King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
املنارة BEACON
at Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
this month get
December 2011 / Muharram 1433 Volume 2, Issue No.4
the
the beacon in arabic!
between pages 4-5
www.kaust.edu.sa
calvin appointed as VP for education
Provost Stefan Catsicas recently spoke about the appointment of Professor James Calvin as the Vice President for Education at the university. He is one of three Vice Presidents who will serve the university in delivering excellence across education, research, and management. Prof. Catsicas said, “I am thrilled to have someone of Jim’s scientific stature to help ensure the inte-
farewell to Frank Rhodes
gration of our education from our classrooms
“It’s a very difficult thing to found a university from scratch,” Cornell
model, but everywhere at KAUST,” commented VP Mohamed Samaha.
right across the campus into our research cent-
President Emeritus and KAUST Trustee Professor Frank H.T. Rhodes
“Frank is its unseen intellectual architect.” Recalling his calming influence,
ers and core labs. Jim has demonstrated, as a
once commented in his understated way. “As I look back…I catch my
Dr. Samaha continued, “He used science as a unifier to convince others of
scientist, statistician, teacher, researcher, and
breath and pinch myself!” Involved since fall 2006 when KAUST was
the dream, even initially suggesting that the university should focus on
academic administrator, the breadth of experi-
just a concept, Dr. Rhodes was part of the seminal team advising the
graduate students and quality research.”
ence, enthusiasm, and wisdom we need as we
KAUST founders and concludes his role of trustee this month. This
Addressing the inaugural graduating class last December (described as
build and strengthen KAUST’s unique educa-
towering scholar typically took an enormous risk when, convinced of
the “the first fruits of a dream”), Dr. Rhodes thanked them for the trust
tional offerings.”
the veracity of the project, he put his personal reputation on the line
they had given KAUST by “coming to a country most did not know,
and agreed to be named to the board of the fledgling postgraduate
to a campus that did not then exist, to which faculty had not yet been
university. “I am really too old for this sort of thing,” he declared, “but
appointed, to a new experiment in learning that was then untested, to
sabic strengthens kausT collaboration
I am really very honored to be part of it.”
degree programs that were not fully planned…” He spoke from the heart
KAUST’s “greatest institutional challenge in
had the mind and the passion that we needed,” explained Executive Vice
fulfilling its vision” as it continues to grow
President Nadhmi Al-Nasr, “but that didn’t mean that the process was
and develop, remarked Dr. Ernesto Occhiello,
without the inevitable challenges that arise when bridging two cultures,
will be to “become firmly rooted in the local
each with their own noble principles and sensitivities.” As His Excellency
community: an avenue of future economic
Minister Ali Ibrahim Al-Naimi introduced him to King Abdullah's vision
growth in the Kingdom — thereby foster-
for the University and more generally to the culture of Saudi Arabia, so
ing the realization of the founder’s dream.”
Dr. Rhodes reciprocated by sharing the intricacies of higher education,
Dr. Occhiello, Executive Vice President of
offering him selected Western publications on the subject and always tak-
Technology and Innovation at Saudi Basic
ing the time to discuss the mutual issues they raised.
JIM CALVIN | Continued on p.2
It has been KAUST’s privilege to have this extraordinary academic
recalling his own experience when he commended to them “a hope based
and visionary leader alongside, a man “with all the energy of a 50
on large dreams and high aspirations. (KAUST’s) gift that turns commu-
year-old” and many years of experience examining the role of higher
nity into teamwork…knowledge into purpose…technology into service…
education in the west. Welcomed by his colleagues to the Kingdom, Dr.
skills into benefits...a job into a career and a career into a calling”.
Rhodes deeply believed that a successful institution would be campus-
As President Choon Fong Shih told The Beacon, “I will personally
rooted, but internationally oriented. He was instrumental in drafting the
miss Frank’s wise and generous counsel, his high ideals and expecta-
charter and by-laws, which include strong guarantees of academic free-
tions and, most of all, my dear friend and fellow adventurer on this
dom; an independent, self-electing board of trustees; and an endowment
most extraordinary journey….he is my role model.”
income free of the influence and control of government ministries. “He
Industries Corporation (SABIC), spoke to The
A few months later, in a speech at the groundbreaking ceremony that
Beacon during his November visit to confer
acknowledged the decades-long dream of His Majesty, King Abdullah, Dr.
the inaugural 2011 SABIC postdoctoral awards
Rhodes celebrated the institution’s “bold vision and innovative design”
(see p.3).
that promise to “make it a place of transforming influence and enduring
Frank H.T.Rhodes •
Born in Warwickshire, England and now a naturalized US citizen
•
Married to and closely supported by his wife, Rosa Carlson
•
Studied for his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at the University of Birmingham, England. Holds 35 honorary degrees
•
Has published widely in the fields of geology, paleontology, evolution, and the history of science and education
•
President Emeritus of Cornell University 1977-1995
SABIC chose to site its new Center for
significance.” Recalling the historical Arab and Muslim spirit of learning,
Research and Innovation (CRI) at the KAUST
he saluted this present-day Bayt al-Hikma, for “the boldness of its plan.”
•
Member of the National Science Board (President Reagan)
Research Park, attracted by the University’s
Later, King Abdullah asked specifically to be introduced to his contempo-
•
world-class personnel, the state-of-the-art
rary, acknowledging that “This is indeed a great man.” A man of stature
Member of the President’s Educational Policy Committee (President G.W. Bush)
core laboratories, and in anticipation of the
and a gracious diplomat, Dr. Rhodes demonstrates his concern for all who
rich recruiting ground the student body will
seek his wisdom, regularly meeting with KAUST graduates visiting the
•
provide. “In fact, organizations rarely distin-
Cornell campus. He acted as a compelling champion to bring students
Chairman of the 1987 National Commission on Minority Participation in Education and American Life with honorary co-chairs Presidents Ford and Carter
guish themselves by their facilities,” explained
of excellence to the university, brokering and maintaining many of the
Dr. Occhiello, “but a skill set takes many years
international links that have jumpstarted the research.
•
Former President of the American Philosophical Society
SABIC | Continued on p.3
INSIDE:
News 1-2
“Frank has left his fingerprints not just in his vision for the academic
SABIC 3
Winter Enrichment Program 4-5
Research 6–7
Community 8
2
News
December 2011 University life is naturally and, most often, joyfully
other single individual, delivered the intellectual heft and detail necessary
filled with comings and goings, arrivals, departures,
to bring King Abdullah’s dream to life – to the vibrant, growing, ambitious
hellos and farewells. Like the tides that gently lap our
and productive institution we are all so privileged to be part of building. We
Red Sea shores, each shift brings and takes resources
thank him, deeply and profoundly, for his humble, bountiful generosity, his
in a timeless process much like life itself. One depar-
insight, and his courage in helping midwife KAUST into existence.
ture from our small band this month, however, leaves
a void that will not and cannot be filled by the next
tide. Prof. Frank Rhodes, perhaps more than any
In brief photo by Michelle D'Antoni
hodes Frank R
The Beacon
—THE BEACON Editorial
The Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 4, December 2011. 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.
CORRECTION: The photo credit on page 3 of the November 2011 issue was incorrect. The correct credit goes to Paul Said Ehrlich.
Human Resources Department Visits Mada’in Saleh During November, several HR employees and their
SABIC utilizes advanced computational methods in the design of its wide range of products
and functional materials. Should
families enjoyed a weekend excursion to Saudi
a KAUST researcher develop a
Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mada’in
suitable technology, he or she
Saleh. This pre-Islamic archeological site is home to
will personally be eligible for
over 100 rock-cut Nabatean tombs and provided an
a Commercialization Challenge
amazing experience to this group of 22 adults and
Award of up to $1M from SABIC
children. Traveling by car from KAUST, the group
at the point of commercialization.
witnessed panoramic views of varied sights, from
Meanwhile the company seeks to
flat sand to rocky peaks, as well as wandering cam-
identify and nurture talent early
els (and baboons) of the desert to the city lights
on by offering internships to
of Madinah.
postgraduate students, facilitated by the SABIC CRI presence at the Research Park.
Claude Lebet visits kaust We were honored to welcome master craftsman
SABIC is currently working
Claude Lebet, a Swiss luthier who works in Rome,
alongside University scientists
who visited KAUST with his French wife Agnès
in catalysis, water reuse, flexible
Trincal, herself a violinist. In a lecture about the art-
electronics, and carbon sequestra-
istry of string instruments, his joy and peace with
tion using algae and has already
his chosen profession was evident as he spoke of
employed several KAUST postdocs
the attention to detail that fashioning or restoring
and several graduate master’s stu-
an instrument requires, handling the pieces with
dents. President Shih thanked the
all the loving care of a proud “father.” He spoke
to build. We began our partnership aware of
grants (see page 2) and is generously fund-
Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
of the many things that contribute to the unique
the caliber of the faculty and staff and the
ing a new Chair in Polymer Science. Some of
Mohamed H Al-Mady for “SABIC’s efforts to
voice of an instrument. The age and the personal-
culture of the organization.” By 2015 SABIC
the fellowships funded seem, at first glance,
strengthen the collaboration between the insti-
ity of the different flitches of maple and spruce he
aims to recruit over 150 exceptional scien-
outside SABIC’s obvious areas of commercial
tutions in support of King Abdullah’s bold
selects with care and treasures for decades enrich
tists in diverse disciplines to the new center.
interest - for example data-mining in com-
vision for research, education, innovation, and
overtones and harmonics, while the lacquer veil,
They will live and work on campus, aiming to
putational biology which Dr. Occhiello likens
economic development.
