, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), an agreement that will deliver salt-tolerant varieties of wheat and barley for the benefit of both the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Australian growers.

The partnership will allow for transfer of materials, technologies, and resources between the

KAUST Signs Agreement to Support Research in Solid-State Lighting

two organizations, facilitating the development of crops that are able to grow in saline conditions. The project will also provide opportunities for student exchanges and joint PhD projects.

“Both KAUST and ACPFG have great resources and mutual interest in understanding and

KAUST signed a tripartite agreement with the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology

improving salinity tolerance in crops,” said Dr. Mark Tester, Professor of Bioscience at KAUST.

(KACST) and the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) to establish a joint Solid-State

“This international agreement provides a valuable opportunity to benefit agriculture in both

Lighting Program (KACST-KAUST-UCSB SSLP).

the Kingdom and Australia – we all win.”

The agreement, signed July 14, 2013, by KACST President Dr. Mohammed I. Al-Suwaiyel,

“The agreement is an exciting venture for ACPFG and Australia because our researchers will

KAUST Vice President for Research Prof. Jean Fréchet, and Chancellor of UCSB, Dr. Henry Yang,

access additional information, resources, and expertise to investigate how these important crops

also affirmed the commitment of the three institutions to develop ultra-high performance solid-

respond to extreme saline conditions,” said Dr. Stuart Roy, Program Leader at the ACPFG. “The

state lighting technology.

project will help deliver to Australian farmers’ crops that can grow in these tough conditions.”

SSLP research centers on developing next-generation semiconductor laser-based “smart” SSL technology, which will produce better quality of light and enable substantial energy saving.

KACST functions as Saudi Arabia’s national science agency and also comprises the Kingdom’s

In one part of the collaboration, ACPFG and KAUST will replicate laboratory and field trials to identify genes that play an important role in salinity tolerance, providing both organizations with extensive data on these cereals. 

national laboratories. It collects data, formulates science and technology policy, and funds external research, among other activities.

In 2013, KACST established the Technology Innovation Center on Solid-State Lighting (KACST-TIC

New Funding Available from Economic Development

SSL) at KAUST. The center’s work focuses on education, training, and research into SSL, with partner-

A new funding mechanism, the Pre-Seed Fund, is available from the New Ventures and

ships with other universities in Saudi Arabia, including King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals

Entrepreneurship Division of Economic Development. The Pre-Seed Fund, like the Seed Fund, is

(KFUPM), King Abdulaziz University (KAU), and Effat University, forming critical research links.

designed to help entrepreneurs take their ideas and innovations from the lab to the marketplace. The

Boon Ooi, KAUST Professor of Electrical Engineering, is the Principle Investigator (PI) of TIC SSL and the director of the SSLP. Also working on research for the center are other KAUST professors in the position of co-PIs, including Drs. Osman Bakr, Hakan Bagci, Andrea Fratalocchi, and Tien Khee Ng. Prof. Ooi said: “The success of this program could help reduce the amount of primary fuel used

difference is that the Pre-Seed Fund is available at an earlier stage. Pre-seed funding helps applicants produce proof of concept so that they are eligible to apply to the Seed Fund.

Application for Pre-Seed Funds is open all year. Pre-Seed Funding is for three months and can be up to 30,000 US dollars.

For more information, contact Pre-seed Funding at psf@kaust.edu.sa. 

Island Recreation Club The day finally arrived, and it was worth the wait! The new Island Recreation Club opened its doors to the KAUST community with a grand opening on September 10. The night kicked off at 6:00 p.m. for hours of entertainment and interactive activities. What immediately drew crowds were the display booths set up to provide information on community organizations. Among those in attendance were various self-directed groups, sporting groups, clubs, transportation facilities, and food venues, all eager to answer questions and pass out free goodies.

Although there was plenty of entertainment, what still held priority over the evening was getting Children's activties and entertaiment were a hightlight of the opening.

an up-close and personal tour of the new recreational facility and everything it has to offer. According to KAUST Community Services, the goal of the new club is to provide another facility that students, faculty, and families can utilize to “maintain an active lifestyle,” but also engage in “satisfying leisure opportunities.” Some of the amenities include individual men and ladies fitness gyms, an indoor sports arena, a children's play land, a skate park, beach volleyball, as well as a café, sauna, and various lounges and seminar rooms. The new facility also boasts numerous exercise classes, fitness challenges, training، and consultations that are sure to add a personal element to work outs.

As the sun set on the evening, the place to be was outside enjoying the beautiful poolside views, tasty finger foods, and live music provided by the Events and Musicians group. Other highlights of the night included the play land opening and ribbon cutting, an official address by KAUST President Dr. Jean-Lou Chameau, as well as musical performances by high school students.

Over 3,000 people attended the opening of the Island Recreation Center.

Altogether, the night was a lively one. The success of the event and a great sense of pride in the community was exhibited by the smiling faces seen exiting the building, eager to return. 

News

www.kaust.edu.sa

September 2013

The R/V Thuwal sails into the KAUST dock adjacent to the CMOR complex.

R/V Thuwal Arrives at KAUST The R/V Thuwal arrived at the KAUST dock on the afternoon of September 1 to great fanfare. The newly purchased vessel that will help take marine science research in the Red Sea to the next level was met by a large contingent of faculty, staff, and students from the Red Sea Research Center, the Coastal and Marine Resourses Core Lab, and other units who had been instrumental in all aspects of procuring the vessel, as well as members of the KAUST academic and administrative leadership. KAUST community members were able to watch the boat’s arrival via live feed at Al Marsa Marina.

The 35 meter-long ship was previously used as a survey boat.

Pres. Chameau, Red Sea Research Center and Coastal and Marine Resources personnel, University leaders and staff involved in the procurement of the vessel celebrate the naming of KAUST’s first marine vessel.

It was purchased from an Australian boat builder, loaded on a larger ship, and transported to Jeddah from Freemantle, Australia.

KAUST President Jean-Lou Chameau officially named the vessel the R/V Thuwal and spoke of the innovative research and hands-on education it would facilitate. He went on to applaud the ingenuity of the entire team that helped bring the R/V Thuwal to reality at KAUST. “Our scientists and students in the Red Sea Research Center are now equipped to explore the Red Sea aboard the R/V Thuwal with greater flexibility and access,” said President Chameau.

Xabier Irigoien, Director of the Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), said he was very happy and felt that they were finally a Red Sea Research Center now that they have their own vessel for exploration and discovery. Adbulaziz Al-Suwailem, Manager of the Coastal and Marine Resources Core Lab, said he was very pleased that KAUST now had its own research vessel and that it would no longer be necessary to charter ves-

Coastal and Marine Resources Core Lab manager Abdulaziz Al-Suwailem explains to President Jean-Lou Chameau some of the workings of the R/V Thuwal, while John Berkeley Fitzhardinge , the previous boat owner who accompanied the vessel to KAUST, looks on.

sels as it had been in the past. He commented that the vessel could remain at sea for about two weeks with KAUST scientists and students conducting research.

