AUD Review Spring-Summer 2016 by audmarcom

audreview

Spring/Summer 2016

A PUBLICATION BY THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY IN DUBAI

WHAT IF? WHY NOT?

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

At last year’s Commencement I had the audacity to contradict what parents love to hear the most from university presidents; that is, the thought that a diploma granted is really about getting a job. Specifically, I told AUD’s 448 graduates: “And so today, you graduate prepared to make a living. That will grow the marketplace. But you are also prepared to live, and that is a victory for human society.” What did I mean? Well, all of AUD’s degree programs provide training in skills required for professional success, but training isn’t education. Technique acquisition and proficiency are only a part of education. Society doesn’t need universities whose scope is limited to training. Vocational schools are very good at that. An AUD education targets human development in all its glorious dimensions. AUD transforms. It enlightens. It expands horizons. AUD is about discovery. It’s about change. An AUD education fights fear and intolerance. It instills ambition with a sense of responsibility. It is a calling to contribute. Indeed, an AUD education feeds the mind, the heart and the soul. An AUD education happens… Increasingly, and as reported by employers themselves, these “soft” constructs are even more predictive of professional success – especially following one’s first job – than the hard skill requisites for employment. This is a university that “kills” two birds with one stone,” but its priority is on the development of the person. AUD’s greatest calling card is the success of its graduates. The Alumni Profiles provided in this issue’s Review provide testimony to that, as well as evidence that professional success begins with the drive towards excellence in all one seeks to achieve. In the Proud AUD Professor Profiles section, readers will discover some of the motivations for joining AUD and many of the “atmospheric” characteristics that distinguish AUD from many of its fellow universities. The Profiles attest to the stature of AUD faculty, both as facilitators in student learning and contributors to scholarship and creative endeavor. Close mentoring by faculty is one of the key attributes that serve as a hallmark of an AUD education. Finally, in addition to the News section which conveniently brings readers up to date, I’m pleased to see that two of the three Special Features come to us from the School of Arts and Sciences. This is AUD’s largest School in which all students, regardless of program and major, must fulfill the requirements of the university Core. I am hopeful that the grass roots program development and expansion activity of the School will not only provide students with more choice of what to study, but also increase the intensity and breadth of student exposure to the levers of human civilization and society, hence ensuring on the part of “the educated” a greater understanding of the world and how it works. That, above all, is the most important requisite for professional success. Enjoy!

Lance E. de Masi President

CONTENTS 1 From the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Desk 4 Special Report: Graduation 8 Take a Bow

Awards Season

12 Alumni Relations news 14 Architecture, Art & Design news

18 Art of the Matter

Dr. Bill Wechsler, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, stresses the importance of a liberal arts education

21 Education news 22 Arts & Sciences news 25 External Relations news 28 Engineering news 30 Special Report: Energy Efficiency 31 Faculty news 35 The Human Race

Dr. Elham Seyedsayamdost, Chair of the Department of International and Middle Eastern Studies, discusses poverty and passion

38 Business Administration news 40 MBRSC news 41 Sports news

Project managed by the Office of Marketing Communications Reina S. Dib, Joy Semaan

42 Proud Professors 44 AUD Forum

Dr. Mohammad Obeidat explains how a focused plan for the future is the secret to success

45 Designs on the Future

AUD Alumna Maliha Nishat takes the lead on some of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most iconic hospitality and lifestyle projects

46 Setting the Scene

AUD Alumna Hanan Al Sammak talks about social media fame and her new self-help book

www.facebook.com/AUDubai

www.linkedin.com/company/american-university-in-dubai

www.twitter.com/#!/AUDubai

www.youtube.com/user/AUDChannel

www.instagram.com/audubai

I AM A KNIGHT BORN TO LEAD I AM A PROUD AUD GRADUATE

We want to hear from you. Tell us your story. Keep in touch. The AUD Review team wishes to proďŹ le as many successful AUD graduates as possible. Email us marcom@aud.edu

SPECIAL REPORT

A NEW DAWN

AUD’s 19th commencement ceremony celebrates Class of 2016

ith fond farewells and words of wisdom, AUD said goodbye to the Class of 2016 at a glittering ceremony on May 15 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Held under the Patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the 19th commencement ceremony was attended by several dignitaries and other prominent members of the local UAE community.

The ceremony opened with the UAE and American national anthems, which saw an audience of 5,000 rise to their feet in a mark of respect and unity. Shortly after, Dr. Steve Franklin, Chairman of the AUD Governing Board, welcomed guests and students, as well as the 450 graduates who received their American-accredited degrees in the fields of Architecture, Business Administration, Communication and Information Studies, Construction Management, Education, Engineering, Interior Design, International Studies, and Visual Communication.

BREAKING CONVENTION

In his rousing welcome speech, Dr. Franklin advised students to shape their future by asking the right questions and challenging the status quo in the footsteps of visionaries from the past. “As you joyfully complete this chapter of your life and enthusiastically launch into your next stage of growth, I want to challenge and encourage you with four words to consider as you journey beyond your AUD experience – ‘what if?’ and ‘why not?’ Our world is shaped by people who asked those two questions. Michelangelo asked ‘what

SPECIAL REPORT

if ’ with a piece of marble and his ‘why not’ resulted in the incredulous statue of David,” Dr. Franklin remarked, while also highlighting the achievements of Leonardo da Vinci, Steve Jobs and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed. “Over 20 years ago, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum must have asked himself: ‘what if we made Dubai the address of the future? What if we built the biggest, the tallest, the best buildings, shopping centers, schools, health care systems?’ When interviewed by the CBS reporter Steve Croft, who asked: ‘why do you want everything to be the biggest, the tallest?’ H.H. Sheikh Mohammed

confidently replied: ‘why not, Steve? Why not.’” With a call for students to “put another dent in our universe”, Dr. Franklin welcomed another visionary to the stage: keynote speaker Jimmy Donal Wales, creator of Wikipedia, the world’s largest reference website. FAIL TO SUCCEED

Two years before Wikipedia was founded, Wales launched a project called Nupedia that shared a similar vision: a free encyclopedia for everyone in their own language, but it was one that failed as it “was too intimidating for people to participate, and not very much fun”, according to Wales.

“So what is the lesson here? For me it boils down to one of the classic sayings of Silicon Valley: fail faster. I had a vision for what I wanted to accomplish but I didn’t know how to do it – I tried one way and failed, so I tried a radically different way, based on what I had learned from the failure, and succeeded. I could have made that shift a lot quicker but for too long, I was too wrapped up in making it work in the Nupedia way to see what needed to be done – a radical change of methodology,” explained Wales. “You see, the model of entrepreneurship and career success that most people dream of – a single

As you joyfully complete this chapter of your life and enthusiastically launch into your next stage of growth, I want to challenge and encourage you with four words to consider as you journey beyond your AUD experience – ‘what if?’ and ‘why not?’” 5

SPECIAL REPORT

great idea and the world unfolds before you – can be crippling. To really innovate, by definition you won’t be following a pre-set recipe. You’ll try things that don’t work. The idea is to design your life around trying lots of little experiments at low cost, rather than pouring everything into one single concept. If that concept doesn’t work out and you fail, you have to be ready to scramble, to find a path that does work.” While several students can attest to the usefulness of Wikipedia in obtaining their degree, Wales now hopes that they will all, in their own way, give back. “It is incredibly important for the survival of our species that we all make it our

personal mission to fight hard for the most fundamental of human rights: the right to share what we know. “Many of you will say, truthfully, that you are appreciative of what the Wikipedia community has given to you. And now that you are graduates, I ask that you pass a little bit of what you know on to others. Come to Wikipedia, join the project – we especially want help in the Arabic language – and turn the gift that has been given to you into a gift for others,” added Wales. BRIGHT STARS

For the first time in the history of AUD, two Valedictorians were

honored this year. The talented students with the highest academic standing of the Class of 2016 included Yousif Al Hachemi, an Emirati graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance – who also received the President’s Awards for Student Excellence 2016 – and Lebanese student Dana Fawaz, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Al Hachemi honored the exceptional leadership of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum in a moving speech that also lauded Dubai for its commitment to excellence in education.