which can comprise over 30 coats of a dedicated
engage the broader KAUST research commu-
to identifying the “needle in the haystack: the
varnish he develops himself, further determines
nity in horizontal research in which integrative
exception in the broad sea of conformity." He
its ultimate potential. The tools and bottles on his
research questions are investigated by interdis-
justifies this diversification believing that bio-
workbench seem hardly to have changed with the
ciplinary teams.
logical approaches may supersede chemical
centuries, yet Lebet actually uses the most up-to-
The relationship promises to be reciprocal.
processes in the future and looks to “the best
date imaging techniques and technology to assess,
SABIC has made a huge investment in the CRI,
possible leveraging of the investment SABIC
for example, the extent of woodworm damage prior
which will focus on disruptive technologies
is making.”
to restoration. “I am working on one cello at the
– defined as new technologies that unexpect-
The company will fund several KAUST
moment which has taken over two years to restore
edly displace established ones. In addition, it
researchers directly to focus on some of
from its ravages. The best way to keep the worms
will provide $1M annually to support post-
the challenges that it faces including solar
doctoral researchers with non-restricted
energy, separation, catalysis, biorenewables,
Dr. Ateieh Abu Raqabah General Manager of the Sabic CRI
out is to play the instrument regularly - simulating frequent earthquakes!” Trincal showed the Beacon the latest “arrival:" a recently completed violin, which she later played
Jim Calvin | Continued from p.1
James Calvin welcomes this breadth of responsibility that the new
some would expect.” He feels that Graduate Affairs, led by Professor
publicly for the first time at the November com-
role encompasses - one that includes Academic Affairs, Faculty Affairs,
Brian Moran, will build on the success they have enjoyed and he looks
munity Joint Concert. Lebet’s minister father was
Graduate Affairs and the University Library, as well as the newer
forward to working closely with them as they look to attract students
initially disappointed that his son didn’t follow in
International Programs. When he sat down with The Beacon, he seemed
of the very highest caliber. Prof. Calvin’s commitment, shared by Prof.
his footsteps. In later life, referring to the sound
quietly confident that with the support of the Provost, faculty, and staff,
Catsicas and the rest of the University’s leadership, is that, as a recent
posts, the pegs of wood that transmit the sound
he is well placed to be instrumental in the strengthening of the academic
student poll confirmed, “students come first at KAUST.” The quality of
from one horizontal plate to the other and in Italian
and research consolidations already under way, helping to foster their
their lives on campus, both in and out of the classroom, is at the heart
referred to as the “anima” or spirit of the instru-
continuing evolution and development.
of his mission.
ment, he reflected that his son had the privilege of being able “daily to touch the souls of those with
He looks to build on the sound foundations of Academic Affairs and
Prof. Calvin is impressed by all that he sees happening within the
Faculty Affairs in a process of evaluation and reflection to provide the
University Library, under the able and visionary direction of Joe Branin,
support and oversight that promotes growth and stability. Together with
providing “first class resources, a beautiful space, and a rich program
Analogies between the art of the luthier and the
his team, he plans to empower the faculty, students, and postdocs at the
of training courses.” He is delighted to see its integration within the
creativity of the engineer were evident throughout
University, aspiring to “allow them the opportunity to be the very best
Kingdom where it is making a valuable contribution and looks forward
his lecture and visit, from the physical fundamen-
that they can be…to fully embrace their vision, whatever that entails.”
to his own continuing involvement.
tals of understanding the production of the sound,
whom he worked.”
Last year, Professor Calvin presided over a reassessment of the require-
The International Program is where some of Prof. Calvin’s energy will
to the personal dedication required to ascend to the
ments for master’s degrees. He expects to repeat the collaboration by
be harvested as KAUST seeks to consolidate its current Dual Program with
top of the profession, to the sense of being part of a
working with current faculty around PhD award requirements this year.
the Graduate University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Joint
centuries' old tradition and yet extending the field
He hopes to work with the evolving academic leadership and the existing
Program with Technische Universität München (TU Munich). The goal of
with one’s own creativity.
administrative structure in Faculty Affairs to further develop the tools to
the Dual Program is to attract students of the highest caliber and of the
assess and sustain faculty with the due diligence and oversight that will
Joint Program “to allow our students to fully experience working at an
ensure consistency and rigor in the process.
institution in another country so that they return to KAUST scientifically
Prof. Calvin sees Graduate Affairs as “the lifeblood of the University with a greatly expanded role here as they oversee housing and travel matters unique to KAUST—they are so much more central to campus than
and culturally enriched, familiar with networking internationally.” This is the first in a series of three articles featuring our new academic vice presidents.
SABIC
www.kaust.edu.sa
sabic post-doctoral fellowship awards 2011
s r e n win Dr. Khalid Qurashi
December 2011
3
Dr. Taewoo Ryu
Korea | Computational Bioscience Research Center “ Transcriptomes Sequencing of Sponges and Associated Microbial Communities”
SABIC | Continued from p.1
SAUDI ARABIA | Clean Combustion Research Center “ Fuel Formulation Effects on the Combustion Characteristics of Diesel Engine Soot”
Dr. Johanna Beyer
Austria | Geometric Modeling and Scientific Visualization Center “ Distributed Visual Computing on GPU Clusters for Neuroscience Connectomics Research”
Dr. Miao Sun
Dr. Mamoon Rashid
Dr. Elizabeth Tyler
Dr. Ali Idris
Dr. Min Yoon
Dr. Zhonghai Zhang
Dr. Luke Thompson
Dr. Hailin Dong
Dr. Stoitchko Kalenderski
Dr. Yin Chen
Dr. Issam Gereige
Dr. Yulia Medvedeva
China | Catalysis Research Center “ Activation & Functionalization of Methane over Well-Defined Grafted Complexes”
United Kingdom | Red Sea Research Center “ Movement Ecology of Red Sea Reef Fishes”
USA | Water Desalination and Reuse Center “ Oxidation-Aquifer Recharge and Recovery (ARR) Hybrid Process for Wastewater Reclamation/Reuse”
USA | Red Sea Research Center “ Adaptation of Marine Cyanobacteria to Possible Global Warming Scenarios”
Bulgaria | Physical Sciences and Engineering Division “ Ocean-Atmosphere Modeling and Data Assimilation for the Red Sea region”
France | Solar and Alternative Energy Engineering Research Center “ Assessment and Optimization of SABIC Plastic Substrates for Flexible Electronics and Photovolatics Applications”
India | Computational Bioscience Research Center “Creation of a High-Throughput SNP-Discovery Platform for the Indian White Prawn (Fenneropenaeus indicus)”
USA | Chemical and Life Sciences and Engineering Division “ Molecular Characterization of Begomoviruses and Related Satellites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”
China | Water Desalination and Reuse Center “ Organic Dye Decomposition on Clay under Visible Light Irradiation”
China | Catalysis Research Center “ Surface Organometallic Chemistry of Niobium”
China | Catalysis Research Center “ Oligomerisation of Ethylene with Supported Ta Organometallic Complexes”
Russia | Computational Bioscience Research Center “ Enzyme Discovery from Microbiome Studies of the Red Sea”
The General Manager of the SABIC Center for Research and
oil into useful polymers, chemicals, and fertilizers, to become
Innovation, Dr. Atieh Abu Raqabah, spoke earlier this year of
one of the most successful chemical companies in the world.
He reflected on what SABIC has already achieved at KAUST as
SABIC’s “opportunity to link (its) scientists with knowledge-bro-
At that time, it lacked the knowledge necessary to develop its
an actively engaged Strategic Partner with the KAUST Industrial
kers here at KAUST …to buoy our Company’s long-held belief in
own technology; it has since become a global corporation with
Collaboration Program (KICP) since 2009. Events have included
open innovation.” He looks forward to “encouraging innovation
a strong technology and innovation network consisting of 16
symposia, roundtable discussions and career days, confirming
and creativity in the name of progress and science."
technology and material application centers worldwide, backed
SABIC’s commitment to science, research, and progress.
He explained that the company has evolved since it was
by 7,000 global patents. The CRI will be the fourth in Saudi
founded by Royal Decree in 1976 to convert the by-products of
Arabia, developing new competencies and for the first time will
Energy saving membrane for the processing of Natural Gas
be training both men and women in the Kingdom.
Natural gas (mostly methane) contains up to 10% of large
scientist in his group, have recently developed a porous mem-
hydrocarbons such as ethane, propane, and butane. Once
brane, the first that can efficiently separate C2 and C3 mixtures
removed from the methane, these valuable chemicals must
based on a molecular sieving effect. The membrane is highly
then be separated. Currently, this is done by cryogenic distil-
selective and can also be used to separate many other indus-
lation in a very energy- and capital-intensive process.
trially important mixtures such as propylene/propane. Their
KAUST’s Zhiping Lai, Assistant Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Yichang Pan, a postdoctoral
work was published recently in the prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry journal, Chemical Communications.
4
Winter Enrichment Program
December 2011
The Beacon
KEYNOTE Speakers
Mark your calendars!
The 2012 WEP keynote lectures include: The KAUST 2012 Winter Enrichment Program
Through an expansive offering of courses,
Jane Goodall, primatologist
(WEP) will be held January 14-29, 2012 with
workshops, lectures, and cultural and recrea-
Robert Swann, Arctic and Antarctic Explorer
a special opening evening on January 13.
tional activities, WEP is a time to discover
Professor Rolf Heuer, Experimental particle physicist and Director of CERN
WEP aims to broaden our intellectual hori-
new fields of interest and to be inspired.
Bertrand Piccard, Initiator and President of the Solar Impulse project Zahi Hawass, renowned Egyptian archaeologist
zons and stretch our collective imaginations.