The vessel gives the Center much greater flexibility in collecting data from the Red Sea. Before, expeditions were once a

The enclosed section of the ship is fully air conditioned and

year, several months in length, and composed of multiple legs

has a large fully functional galley and a separate dining and

for different research. Now the Center can set its own schedule

lounge area. The bridge, a fully enclosed helm position, contains

and increase the frequency of data collection.

R/V Thuwal can sleep 24­: 8 crew and 16 scientists. There is a large work deck and two deck cranes for launching the robotic

radar, echo sounder, plotter, wind gauge, GPS, SAT phone, wireless internet, and auto pilot equipment. It has a cargo capacity of 35 tons.

vessels KAUST marine scientists use in their research. The twin

“We are very excited to get the R/V Thuwal underway,” said

Hamilton jets powered by 400 HP Yanmar engines and the sin-

Prof. Irigoien. “We will run some initial training trips before we

gle fixed pitch propeller driven by a Caterpillar 3412 600 HP

set out on a longer data collection journey. That will probably

give the vessel excellent maneuverability and a cruising speed

come later in the fall.” 

of 10 knots with a range of 4000 NM.

Red Sea Research Center Director Prof. Xabier Irigoien expresses his excitement to receive the vessel and his hopes for the research the center will be able to conduct using it.

3

4

News

September 2013

The Beacon

Dedication, Cooperation, and Hard Work Equals Accomplishment and Joy for Saudi Students in the International Physics and Chemistry Olympiads This is a story that demonstrates the best in people, a story

Gifted Students Program and

that shows how far those who believe in the power of educa-

will soon start their undergrad

tion will go to encourage students, to help them strive for a

studies at UC Berkeley and

far-reaching goal. It is a story of growth and a bridging of cul-

UCLA.

tures for students, families, educators, and administrators. It is

The following year only one

the story of Mawhiba (The King Abdulaziz and His Companions

week of training was conducted

Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity) students’ journey

by Prof. Huang in Riyadh. The

to the International Physics and Chemistry competitions held

rest was done at KAUST. There

in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Moscow, Russia, respectively

were a few students in the 11th

this year and their accomplishments and success. It is also the

grade which meant they could

story of the dedicated professionals from KAUST, Mawhiba, the

participate again in 2013. The

Ministry of Education, and other universities who were their

training went so well that, after

guides and the myriad of people who helped organize the pro-

discussions between KAUST

gram and their stay and training at KAUST, overcoming many

management, Saudi Initiatives,

obstacles to make their training happen.

and Mawhiba, it was decided

The students’ successful training at KAUST this year for the

that KAUST would host the

International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) and the International

training for both physics and

Kuo-Wei Huang, Assistant Professor of Chemical Science and IChO team trainer, and team mates congratulate Ahmad Mohammed AlFaifi (center) for winning a bronze medal at the International Chemistry Olympiad in Moscow.

Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) is the result of years of consultations

chemistry in 2013. This precip-

and planning between Mawhiba, KAUST, and other government

itated many challenges. Both

Saud University deserves a special thank you for her coordina-

agencies. KAUST was first approached by Mawhiba in 2009 when

teams needed an instruction program to be designed, instructors

tion of training and Arabic translations for the students.” Trainers

KAUST headquarters was still in the Interim Office Building in

and lab access on campus, as well as housing and transportation for

Mihkel Kree, Taavi Pungas, and Jaan Kalda were brought in from

Jeddah. Mawhiba requested that KAUST become a partner in

periods off and on spanning three months. The cooperation needed

Estonia by Mawhiba for physics training, working tirelessly with

formulating a blueprint for identifying, developing and

to organize the event was tremendous. Again Saudi Initiatives, after

their team.

challenging Saudi youth.

many discussions and phone calls with Mawhiba and others, had

The physics team took part in a competition in Indonesia from

Putting the program together for IChO was not an easy task.

matters well in hand, and with Mariam Fouad as the logistics grand

May 4-15 and then in the IPhO in Copenhagen from July 7-15.

One of the first was to decide who would conduct the train-

master, every aspect of the students’ stay at KAUST was organized.

The males at the IChO camp were also trained for a week at King

ing. KAUST was contacted by Mawhiba in 2010 to ask if KAUST

Ten male students attended the 2013 physics selections train-

Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals by Prof. Baasheer

Assistant Professor of Chemical Sciences Kuo-Wei Huang was

ing, and eight males and two females the chemistry selections

Chanbasha, who has been instrumental in the IChO training

available. He was asked to help design the Olympiad student

training. All completed their high school exams before coming.

from the beginning with Prof. Huang. The boys also participated

training since he was one of the silver medalists in the 25th IChO

The group was composed of 10th, 11th, and 12th graders.

in the Mendeleev Competition in Uzbekistan before the IChO

in Perugia, Italy. He immediately agreed. He flew to Riyadh every

During the selection camp, students studied theory six to eight

other week to teach theoretical chemistry to the selected students

hours a day in KAUST classrooms every week day and some

that spring. “The students chosen were so eager to learn,” Prof.

weekends. Applied training needed labs. KAUST School jumped

And the outcome? The teams made history for Saudi Arabia. At

Huang said, “The flying back and forth was difficult with my

in solving the dilemma by generously donating their physics and

the physics competition two students, Mohammad Abdulkareem

other responsibilities but well worth the effort.”

chemistry labs to the Mawhiba students in the evenings. KAUST

Alhejji and Ali Hussain Alhulaymi, won bronze medals and

competition in Moscow. One of the girls also trained with Professor I-Jy Chang in Taipei, Taiwan, before the competition.

Specialized training in physical and analytical chemistry was

School Chemistry teacher Daniel Whitehair and Physics teacher

Ibrahem Mohammed Alnami and Abdulmohsen Sulaiman

conducted in Riyadh and Hungary by Prof. Gábor Magyarfalvi.

Georg Eitelhuber rearranged schedules and their labs so that their

Alowayed won honorable mentions. At IChO not only did they

Najah Ashry, KAUST Vice President of Saudi Initiatives, her organ-

laboratories were available each day at the appointed time.

win the first two medals ever in IChO for Saudi Arabia, but one

With the support of Yves Gnanou, Dean of Physical Sciences and

was won by a female. Norah Abdallah Alsabti won a bronze

Center, overcame many challenges to enable Prof. Huang and his

Engineering, four KAUST professors, in addition to Prof. Huang,

medal, and so did Ahmad Mohammed AlFaifi. Everyone involved

team to conduct training in organic synthesis at his lab at KAUST

were able to dedicate time to the chemistry training. Prof. Zhiping

with the Saudi students in the IPhO and the IChO competitions --

that year. Although the team did not win at the 43rd IChO in

Lai taught thermodynamics; Prof. Valentin Rodionov covered

the instructors, the students, their families, personnel at KAUST,

Turkey, Prof. Huang considered their training successful since

physical organic chemistry; Prof. Jorg Eppinger trained students

Mawhiba and other involved universities and agencies – were

they scored close to those who were awarded, and they were able

in biochemistry; and Prof. Yu Han covered surface chemistry.

winners as well, having the chance to see the power of educa-

to convince the students to continue their interest and studies in

“Without their contribution, the training would not have been so

tion at work and the doors it opens to the mind and the world. 

chemistry. Two of the team members were selected for the KAUST

successful,” said Prof. Huang. “Also Prof. Nada Al-Jallal of King

ization, and Jean-Marie Basset, Director of the Catalysis Research

Chat with the President | Continued from p1

Q: What advice would you have liked to receive at the beginning of your postgrad career?