The true testament to Dubai and the UAE’s success lies in its educated youth. The emphasis placed on education by our rulers, both past and present, and the provision of that education is something that can never be overshadowed by concrete, glass, or steel”

SPECIAL REPORT

“Throughout history, every great nation has erected monuments to its success. Despite being home to Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest manmade structure, the true testament to Dubai and the UAE’s success lies in its educated youth. The emphasis placed on education by our rulers, both past and present, and the provision of that education is something that can never be overshadowed by concrete, glass, or steel. We are blessed to be living in a city such as Dubai. A city that inspires and never takes no for an answer,” explained Al Hachemi. Fawaz also highlighted the nurturing and collaborative environment of AUD. “We are graduates of the American University in Dubai. A place we were lucky to call home for the past few years, a diverse, open, and interactive community that challenged us to step out of our comfort zone, to learn, to

grow, and to improve. We are proud to be AUD graduates because we can say with all confidence that we are the curious ones, we are the versatile ones, we are shaped by diversity.” THE HUMAN TOUCH

In a poignant farewell speech, Dr. Lance de Masi, President of AUD, congratulated graduating students and reminded them that education can restore faith in humanity. “Through the application of knowledge and skill, you will add to the quality of your chosen profession, either related or unrelated to your major. But it is you, I believe, and not your specialization, that is at the center of your education. You, the person, a member of a race called Human, are the real cause for celebration today. “AUD’s greatest source of pride is what distinguishes you as an educated

human being: a quality mind that will learn forever… a quality spirit that will forever seek ways to improve the human condition,” remarked President de Masi, who called on students to understand the world and how everything is connected, as well as treating differences as opportunities and not a reason to fear. He wrapped up the momentous occasion with a parting message to the Class of 2016, drawing parallels with Franz Kafka’s famous quote: ‘please consider me a dream’. President de Masi concluded: “As the years pass, and you think back upon this moment, I desperately ask that you not consider me nor anything that I’ve said a ‘dream’. I haven’t come here through utopianism or fancy…my words are simply born of an unshakable belief in you, in your ability as an educated soul to make this world a better place.” n

AWARDS

TAKE A BOW Exceptional faculty and students recognized

PRESIDENT’S AWARDS 2016

“In a completely rational society, the best of us would be teachers and the rest of us would have to settle for something else.” AUD President, Dr. Lance de Masi, quoted these famous words of automobile visionary Lee Lacocca at the 19th commencement ceremony in May. After all, no graduation ceremony would be

complete without acknowledging the role of AUD faculty and staff members in creating a nurturing environment of academic excellence. The annual President’s Awards saw Dr. Lance de Masi recognize inspiring winners in the following categories: Teaching Excellence, Student Excellence, Institutional Effectiveness, and Distinguished Service.

The coveted President’s Award for Teaching Excellence was bestowed this year to Dr. Meis Moukayed – Coordinator and Professor of Natural Sciences, recognizing her exceptional performance, commitment and hard work that greatly contributes to the reputation and growth of the university. “Dr. Moukayed is committed to her discipline and committed to interesting

AWARDS

others in it,” ex-plained President de Masi. “This commitment is evidenced by scholarship-funded post-doctoral work, passion when it comes to student engagement and tangible contributions to the public profile of AUD in a field in which the university doesn’t even offer a major; she teaches with a view to the need for fascination and relevance; she understands the role of standards in adding value to AUD’s degrees and reputation; and she has over the last decade provided numerous examples of intellectual honesty in attitude and behavior, both in and outside the classroom.” Next up was the President’s Award for Student Excellence, a prestigious award which recognizes the students who have excelled at AUD through

academics and leadership and emulate the university’s values and philosophy. This year’s prize was picked up by Yousif Al Hashemi and Dania Moussa, who were both lauded for their achievements and proactive approach. The 2016 President’s Award for Institutional Effectiveness went to The Office of the Registrar for securing “the very highest overall satisfaction ratings...and [overcoming] constraints to develop technological applications that favor speed and accuracy, also recognized by outside constituencies,” as President de Masi explained. Finally, the President’s Award for Distinguished Service, awarded to a faculty or staff member who has made significant ongoing contributions to AUD above and

beyond the call of duty, went to Rayya Al Barazi – Housing Manager. “Rayya holds a position of great responsibility, one where things can go either terribly right or terribly wrong. In spite of a nearly 11-year tenure, she exercises that responsibility with near invisibility. Not the in-your-face type, not the self-promoting type… simply, the calm, steady and focused type. The role is a delicate one: it requires stamina, people and communication skills; good judgment; the ability to work under pressure; and absolute fairness and neutrality,” said President de Masi, while honoring Al Barazi. “It takes many people and many kinds of people to make up a great university, and AUD is not lacking in diversity,” he added.

It takes many people and many kinds of people to make up a great university, and AUD is not lacking in diversity”

AWARDS

PROVOST AWARDS 2016

Innovation and faculty achievement also took centerstage at the 2016 Graduation Dinner with the Annual Provost Awards. Presented by Provost Dr. Jihad Nader, winners are recognized for their outstanding work across the following categories: Innovation in Teaching, Outstanding Research, Creativity in Design and the Visual Arts, Professional Engagement and Community Outreach, and Outstanding Literary Achievement. “Commencement is the high point of each academic year. We have just celebrated those students, all 450 of them, who have stayed the course and have reaped the reward for their years of hard work and perseverance. But commencement is also an occasion to celebrate and recognize our faculty members for their tireless pursuit of advancing AUD’s studentcentered mission, for imparting their knowledge to students generously and richly, for their mentorship and guidance to students, and for their dedication to the achievement of higher and higher levels of academic excellence for the university and for themselves,” Dr. Nader commented.