Winter Enrichment Program (WEP)2012 Message From the VP for Education
SPECIAL EVENTS
Be prepared to get excited with the third edi-
interest you. Use the program to broaden your
January 14-15: Climate Change Symposium
tion of WEP and be on campus from January
horizons and expand your cultural perspectives.
Leading scientists from the US, Europe, and KSA will talk about the most compelling envi-
14-29.
This is also your opportunity to interact directly
ronmental and climate problems in a Climate Change Symposium, conducted by KAUST
with eminent guests and experts in the relaxed
Professor, Georgiy L Stenchikov. Among the invitees are Prof. Ramaswamy, Director of the
The Program Committee received over 180 wonderful proposals from faculty, staff, and stu-
and lively atmosphere of WEP.
NOAA Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory; Prof. Colin Jones, Director of the Rossby Center
dents. We thank you for your active support of
Be sure to take full advantage of all that the
in Sweden; Prof. Hans F. Graf of Cambridge University; Dr. Kenneth Pickering, NASA Goddard
WEP! The resulting WEP 2012 schedule reflects
program has to offer. Be part of this enriching
Space Flight Center; Prof. Javier Diez, Rutgers University; and Prof. Mansour Almazroui,
our community's diversified global network of
and engaging adventure that WEP represents for
Director of the Centre of Excellence for Climate Change Research at King AbdulAziz University.
partners and incredible expertise.
the community.
Contact: georgiy.stenchikov@kaust.edu.sa
There are undoubtedly courses, lectures,
Make the very most of WEP 2012! — James A. Calvin
workshops, and other special events that will
January 21-22: Sustainable Energy for All Symposium This workshop is dedicated to the established and emerging energy technologies expected to power our future. It is the University’s celebration of the United Nations General Assembly’s
Jane Goodall
designation of 2012 as the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All.
wild chimpanzees. She was
inspiring action on behalf of
The following speakers and talks have been confirmed:
equipped with nothing more
endangered species, particu-
•
Prof. Muhammed ElSayed (University of Wisconsin), Advanced Nuclear Systems
than a notebook and a pair
larly chimpanzees.
•
Jan Korsgaard (London Array Off-shore Wind Farm), Off-shore Windmill Installation
•
Prof. Bruce Logan (Penn State University), Bioelectrochemical Technologies for Sustainable
of binoculars. But with her
In her talk entitled Making
unyielding patience and char-
a Difference, Dr. Goodall
acteristic optimism, she won
will provide insight into the
•
Prof. Largus Angenent (Cornell University), Biomass to Fuel
the trust of these initially
person behind the globe-
•
Prof. Korneel Rabaey (Ghent University, Belgium), Microbial Electrosynthesis
shy creatures. She managed
trotting international icon:
•
Prof. Bill Koros (Georgia Tech), Engineered Membranes and Sorbents for
Energy
to open a window into their
a UN Messenger of Peace,
In July 1960, at just 26,
sometimes strange and often
Dame of the British Empire,
Jane Goodall traveled from
familiar-seeming lives. The
and the subject of count-
England to what is today
public was fascinated and
less articles and television
January 18: Science Fun Fair
Tanzania and bravely entered
remains so to this day. Today,
programs around the world.
This event aims to bring science and scientists out of the lab to meet the younger members of
the little-known world of
Jane’s work revolves around
www.janegoodall.org
our wider community and other young guests, celebrating science by showcasing a series of
Sustainable Processes Contact: craig.werner@kaust.edu.sa
experiments and demos. The target audience is 8th-12th graders, from KAUST, Thuwal, and
Robert Charles Swan
Jeddah schools.
Pole in 1989 with a small
story to highlight the plight of
We encourage you to participate in this exciting WEP event to inspire young minds to turn
international team. At just 33,
the Antarctic. So Swan began a
towards science. If you have an experiment you would like to showcase, please submit ideas for
he became the first person in
50-year mission to inspire the
experiments that could be shared with attendees as part of WEP 2012 or volunteer to be a group
history to walk to both Poles.
youth of our planet, in the hope
leader to guide guests during the Science Fun Fair. The best experiments will be awarded valu-
Robert saw first hand the
that by 2041 the protection of
able prizes (iPads).
effects of climate change and
this last great wilderness on
Contact: mohamed.bouhrara@kaust.edu.sa
ozone depletion and these
earth will be protected for gen-
expeditions served highlight
erations to come.
Women in Science Lecture series Several renowned female scientists will talk about what motivated them to choose a career
the reality of a global climate
Robert Swan has an extraor-
disturbance for the first time.
dinary ability to inspire those
in science, sharing their experiences and their current work. Subjects include Genomics
FRGS reached the South Pole
Jacques Cousteau and Sir Peter
he meets, particularly young
(Dr. Tramontano, Sapienza – Università di Roma), Paleontology (Dr. Patricia Rich, Monash
in 1986 in a three-year expedi-
Scott (founder of the World
people, to act. His presenta-
University), Business (Ms. Renjifo, Bayer AG) and the HIV/AIDS program in Saudi Arabia (Ms.
tion entitled In the Footsteps of
Wildlife Fund), two expedition
tion promises both to thrill and
Sana Filimban). Drs. Najah Ashry and Suzana Nunes from KAUST will introduce the lectures
Scott and walked to the North
patrons asked Robert to use his
to engage.
and the day will close with pioneer primatologist and keynote speaker, Dr. Jane Goodall.
Robert Charles Swan, OBE,
Contact: suzana.nunes@kaust.edu.sa
TUM Orchestra/KAUST performance To celebrate the collaboration between the two universities, KAUST and Technische Universität München (TUM), WEP is organizing a special musical event. TUM musicians will join with members of our KAUST Chamber Orchestra to present a concert conducted by the TUM orchestra: Felix Mayer. They will play Handel and Mozart, as well as a composition by Egyptian Ali J. Racy, Professor of Ethnomusicology at UCLA in the US. The TUM musicians will be on campus for three days to engage with our KAUST musicians and perform several concerts. TUM musicians who are also scientists will be available to meet with professors and graduate students.
Winter Enrichment Program
www.kaust.edu.sa
December 2011
5
Course Highlights A Modern Mathematical View of an Uncertain World Today, the rapid development of computer hardware allows us to make computational predictions of more and more complex phenomena. How reliable are these predictions? Can we trust them? Uncertainty quantification (UQ) addresses this issue from mathematical and computational perspectives. A plenary session with a series of three lectures from world-class researchers will take place, presenting the application of UQ in different areas of sciences and engineering. The lectures will introduce a general audience to the world of UQ and will demonstrate its significance in real world applications. Checking out the Red Sea Reefs The Red Sea harbors one of the most fascinating coral reef ecosystems worldwide. Many people at KAUST are enthusiastic recreational divers but may not have had the chance to learn about what coral reefs actually comprise and why they are so important. In a course led by KAUST postdoctoral fellow, Dr. Cornelia Roder, WEP is offering to familiarize marine biology students or other interested recreational divers (no biology background needed) with the local coral reefs. The course will include one general lecture on coral reef eco-systems (open to everyone) and an underwater reef check workshop comprising a one-day classroom theory ses-
program highlights
sion and three days of field diving (two snorkeling trips and one diving trip) to experience marine
CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS
biology and coral reef monitoring firsthand. Participants will evaluate the health of two reefs (one
WEP has invited two experts in East
Other noteworthy cultural events during WEP
impacted, one pristine) using the Reef Check method and by comparing the two reefs will discuss
Africa’s most popular contemporary art style -
include a calligraphy workshop, violin and
why and how such differences can develop and what the community can do to protect Red Sea reefs.
Tingatinga. A stylized and elaborate art form,
piano classes, drawing classes, lunchtime lan-
Tingatinga paintings are often surreal and usu-
guage tables, and lectures on storytelling and
1. The Cornell Entrepreneurship Program*, January 14-20
ally depict natural objects, such as flowers,
fiction writing. Makha Diop from Senegal will
In an ongoing partnership with Cornell University’s Johnson School of Management, The Committee
animals, savannah vegetation, fruits and plants,
be offering drumming classes for the first time.
is pleased to offer members of the KAUST community a Certificate Program in Entrepreneurship.
and mountains, especially Mount Kilimanjaro in
These will culminate in a performance at the
This course is limited to 35 participants who will gain exposure to the art of entrepreneurship and
Tanzania. The artists Juma and Mshana, sons of
closing Gala when Makha will perform with his
will be able to practice skills in developing and presenting business plans, negotiating deals, and
the renowned Tingatinga painter the late David
two brothers, Arboury and Medoune Diop.
pitching ideas.
Mzuguno, will give several workshops and
Stay tuned!
exhibit their work on campus. 2. Managing Teams for Innovation and Success*, January 21-23 This popular three-day program is led by Margaret Neale from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, and Gregory Northcraft, Dean of Faculty at the College of Business at Illinois. The course
WEP Film Festival 2012
approaches team building at the strategic level. Participants evaluate not only the structure and
The WEP Film Festival will showcase more than 15 fascinating documentaries and feature
management of high performance teams but also whether it is appropriate to use teams or indi-
films covering a range of relevant scientific, technological, and environmental topics. Don’t
viduals to most effectively accomplish a given goal. Participants explore team dynamics from the
miss featured events with filmmakers on campus!
perspectives of both team leaders and team members to build a deeper understanding of the impli-
Films will be screened at the cinema in Discovery Square and at the Watersports Center.
cations of management decisions. This course is limited to 25 participants.