A: I did receive advice, and it came from a person dear to me, my

because they have students from all over the world. But here

ago with a professor. He told me the main attractions to come

it is much more than that. It is faculty, students and staff who

to KAUST were the superb facilities, the great laboratories and

come to KAUST with different backgrounds, different ways of

research centers, and also the resources that he has to conduct

mother. It is the best advice she gave me, and it must have been

doing things. It is not like a US university. US universities are

research. And because of that he believes two things. First, that he

because I was a difficult child! She told me that “no” is not a good

international, but the organization is driven by the US culture.

has to aim high and do important things. And secondly, he feels it

answer for “yes.” By this she meant that we should not take “no”

Here there is truly a mix of cultures, a mix of doing things.

is a big responsibility, a duty, to take advantage of the things avail-

for an answer. So I never take “no” as an answer in life. That is

People come from Saudi Arabia, from Australia, from Africa,

able to him, to work hard to do great things. That is one example

why I am very tenacious. I think it was very good advice. It was

Europe, the US, Asia–you name it, they come here with differ-

that portrays the feeling of commitment I am getting here on the

not at the beginning of my career - it was when I was a child,

ent ways, different approaches. It is a challenge, but I think it is

KAUST campus.

but I consider it the best advice I received in my life.

very exciting to leverage all the talent of these cultures.

Q: Could you share some of your first impressions since arriving at KAUST? A: Coming to KAUST the past few weeks has been quite excit-

nice. I went to the Convocation which was dedicated to our new

ing. We have met very interesting people. I feel that KAUST

ple were there. It was fun, and the children loved it. We also

Q: We are interested in getting to know you and Dr. Carmichael. Would you care to share any particular background information: likes, dislikes, hobbies, and/or interests with the readers?

A: Carol and I both enjoy cooking. We love hiking and reading

is one of those places in the world where what appears to be

received a new vessel that will be great for our Red Sea Research

and getting to know new people. If you look at our careers, we

impossible, in fact, is possible. It’s one of the few places in

Center and their Marine Science program. At all these events the

have traveled a lot to different places. We love learning about

the world where you get that feeling. It is a truly interna-

people were collegial and excited about being at KAUST and highly

new cultures. We also enjoy entertaining people. We hope we

tional community. Let me explain what I mean. There are many

committed. I would like to mention, in terms of commitment and

will have a chance to entertain many members of the KAUST

organizations, many university campuses that are international

excitement about being at KAUST, a conversation I had a few days

community at our new home. 

You asked about events I have attended. They were all very students, and a few days ago I attended the opening of our new recreational facility. That was superb. More than 3,000 peo-

News

www.kaust.edu.sa

Building a Community of Scholars: Outstanding Saudi Students Participate in 2013 SRSI Program SRSI 2013

September 2013

5

composed of members of the KAUST faculty, a repre-

Engineering, who mentored students Abdulaziz

sentative from the SRSI program, research scientists

AlSaid and Nouf Al Jarallah. “The program is quite

in business and industry, RSI program directors, and

rigorous, but I found the students to be very hard-

an MIT admissions officer made the final decision on

working. I believe that all of them have the potential

acceptance to the institute.

to become good researchers in the future.”

This year, SRSI began with an Orientation

Faculty mentors also benefited from the program.

Program for students and their parents to familiarize

“Not only do the young, budding scientists gain

them both with the University’s unique environment

invaluable research experience, but SRSI is also a

and academic expectations for the students. Students

fulfilling experience for the mentors,” said Peiying

then participated in a three-day Induction Program,

Hong, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science

which included lab safety training, library training,

and Engineering and a mentor for student

and writing workshops. Four days of formal classes

Ziyad AlAjmi.

then followed, covering the subject areas of biology,

The SRSI students were also enthusiastic about

physics, chemistry, and math. Students also attended

the program. They praised the positive experiences

humanities classes, learning about ways in which

they had during their stay at KAUST and said SRSI

advances in history, literature, and philosophy are

had helped them plan for university studies. Students

connected to discoveries in STEM fields.

who had a specific field in mind for university when

Students then began full-time research work in the

they applied to SRSI also had a chance to further

labs of KAUST professors. This year, nine professors,

their interests at KAUST. “I studied the effect of dust

four associate professors, 20 assistant professors, and

on the performance of solar panels,” said Nouf Al

Forty students from high schools across the Kingdom

The program offers motivated and accomplished

two research scientists worked as mentors, supervis-

Jarallah. “I picked this field because I want to study

joined KAUST for six weeks this summer to partic-

high school students the opportunity to conduct

ing, collaborating, and working with students in

it in university.”

ipate in the third annual Saudi Research Science

university-level research under the mentorship

their research. Fifty-eight assistant mentors and six

Sarah Al Abdullatif, mentored by Andy Huang,

Institute (SRSI) summer program, which was

of professors at KAUST. This is a key step in the

tutors also worked closely with the students during

Assistant Professor of Chemical Science, summed

held from June 11 – July 26. This year, SRSI stu-

broader goal of nurturing talented young scholars to

the six- week program.

up her summer experience, stating: “SRSI put us

dents researched topics ranging from the bioactive

become future scientists, researchers, and leaders of

potential of bacteria from Red Sea sponges to the

Saudi Arabia.

Midway through the program, students presented

in the shoes of real scientists for six weeks. It has

the research work they had completed in a poster

opened vast horizons for our futures, and the skills

The Saudi Initiatives (SI) organization at KAUST,

symposium that was open to the wider KAUST com-

we learned over the summer will be the foundation

which operates under the auspices of Dr. Najah

munity. The program culminated with the students

for the success of other endeavors we attempt to take

Ashry, Vice President of Saudi Initiatives, oversees

producing a final scientific research paper summa-

on in the future.”

King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for

SRSI as part of a family of programs designed to

rizing their results. This was then followed by an oral

“The program was supported by an excellent

Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), the Center of

identify, develop, and challenge talented and gifted

presentation. The students were recognized during

team of professionals led by the program’s direc-

Excellence in Education (CEE), and KAUST. It is the

Saudi youth.

the annual Saudi Young Talent Award Ceremony on

tor, Mariam Fouad, and guided by our Young

July 2, 2013. The total number of alumni now stands

Development Manager, Debra Carlson Wood,” said

at 104 graduates.

Dr. Ashry. “None of the work and success would

construction of flexible plastic solar cells made from organic materials.