The Provost’s Award 2016 for Innovation in Teaching went to Prof. Albert Fakhoury, Associate Professor of Interior Design and Chair of the Department for his original approach, taking the initiative in building a vast network of professional partners and tireless efforts to push students’ imagination and creativity. “Mr. Fakhoury has mentored 58 students from AUD’s School of Architecture, Art and Design and arranged their participation in the First Architecture and Interior Design Awards Competition, organized by a committee based in Spain. Out of the five finalists, AUD students ranked 1st, 2nd and 4th. Besides the awards they won, our students were hosted by the sponsors in Spain for a week where they visited universities, design showrooms and factories,” added Dr. Nader. This year the Provost’s Award for Outstanding Research was awarded to Dr. Vinod Pangracious, Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering for his excellent work ethic and being able to publish his textbook ThreeDimensional Design Methodologies for Tree-Based FPGA Architecture while balancing a full teaching load. The Provost’s Award 2016 for Professional Engagement and

Community Outreach went to Prof. Dina Faour, Associate Professor of Advertising for her many notable achievements in outreach and engagement. “Ms. Faour is a role model with her remarkable dynamism, initiative, enthusiasm, and her exceptionally continuous and wide-ranging outreach and professional engagement. All of the activities she has initiated and the events she has organized have added hugely not only to the reputation and visibility of the Visual Communication department and Advertising program but have also greatly expanded the opportunities for student success, professional immersion through internships, and, eventually, job placements,” added Dr. Nader. Meanwhile, the Provost’s Award 2016 for Creativity in Design and the Visual Arts was bestowed upon Dr. Annarita Cornaro, Assistant Professor of Architecture for her creative contribution and remarkable efforts in her role. The Provost’s Award for Outstanding Literary Achievement this year went to Dr. Omar Sabbagh, Assistant Professor of English for his literary achievements that have helped shape the human experience and public opinion in innumerable ways. n

AWARDS

STELLAR CONTRIBUTION Recognizing enterprising, talented and exceptional students for academic excellence as well as their contributions to athletics, club activities, community service and leadership, the Annual Awards Ceremony 2016 organized the the Student services Office at AUD celebrated another successful end to the academic year and new beginnings. Awards distributed during the ceremony included the President’s Awards, Student Leadership Awards,

Community Services Awards, Student Government Association Award, Outstanding Student Club Award, Outstanding Event of the Year Award, AUD Ambassadors Awards, Outstanding Male and Female Athlete of the Year. The Outstanding Event of the Year – a coveted awarded for an exceptional, student-created and executed activity on campus – went to the Khaleeji Cultural Club for organizing the UAE

National Day Celebrations, as well as the Palestinian Cultural Club for organizing the Faia Younan concert. Academic awards were also distributed at the event and included outstanding student awards within each major/program at AUD from the School of Architecture, Art and Design, School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business Administration, Mohammed bin Rashid School for Communication, and the School of Engineering. n

ALUMNI RELATIONS NEWS

SCALING NEW HEIGHTS

AUD graduate Myrna Ayad has taken on the role of fair director at Art Dubai and is already hard at work preparing for the 11th edition in May 2017, alongside VIP Relations Director Lela Csáky and International Director Pablo del Val. Taking over from the previous director of Art Dubai, Antonia Carver, Lebanon-born Ayad is an independent arts writer, editor and consultant who has been based in the UAE for over 30 years and was previously editor of Canvas, a leading magazine for art and culture from the Middle East. Highly respected as one of the region’s leading cultural commentators, Ayad will be responsible for developing Art Dubai’s program and the fair’s relationships with collectors, institutions and partners, maintaining and growing Art Dubai’s position as the world’s most global art fair. n

CARRYING THE LEADING OLYMPIC TORCH THE WGS

AUD alumnus Mubarak Salah was honored to take part in the Rio 2016 Olympic Torch Relay this year, shining a spotlight on not just the Middle East but also the university. A graduate of the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Program for Sports Leadership Development, and with a B.B.A. in Marketing from AUD, Salah works as director of international business operations in the Middle East region for the Dow Chemical Company. The Emirati was chosen to represent the Middle East as one of five global torchbearers for the event – alongside other bearers from Argentina, Singapore, Germany and the USA. “Being part of the torch ceremony is like being in a dream world,” Salah told Gulf News. n

AUD Alumnus Omar Sultan AlUlama has taken up the role of Director of the World Government Summit Organization that hosts the prestigious World Government Summit. The World Government Summit is a leading global forum committed to shaping the future of government worldwide. Each year, the summit sets the agenda for the next generation of governments with a focus on how they can harness innovation and technology to solve universal challenges. The next edition of the World Government Summit will take place from February 12 to 14, 2017. The 2011 graduate in Business Administration was appointed to his role by H.E. Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the World Government Summit. n

ENGINEERING STUDENTS WIN INNOVATION AWARD

Two graduates from the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at AUD have won a coveted Innovation Award at the 8th Annual Undergraduate Research Conference on Applied Computing held at Zayed University last April. Karim Girgis and Youssef Al-Khatib developed an app for smartphones and

tablet devices, which enables users to explore the world’s top tourist sites with simple head movements. The phone, which is placed inside a small cardboard box, allows a person to control camera angles by moving their head, visually transporting them to iconic destinations such as the Burj Khalifa in

Dubai and the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The innovation won the Best Functional Device category at the conference, which reflected the university’s commitment to nurturing the spirit of innovation and creativity, according to Dr. Alaa Ashmawy, Dean of the School of Engineering at AUD. n

ALUMNI RELATIONS NEWS

AUD REUNITES ITS ALUMNI

The Alumni Relations Division reunited five graduating classes, from 2007 to 2011, for a memorable occasion at restaurant Karam Beirut. The Alumni Relations team and the Director of Student Retention and Success, Tala Makhlouf, welcomed the enthusiastic guests.

AMBASSADOR FOR CHANGE

AUD alumna Hayla Ghazal, a 21-year-old Syrian social media star who has over two million subscribers on YouTube, has been appointed as a change ambassador to the United Nations. The year-long partnership with the UN sees Ghazal represent the Middle East and North Africa region to promote communication and awareness of critical issues such as gender equality and the role of women. Ghazal graduated with a degree in Business Administration from AUD and has gone on to launch her own bridal and gown shop, Hayla Couture, at Dubai’s Sunset Mall. n

“We were delighted to welcome our alumni. It was a great pleasure to hear all their positive comments and suggestions as they were all very happy that AUD had them reconnect and reminisce,” added Farah El Wakeel, AUD’s Alumni Relations Coordinator.

CULTURAL CONVERSATIONS AT VENICE BIENNALE

Amna Jawad, who recently graduated from AUD with a B.F.A. in Visual Communication majoring in Graphic Design, joined 20 UAE interns in Italy for the Venice Biennale’s landmark 15th International Architecture Exhibition. As soon as Jawad heard about the UAE internship program for the biennale, she knew she had to apply and was particularly excited about manning the UAE’s National Pavilion that has hosted more than 100 interns at the event till date. “I have taken part in many exhibitions but usually I am the artist. I love the idea of being exposed to exhibition management and connecting with the visitors, and also being abroad and getting to represent my country is a privilege,” she said to The National. n

With the objective of creating an international network of students, the Alumni Relations Team recently hosted a series of reunions, including an alumni suhour at Asateer Ramadan Tent – Atlantis the Palm, which saw more than 420 guests in attendance. n

TIME TO SAY GOODBYE

It was a bittersweet moment as graduating students gathered for a farewell party by the pool area, organized by The Alumni Relations Division. Alumni from the graduating classes of 2010 to 2015 joined the fantastic party to congratulate their peers and wish them continued success, reflecting the importance and influence of the AUD Alumni Association. Offering students a link to the university even after graduation, the association aims to promote communication, create a strong professional network and forge strong bonds between each individual student and their alma mater. n

ARCHITECTURE, ART & DESIGN NEWS

AUD WELCOMES CIDA ACCREDITATION AUD has the honor of being the only university outside of North America to receive independent Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) accreditation for its interior design program leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts. CIDA is an independent, nonprofit accrediting organization for interior design education programs, based in the United States. The AUD program has been awarded accreditation for six years, effective April 2016. The process requires interior design programs

to conduct a comprehensive selfevaluation of compliance with CIDA Professional Standards and report results directly to CIDA.