Contact: Patricia.Birkett@kaust.edu.sa
3. Global Sales Strategies for Ambitious Tech Entrepreneurs*, January 28-29 This exciting two-day sales seminar will be led by Kenneth P. Morse, (Chair in Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Competitiveness - Delft University of Technology; Visiting Professor - ESADE
What some WEP 2011 speakers said…
Business School; Founding Managing Director - MIT Entrepreneurship Center) and is aimed at the KAUST community as well as invited CEOs and senior sales executives from innovative, fast-
“As a female Arab leader I’m proud to see diversity and inclusion in the heart of KAUST agenda
growing, technology-based companies in the University’s KICP network. The seminar features case
in parallel to science and building knowledge. I am honored to be part of the journey.” I. Kadri.
studies and lectures, interactive discussions, participant presentations, “hands-on” exercises, and the opportunity to practice “elevator sales pitches” to potential customers. This course is limited to
“Thank you is a small word for what I feel to have been lucky enough to be part of the WEP
25 participants.
2011… I liked the passion of the students and the determination of the staff. Go on, this is how
*Admission to these highly interactive courses will be based on the applicant’s demonstrated academic achievements, notable experience, leadership and decision-making abilities, and outstanding interpersonal and communication skills. The application deadline is December 20.
For more information on or application details for any of the three courses described above,
the West was won!” B. Bonnell. “The event was very inspiring and experience building. Thanks for caring for entrepreneurs in KSA and may it be a step in our road to success.” A. T. Jaymal
please email Faran Siddiqi at faran.siddiqi@kaust.edu.sa “Thank you for a fantastic experience and opportunity to meet students and colleagues. Nanosatellite Development Workshop (alumnus-led)
So interesting. The WEP truly enriches all who participate. My best wishes for the year to
In this rapid-prototyping workshop led by Jack Cackler, you can learn how to build a satellite
come…” C. Newman
from scratch, and it will actually be launched into orbit. Students taking the seminars will learn the requisite technology required for software programming, electrical design, hardware
“The students are a refreshing mix of different backgrounds, nationalities, and disciplines with
assembly, orbital mechanics, and radio communications. The exercise will
a shared interest on curiosity in a rather unusual direction of work (…). Teaching on WEP class
culminate in a high-altitude weather balloon launch where
(together) actually ended up teaching us a lot and helped us understand each other better” C. S.
students will get to test their equipment at over 30
H. NUS & HKUST
km in the stratosphere. These satellites build off of Google Android smartphones, and all the software is open-source. Students from all divisions are welcome to attend. For questions or suggestions please email
contactwep@kaust.edu.sa
6
December 2011
Red Sea Research
The Beacon
Leg 2
Leg 3 Photos provided by Eivind Dypvik and Perdana Karim
KAUST 2011 Red Sea Expedition
Leg 3, Day 3: Flushing the multinet after sampling
Leg 2 of the KAUST Red Sea Expedition (KRSE) came back on October 29. “Everything went really smoothly and according to plan,” commented Tyas Hikmawan, a student from Professor Ulrich Stingl’s group. “I have some great data for my PhD.” The leg was “a tremendous success for all participating groups and we have collected a huge amount of very high-quality sam-
Sponge samples collected on Leg 4
ples,” explained Dr. Andre Antunes, Chief Scientist on the leg and a postdoctoral fellow from Prof. Stingl’s group. “Sample processing and cultivation experiments started while we were still onboard,”
Leg 3, Day 3: Retrieving the Hamburg Plankton Net after trawling Sponge samples collected on Leg 4 Leg 4 Photos provided by emily giles
Dr. Antunes continued. “It is crucial to provide the appropriate conditions and nutrients to prevent losing some of the most interesting microbes. However, no matter how careful you are with the sampling, you will always end up losing some as the conditions in a contained space are very different from those which the microbes are used to in their natural deep-sea environments.” For Daniela Catania, a master’s student from Professor Michael Berumen’s group, “the two weeks just flew past, it was so
Leg 2 Team leg 2 Photos (including November Beacon) provided by Daniela Catania
busy.” The KAUST team alternated sampling with the American University of Cairo team, but at the last brine pool, the Atlantis II Deep, KAUST scientists spent three days working non-stop. “We had a great time, even if it was hard work,” remarked Dr. Antunes. “I wanted to keep collecting additional samples instead of coming back.” Red Sea skinnycheek lanternfish >
Leg 3 Professor Stein Kaartvedt and
Leg 3 Team
Leg 4
his team returned on November
The Aegaeo returned to KAUST after an eight-day exploration at
18 at the end of Leg 3 of the KRSE
a cold seep site. Unlike the deep brine pools visited in Legs 2 and
tired but satisfied. “The infrastructure
3, the brine at this site forms a very shallow pool (< 1m deep)
for the acoustic studies was excellent so we could see the distri-
sitting at around 850m below the surface of the sea.
bution and movement of the fish clearly,” said Prof. Kaartvedt.
KAUST collaborators Professor Pei Yuan Qian, Mr. Yue Him
“We found that there is a huge difference in the depths that the
Wong, and Mr. Cyril Lai from Hong Kong University of Science
fish visit during the day and the night, and some even swim
and Technology (HKUST) collected a variety of water, sediment,
down to 1200-1400m in the daytime. As these fish are light-
and animal samples during the cruise. They plan to carry out
sensitive, it suggests that light penetrates to great depths in the
a variety of analyses on the samples in a collaborative effort
clear Red Sea waters.”
between Prof. Qian’s group at HKUST, Professor Timothy Ravasi
Leg 5
and Professor Christian Voolstra’s groups together with the
The KRSE is concluding with Leg 5, enabling a pioneering, sys-
Coastal and Marine Resources Core Lab at KAUST.
tematic study of the seafloor at 50-300m deep—specifically
During the cruise, the scientists caught fish in order to find out what they eat, as one part of their work. “The fish have since been
Leg 3, Day 6: Sunset over the Red Sea
frozen and we will analyze their stomach contents,” explained
The ROV was used to survey the seafloor around the cold seep
looking for deep-sea corals. “We want to know where corals
Eivind Dypvik, a student in Prof. Kaartvedt’s group who is study-
brine. “There was a distinct, foggy layer of dust at the brine-sea-
stop,” said Prof. Berumen, who is heading this study. “Scuba
ing lantern fishes for his PhD. “For me, seeing the first lantern
water interface,” recalled a cruise participant. “We saw sponges,
diving takes us down to about 50m, and people usually go much
fish catch was the best part.” The team also obtained zooplank-
sea urchins, starfish, and clams at the edge of the brine and a lot
deeper with submarines. The region between 50 and 300m is one
ton samples for analysis. Perdana Karim, like Dypvik, has similar
of organisms, like small sharks, shrimps, and eels diving into the
where people just don’t look very often.”
research plans except his PhD project is focused on pearlside
brine layer but exiting swiftly.”
The ROV will be used to survey and sample the seafloor. “We
Latterly, the team managed to collect some 28 individual
will start from what we know, about 50m deep, and move along
The team also used the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to
sponges, in addition to tubeworms, clams, sea urchins, and a
the seafloor,” explained Jessica Bouwmeester, a PhD student from
examine the brine pool interfaces and record videos. “It’s amaz-
starfish. “We were surprised that the biggest sponge collected
Prof. Berumen’s group and team leader of Leg 5. “As long as we
ing! I’ve been working with these environments for ten years and
was only 4.7x3x2cm,” said Prof. Ravasi. “In the pictures that
find corals, we will keep going deeper.” For Bouwmeester, the
it’s the first time I’ve actually seen them,” enthused Dr. Antunes.
we have of them from last year’s expedition, they looked bigger
cruise is “a great opportunity that not everyone gets” and she is
“It was like watching a live video stream of an adventure into an
than my fist.” Prof. Ravasi’s group has been working on Red Sea
very excited to get up ‘close and personal’ with the ROV that she
unknown world,” Karim added. They were presented with very
sponge diversity and their associated bacteria. “We can compare
has learned so much about. Another student from Prof. Berumen’s
different scenes at the two brine pools surveyed. “At Kebrit Deep,
our results from the sponges found in shallow waters (about 20m
group, Mehreen Mughal, will be onboard to help out and this will
we saw fish and a dense layer of plankton at the interface. This
depth) to those collected on this expedition to be analyzed by
be her “first cruise ever.”
brine pool seems to support life in the water column above it,”
Prof. Qian’s group,” explained Ms. Emily Giles, Lab Manager of
said Prof. Kaartvedt. “But at Atlantis II Deep, perhaps because
Prof. Ravasi’s group.
fishes, which live in shallower waters than lantern fishes.
the environment is too extreme, we did not see any macrofauna whatsoever.”
Prof. Voolstra and Dr. Roder, together with Prof. Berumen, will also explore to depths of nearly 1000m for another type of coral.
Although neither Ms. Giles nor Dr. Cornelia Roder, postdoctoral
“Deep-water coral reefs worldwide have so far only been found
fellow of Prof. Voolstra’s group were able to join the expedition
in cool water,” said Dr. Roder. “If such reefs are discovered in the
Leg 3 has contributed significantly to Prof. Kaartvedt’s research.
as planned, they are nevertheless excited to be able to collaborate
warm Red Sea waters, it will be interesting to see how they differ
“By and large, I am very happy with this trip,” commented Prof.
with Prof. Qian’s group in the near future to reveal the expedition
in diversity and physiology from the cold water reefs.”
Kaartvedt. “And the next time, we will know a little more and will
findings. As Dr. Roder put it, “The most important thing is that
be able to go one step further.”
we have the samples.”
The Aegaeo set off for Leg 5 on November 30 and is scheduled to return on December 16.