SRSI is a partnership between Saudi Aramco, the

first science, technology, engineering, and math-

Students were selected for SRSI 2013 in a rigorous

ematics (STEM) summer mentorship program for

procedure beginning with nominations from the top

high school students in Saudi Arabia to combine

three percent of academically excellent Saudi high

“At the beginning the students had very lit-

be possible without the hard work, dedication, and

theoretical coursework and research. SRSI is mod-

school students. Following a review of the completed

tle idea about what research really is, and they did

support of the many mentors and assistant men-

eled after the Research Science Institute (RSI), which

applications, the nomination pool was narrowed in a

not fully understand what we do in a research uni-

tors. Their contributions not only impact the lives of

is sponsored by CEE and the Massachusetts Institute

competitive process that included student interviews

versity or how we study a problem in-depth,” said

these young scholars, but also the future of KAUST

of Technology (MIT).

and meetings with parents. A selection committee

Mani Sarathy, Assistant Professor of Chemical

and the Kingdom.” 

Fourth Academic Convocation | Continued from p1 to be part of this great adventure. Let’s enjoy and cherish it every day.”

Prof. Jim Calvin, Vice President for Education, introduced by division the faculty members who

Following Prof. Chameau’s speech, he intro-

were new since convocation last year, highlight-

duced the University leadership to the audience.

ing their professional interests. This gave the

Then Prof. Brian Moran, Associate Provost of

new students a glimpse of the vast wealth of

Graduate Affairs, showed a slide naming the

knowledge and expertise available to them dur-

representatives on the first publically elected

ing their academic studies.

Graduate Student Council and introduced one of

BESE Dean Pierre Magistretti introduced

its members, Hatoon Baazim, as the Convocation

Dr. Michael Berumen, Assistant Professor of

student speaker. Baazim, a MS degree candidate

Marine Science, representing the faculty. He

in Bioscience, studies with Prof. Magdy Mahfouz

gave an informative and entertaining speech,

in the Center for Desert Agriculture and will

illustrated with vivid, colorful slides of life under

graduate in December.

the Red Sea, about how he came to KAUST, and

Her dynamic speech presented the new students

his recent work in the Red Sea Research Center.

with impressions of her year at KAUST, what

He spoke about the beginnings of the University

her experiences meant to her, and how being

and how much progress had been made to date.

at KAUST has affected her. Baazim explained

He briefly explained his group’s study of the

that she first came to KAUST from King Saud

movement of fish on and between coral reefs, the

University in Riyadh. She said she was stunned

tagging of whale sharks, and efforts by his group

by what she saw and exhilarated as a Saudi

to find and catalog new species on the reefs.

female that she might have a chance to be part of

Naming recent highlights, he announced the dis-

the University. Now, after a year of being on cam-

covery of a very unique species of coral to be

pus, she says her impression was right, and it has

named Cyphastrea kausti and the arrival of the

been the amazing experience she was hoping for.

new research vessel the R/V Thuwal. He said that

She has been particularly affected by the many

the building of the University, for all intents and

different cultures and nationalities represented

purposes, is completed and that we are entering

at KAUST. She recalled at a recent gathering of

a new era, one to build intellect and knowledge.

20 friends, there were 14 different nationalities

The buoyancy created by the speeches was evi-

among them. She said that learning about peo-

dent at the reception that followed in the lobby

ple from other countries can introduce you to a

of the Auditorium. New and returning students

part of yourself you didn’t know before. She con-

engaged with faculty, academic leaders, staff,

cluded by saying it had been the best year of her

and each other as they prepared to begin their

life and had opened her to the world. She wished

adventure of discovery as students at KAUST. 

the new students an experience like hers — ­­ a year of excitement and richness.

Convocation speakers, left to right, Prof. Jim Calvin; Prof. Michael Berumen; Hatoon Baazim, Prof. Jean-Lou Chameau; Prof. Brian Moran; and Prof. Pierre Magistretti.

‫ وتحدث عن بدايات الجامعة والتقدم‬،‫البحر األحمر‬ ‫ وأوضح بإيجاز‬،‫الكبير الذي وصلت إليه اآلن‬ ‫دراسة مجموعته عن حركة األسماك في الشعاب‬ ،‫ ومراقبة الحيتان وأسماك القرش‬،‫المرجانية‬ ‫والجهود التي يبذلها فريقه للبحث عن أنواع جديدة‬ ‫من المخلوقات البحرية على الشعاب المرجانية‬ ‫ كما أعلن عن اكتشاف فريقه لنوع‬.‫وتصنيفها‬ ‫جديد وفريد جد ًا من المرجان اسمه سيفاستريا‬ ‫ ونوه‬.‫كاوستي ووصول سفينة األبحاث الجديدة ثول‬ ‫في ختام كلمته على أن بناء الجامعة قد انتهى‬ ‫وإننا ندخل حقبة جديدة نستعد بها لبناء الفكر‬ .‫والمعرفة‬ ‫وعقب ذلك التقى الطلبة الجدد والعائدين‬ ‫مع أعضاء هيئة التدريس والقادة األكاديمية‬ ‫والموظفين في بهو القاعة التي سادها حماس الطلبة‬  .‫وهم يستعدون لبدء حياة البحث واالكتشاف‬

:‫تتمة الصفحة األولى‬ ‫كانت أفضل سنة في حياتها وانها استفادت منها‬ ‫ وتمنت للطلبة الجدد تجربة مماثلة وعامًا‬، ‫كثير ًا‬ .‫ال بالتشويق والثراء‬ ً ‫أكاديميًا حاف‬ ‫ نائب‬،‫ قام البروفسور جيم كالفين‬،‫بعد ذلك‬ ‫ بتقديم أعضاء هيئة‬،‫الرئيس لشؤون التعليم‬ ‫التدريس الجدد واستعرض اهتماماتهم وخبراتهم‬ ‫المهنية األمر الذي أعطى الطالب الجدد لمحة عن‬ ‫ما تحتويه الجامعة من الثروات المعرفية والخبرات‬ .‫الكبيرة المتاحة لهم خالل دراستهم األكاديمية‬ ‫ عميد قسم‬،‫ثم قام البروفسور بيير ماجيستريتي‬ ‫ بتقديم‬، ‫العلوم والهندسة البيولوجية والبيئية‬ ‫ أستاذ مساعد في علوم‬،‫الدكتور مايكل بيرومين‬ ‫ حيث ألقى‬،‫البحار وممثل أعضاء هيئة التدريس‬ ‫خطابًا ملهمًا وشيقًا تخلله عرض صور رائعة عن‬ ‫ كما تحدث‬.‫أشكال الحياة تحت البحر األحمر‬ ‫البروفسور بيرومين عن قصة انضمامه إلى جامعة‬ ‫الملك عبداهلل وعمله مؤخر ًا في مركز أبحاث‬

6

Research

September 2013

Shock Tubes for Study of Fuel Chemistry Newly Commissioned for Clean Combustion Research Center

The Beacon

‫تزويد مركز أحباث االحرتاق‬ ‫النظيف بأنابيب الصدمات‬ ‫لدراسة كيمياء الوقود‬

1 2

1. A close-up of the high-pressure shock tube in the Chemical Kenetics and Laser Sensors laboratory in the Clean Combustion Research Center.