AUD LAUNCHES PODCAST SERIES The university launched Digital Media & Tech in Dubai (DMT/d), a landmark podcast series recorded live on campus and hosted by Dr. Spencer Striker, Assistant Professor of Digital Media. The bi-weekly podcasts, which can be downloaded from iTunes, feature topical segments and conversations with local experts, exploring the latest developments in the Middle East’s digital media and tech scene. The first episode of DMT/d, entitled Dubai Does Business, featured Andrew Staples, Chief Business Reporter for Gulf News, and Maha Abouelenein, Managing Director of Organizational Consultants and former Head of Communications at Google MENA. Together they discussed the startup climate in the city and whether Dubai could be the next Silicon Valley. Episode 2, PAZ Knows Digital Dubai, offered valuable insight into the growth of PR firm PAZ Marketing, which counts prestigious names such as HarleyDavidson as clients. Joe Akkawi, Chief Digital Officer at PAZ Marketing and proud AUD graduate, co-founded the firm in 2007 and revealed his thoughts on

regional social media influencers, Snapchat marketing plans and the city’s digital future. The next episode of DMT/d delved further into the world of digital. Ibn Battuta Goes Digital featured insights from expert Nick Lewis, Social Media Director for Holler/Leo Burnett MENA, reflecting on the rapid shift to the social web, challenges and opportunities in the run up to Dubai Expo 2020 and specific technologies that can be like the ‘Ibn Battuta of interconnection’. The medium of mobile was the focus of Episode 4 – Live Streaming Mobile Dubai, which featured Cheryl King, General Manager for Markettiers 4DC, who headed the first live interactive Web TV stream in the region. Some of the topics discussed included the logistics of live streaming content and new trends. “Currently there are no existing podcasts in the iTunes store that cover the Dubai digital media/tech scene making this series a very welcome source of local information and opinion,” remarked Dr. Striker. The studio is open to an audience and students can attend to learn more from industry experts. n

“This is institutionally important news as no university outside of North America has independent CIDA accreditation,” said Dr. Lance de Masi, President of AUD. “The history has been conducive, but it is the department we have today that actually wrote and submitted the self-study and was the object of the review. No matter how many others of us may have served as facilitators, the real protagonists here are the discipline specialists. Even the student work that was scrutinized would not have been showable were it not for the faculty.” n

ARCHITECTURE, ART & DESIGN NEWS

ART AND ACTIVISM AT VISUAL CULTURES FORUM

FORM AND FUNCTION WITH WOOD

AUD students Christina and Jessica Abou Haidar, who are also sisters, won the Swedish Wood Student Design Challenge 2016 and secured the grand prize of a study trip to Sweden in June. Initiated by the industry body Swedish Wood, in partnership with AUD, the challenge was to create an innovative and functional item of furniture for a hotel lobby using Swedish pine and spruce wood. A total of 18 student teams took part in the exciting competition, judged by a panel of representatives from AUD and Swedish Wood, plus an international design expert. The Haider sisters’ winning entry was a table and seating piece in Swedish pine inspired by New York City and the Brooklyn Bridge. Functionally, it serves as a bookshelf or display stand, as a bar table on one side and as seating on the other. Nour Nasrallah and Zina Ayyad came in second with their seating concept, Oriental, that was inspired by London, while Mehnaz Ara Ahmed, Sarah Mosgofian and Moamena Alfakhori came in third with a shelving entry, Freedom, that was inspired by Liberty Tower in Tehran and can be assembled without any glue or screws as well as taken apart and flat-packed. n

The Department of Visual Communication has hosted exciting editions of the Visual Cultures Forum (VCF) over the last couple of months, with inspirational talks by leading experts. Dr. Pamela Chrabieh, AUD Assistant Professor of Middle Eastern Studies, lectured on ‘Dialogue through Religious Arts: the Case of Syrian Aleppo Icons’, while acclaimed artist Anila Quayyum Agha discussed the power of art to serve a lasting and activist role. Meanwhile, The Crafts Council of England took part in a special VCF during Dubai Design Days, bringing together the expertise of seven artists including Stuart Akroyd, Juliette Bigley, Aline Johnson, Neil Musson, Stephen Newby of Full Blown, Nadia-Anne Ricketts of Beatwoven and Marcin Rusak. Several other respected artists and intellectuals have also taken part in the forum, including art historians Dr. Joseph Hammond and Dr. Toni Hildebrandt, Dubai-based Vikram Devicha and Wael Hattar,

sound artist Fari Bradley, ceramic artist Magdalene Odundo, freelance photographer Donald Woodrow, conceptual artist and theorist Patrick Lichty, Indian designer and illustrator Latheesh Lakshman along with curator Prashanthy Sekaram, German ceramist Brigitte Wüster and now famous ‘calligraffiti’ artist eL Seed, among many others. Another highlight of the forum was the recent ‘Connecting World Expo Dubai to the Tokyo Olympics 2020’ design initiative. As the first project undertaken within the department towards contributing design thinking and product design, students from the School of Architecture, Art and Design presented several 2D patterns that visually connected both events and applied them to two basic types of traditional dress - a Japanese kimono and a scarf under the guidance of Japanese fashion designer Takeshi Iwata. n

ARCHITECTURE, ART & DESIGN NEWS

POWER OF BRANDVERTISING

AUD WELCOMES URBAN THINKERS Professors and students contributed to the Urban Thinkers Campus Dubai edition, as one of 28 participating campuses worldwide and the only one in the MENA region. The event discussed three themes relevant to the city in the next millennium: smart and sustainable, safe and resilient, and inclusive and economically vibrant. It brought together more than 150 global and regional specialists to brainstorm innovative urban solutions for the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new urban strategy - Urban World 2030 - and debate best practices.

AUD Interior Design Advisory Board Chairman and adjunct professor Nadine Bitar spoke on sustainability while AUD students participated in a session entitled Future Urban Thinkers and presented the results of the Smart City Lab organized in partnership with Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI). The event was organized by DREI, in partnership with FIABCI, International Real Estate Federation, United Nations, the International Association of professional planners, the Royal Institution of Royal Surveyors, Smart Dubai and World Urban Campaign. n

Visual Communication students at AUD enjoyed a field trip to one of the UAEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading printing presses, Raidy Emirates Printing Group, as part of The Brandvertising Series. Accompanied by Tony Saade, Commercial Manager at Raidy Printing Group, and Prof. Dina Faour, Associate Professor of Advertising at AUD, students witnessed the complete work process. This started with pre-press artwork preparation, CTP and plate production, proofing, color correcting and ended with postproduction procedures such as binding, folding and cutting, as well as special cutting-edge postproduction techniques such as foiling. Students also saw 3D printers live in action during the insightful field trip that was a reflection of active learning outside the classroom. The Brandvertising Series objectives include establishing and maintaining good relationships with the creative industries, staying updated with current trends and discussions, and presenting AUD as the supporter of creativity as well as best practice. An earlier edition of the Brandvertising Series celebrated the work of advertising students who were in the spotlight during the Dubai Lynx International Festival of Creativity 2016 with Prof. Dina Faour giving a presentation on the value of awards in academia. Another edition of the series included an insightful talk by Carl Fennessy from Clyde & Co. law firm on intellectual property and copyright laws. Clyde & Co, one of the largest international law first in the GCC, advises corporate clients from all over the world on their operations across the Middle East and Indian subcontinent. n