Research
www.kaust.edu.sa
7
December 2011
Photos provided by Derek Halverson
the KAUST school nd 2 Graders visit RSRC Last month, over 60 excited and engaged Grade 2 students
sinks to the bottom. “So how do they sleep?” asked a student.
visited the Red Sea Research Center in an event organized and
Jessie explained that it is thought that they just rest one hemi-
coordinated by postdoc Manuel Aranda. There were stations
sphere of the brain at a time. “If we need to take blood,” he
covering four Red Sea related topics and each child attended
explained, “we turn the shark upside-down and it goes to sleep!”
every station as part of a smaller group so that they could participate in a hands-on way.
Coral (led by Manuel Aranda)
Fish (led by PhD student, Jessie Cochran)
“coral is an animal” and that the fragments they were handling
pretty to eat!”. They saw video footage of some extraordinary
At the coral station, the students were amazed to learn that Jessie’s enthusiasm for the sharks he is studying was clear
were “just the skeleton!”. They learned of the coral polyps that
creatures invisible to the naked eye and learned how important
as he used tiny milk sharks (less than a year old evidenced by
use the pores in the skeleton as home, herding algae “like cattle”
plankton is as a food to many fish both large and small.
their umbilical scar) and a larger white tip shark to explain the
as their food and only waving their tentacles to collect necessary
anatomy and physiology of fish. The students were able to feel
small amounts of proteins and minerals to feed their symbiotic
the tiny, sharp teeth of the milk sharks (so called because they
friends. They heard about crabs, which may fiercely defend the
were thought to be a superfood for nursing mothers) and saw
corals from nibbling fish. The students helped to extract DNA
The students enjoyed learning about how humans could
the “electronic” gel in the sharks’ pores. They learned that sharks
from a mashed strawberry – its strands visible to the naked eye
breathe and cope with the pressure of the water above them as
use this gel to sense the heartbeats of their prey at one mil-
after just a few minutes.
they explored underwater and were able to try the scuba diving gear. Throughout the visit, the students were busy drawing what
lionth of a volt, and that they can smell tiny amounts of blood equivalent to a drop in a swimming pool. When a reef shark is dissected, its age can be determined by counting the number of
Scuba Diving (led by PhD student, Pedro De La Torre)
Plankton (led by RSRC Director prof Xabier Irigoien)
rings in its spinal vertebra in a similar way that the age of trees
At the plankton station, the students used a microscope to
is deduced. Jessie explained that if a shark stops swimming, it
see these tiny sea creatures clearly, commenting “they look too
they saw and taking notes from the talks. On their way back to the classroom, they collected seawater from the dock for some in-house experiments. What an amazing opportunity our KAUST School enjoyed!
The dazzling white sands of south Pacific beaches are largely due
highly sensitive to human activity being almost lost at population
to the activities of the larger species of parrotfish, of which some
densities above 16 individuals per square kilometer, while grazing
can exceed 1m in length. They remove up to 5 tonnes of both
and sediment removal appear resilient to fishing. This is because
live and dead corals from reef systems each year, excreting it as
large-bodied species are particularly attractive to fishermen, and
sediment. By removing live coral of the faster growing species,
lightly fished locations were shown to have more than 50 times the
the slower growing corals seem better able to survive by taking
biomass of large fishes compared to overfished locations.
over the available space, and so coral diversity is encouraged.
These results offer new insights into the vulnerability and resil-
Parrotfish activity is not only important for the replenishment and
ience of coral reefs to the ever-growing human footprint. “We can
recovery of corals, but both small and large species can prevent
still find some of the larger parrotfishes on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea
algae from choking coral by their grazing. In lightly fished loca-
reefs.” affirmed Dr. Hoey, “On a recent trip to offshore reefs in
tions parrotfish can completely graze each square meter of reef
the Al Lith region, I regularly saw Bolbometopon muricatum (green
every 18 days, and in doing so remove up to 40kg of sediment
humphead parrotfish) up to 1.3m in length but this does not justify
from each square meter per year.
complacency. These and other large parrotfish are regularly seen in
A paper published in the Proceedings of The Royal Society in
local fish markets. There is a real threat that the Red Sea reefs will
November, with KAUST co-author Dr. Andrew Hoey, discusses the
follow the demise we have documented across many Indo-Pacific
estimated rates of important ecosystem processes on coral reefs
reefs. As part of my postdoctoral fellowship, I have been document-
across the Indian and Pacific Oceans in response to human fishing
ing the role of parrotfishes on reefs in the Red Sea to see if they
activity. Rates of bioerosion and coral predation by parrotfishes are
display parallels with those of other regions in the world.”
Photos provided by michael Berumen
remarkable parrot fish
Bolbometopon muricatum also known locally as "buffalo fish" because of their tendency to travel in herds
8
Community
December 2011
The Beacon
kaust group visits makkah for hajj KAUST’s location on the shores of the Red Sea is enviable and
behind from this life.” Muhammad Usman, a master’s stu-
for the many people who work here, its proximity to Makkah
dent in Applied Math, found the time he spent in prayer
and Madinah is a great privilege. This is especially so at the time
and contemplation at Mount Arafat “particularly special.”
of the annual hajj – literally the “resolve to set out for a sacred
Mr. Mutleb Al Shammeri, a senior administrator at
place,” when people of all nationalities and races to gather at
KAUST, was among this year’s visitors after a gap of a
Makkah. It fulfills one of the five pillars of Islam – a spiritual,
quarter of a century. He was reminded of the extraordinary
physical, and emotional journey required of every able-bodied
diversity of the hajj, which he sees reflected by the KAUST
Muslim once in a lifetime. The sacred mosque that currently
family, in “the acceptance of one another, the sharing of
holds up to 730 thousand pilgrims is being expanded to increase
soil and water, of the spirit of helping on another in the face
its capacity to 2.5 million.
of tremendous language barriers.” He was impressed by the
The months of careful preparation that precede a hajj visit
technological advances he saw including the Al Mashaaer Al
ensure that a visitor approaches this spiritual summit with the
Muqaddassah Metro, a fully automatic 18km long elevated
modesty and humility manifest in the unstitched ihram worn
railway that transports pilgrims between holy sites and is
with simple sandals, so that no individual is distinguishable from
able to transport over 72,000 pilgrims an hour. Similarly, he
another in terms of earthly wealth.
thought that the ability to react to the needs of an individual
In what is perhaps the world’s most astonishing logistical
using zoned cameras and geocoding was an impressive opera-
peacetime enterprise, no fewer than 2,927,717 including the
tion. He was delighted to chance upon an international group
very young, elderly, and the infirm, had all their needs met for
of “Messengers of Peace” – scouts who had been at the camp
the average five-day stay. At peak times, airplanes arrive every
in Thuwal in October and who remembered their visit to KAUST
minute at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, while
with warmth.
other pilgrims arrive by sea and over land.
The University’s Government Affairs (GA) ensured that some
One returning visitor from KAUST explained that as one among
235 of the KAUST family were able to participate, making the
such a multitude, when patience and compassion is inevitably
process as smooth as possible in order not to detract from the
tested, each pilgrim “becomes aware of their individual insignifi-
significance of the experience. GA worked closely with the hajj
cance” and begins to consider their earthly legacy. “I realized that
participants, the Ministry of Hajj, and hajj campaign agencies
in the greater scheme of things, I was but a dot in the whole equa-
so that practical details did not interfere with the spiritual focus
tion,” explained Roshida Abdullah an employee from Economic
of the event. “GA’s attention to detail was absolutely amazing,”
2011
Development, “and it made me focus on what I will want to leave
commented one returning pilgrim.
Special events are planned for degree candidates and their fami-
commencement lies during the week of Commencement. Campus tours are being conducted for visiting families, and rehearsals and receptions are
accolade
combines a portfolio of elements around a
microorganisms in the biolayer consume
planned for degree candidates to prepare for and celebrate this
three-chambered microbial fuel cell that
contaminants in the supernatant and upper
important occasion.
not only produces electricity, but also
layer of the sand bed while adsorption and
The Commencement ceremony will be held at the Discovery
uses novel membranes to simultaneously
settling of contaminants occur in the lower
Walk Spine on the afternoon of Friday, December 16. This invita-
recycle wastewater for irrigation purposes
layer of the sand bed. Additionally, it is
tion-only event will be followed by a reception for graduates and
and desalinate salt and brackish water for
proposed to heat water with solar energy
their invited friends and family at the University Library.
drinking water. This builds on a recently
with individual panel owners accountable
On the day of the ceremony, access to the academic campus will
developed bioelectrochemical system called
for the amount of power used within each
be restricted to those who have an invitation and valid KAUST
When Noura Shehab won second prize in
a microbial desalination fuel cell (MDC),
household.