2. Two newly commissioned shock tubes in the Chemical Kenetics and Laser Sensors Laboratory in the Clean Combustion Research Center.

Two shock tubes have been newly commis-

with Saudi Aramco to develop future fuel for-

sioned in Prof. Aamir Farooq’s Chemical Kinetics

mulations. “Engine technology and gas turbine

and Laser Sensors Laboratory in the Clean

technology are evolving into new designs,”

Combustion Research Center to facilitate the

said Prof. Farooq. “These will most probably

study of fuel chemistry. The low-pressure and

use different fuels than what are used today.

high-pressure shock tubes are used to study igni-

The objective of the collaboration with Saudi

tion and emission of fuel components in order to

Aramco is to determine the most optimal fuel

increase fuel efficiency, reduce pollutants, and

for the new engines.”

devise future fuel formulations.

The 18-meter low-pressure and 14-meter high-

To examine and evaluate the attributes of fuels, Saudi Aramco is supplying the lab

pressure cylindrical shock tubes are divided into

with different refinery streams. One fuel Prof.

two sections separated by a diaphragm. In the

Farooq and his group are experimenting with is

low-pressure tube the divider is a polycarbon-

naphtha, a low-grade fuel (70 RON [octane

ate sheet, while in the high-pressure tube, the

rating]) compared to what is used in most cars

diaphragm is made of aluminum. Fuel-oxidizer

today (91 RON). It is thought that new engine

mixture is inserted in one section of the tube

designs will be able to use a lower grade fuel

at a low pressure; on the other side helium or

because of improved engine engineering.

another inert gas is injected at a high pressure.

Additionally, Prof. Farooq is studying a broad

Pressure is increased on this side of the tube by

range of fuel components and different classes

pumping more helium or inert gas into it until the

of molecules. Using this information, a surrogate

diaphragm bursts. This creates the shock wave,

fuel can be devised that mimics the real fuel – a

which travels in the fuel section and, in turn,

simpler tool that performs like the real tool.

compresses the fuel, increasing its temperature

Using the low-pressure shock tube Prof.

and pressure almost instantaneously. The action

Farooq has been studying 2,5-dimthylhexane,

simulates what occurs in a piston engine without

which is thought to mimic synthetic aviation

having to take into account the fluid dynamics

fuels. He is also evaluating some new fuels,

or heat transfer effects. The shock tube experi-

known as Fuels for Advanced Combustion

ment is cleaner with fewer variables to address for

Engines, being proposed by a US consortium of

the fuel’s evaluation. Fuel chemistry and chemi-

national labs and industries.

cal kinetics are then studied in the shock tube

Prof. Farooq is also interested in developing

at high temperature and pressure conditions with

new laser-based sensing techniques. His group

the aid of advanced laser diagnostics and pressure

uses these methods to study specific chemical

sensors. The low-pressure shock tube is designed

reactions relevant to fuel chemistry. Recently,

for pressures ranging from 1 to 50 atm; the high-

they have studied the reaction rate of Fuel + OH

pressure tube is designed for 10 to 300 atm. The

→ Products for a number of fuel components.

fuel chemistry can be studied over a broad range

“A lot of thought process, effort, and time

of temperatures, 500 to 4000 Kelvin. Another

went into the design of this laboratory,” said

unique feature of the shock tubes is the ability

Prof. Farooq. “The facilities that we now have

to perform experiments over relatively long test

are extremely unique and put us at the forefront

times, which allows the study of emerging “low

of fuel research. I believe the research performed

temperature combustion” regimes.

here will play an important role in shaping the

The Clean Combustion Lab is collaborating

future energy infrastructure.” 

‫ويتعاون مركز أبحاث االحتراق النظيف بجامعة‬ ‫الملك عبداهلل مع شركة أرامكو السعودية لتطوير‬ ‫ ويقول‬.‫التركيب الكيميائي لوقود المستقبل‬ ‫ " تتطور تصاميم المحركات‬:‫البروفسور فاروق‬ ‫وتقنية توربينات الغاز والتي على األرجح ستحتاج‬ ‫إلى أنواع جديدة من الوقود تختلف كثير ًا عن ما‬ ‫ هدفنا من التعاون مع شركة‬.‫نستخدمه اليوم‬ ‫أرامكو السعودية هو لتحديد الوقود األمثل‬ ."‫للمحركات الجديدة‬ ‫وتقوم شركة أرامكو السعودية بتزويد المختبر بأنواع‬ ٍ ‫مصاف في المملكة‬ ‫مختلفة من الوقود من عدة‬ ‫ ويقوم فريق البروفسور‬.‫لفحصها وتقييم خصائصها‬ ‫فاروق وجماعته بعمل تجارب على نوع محدد من‬ ‫ وهو وقود ذو درجة أوكتان‬،‫الوقود يسمى نافثا‬ ‫) مقارنة مع الوقود الحالي‬RON 70( ‫منخفضة‬ ‫ حيث يعتقد‬.)ROM 90( ‫المستخدم في السيارات‬ ‫أن تصاميم المحركات الجديدة تجعلها قادرة على‬ ‫استخدام وقود ذي درجة منخفضة بسبب التقدم‬ .‫الكبير في هندسة المحركات‬ ‫ يجري البروفسور فاروق دراسة‬،‫باإلضافة إلى ذلك‬ ‫على مجموعة واسعة من مكونات الوقود وجزيئات‬ ‫ حيث ستمكنه هذه المعلومات من‬.‫مختلفة منه‬ .‫ابتكار وقود بديل يمكنه محاكاة الوقود الحقيقي‬ ‫ويقوم البروفسور فاروق باستخدام أنبوب الصدمات‬ 2,5-dimth�‫ذو الضغط المنخفض لدراسة مربكب‬ ‫ والذي يعتقد أنه يعطي نفس أداء‬ylhexane ‫ ويعمل أيضًا على تقييم‬.‫وقود الطائرات االصطناعي‬ ‫ والمعروفة باسم وقود‬،‫بعض أنواع الوقود الجديدة‬ ‫ والتي اقترحها اتحاد‬،‫محركات االحتراق المتقدمة‬ .‫الواليات المتحدة للمختبرات والصناعات الوطنية‬ ‫كما تشمل االهتمامات البحثية للبروفسور فاروق‬ ‫تطوير تقنيات االستشعار الجديد باستخدام الليزر‬ ‫لدراسة تفاعالت كيميائية محددة ذات صلة‬ ‫ ويعمل فريقه مؤخر ًا على دراسة‬.‫بكيمياء الوقود‬ ‫ إلنتاج‬OH ‫معدل تفاعل الوقود مع الهيدروكسيد‬ .‫مجموعة من مكونات الوقود‬ ‫ "تم بذل الكثير من‬: ‫ويختم البروفسور فاروق بقوله‬ ‫ ولدينا اآلن‬.‫الجهد والوقت لتصميم هذا المختبر‬ ‫مرافق متميزة و فريدة من نوعها تضعنا في طليعة‬ ‫ أعتقد أن األبحاث‬.‫مراكز أبحاث الوقود في العالم‬ ‫التي تقام هنا سيكون لها دور مهم في تشكيل‬  ."‫البنية التحتية للطاقة في المستقبل‬