ARCHITECTURE, ART & DESIGN NEWS

AUD PARTNERS WITH GROHE A memorandum of understanding was signed between AUD and GROHE, the German manufacturer in sanitary fittings, at an exclusive event on campus. The agreement came as a result of the successful partnership between GROHE and AUD on the university’s 2016 Spring semester Wellness and Spa Course - an advanced Interior Design course focusing on wellness centers analysis, planning and design. The ‘Water and Sand’ design atelier, part of the Wellness and Spa course

and a collaboration between GROHE, AUD and Alserkal Cultural Foundation, saw students develop a wellness project located in a wind tower house in the cultural area of Al Fahidi District-Dubai using a GROHE Spa range. Chair

Albert Fakhoury and Interior Design Professors Annamaria Lambri and Jasmine Shahin led students through this challenging journey alongside Lina Varytimidou, Director PR and Head of GROHE SPA in the East Mediterranean, Middle East & Africa. The signing event honored Maha Boufelfel as winner of the ‘Water and Sand’ Design Atelier, that saw her secure a highly competitive internship at the GROHE office in Dubai. n

STUDENTS ACHIEVE AUTODESK CERTIFICATION

Architecture and Interior Design students passed their Autodesk BIM (Building Information Modeling) Revit Architecture 2015 Professional Certification exam, joining the ranks of certified professionals around the world. BIM is a core requirement subject in the Bachelor of Architecture program. The subject is covered over two courses which introduce students to the process and the

set of tools that make up the new form of practice in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. AUD students who passed the BIM Revit Architecture 2015 Professional Certification exam include Aatira Thomas, Alexandra Gerdak, Clarissa Godiva Lobo, Gihan Hafez, Juveriya Nehal, Maryam Desmal, Nafisa Bukar, Raghdan Abu Hassan, Rasha Ihsan,

Sally Al Jaderi, Salma Sedigh, Sarah Arwani, Tariq Abugharbiyeh, Yara Charafeddine and Yousef Lashin. AUD is a Certiport Authorized Testing Center, allowing the university to administer the Autodesk Certified Professional certification program and exams including Autodesk Revit Architecture, Revit MEP and Revit Structure Certified Professional. n

FACULTY INTERVIEW

ART OF THE MATTER

Dr. Bill Wechsler, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, reveals his thoughts on diversity and the importance of a liberal arts education

e never stop learning. From gathering and reflecting upon experiences involving personal growth to engaging in critical thinking and enriching our perspectives for intellectual gain,

life is a constant cycle of growth and change. One of the most important factors in educating the leaders of tomorrow remains the impact and evolution of diversity in the human experience. In terms of AUD, not only does this potentially enrich

individual educational experiences by introducing a world of views, but also helps to promote a healthy community, and ultimately, a society free of stereotypical preconceptions. This is why AUD stands out for its inclusive approach.

FACULTY INTERVIEW

“I’m very happy to join AUD, says Dr. Bill Wechsler, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and Professor of International Studies. “I think very highly of my colleagues and I’ve been extremely impressed by the students. AUD has the potential to be a truly global, exceptional educational hub, with a vision of bringing people, both from around the world and the region, closer together. You don’t always have to love your neighbor or those who come from different backgrounds, but learning to understand, respect and appreciate them – as they in turn learn, respect and appreciate you – is what education in the 21st century is all about.” Dr. Wechsler joined AUD in Fall 2016 after serving as the Academic Dean and Dean of International Programs at the International Horizons College in Dubai. He is the Founder and Director of the Balkan Institute and holds a B.A. from Dartmouth College, a J.D. from Georgetown University, and a Ph.D. in International Relations from McGill University. Before moving to the Middle East, he also served as Vice President for Academic Development at the American University in Kosovo (AUK) and previously taught at several universities across Canada, the United States and Europe. “I think it’s important in life, especially if you want to be a scholar in a subject like International Studies, that you need to know the world. I have made it a point to study, live and teach in a variety of places,” says Dr. Wechsler, who considers his time in the Balkans a particularly eye-opening experience. “One of the most fascinating dimensions of the Balkans is its complexity. You could say the same in the Middle East as both these regions are not without conflicts or challenges. However, our job as educators is to try and introduce our students to the beauty in diversity and to break

down some of the barriers that people erect between communities. Unfortunately, we’re seeing some of the repercussions of that play out in places like Syria, Iraq and still in the Balkans. Our job as educators is to try to build bridges and not erect walls.” Dr. Wechsler has developed specialisms and taught various disciplines including philosophy, religion, law, political science and international relations, and is a strong advocate of a Liberal Arts education. “In the 21st century, those that have that diverse intellectual

The beauty of a Liberal Arts education is being exposed as a student to scholars from diverse areas. Not everyone during their lifetime can or will excel at everything they do. But we are always learning” backgrounds are going to flourish within challenging and rapidly changing contexts,” he continues. “AUD’s School of Arts and Sciences provides students with a broad, challenging and stimulating education. A few years ago, I read a study where the average North American was going to change their careers about five times during their lifetime. In order to do that, it’s the ability to digest and analyze data, think critically, act entrepreneurially, in short to utilize a whole host of skills allowing people to thrive in the 21st century. Developing thoughtful, creative, and engaged individuals is what we are aiming at in AUD’s School of Arts and Sciences.”

SCHOOL OF THOUGHT

The AUD School of Arts and Sciences currently offers two programs, the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and the Certificate in Middle Eastern Studies that both revolve around career-focused learning. Dr. Wechsler adds: “We have a much broader role within AUD because we fulfill the requirements in so many other programs including architecture, media and communications, business and even engineering, so we have a significant role to play within the broader university. “Our School most certainly offers the most courses at AUD, offering students the tools to succeed both in education and in life. We also have short study abroad programs – last year they were in Milan, Geneva and London. We’re looking to replicate those programs this year to expose our students to a whole variety of experiences.” He admits that the wide variety of courses poses a significant administrative challenge, yet is arguably the school’s greatest asset. “It’s marvelous to be in an environment where you have PhDs that range from Art Historians to Mathematicians, and Philosophers to Social Scientists. My colleagues stand alone as exceptional individuals and scholars. Together they form a vibrant intellectual community. There are always challenges when you have such diversity but fortunately, I enjoy the interactions of such accomplished and passionate individuals, so for me it’s a welcome challenge. “The beauty of a Liberal Arts education is being exposed as a student to scholars from diverse areas. Not everyone during their lifetime can or will excel at everything they do. But we are always learning. Some say that all of human history is circular Shakespeare wasn’t the only person to suggest that. The Ancient Greeks, and several other civilizations, understood the timeless dimensions of the human

FACULTY INTERVIEW

experience. One of our challenges is to provide meaning and context to our students in the 21st century.” ONWARDS AND UPWARDS