ID or Commencement Guest ID. Additionally, several academic
an international competition, her thoughts
which uses microorganisms to catalyze the
Noura works in the Water Desalination
buildings will be closed. Please note that from 1:00 – 7: 00 p.m.
were not just those of pride in her own
oxidation of biodegradable materials in the
and Reuse Center where her co-advisors
the shuttle bus service to the Administration Building will be sus-
achievement. She told The Beacon, “I
anode chamber and delivers electrons to
are Assistant Professor Pascal Saikaly
pended and the Campus Diner will be closed.
would like to encourage all those studying
the anode (see Fig. 1). These electrons can
and Center Director Gary Amy. In her
Campus Tours for Visiting Families will take place on December
in Saudi Arabia and the Arab world and
be captured for direct energy generation,
undergraduate degree she majored in
13, 14, and 15. Please visit the Student Center (building 18) for
say, ‘Yes, we can!’ and to my fellow stu-
such as current or hydrogen gas produc-
microbiology, her master’s at KAUST was
more details.
dents here at KAUST, ‘We are KAUST-ians.
tion, or used to remediate groundwater
in Environmental Engineering, and her
Of course we can!’”
contaminants. This system has significant
PhD focuses on integrating science and
Matjar is the University’s souvenir and gift store, located near
Born and raised in Jeddah and a gradu-
advantages over traditional desalination
engineering such as Microbial Fuel Cells
the Student Center. Hours of operation will be extended during
ate of King Abdulaziz University, Noura
processes, such as reverse osmosis or elec-
and Microbial Desalination Cells.
the week of Commencement:
competed with over 730 students from the
trodialysis because it is powered
MENA, GCC countries, India, and Pakistan
by renewable resources (waste-
in the 2011 Siemens Student Award, win-
water). Water for household
ning a cash prize and an internship at
consumption in the model city
Siemens. She was the only student from
would be further cleaned using
Saudi representing The Kingdom. Students
a small-scale concrete bio-sand
were asked, “How can you build a sustain-
filter for household use compris-
about Commencement, visit
able city in the desert?”
ing a column with different sand
http://www.kaust.edu.sa/student_services/commencement.html
Noura's desert city capitalizes on many of
and stone layers. Treated waste-
the natural resources that such an environ-
water from MDC moves down
ment offers: sun, sand, and wastewater. She
through the filter using gravity;
Fig. 1
Tuesday, December 13 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 14 from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Thursday, December 15 from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Friday, December 16 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. For more information about events and details
or use your mobile device to scan the QR code below:
the brothers dehwAh The engaging Dehwah brothers, Ahmad and Abdullah, have
Arabia by the early detection of flooding and traffic congestion.
always been close and it was no surprise to their family when
On the other hand, Abdullah -inspired by what he learned when
Abdullah, younger by a year, followed in his brother’s footsteps
he arrived - changed the focus of his master’s from industrial sys-
and came to study at KAUST Ahmad, one of the founding class, is
tems engineering to environmental science and engineering soon
pursuing a PhD in electrical
after his arrival here. Abdullah has been motivated by his professor
in an “atmosphere that nurtures study.” Evidently attached to one
engineering and currently
Thomas Missimer and currently working with him in developing
another, the brothers were born in Saudi Arabia and raised in the
working with Prof.
sustainable and economic intake system for sea water desalina-
Eastern Province in a close-knit intellectual family; their faces light
Christian Claudel on
tion in the Red Sea coastal line. Sons of a professor of structural
up as they speak fondly of a father who always encouraged their
a pilot project that
engineering at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
studies. They continue to seek his wisdom and count him their
aims to serve
(KFUPM), where they both studied as undergraduates, Ahmad and
"number one mentor and advisor.” Discussing their future plans
the Kingdom
Abdullah were drawn to the University by its “attitudes and aims
with the relaxed intimacy of siblings, each “looks forward to mak-
and its excellent professors,” attracted by the idea of campus life
ing significant contributions in his chosen field.”
of
Saudi
املنارة King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
at Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
تستخدم سابك أساليب حسابية متقدمة يف تصميم منتجاتها املتعددة
December 2011 / Muharram 1433 Volume 2, Issue No.4
www.kaust.edu.sa
األمناء.. جملس األمناء.. عضو جملس رودز عضو فرانك رودز فرانك
الرجل الذي جعلته جامعة امللك عبداهلل حيبس أنفاسه!
حىت وهو يغادرها نهائيًا بعد أن أمضى فيها مخس سنوات مؤسسًا وأستاذًا ،ال يزال الدكتور فرانك رودز الرئيس الفخري جلامعة كورنيل واألستاذ والعضو السابق يف جملس أمناء جامعة امللك ال من إنشاء عبداهلل للعلوم والتقنية ،مذهو ً اجلامعة بهذه السرعة وعلى هذا املستوى العايل واملتقدم من احلداثة والتقنيات .يؤكد رودز صعوبة تأسيس جامعة من الصفر ويقول :إنه عندما يعيد ذاكرته إىل بدايات التأسيس فإنه حيبس أنفاسه لكي يتأكد هل هي حقيقة أم خيال !.. وترجع بدايات فرانك مع اجلامعة إىل العام 2006 عندما كان املشروع جمرد فكرة وتصور ،وكان حينها أحد أفراد الفريق الوليد الذي قدم النصائح واإلرشادات ملؤسسي اجلامعة. ويقول رئيس جامعة امللك عبداهلل شون فونغ شي “أنا شخصيا سوف أفتقد حكمة فرانك ونصائحه الغالية ومثله العليا وتوقعاته وأكثر من ذلك سوف أفتقد صديقا عزيزا ورفيق سفري يف هذه الرحلة االستثنائية ...فهو منوذجي ومثلي األعلى”. ويوصف رودز يف أوساط زمالئه بالقائد األكادميي ذو الرؤية والبصرية النافذة ،وهو إىل جانب ذلك ال يتمتع بنشاط شاب يف اخلمسني من العمر ،حام ً العديد من سنوات اخلربة يف إستقصاء وحتليل مفاهيم الدراسات العليا يف الغرب .ولعب الدكتور رودز دورًا حموريا يف صياغة ميثاق اجلامعة ولوائحها الداخلية ونظامها األساسي واليت مشلت مجيعها ضمانات قوية وداعمة حلرية البحث األكادميي ،كما نصت هذه اللوائح على جملس أمناء مستقل ومنتخب ذاتيًا وعلى دخل ومردود من الوقف.
جرأة الفكرة يقول املهندس نظمي النصر ،نائب الرئيس التنفيذي ،عن فرانك رودز“ ،إنه يتمتع بالعقلية والشغف اللذين حنن حباجة إليهما ومع ذلك فإن املوقف ال خيلو من التحديات اليت تنشأ عن بناء اجلسور بني ثقافتني خمتلفتني تتمتعان كلتاهما
مببادىء وقيم نبيلة” .وعند قيام معايل املهندس علي بن إبراهيم النعيمي ،وزير البرتول والثروة املعدنية ورئيس جملس أمناء اجلامعة ،بتعريفه على رؤية خادم احلرمني الشريفني امللك عبداهلل بن عبدالعزيز للجامعة وبصورة عامة على ثقافة اململكة وتراثها ،جاءت استجابة الدكتور رودز بأن أطلع الوزير على تعقيدات ومتاهات التعليم العايل وعرض عليه مطبوعات غربية خمتارة حول هذا املوضوع وكانا دائما ميضيان وقتًا لبحث ومناقشة.املسائل ذات االهتمام املشرتك اليت يتطرقان إليها.
أي يف احتفال وضع حجر بعد شهور قليلة من ذلكْ ، األساس للجامعة ،احتفى الدكتور رودز بالرؤية اجلريئة والتصميم املبتكر اللذين حيمالن الوعد جبعل اجلامعة ذات تأثري حتويلي وأهمية مستدامة ،مذكرًا جبرأة فكرة امللك عبداهلل يف إحياء بيت احلكمة وإعادة أجماد العرب واملسلمني يف العصر احلديث بسالح العلم واملعرفة .والدكتور رودز كرجل ذي قامة وهيبة ،ديبلوماسي لبق يبدي ترحيبه الدائم بكل من يسعى لالستفادة من خرباته املرتاكمة ،فيحتفي وجيتمع بصورة منتظمة مع خرجيي جامعة امللك عبداهلل الذين يزورون جامعة كورنيل .كما نشط يف ال استقطاب وجلب الطالب املتميزين إىل اجلامعة فض ً عن وساطته وحفاظه على العديد من العالقات الدولية اليت أسهمت يف تأسيس بداية األحباث.
الثمرة األوىل للحلم ويعلق د .حممد مساحة ،نائب الرئيس للتنمية اإلقتصادية والتقنية ،بأن “فرانك ترك بصماته الواضحة ليس فقط فيما يتعلق برؤيته للنموذج األكادميي ولكن أيضًا يف كل موضع يف اجلامعة فهو ال على مبثابة مهندسها الفكري غري املرئي” ،مدل ً ذلك باستخدام الدكتور رودز للعلوم كطاقة توحيدية إلقناع اآلخرين باحللم حىت أنه اقرتح يف البداية ضرورة تركيز اجلامعة على الطالب اخلرجيني واجلودة النوعية لألحباث. ويف حديثه يف احتفال التخرج األول يف ديسمرب 2010والذي وصفه بأنه “الثمرة األوىل للحلم”، أعرب الدكتور رودز عن شكره هلم على الثقة اليت
أولوها للجامعة من خالل حضورهم إىل بلد جيهله معظمهم ،وإىل حرم جامعي مل يكن موجودا حينذاك وإىل هيئة تدريس مل يتم تعيينها بعد وإىل جتربة جديدة يف التعليم مل تتم جتربتها وقتذاك وإىل برامج درجات جامعية مل يتم التخطيط هلا بصورة كاملة. وحتدث فرانك من القلب متذكرا جتربته وممتدحًا “األمل القائم على أساس األحالم الكبرية والتطلعات العظيمة وهدية جامعة امللك عبداهلل يف حتويل املجتمع إىل خلية وفريق عمل ومعرفة للوصول إىل اهلدف الكبري واستغالل التقنية وتسخريها خلدمة اإلنسان وحتويل املهارات إىل منافع للجميعo”.