‫تم حديثًا تجهيز مختبر البروفسور عامر فاروق للحركية‬ ‫الكيميائية وأجهزة استشعار الليزر بأنبوبين من أنابيب‬ ‫الصدمات وذلك لتسهيل دراسة كيمياء الوقود في‬ ‫ ويتم استخدام هذين‬.‫مركز أبحاث االحتراق النظيف‬ ‫األنبوبين الذين يتألفان من أنبوب الضغط المنخفض‬ ‫وأنبوب الضغط العالي لدراسة عملية االشتعال‬ ‫واالنبعاثات من الوقود المحترق من أجل زيادة كفاءة‬ ‫استهالك الوقود والحد من الملوثات والوصول إلى‬ .‫التركيب الكيميائي لوقود المستقبل‬ ‫ متر ًا بينما‬18 ‫يبلغ طول أنبوب الضغط المنخفض‬ ‫ ويتكون‬.ً‫ مترا‬14 ‫يبلغ طول أنبوب الضغط العالي‬ ‫األنبوبان من قسمين يفصل بينهما حاجز مصنوع‬ ‫ حيث يكون هذا الحاجز‬.‫من مادتين مختلفتين‬ ‫في أنبوب الضغط المنخفض مصنوعًا من مادة‬ ‫البوليكاربونيت بينما تكون مادة الحاجز في أنبوب‬ ‫ يتم إدخال خليط‬.‫الضغط العالي من األلمونيوم‬ ‫الوقود المؤكسد في أحد جوانب األنبوب عند‬ ‫ ويتم حقن غاز الهيليوم أو أي‬.‫ضغط منخفض‬ ‫من الغازات الخاملة في الجانب اآلخر من األنبوب‬ ‫ ثم يتم زيادة الضغط في هذا‬.‫عند ضغط مرتفع‬ ‫الجانب من األنبوب عن طريق ضخ المزيد من غاز‬ ‫الهيليوم أو أي من الغازات الخاملة الى أن ينفجر‬ ‫ وينتج عن ذلك موجة صدمة تنتقل إلى‬.‫الحاجز‬ ‫ وبدورها تضغط الوقود‬،‫الجانب الذي فيه الوقود‬ ‫ وتحاكي‬.ً‫وترفع درجة حرارته بشكل فوري تقريبا‬ ‫هذه الطريقة ما يحدث في محرك المكبس دون‬ ‫الحاجة للنظر في ديناميكيات السوائل أو آثار نقل‬ ‫ تعتبر تجربة أنابيب الصدمات من أنظف‬.‫الحرارة‬ ‫ وتتم‬.‫الطرق و أقلها تعقيد ًا لتقييم ودراسة الوقود‬ ‫دراسة الكيمياء والحركية الكيميائية للوقود داخل‬ ‫أنبوب الصدمة في درجة حرارة مرتفعة وضغط‬ ‫عالي بمساعدة ليزر تشخيصي وأجهزة متقدمة‬ .‫الستشعار الضغط‬ ‫تم تصميم أنبوب الصدمات للضغط المنخفض‬ ‫ أما‬.‫ ضغط جوي‬1-50 ‫لتحمل ضغط يتراوح من‬ ‫أنبوب الضغط العالي فصمم لتحمل ضغط جوي‬ ‫ ويمكن دراسة كيمياء الوقود‬.10-300 ‫يتراوح من‬ ‫عبر نطاق واسع من درجات الحرارة تتراوح من‬ ‫ وتتميز أنابيب الصدمات‬.‫ كآلفين‬500-4000 ،ً‫بقدرتها على تحمل التجارب لفترات طويلة نسبيا‬ ‫مما يسمح بدراسة األنظمة الحديثة مثل "االحتراق‬ ."‫منخفض الحرارة‬

Research

www.kaust.edu.sa

September 2013

7

Micro-sized Microbial Fuel Cells: Small Solutions for Large Challenges In a paper recently published in the high-

an air cathode and ambient oxygen as the elec-

impact journal ACS Nano (http://pubs.acs.

tron acceptor. “Oxygen is affluently available in

org/doi/abs/10.1021/nn402103q), KAUST PhD

the ambient, and is a much better choice than

student Justine Mink and supervisor

ferricyanide,” explains Prof. Hussain, “because

Dr. Muhammad Mustafa Hussain, Associate

ferricyanide is hazardous, unsustainable, and

Professor of Electrical Engineering, examined

must be continuously refilled.” In addition,

microbial fuel cells (MFCs), a promising alterna-

he notes, the use of oxygen “makes the device

tive energy source with the ability to generate

mobile and is a key step in commercializing

electricity and purify water. Through re-design-

micro MFCs for use as portable technology.”

ing and miniaturizing the MFCs, Prof. Hussain

The researchers compared the performance of

and Mink produced a unique, mobile MFC that

the air cathode micro MFCs over a period of

outperformed more traditionally designed MFCs

15 days to the performance of micro MFCs that

and has the potential for commercialization.

use gold and nickel, more conventional materi-

MFCs operate by using liquid waste, including

als, for the anode. “At 880 mA/m2 and 19 mW/

wastewater, medical liquids (such as glucose),

m2, the MWCNT anode outperformed the others

and industrial wastes, as a “feed source” for

in both current and power densities, perform-

electrogenic (electricity-generating) bacteria liv-

ing 6-20 times better,” Prof. Hussain notes. “For

ing inside the MFC. As the bacteria decompose

the first time we demonstrated a sustainable and

the organic waste material, chemical energy is

practical design for micro-sized MFCs.”

converted into bioelectricity.

Prof. Hussain and Mink’s work has wide appli-

Mink and Prof. Hussain focused their research

cations for several key problems facing the world.

on 75 µL “micro-sized” MFCs, or “miniature

One of these is the water crisis, which is “reach-

energy harvesters,” as the researchers describe

ing an alarming state,” notes Prof. Hussain. “All

them. The use of micro MFCs “enables rapid

seven of the known technologies used for water

analysis,” explains Prof. Hussain, as “each

purification consume an excessive amount of

experiment run in macro-version takes months.”

power. The only promising option beyond these

The micro-sized MFCs were manufactured

is the use of MFCs, which instead of consuming

on silicon using complementary metal-oxide-

power, generate energy,” he explains.

semiconductor (CMOS) processes. Manufacture

The researchers’ work also has potential

on silicon is important, the researchers note, as

uses as lab-on-chip or point-of-care diagnos-

“silicon is the dominant material in the micro

tic devices. States Mink: “Although we’re still

and nano-electronics industry.”

at the beginning stages of research for this

Typically, MFCs are constructed in a two

technology, I can directly see how our work in

chamber set-up, with a cathode and an anode

comparing different materials can be of use in

separated by a proton exchange membrane.

future experiments and eventual commerciali-

Introduced electrogenic bacteria form a biofilm

zation of micro MFCs. There is real potential for

on the anode, and, when an organic feed source

their use in life-changing devices.”

is provided, the bacteria will oxidize it, producing protons and electrons.