Dr. Wechsler is now focused on making the school’s programs even more enriching and comprehensive, with plans to introduce more in the future. “Step by step, I hope we can develop several new programs. I see the potential for expanding international partnerships. In that I’ve worked across Europe, Asia and North America. I see this as increasingly important. Businesses are global, travel is global and daily human experiences through the internet are global, Education needs to catch up. “Hopefully I will be able to catalyze some innovations and, of course, bring them to fruition so that an excellent institution like AUD can become even better. Dubai is now a tourist and financial hub and, as I’ve mentioned, I see it having the potential to become a transformative educational hub. I think that AUD will continue to be an innovator and leader in education here.” With the constant development of new technology and innovations, a diverse approach and melding of different disciplines is crucial for success in today’s world. Dr. Wechsler highlights the example of Steve Jobs, whose time at a liberal arts college was influential. “Steve Jobs often said the reason that Apple used those wonderful fonts was because of a course he took in his undergraduate studies where he saw the beauty of fonts and wanted to bring these to the world of computers. Of course, that took off to become the meshing of art, creativity, design, style and technology. Without Apple and Steve Jobs, what kind of world would we live in?” Dr. Wechsler also points to Jobs’ diverse ancestry, namely the fact that his biological father was Syrian. “I

It’s marvelous to be in an environment where you have PhDs that range from Art Historians to Mathematicians, and Philosophers to Social Scientists. My colleagues stand alone as exceptional individuals and scholars” wonder how many other Steve Jobs are sitting in refugee camps. One of the challenges of education is trying to give people the exposure and the tools to have opportunities,” he explains, adding that one of his greatest rewards is seeing the ‘gleam’ in the eyes of students

when acquiring new knowledge. “None of us have magic wands to solve all the world’s problems, but if we as educators are committed to enhancing the understanding and tolerance of our students, it can be a transformative process. I believe we do that at AUD”. n

EDUCATION NEWS

EDUCATION IN THE ARAB WORLD The School of Education participated in the American Educational Research Association (AERA) - 2016 Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, under the theme Public Scholarship to Educate Diverse Democracies. Joining over 15,000 scholars, Dr. Catherine Hill, Dean – School of Education and Dr. Nadera Alborno, Associate Professor of Education presented a paper entitled Critical Consciousness: Reshaping Teacher Education in the Arab World. The paper outlined a framework for the reshaping of teaching and teacher education in the Arab world, based on critical consciousness, cultural dialogue and social change. n

RAISING CYBERBULLYING AWARENESS AUD hosted representatives from Dubai Police’s Al Ameen Service and the UAE Blackmail Telecommunication Beware.. Regulatory Authority you are the next (TRA) recently to raise awareness about cyberbullying. Do not be an easy victim Organized by the through social media School of Education, 800 4888 Secret Service to deliver information speaker Eng. Nouri Safwan Othman Agha, UAE TRA Security Quality Services Manager, revealed the various methods platforms safely to avoid instances that cybercriminals use to exploit their where privacy and confidentiality of victims physically and financially. personal data may be compromised. Speakers also stressed the importance The Al Ameen Service, launched of cyberbullying prevention and taking in September 2003, allows members necessary measures and precautions of the public to communicate when using modern technology today. confidentially with authorities on the On the topic of social media, students issues that concern them, including were given tips on how to use popular cyberbullying and cases of harassment.n

SPOTLIGHT ON SPECIAL NEEDS The School of Education took part in the Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Knowledge Community - 11th International Conference at Imperial College, University of London in August. Dr. Catherine Hill, Dean – School of Education, and Dr. Nadera Alborno, Associate Professor of Education, presented a paper entitled Cultural Dialogue: Transforming Teachers Education for the Inclusion of Children with Special Needs. The paper examines how cultural dialogue in teacher education in the UAE can develop teachers’ skills in promoting better parentteacher relationships for the inclusion of children with special abilities. It also touches on how cultural dialogue begins with oneself and extends outward. n

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THOUGHT PROVOKING WORKS ON DISPLAY Students from AUD’s Master of Education program exhibited the results of their capstone research studies in the form of posters in the entrance foyer of the School of Engineering Building. The event, held in May, was attended by educators from various cooperating schools as well as family members, friends and colleagues. Works of 11 students were on display, including Jassim Kamali’s How Do Emirati Parents Perceive Art Education as a Career Path? The AUD Master of Education is a two-year, 36-credit-hour program with a solid academic basis for practicing or prospective teachers. n

ARTS & SCIENCES NEWS

FIRST MEST ALUMNI GATHERING

The Middle Eastern Studies (MEST) Division at AUD’s School of Arts and Sciences organized the first MEST Alumni Annual Gathering, themed Middle Eastern Studies: From Academia to Marketplace. Held on January 26, the event was hosted and moderated by AUD student Alia Hammouri, and brought together more than 200 current students enrolled in Middle Eastern Studies courses, as well as graduates who have completed the program. Guest speakers included Dana Abulaban, a news reporter and presenter

with MBC Group; Sarah Hassan, a journalist and producer with CNN International; Hassan Khayal, Internal Audit at Protiviti and owner of Fantasy Diving; Hossam Sameer Ali, reporter with MBC Group and Leen Alfaisal, video producer at CNN Arabic in Dubai. Following the speeches, the floor was opened to a Q&A session. Assistant Professor of Middle Eastern Studies, Dr. Pamela Chrabieh pointed out that the Certificate in Middle Eastern Studies presents a real opportunity for students who are

pursuing different careers in journalism, education, media, diplomacy, and business. She addressed a message to the Alumni thanking them for accepting the invitation and congratulating them on their achievements, and to the current students enrolled in the Certificate and MEST courses, she said: “Tonight is an opportunity for you to further understand the importance of this field of study and to be able to relate theory to practice, the academic sphere to the marketplace. Tonight is also about understanding the importance of a holistic approach in higher education.” n

LECTURE ON CAUCHYRIEMANN GEOMETRY The Mathematics Division at the School of Arts and Sciences hosted Prof. Nordine Mir, Professor of Mathematics at the Science Program at Texas A&M at Qatar for a special lecture on Cauchy-Riemann Geometry. Professor Mir discussed recent results generalizing Milman’s Theorem. n

ARTS & SCIENCES NEWS

LECTURE SERIES OFFERS FOOD FOR THOUGHT The AUD School of Arts and Sciences organized the Lecture Series, with talks hosted by Dr. Alan Gravano, Assistant Professor of English, Dr. Omar Bortolazzi, Assistant Professor of International Studies and Prof. Roula Maria Dib, Adjunct Professor at AUD. At the debut edition, Dr. Gravano, discussed Schizophrenic Teaching Pedagogy: Don DeLillo in First-Year Composition Courses and Italian-American Literature in the Beat Class, explaining that he challenges the conventional definitions of the conical ethnic literature, exploring how writers like Don DeLillo‘s perspectives broaden the literary investigation of diversity in an American literature course. The second event in the series saw Prof. Dib present Mythology and Jungian Psychoanalysis in Modernist Literature, a talk that incorporated mythology

and alchemy to examine the development of the modern hero in modernist literature. Meanwhile, Dr. Bortolazzi delivered an enlightening talk titled: Beyond the ‘Awakening’: De-Orientalizing the Arab Upsprings. Contributing to a deeper comprehension of the Arab uprisings through a collection of materials almost entirely based on field research, the lecture offered a diversified inner outlook on the historical events currently unfolding in the MENA region. The regular lecture series, which is open to faculty, staff and students, highlights the importance of research and a thoughtful exchange of ideas. n

n CINEMA SERIES BUILDS SPANISH SKILLS

The School of Arts and Sciences organized Ciclo de Cine Hispánico – Hispanic Cinema Series, in collaboration with the Embassy of Spain and the Embassy of Colombia in the UAE. With the aim of promoting Spanish language, two movies were screened on campus in March: Los Viajes Del Viento - The Wind Journeys, by Ciro Guerra (Colombia, 2009) and El Viaje De Carol - Carol’s Journey, by Imanol Uribe (Spain, 2002). “Multilingualism is crucial in today’s world,” commented Dr. Ioannis Antzus Ramos, Visiting Assistant Professor of Spanish at AUD and convener of the film series. “Knowing a foreign language and learning about other cultures, is valuable from both a business aspect and a social one. And what better way to learn about another culture and improve one’s foreign language skills than viewing movies?” n