فرانك رودز ولد فرانك يف وارويكشري ,إجنلرتا وحيمل اآلن اجلنسية األمريكية. متزوج ويتلقى الدعم الوثيق من زوجته روزا كارلسون. تلقى تعليمه العايل يف جامعة بريمنجهام يف إجنلرتا وله 35درجة فخرية. نشرت له أحباث على نطاق واسع يف جماالت تشمل اجليولوجيا ودراسات ما قبل التاريخ ونظرية النشؤ وتاريخ العلوم والتعليم. الرئس الفخري جلامعة كورنيل1977-1995 , عضو املجلس الوطين للعلوم (الرئيس رجيان) عضو جلنة الرئيس للسياسات التعليمية (الرئيس بوش) رئيس اهليئة الوطنية 1987ملشاركة األقليات يف التعليم واحلياة األمريكية مع رئيس مشارك فخري للرؤساء جريالد فورد وكارتر. الرئس السابق جلمعية الفلسفة األمريكية.
وعدت مبزيد من التمويل والدعم وتقدمي جائزة مبليون دوالر
سابك تنشىء مركزها الرابع لألحباث واالبتكار يف جامعة امللك عبداهلل
أكدت الشركة السعودية للصناعات األساسية “سابك” عزمها على متويل العديد من الباحثني يف جامعة امللك عبداهلل للعلوم والتقنية مباشرة من أجل الرتكيز على بعض التحديات اليت تواجهها مثل تطبيقات الطاقة الشمسية وعمليات الفرز والتحفيز الكيميائي واملواد البيولوجية القابلة للتجديد واملواد اليت تقوم بوظائف حمددة.
وذكرت الشركة أنه يف حالة قيام أحد الباحثني يف اجلامعة بتطوير تقنية مناسبة فسوف يكون لذلك الباحث احلق يف “جائزة التحدي للتطبيق التجاري”، واليت تصل قيمتها إىل مليون دوالر مقدمة من شركة سابك عند استغالل التقنية جتاريا .وحىت ذلك الوقت تسعى الشركة للتعرف واستكشاف املواهب يف وقت مبكر من خالل عرض فرص التدريب للطالب اخلرجيني بعد إقامة مركزها لألحباث واالبتكار يف اجلامعة والذي تعمل على إنشائه حاليًا. ويرى الدكتور أيرنستو أوجيلو ،نائب الرئيس التنفيذي للتقنية واالبتكار يف سابك ،أن أعظم التحديات املؤسساتية اليت تواجه جامعة امللك عبداهلل يف سبيل حتقيق رؤيتها يف أن تكون أداة للنمو االقتصادي للمملكة يف املستقبل وبالتايل تعزيز حتقيق حلم مؤسسها خادم احلرمني الشريفني امللك عبداهلل بن عبدالعزيز“ ،ستكمن يف أن تغدو جامعة ضاربة اجلذور يف املجتمع املحلي” .جاء هذا الرأي يف حديث صحايف للدكتور أوجيلو أدىل به إىل مطبوعةا جلامعة “The ”Beaconإبان زيارته هلا يف شهر نوفمرب ملنح جوائز شركة سابك ملا بعد الكتوراه للعام .2011 واختارت شركة سابك وضع وتأسيس مركزها اجلديد لألحباث واالبتكار يف حديقة األحباث يف اجلامعة بعد أن اجتذبها موظفو اجلامعة من ذوي السمعة العاملية واملختربات املركزية املتقدمة وتوقعًا ملا يتوفر من تربة غنية للتوظيف تتمثل يف جمموعة من طالب اجلامعة .ويشرح الدكتور أوجيلو الفكرة قائال“ :إن املنظمات والشركات نادرا مامتيز نفسها يف واقع األمر مبرافقها ولكن باكتساب جمموعة املهارات اليت قد يستغرق العديد من السنوات” .ويضيف“ :بدأنا شراكتنا مع جامعة امللك عبداهلل مدفوعني بإدراكنا العميق لنوعية هيئة التدريس واملوظفني والثقافة ال إن الشركة السائدة فيها” .ويستطرد أيرنستو قائ ً تستهدف توظيف 150من العلماء االستثنائيني يف خمتلف التخصصات يف املركز اجلديد حبلول العام .2015وسيعمل هؤالء العلماء وسيعيشون يف احلرم اجلامعي بهدف استقطاب جمتمع األحباث العريض يف اجلامعة والقيام بأحباث أفقية تقوم فيها فرق متعددة التخصصات بالتحري واالستقصاء يف مسائل وتساؤالت األحباث التكميلية متعددة العناصر. وتطمح هذه العالقة إىل الوصول إىل ذروة العالقة املتبادلة ،بعد أن دخلت شركة سابك يف استثمارات ضخمة يف مركز األحباث واالبتكار الذي سريكز على التقنيات اليت تستهدف خلق أسواق جديدة ،وهي
التقنيات اليت تعرف بأنها تقنيات جديدة حتل بصورة غري متوقعة التقنيات القائمة .وفضال عن ذلك ستؤمن الشركة مبلغ مليون دوالر سنويا لدعم الباحثني بعد مرحلة الدكتوراة من خالل منح غري مقيدة ،كما أنها وفرت متويال سخيا لكرسي أستاذية جديد يف وسائط التحفيز ملادة البوليمر .وبعض املنح اليت مت متويلها تبدو بكل وضوح من اللمحة األوىل كما لو كانت ال متت بصلة باهتمامات ومصاحل سابك التجارية مثل التنقيب يف البيانات البيولوجية املحاسبية واليت يشبهها الدكتور أوجيلو بالعثور على إبرة يف كومة من القش كما يربر الدكتور هذا التنوع معتقدًا أن الوسائل البيولوجية قد حتل يف املستقبل حمل العمليات الكيميائية ولذلك يقوم بالتحرى يف أفضل الوسائل لالستفادة من االستثمار الذي تقوم به سابك. وتتعاون سابك يف الوقت احلاضر مع علماء اجلامعة يف جماالت تشمل وسائط التحفيز الكيميائي وإعادة استخدام املياه واإللكرتونيات املرنة وحصاد الكربون واستخدام الطحالب ،كما سبق للشركة أن قامت بالفعل بتوظيف العديد من خرجيي اجلامعة من محلة درجيت الدكتوراه واملاجستري .وقدم رئيس اجلامعة الربوفسور شي شكر جامعة امللك عبداهلل للسيد حممد املاضي ،نائب الرئيس وكبري اإلداريني التنفيذيني “ملجهودات سابك الرامية إىل تعزيز وتقوية جماالت التعاون بني املؤسسات من أجل دعم اجلامعة ورؤيتها اجلريئة يف جماالت األحباث والتعليم واإلبتكار والتطوير اإلقتصادي”.
كفاءات منافسة ويف وقت سابق من هذا العام حتدث الدكتور عطية أبورقبة ،مدير عام مركز األحباث واالبتكار ،عن فرص سابك لربط علمائها مع أقطاب املعرفة يف جامعة امللك عبداهلل لتعزيز إميان الشركة القائم منذ مدة طويلة يف النشاطات املفتوحة لعمليات االبتكار وأعرب عن تطلعه لتشجيع االبتكار والتفكري اخلالق باسم التقدم والعلوم. ونوه الدكتور عطية إىل أن الشركة تعرضت عرب السنوات للعديد من عمليات التطوير منذ إنشائها مبوجب املرسوم امللكي يف العام 1976من أجل حتويل منتجات الزيت الثانوية إىل منتجات مفيدة
الدكتور عطية أبو رقبة مدير عام مركز األحباث واالبتكار
طالبة دكتوراه من جامعة امللك عبداهلل تفوز جبائزة عاملية مرموقة
“نورا شهاب” تبين مدينة يف الصحراء قابلة لإلستدامة
نالت الطالبة نورا شهاب اجلائزة الثانية يف مسابقة عاملية كبرية نظمتها شركة “سيمنز” بني أكثر من 730طالبا من الشرق األوسط ومشال أفريقيا ودول جملس التعاون اخلليجي واهلند والباكستان خمصصة لطالب عام 2011حيث نالت جائزة نقدية وفرصة التدريب يف الشركة. وكانت نورا هي الوحيدة اليت مثلت اململكة بورقة عمل وحبث جييب على السؤال الذي مت توجيهه للطالب يف املسابقة وهو“ :كيف تبين مدينة قابلة لالستدامة والبقاء يف الصحراء؟”.
ومل يتوقف طموح الطالبة نورا اليت تدرس ختصص اهلندسة البيئية يف جامعة امللك عبداهلل للعلوم والتقنية عند هذا اإلجناز فقط ،بل إنها ذهبت إىل أبعد من ذلك مؤكدة يف تعليق هلا أدلت به لصحيفة اجلامعة“، ”The Beaconحني تقول“ :أود تشجيع اجلميع وحثهم على الدراسة يف اململكة العربية السعودية والعامل العريب وجيب عليهم االعتقاد بإمكانية حتقيق ذلك”. ففي املدينة الصحراوية اليت تصورتها قامت باستغالل العديد من املوارد الطبيعية املتوفرة يف البيئة مثل الشمس والرمال واملياه املستخدمة. وجنحت نورا يف جتميع جمموعة من العناصر حول خلية وقود ميكروبية من ثالث حجريات ال تقوم فقط بإنتاج الكهرباء ولكنها تستخدم أيضًا األغشية املبتكرة للقيام يف الوقت نفسه بإعادة تدوير مياه الصرف الصحي الستخدامها يف أغراض الري مع استخدام املياه املحالة واملنزوعة امللح يف أغراض الشرب .هذا املفهوم يبين على نظام بيولوجي كيميائي ميكانيكي مت تطويره مؤخرا وأطلق عليه إسم “خلية الوقود امليكروبية للتحلية” وتستخدم الكائنات املجهرية لتحفيز أكسدة املواد تشمل البوليمر واملواد الكيميائية واألمسدة إىل أن أصبحت من أجنح شركات إنتاج املواد الكيميائية يف العامل قاطبة .وكانت الشركة تفتقر آنذاك إىل املعرفة الضرورية لتطوير التقنيات اخلاصة بها ،بيد أنها حتولت منذ ذلك احلني إىل شركة عاملية تتمتع بشبكة تقنية وابتكارات قوية تتألف من 61مركزا لتطبيقات التقنية واملواد املنتشرة يف مجيع أحناء العامل ،تدعمها 7000براءة اخرتاع .وسيكون مركز التقنية واالبتكار هو املركز الرابع يف اململكة حيث يقوم بتطوير كفاءات منافسة جديدة ويتوىل يف الوقت نفسه تدريب اجلنسني يف اململكة. وتطرق يف حديثه إىل اإلجنازات اليت سبق لشركة سابك حتقيقها كشريك اسرتاتيجي عايل الفعالية يف برنامج التعاون الصناعي يف جامعة امللك عبداهلل منذ العام .2009ومشلت نشاطات هذا الربنامج الندوات ولقاءات الدائرة املستديرة واحلوارات وأيام املهنة ،مما أكد التزام سابك بتطوير وترقية العلوم واألحباثo.