“We have shown that practical solutions to global challenges need to also be optimal solu-

Prof. Hussain and Mink’s new design of

tions,” says Prof. Hussain, adding that he and

the MFC used multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Mink have made “substantial progress through

(MWCNTs) on silicon for the on-chip anode.

the use of common materials to generate power.”

They also removed the membrane – typically a

“I love that I can see the practical application

highly expensive component – creating a one

of the research,” says Mink. “Who would have

chamber device. MWCNTs “can be easily assimi-

thought that you can produce electricity and clean

lated into the other on-chip design processes,”

water at the same time? And not only are we doing

the researchers state. Carbon is also a highly

that, but we are doing it at micro and nano-scales.”

biocompatible material, with MWCNTs exhibiting excellent electrochemical capabilities.

The researchers also altered the cathode/ chemical electron acceptor combination with

As the researchers note in their paper, their environmentally friendly micro MFC “holds potential to play a much larger role in microscale energy harvesting in the future.” 

Prof. Muhammad Mustafa Hussain and PhD student Justine Mink display multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) grown on nickel.

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) grown on nickel using a CVD process are shown on the left, with a micro MFC visible on the right.

A diagram of the 75 μL micro-sized microbial fuel cell (MFC) designed by KAUST PhD student Justine Mink and Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain is shown in (a), with a photo of the micro MFC encased in plastic shown in (b).

‫ حلول‬:‫خاليا الوقود احليوية الدقيقة‬ ‫صغرية ملواجهة حتديات كبرية‬

‫كما غير الباحثان التركيبة الكيميائية للكاثود‬ ‫المكتسب لإللكترون بكاثود الهواء الذي يستخدم‬ ‫ يقول‬.‫األكسجين المحيط الكتساب اإللكترون‬ ،‫ "األوكسجين متوفر بكثرة من حولنا‬: ‫الدكتور حسين‬ ‫ويعد خيارًا أفضل بكثير من مركب فيريسيانيد الخطر‬ ‫ باإلضافة إلى أن استخدام األكسجين يجعل‬.ً‫جدا‬ ‫ال للتنقل وهي خطوة رئيسية في تسويق‬ ً ‫الجهاز قاب‬ ."‫خاليا الوقود الحيوية الدقيقة كتقنية متنقلة‬ ‫وقارن الباحثان بين أداء خاليا الوقود الحيوية الدقيقة‬ ‫التي تستخدم كاثود الهواء مع خاليا الوقود الحيوية‬ ‫الدقيقة التي تستخدم مواد تقليدية كالذهب والنيكل‬ ‫ وتبين أن أداء األنود في األنابيب النانوية‬.‫في األنود‬ 6-20 ‫) أفضل‬MWCNT( ‫الكربونية متعددة الجدران‬ ‫ يقول الدكتور‬.‫مرة من ناحية كثافة التيار والطاقة‬ ‫ " أظهرنا للمرة األولى تصميمًا مستدامًا‬: ‫حسين‬ ."‫وعمليًا لخاليا الوقود الحيوية الدقيقة‬ ‫توجد تطبيقات عديدة لبحث الدكتور حسين و‬ ‫طالبة الدكتوراه منك والموجهة لحل المشاكل‬ ‫الرئيسية التي تواجه العالم مثل أزمة المياه التي بلغت‬ ‫ حيث يقول الدكتور حسين‬،‫مستويات مثيرة للقلق‬ ‫"جميع التقنيات السبعة المعروفة والمستخدمة‬ .‫في تنقية المياه تستهلك كميات هائلة من الطاقة‬ ‫وأفضل خيار واعد لهذه المشكلة هو باستخدام خاليا‬ ‫ال‬ ً ‫الوقود الحيوية الدقيقة والتي تقوم بتوليد الطاقة بد‬ ."‫من استهالكها‬ ‫ " على الرغم من أننا‬: ‫وتقول طالبة الدكتوراه منك‬ ‫ إال أننا‬،‫في المراحل األولى من البحث في هذه التقنية‬ ‫تمكنا عبر المقارنة بين المواد المختلفة من رؤية مدى‬ ‫فائدة ما نقوم به في التجارب المستقبلية والتي ستؤدي‬ ‫في نهاية المطاف إلى تطوير خاليا وقود حيوية دقيقة‬ ‫يمكن تسويقها تجاريًا واستخدامها لزيادة كفاءة‬ ‫ لم أكن أتوقع اننا‬.‫األجهزة المهمة في المستقبل‬ ‫سنعمل على بحث نستطيع من خالله توليد الكهرباء‬ ‫ بل ان األعجب من‬.‫وإنتاج مياه نظيفة في نفس الوقت‬ ."‫ذلك أن نقوم به بمقياس المايكرو والنانو‬ ‫" تحتاج التحديات العالمية‬:‫ويقول الدكتور حسين‬ ‫ وأشار إلى البحث الذي‬."‫إلى حلول علمية مثالية‬ ‫أجراه مع طالبة الدكتوراه منك وكيف أنهما أحرزا‬ ‫تقدمًا كبيرًا من خالل استخدام مواد عامة لتصميم‬ ‫خاليا الوقود الحيوية الدقيقة الصديقة للبيئة والتي‬ ‫ستلعب دورًا كبيرًا في مجال وحدات تجميع الطاقة‬  .ً‫الدقيقة مستقبال‬