ARTS & SCIENCES NEWS

MEST FORUM: PEACE THROUGH ARTS

The Middle Eastern Studies Division at the School of Arts and Sciences held the last of its monthly MEST Forums of the 2015-2016 academic year. Titled Peace through Arts, the event consisted of MEST students showcasing visual art, songs, poetry, dances, and food that symbolizes peace. The forum began with introductory speeches by organizers Dr. Nadia Wardeh and Dr. Pamela Chrabieh on the role and importance of peace today, and was followed by performances such as dabke dances as a symbol of unity in diversity, peace poetry recitation and self-produced poems by students. Students also enjoyed a ‘peace buffet’ that featured food brought in by their peers from different cultures while watching videos created by Dr. Chrabieh’s Islamic Art and Architecture students. “The MEST Division’s mission is to break any cultural, religious, ethnic, and social barriers among people and to build bridges of acceptance, tolerance, respect and appreciation of the ‘other’,” said Dr. Wardeh. “I had tears in my eyes and my heart danced while watching MEST students eagerly and actively contributing to and participating in this event. I can claim that today, we have succeeded in finding an amazing ideal kingdom of love and peace. Our kingdom is composed of diverse musical notes which was built by each citizen in the MEST program.” n

ADDRESSING THE REFUGEE CRISIS The AUD School of Arts and Sciences hosted a team from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees – UNHCR office in Abu Dhabi to discuss the current refugee crisis in the Middle East. Dalia El Fiki, UNHCRUAE Senior Public Information Assistant together with Mohammed Abu Asaker, UNHCRUAE Public Information and Communications Officer, spoke about the role of the organization within international efforts to deal with the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. The social, political and cultural repercussions of the refugee inflows

for the host countries in the Middle East were also discussed, along with the impact of the refugee and humanitarian crisis on the relationships between affected European and Middle Eastern countries. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established on December 14, 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and coordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide and has since helped millions of people restart their lives. n

EXTERNAL RELATIONS NEWS

A SUCCESSFUL SUMMER Five high achieving UAE national students took part in the Summer Academic Training Program at Al-Maktoum College of Higher Education in Dundee, Scotland. AUD students Maitha Al Mehairi (Business Administration), Ayat Bin Ahmad (Business Administration), Maitha Al Hashmi (Engineering), Elham Al Saffar (Architecture) and Ms. Marieh Sharaf (Architecture) attended the program, which is aimed at female students from Arab and Islamic countries.

The program, which took place from July 15 to August 12, allowed students to immerse themselves in an exciting cultural exchange made up of lectures, seminars, class discussions and debates. Over the four-week period, students covered units including Civilizational Dialogue, Scottish History and Culture, Leadership and Management and Women and Scottish Politics. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Summer Academic Training Programme allows students to widen their scope and immerse themselves in a different culture, as well as

offers them a unique opportunity to interact with other students from different backgrounds. This type of experience allows students to build mutual understanding as they attend the varied activities, lectures and workshops planned for them,â&#x20AC;? said AUD Provost Dr. Jihad Nader. Based in Dundee, Al Maktoum College is a registered charity that was established in 2001 under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance. n

EXTERNAL RELATIONS NEWS

AUD RECEIVES AL SAFEER AMBASSADOR AWARD

The Al Safeer Ambassador Award 2015 was handed to AUD, recognizing the university as a strategic partner by Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). The Al Safeer Congress Ambassador annual networking

event, hosted by Dubai Business Events (DBE) brought together prominent doctors, scientists, businessmen, education specialists and government officials from across the emirate, to discuss best practices and pay tribute to ongoing efforts in positioning the city as a global hub for knowledge exchange. The Al Safeer Congress Ambassadors Program was established in 2010 and aims to engage Dubai-based stakeholders who are connected with international institutions and associations to work with DBE in bringing meetings and conferences to Dubai. n

HARVARD STUDENTS AT AUD Ten students from Cambridgebased Harvard University recently travelled to AUD to attend the local portion of the Harvard College in Asia Program (HCAP) 2016 where they spent one week in lectures, discussions and intercultural activities. AUD partnered with HCAP for the seventh year, in which AUD ambassadors from various nationalities joined students from premier academic institutions around the world to attend HCAP at Harvard in January 2016, before welcoming Harvard students at AUD in March this year. AUD is the only university from the Middle East participating in these conferences and serves as one of six partner schools for HCAP,

a nonprofit student organization at Harvard University that promotes academic, cultural, and social exchange among the future leaders from the institutions. “Our aim as the External Relations Office, on behalf of AUD, is to enrich and empower our next generation of global citizens with the knowledge and tools that will help them develop strategies contributing towards the theme of the conference,” explained Mary Mwende, External Relations Coordinator. “An exchange of this nature contributes significantly to the accomplishment of AUD’s agenda of promoting diversity in experience and intercultural understanding.” n

TAKING ACTION AT CGIU 2016

AUD attended the 2016 edition of The Clinton Global Initiative University Conference (CGIU), renewing its commitment to education efforts worldwide. Established in 2007 by former U.S. President Bill Clinton, CGIU connects innovative and socially aware international university students annually. This year, the conference was held at UC Berkeley where more than 1,000 university students from around the world gathered. Participating students had previously submitted commitments to action, to help solve problems in their communities, related to education, environment and climate change, peace and human rights, poverty alleviation and public health. AUD has been a Network Representative Partner since CGIU launched in 2007, marking the 9th year of continuous collaboration. Along with a representative from the External Relations Office, three former AUD Clinton Scholars Aseel Dib, Ermida Koduah and Jonathan Young - were selected to attend the conference this year. The scholars submitted a commitment to action tackling several issues such as mental health, breaking stereotypes and Islamophobia and xenophobia towards Middle Eastern populations. n

EXTERNAL RELATIONS NEWS

AMBASSADOR LEAF VISITS AUD AUD recently welcomed U.S. Ambassador Barbara A. Leaf for a campus visit, during which every school dean presented their respective programs and discussed class work and facilities, as well as detailed where students and alumni have reached today. Ambassador Leaf was greeted by President Dr. Lance de Masi and was later joined by the US Consul General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates Paul Malik for the tour. This was followed by lunch with President de Masi, AUD Provost Dr. Jihad S. Nader as well as Dean of Student Services, Dr. Robin Anke, along with heads of the academic units. Ambassador Leaf also took the time to meet with AUD