األخوين دحوه :نأمل يف تقدمي مساهمات معتربة يف جمالنا ظلت العالقة بني األخوين الودودين أمحد وعبداهلل دحوه وثيقة للغاية لدرجة أن العائلة مل تصب بالدهشة عندما قررعبداهلل الذي يصغر شقيقه بسنة أن حيذو حذو أخيه ويلتحق بالدراسة يف جامعة امللك عبداهلل للعلوم والتقنية. وكان عبداهلل قد شجع أحد أصدقائه لإللتحاق باجلامعة ولكنه أصيب خبيبة أمل عندما إكتشف أنه مل يفعل ذلك .أما شقيقه أمحد فهو أحد الطالب الذين ألتحقوا جبامعة امللك عبداهلل لنيل درجة
Fig. 1
نورا شهاب
الدكتوراه يف اهلندسة الكهربائية ،إال أنه سرعان ما غري توجهه لنيل درجة املاجستري من هندسة النظم الصناعية إىل علوم البيئة بعد وقت وجيز من وصوله إىل اجلامعة. أمحد وعبداهلل أمضيا دراستهما اجلامعية يف جامعة امللك فهد للبرتول واملعادن ،وقد إجتذبتهما اجلامعة بفضل أهدافها وأساتذتها ونوعية احلياة يف احلرم اجلامعي يف بيئة تشجع الدراسة. وقد ولد كل من أمحد وعبداهلل يف اململكة العربية السعودية وترعرعا يف املنطقة الشرقية يف عائلة مرتابطة ،ويتحدثون عن والدهما باحلب والتقدير والثناء ألنه مل يتواىن حلظة عن تشجيعهما على الدراسة والتعلم ويقتادون حبكمته ويعتربانه مبثابة مرشدهما األول .ويتطلع األخوان أمحد وعبداهلل بكل جد وإجتهاد إىل تقدمي مساهمات معتربة يف املجاالت اليت إختارا دراستها والتخصص فيهاo.
القابلة للتحلل بيولوجيا يف حجرية األنودات وتوفر اإللكرتون لألنودات (الشكل “.)”1 وباإلمكان استخالص هذه اإللكرتونات لتوليد الطاقة بصورة مباشرة وعلى سبيل املثال إنتاج التيار أو غاز اهليدروجني أو استخدامها الستصالح امللوثات يف املياه اجلوفية .ويتميز هذا النظام مبميزات هامة على طرق التحلية التقليدية مثل أسلوب التناضح العكسي أو التحليل الكهربائي ألنه يزود بالطاقة من موارد متجددة هي املياه املستخدمة .ويتم إخضاع املياه لالستهالك املنزيل يف هذه املدينة النموذجية للمزيد من عمليات التنظيف من خالل استخدام مرشح بيولوجي رملي من احلصى صغرية األقطار وهو عبارة عن عمود يتألف من طبقات خمتلفة من الرمل واحلجارة .ومترر املياه املعاجلة بنظام خلية الوقود البيولوجية إىل األسفل عرب املرشح بفعل اجلاذبية حيث تقوم الكائنات املجهرية يف الطبقة البيولوجية باستهالك امللوثات يف طبقة املياه الصافية والطبقة العلوية من املرشح الرملي ال عن ذلك ويتم ترسيب امللوثات يف الطبقة السفلية من املرشح الرملي .وفض ً ينطوي النظام على اقرتاح يتيح تسخني املياه بالطاقة الشمسية حيث يتمكن مالك األلواح الشمسية من حتديد كمية املياه املستخدمة يف كل منزل. وتعمل نورا يف مركز أحباث حتلية املياه وإعادة استخدامها حتت إشراف مستشاريها املشاركني األستاذ املساعد باسكال سيكايل ومدير املركز غاري آمي .وكان موضوع ختصصها يف الدراسات اجلامعية امليكروبيولوجي ،بينما كان موضوع درجة املاجستري يف جامعة امللك عبداهلل يف اهلندسة البيئية ،فيما ركز حبثها لدرجة الدكتوراه على دمج العلوم واهلندسة مثل خاليا الوقود امليكروبية وخاليا التحلية امليكروبيةo.
أكادمييو وموظفو جامعة امللك عبداهلل :قرب اجلامعة من مكة واملدينة ميزة عظمى
235فردًا أدوا فريضة احلج هذا العام ميثل موقع جامعة امللك عبداهلل للعلوم والتقنية على ساحل البحر األمحر مصدرا لغبطة اجلميع، لكن األكثر أهمية لكثريين ممن يعملون هناك، هو قربها من مكة املكرمة واملدينة املنورة إذ يعد ذلك ميزة إضافية عظمى ،حبسب تعبريهم، خاصة يف موسم احلج السنوي والذي يعين حرفيا التصميم على اخلروج والذهاب إىل هذه البقاع املقدسة عندما جيتمع املاليني من مجيع اجلنسيات والثقافات واللغات واألصول للذهاب إىل مكة تلبية ملتطلبات الركن اخلامس من أركان اإلسالم ،وهو الركن الذي ميثل رحلة روحية وبدنية وعاطفية تظل مطلوبة من كل مسلم قادر بدنيًا وعقليًا على القيام بها مرة واحدة يف العمر. وجيري اآلن توسعة احلرم املقدس “املسجد احلرام” لرفع طاقته االستيعابية إىل مليونني ونصف من املصلني ،وهو الذي يستوعب يف الوقت احلاضر مئات اآلالف من حجاج بيت اهلل.
وتسبق احلج أشهر من االستعدادات والتهيئة لضمان وصول الزائر إىل هذه املرحلة من السمو الروحي بكل الطهر والتواضع والسكينة واليت تبدو جلية يف مالبس اإلحرام غري املخيطة والصنادل البسيطة اخلالية من الزخرف حبيث يتعذر متييز الغين عن الفقري. ويشرح أحد الزوار العائدين إىل ثول من رحلة احلج ال إنه كواحد من بني هذه املاليني املحتشدة قائ ً ويف األوقات اليت خيترب فيها صرب الناس وتعاطفهم يصبح كل حاج مدركًا لضآلته الشخصية ويبدأ يف التفكري يف القول املأثور أنه عرف يف إطار الفكرة العظمي وأنه ليس سوى نقطة يف املعادلة ،حسب قول السيدة رشيدة عبداهلل ،إحدى موظفات التطوير االقتصادي يف جامعة امللك عبداهلل ،مما جعلها تفكر يف اإلرث واألشياء اليت ستخلفها وراءها يف هذه احلياة .أما حممد عثمان ،أحد طالب املاجستري يف الرياضيات التطبيقية ،فقد وجد أن الوقت الذي أمضاه يف التضرع والتأمل يف جبل عرفات ذو خصوصية فريدة. السيد مطلب الشمري ،نائب الرئيس للخدمات، كان هو اآلخر من ضمن حجاج هذا العام وتنبه
يف نفرته تلك إىل التنوع االستثنائي يف احلج والذي الحظه منعكسًا يف قبول أفراد عائلة جامعة امللك عبداهلل لبعضهم اآلخر واملشاركة يف الرتاب واملياه وروح املبادرة إىل مد يد املساعدة على الرغم من احلواجز اللغوية الضخمة. وأبدى الشمري إعجابه الشديد بالتطورات التقنية اليت شاهدها مبا يف ذلك قطار املشاعر املقدسة وهو عبارة عن خط سكة حديد أتوماتيكي بطول 18 كيلومرتا يقوم بنقل احلجيج بني املناطق املقدسة مبعدل 72000حاج كل ساعة .وكان من دواعي سروره مصادفة جمموعة عاملية من كشافة “رسل السالم” الذين كانوا موجودين يف معسكر ثول يف شهر أكتوبر املاضي والذين تذكروا رحلتهم إىل جامعة امللك عبداهلل بكل تلقائية وحب. وكانت إدارة الشؤن احلكومية يف اجلامعة ،قامت جبهد كبري لتمكني 235من أفراد عائلة اجلامعة من أداء فريضة احلج حيث أنهت اإلجراءات بكل يسر وسهولة لكي حتافظ على أهمية وروحانية هذه التجربة الفريدة .وتعاونت اإلدارة بصورة وثيقة مع املشاركني يف احلج ووزارة احلج ووكاالت محالت احلج حبيث مل تتداخل التفاصيل العملية أو تؤثر على الرتكيز الروحي للمناسبة .ويعلق أحد احلجاج العائدين قائالً: اهتمام اإلدارة بالتفاصيل الدقيقة كان مثريا للدهشة واالنبهارo.”.