‫ العلمية المشهورة مؤخرًا‬ACS Nano ‫نشرت مجلة‬ ‫ورقة بحثية تستعرض بحث طالبة الدكتوراه في‬ ‫جامعة الملك عبداهلل جوستين منك ومشرفها‬ ‫ أستاذ مشارك في‬،‫الدكتور محمد مصطفى حسين‬ )MFCs( ‫ عن خاليا الوقود الحيوية‬،‫الهندسة الكهربائية‬ ‫التي تعتبر مصدرًا واعدًا لطاقة بديلة يمكنها توليد‬ ‫ وقام الدكتور‬.‫الكهرباء وتنقية المياه في نفس الوقت‬ ‫حسين والطالبة منك بإعادة تصميم خاليا الوقود‬ ‫الحيوية التقليدية بحيث تكون أصغر حجمًا وذات أداء‬ .ً‫عال مع إمكانية نقلها وتسويقها تجاريا‬ ‫و تستخدم خاليا الوقود الحيوية النفايات السائلة مثل‬ )‫مياه الصرف الصحي والسوائل الطبية (مثل الجلوكوز‬ ‫ كمصدر "تغذية" للبكتيريا التي‬،‫ومخلفات المصانع‬ ‫ حيث‬.‫تعيش بداخلها و المسؤولة عن توليد الكهرباء‬ ‫تتحلل هذه البكتيريا المواد العضوية في هذه النفايات‬ .‫وبالتالي تحول الطاقة الكيميائية إلى طاقه كهربائية‬ ‫ركزت منك والدكتور حسين أبحاثهم على خاليا‬ ‫ ميكرو لتر و التي يطلق‬75 ‫الوقود الحيوية بحجم‬ ‫عليها الباحثون مسمى "وحدات تجميع الطاقة‬ ‫ نظرًا ألن كل تجربة‬: ‫ يقول الدكتور حسين‬."‫الصغيرة‬ ‫تجرى بمقياس المايكرو تستغرق فترات طويلة قد‬ ‫تصل الى عدة شهور فإن خاليا الوقود الحيوية الدقيقة‬ ."‫تلعب دورًا كبيرًا في تسريع عملية التحليل‬ ‫تم تصنيع خاليا الوقود الحيوية الدقيقة على مادة‬ ‫السيليكون باستخدام معالجات أشباه الموصالت‬ ‫ وقد تم اختيار مادة السيليكون‬.)CMOS( ‫من نوع‬ ‫ألهميتها في هذا المجال حيث أنها المادة السائدة في‬ .‫صناعة اإللكترونيات الدقيقة والنانوية‬ ‫يتم في العادة تصنيع خاليا الوقود الحيوية الدقيقة‬ ‫من هيكل مكون من قطبين كاثود وأنود يفصل بينهما‬ ‫ ويتم إضافة البكتيريا المسؤولة‬.‫غشاء لتبادل البروتون‬ ‫عن توليد الكهرباء على األنود وعند إضافة مصدر‬ ‫ تبدأ البكتيريا بعملية األكسدة التي ينتج‬،‫تغذية لها‬ .‫عنها البروتونات واإلليكترونات‬ ‫ويعتمد التصميم الجديد لخاليا الوقود الحيوية‬ ‫الخاص بالدكتور حسين وطالبة الدكتوراه منك‬ ‫على استخدام األنابيب النانوية الكربونية متعددة‬ ‫ تثبت على رقاقة سليكون‬، )MWCNTs( ‫الجدران‬ ‫ ثم قاما بإزالة الغشاء الفاصل وهي إزالة‬.‫اﻷنود‬ .‫مكلفة للغاية بحيث يحتوي الجهاز على غرفة واحدة‬ ‫ويمكن تضمين األنابيب النانوية الكربونية متعددة‬ ‫الجدران في التصميم الجديد بسهولة نظرًا لقدرتها‬ ‫الكهروكيميائية العالية وحقيقة أن الكربون مادة ذات‬ .ً‫مواءمة حيوية جدا‬

8

Community

September 2013

The Beacon

Prof. Chameau greets new students before one of the orientation sessions.

"Fred" the Hawksbill Sea Turtle Makes New Home at KAUST Marina Visitors to KAUST’s Marina may be surprised to find a new addition to the waters there: “Fred” the hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricta) has taken up residence within the Marina’s limits.

Discovered by Pierre Sanchez, Senior Captain of the Marina’s vessels,

Welcome Students!

and the dock crews working at the Marina, Fred is now a firm favorite, causing much excitement when he surfaces for breath or cruises under the jetties to search for food.

The President’s Dinner on August 25 kicked off a jam-

scientific discovery and technological innovation; they

Fred’s name comes from the Arabic “Fareed,” which means “unique.”

packed week of Academic Orientation activities for new

also learned more about the KAUST culture and the

“This is a fitting name,” explains Howard Jackson, Marine & Water

students to become better acquainted with the academic

services available to help enhance their life on cam-

Sports Specialist at the Marina, “as our Fred is truly unique.”

and student life on campus. At the dinner, President

pus. In addition to talks, students attended the Saudi

Getting a photo of Fred is hard work, as he is very shy and dives beneath

Chameau spoke with students about the core values

Cultural Festival, visited the city of Taif and enjoyed

the surface the moment he senses a human is present. Keep very still and

of the university; he told them that a great institution

themselves at the KAUST beach.

you may get a close-up look at Fred and the school of small fish that swim

focused on science and technology fosters “a passion for discovery and a relentless commitment to excellence.”

When asked about the experience, Emily Giles, MS

alongside him, waiting for him to drop scraps of food from his mouth.

candidate in Marine Science, commented, “The best

Hawksbill turtles get their name from the unique shape of their head,

Over the course of the week, faculty and deans from

part of orientation was the time devoted to direct inter-

which is tapered at the end and resembles a bird’s beak. They are a

the divisions and research centers carried the theme of

action among the students and between the students

highly migratory species, usually living in the tropical waters of the

excellence and passion forward in their talks with the

and the faculty.“ She added, “the group activities pro-

Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.

new students, emphasizing the importance of curiosity,

vided by the Graduate Student Orientation Leaders

The hawksbill diet consists primarily of sea sponges, but the turtles

integrity, hard work and tenacity that characterize a

allowed me to meet many of my fellow new students,

will also eat marine algae, crustaceans, sea urchins, fish, jellyfish, and

world-class university, enjoining students to carry the

and the panel sessions with faculty members were an

mollusks. Their hard shells and armored heads protect them from the

traits into the classroom and the laboratories.

excellent way to ask questions about academia and

dangerous stings of their prey, but they often fall victim to large fish,

KAUST life in general.” 

crocodiles, sharks, and humans.

Students also participated in talks focused on

Hawksbills migrate long distances to move from feeding areas to nesting grounds. When nesting, female turtles move onto the beach, digging a pit in the sand into which they lay their eggs. They then cover the eggs with sand and return to the water. The baby turtles hatch about 60 days later.

After hatching the babies move instinctively towards the water. This journey is the most dangerous part of a sea turtle’s life, as gulls, crabs, and other predators will prey on the baby turtles while they crawl to the ocean.

Despite their lifespan of 30 – 50 years, hawksbills are a critically

New students get to know each other in the lounge of the Student Center.

endangered species, mostly due to the actions of humans. Humans eat the turtles and their eggs, and there is demand for their beautiful shells.

Fred is a welcome addition to the KAUST Marina and always puts a smile

Favors from the Arabian Night Dinner were a big hit.

on visitors’ faces when he’s seen slipping quietly between the pontoons at the Marina. If you get the chance to see him, remember: Fred is a unique and valuable part of the marine environment we must all strive to protect. 

ACCOLADES MS Student to Attend IET Finals Hassan Al-Ismail, an MS student studying for a degree in Earth Science and Engineering in PSE and Chair of the KAUST Graduate

New students check their orientation schedule.

Student Council, has won 1st place for the Europe, Africa, Middle East Region in the secHassan Al-Ismail

New students’official photo.

Welcome to KAUST!

ond stage of the annual Present Around the World (PATW) competition sponsored by the Institute for Engineering and Technology (IET).

In PATW, young professionals and university students deliver a ten-minute presentation about a technical project they conducted or participated in followed by questions from the judges and audience.

Al-Ismail participated in and won first place in the competition for the Saudi Arabian section of IET held at KAUST in April. His win allowed him to proceed to the second stage in Malta in July.

In November, he will compete in the final stage of the competition in London against four other winners from their geographic areas.

Al-Ismail’s presentation was entitled “The Use of Seismic Interferometry in Enhancing Seismic Images.” 