Clinton Scholars and discussed US politics and foreign policy. “It was great to visit AUD and see the beautiful campus and impressive facilities. It really highlighted the great cooperation between US and UAE higher education institutions in furthering educational exchanges,” remarked Ambassador Leaf. n

BOCCONI UNIVERSITY STUDENTS WELCOMED

AUD hosted the Campus Abroad Program for the seventh year in a row in collaboration with one of its longtime partner institutions, l’Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi in Italy. “We were very happy to welcome the group of students, professors and staff from Bocconi University and continue to build our relationship with our partner universities. The interaction with them was a valuable intercultural exchange for the AUD community,” said Peggy Awad, AUD External Relations Director. 40 undergraduate students in their senior year of the three-year Bocconi Bachelor Programs participated in this year’s program, with the topic of ‘Management of Fashion Companies’. It included field trips along with social and cultural meetings where the group had the opportunity to visit different corporations and cultural sites.n

INSPIRING STUDENTS TO #GOSTUDYABROAD The Institute of International Education (IIE), in partnership with Go Overseas and leading study abroad and travel organizations, launched a campaign to encourage college students to study abroad by the time they graduate. A member of the IIE, AUD pledged to boost the number of visiting students from the United States through the Generation Study Abroad Initiative to further develop AUD’s Study Abroad Program in June 2015.

IIE called on anyone who studied abroad to pay it forward by nominating college students to consider and/or commit to studying abroad by the time they graduate. The goal was to mobilize at least 10,000 study abroad alumni to nominate students to #GoStudyAbroad. The #GoStudyAbroad campaign is part of IIE’s Generation Study Abroad, a five-year initiative to double the number of students who study abroad by the end of the decade. n

ENGINEERING NEWS

INNOVATIVE IDEAS WIN BIG Engineering students claimed victory at Microsoft’s Imagine Cup 2016, taking both the first place and third place award in the World Citizenship category and second place prize for the Innovation category. Entrants in the World Citizenship category were tasked with solving community challenges, such as creating systems to help the disabled, while the Innovation category covered projects aimed at the business community. The Avengineers Team, who placed first in the World Citizenship category for their ‘Halcyon - Assistive Technology for Alzheimer’s Patients’, included students Saman Shanaei, Rida Salam and Brad Zellefrow. Third place for the same category went to the Illumination Squad for ‘Walking Pal: SpatialContext Aware System for the Blind’ and was comprised of Bassel Hussein, Lilan Haj Hussain and Sara Eid.

In the Innovation category, Team Foresight took home second place for their project ‘Glaza: Stereoscopic Telepresence for tourism’ by Karim Guirguis and Yousef Al Khatib. All three winning projects were supervised by Dr. Adnan El Nasan, AUD Chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering Department.

He commented: “AUD strives for innovation which is the main driver for developing and commercializing life-changing ideas. We have an eclectic group of students developing very interesting sets of projects. They are solving exciting research problems and building prototypes that cover different aspects of our lives including health care, smart city, tourism, and more. Our faculty engage and encourage our students to look for the next big idea that will improve our community and that will have global reach as well.” The 14th edition of the student contest for up-and-coming innovators was held in partnership with Al-Bayt Mitwahid, an association established by employees of the Crown Prince Court (CPC) of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces in the nation’s capital. n

AUD SIGNS SMART AGREEMENT The School of Engineering signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Smart Engineering Leadership & Excellence in Management (SELEM DMCC) to collaborate in the field of continuing engineering education and professional training. The MoU was signed by Dr. Alaa Ashmawy, Dean of the School of Engineering, and Maged Farouck Hanna, Managing Director & CEO of SELEM and aims to support community education activities undertaken by both AUD faculty and SELEM staff, including workshops, seminars, training courses and other professional development activities. “The School of Engineering plays an important role in the advancement of the engineering sector through enhancing the educational experience of our students who are the future leaders,

supporting the faculty through a number of initiatives aimed at enriching their professional experience, partnering with the region’s professional community with the objective of bridging the gap between academia and practice and following the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai on the importance of activating strategic partnerships with the private sector,” said Dr. Alaa Ashmawy. The importance of this MoU is to link cooperation and strategic partnership between the School of Engineering of AUD and SELEM in many areas of management and engineering as they have the technical expertise and capabilities in these sectors in addition to their expertise in global communication and networking. n

ENGINEERING NEWS

AUD HOSTS TOP ENGINEERING EVENT The School of Engineering hosted the third edition of the Deep Foundations Institute Middle East Conference (DFIMEC) 2016 in May - one of the most sought after engineering conferences in the region. The two-day conference provided an opportunity for the region’s geotechnical engineering practitioners and academicians to interact, exchange information and experiences, and present the latest developments in the field of foundation design and construction.

Co-sponsored by the Deep Foundation Institute (DFI) and AUD, and supported by the Society of Engineers-UAE, The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), SELEM DMCC and the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), this year’s conference built upon the success of DFIMEC 2012 and 2014, also held at AUD, and provided a top quality forum for discussing cutting edge technologies and current developments in the field through case histories. The conference featured prominent keynote presentations by

Dr. Abdussamie M. Haimoni, Expert - CEO Office, Rail Agency, Roads and Transport Authority, UAE; Dr. John Endicott, Executive DirectorGotechnical Engineering, AECOM, Hong Kong; and Dr. Toby Roberts, Chairman, WJ Groundwater, UK. The conference exhibit, which ran in parallel with technical sessions, allowed over 20 companies to showcase their qualifications and project portfolios. Dr. Alaa Ashmawy, Dean of the School of Engineering, said: “We were very excited to be hosting and organizing such an event, for the third time at AUD, giving professionals and academics a platform to share experiences.” n

BRIDGE COMPETITION GOES REGIONAL The Department of Civil Engineering at the School of Engineering, in partnership with the ASCE Student Chapter at AUD, hosted the 8th Annual Wooden Bridge Competition. Sponsored by the Society of Engineers and Bentley Software Solutions, the competition this year was expanded to include universities from across the region to further encourage interaction between students and professors. 101 students, representing nine universities, competed to create the best wooden bridge design capable of carrying the heaviest load, with the UAE University team taking home the first place prize. The Wooden Bridge Competition is an annual opportunity providing students with a valuable learning experience which serves as means of translating theoretical knowledge into practical knowledge. Dr. Peiman Kianmehr, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, explained: “Through the design and construction of model bridges, students are provided with a valuable learning experience,

encouraged to adopt a sense of teamwork, and enabled to develop an understanding of non-technical constraints in design and construction. Most importantly, the competition offers an amusing and informal yet technical event to encourage interaction between students and professors.”

Participants at this year’s edition included students, staff and faculty from Abu Dhabi University, United Arab Emirates University, Manipal University, American University of Sharjah, Khalifa University, American University of RAK, American University of Beirut, and Sultan Qaboos University in Oman. n

SPECIAL REPORT ENERGY EFFICIENCY

CALL FOR CHANGE Leading figures discuss energy efficiency at AUD

he debut edition of the inaugural Emirates Energy Efficiency Summit (EEES 2016) held at AUD in February has been hailed a success for bringing together some of the industry’s most influential personalities to tackle environmental and economic concerns. Hosted by founding partners GE and The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the invitationonly summit spurred debate and discussion on the global energy crises with the aim of driving progress on new initiatives while fostering communication and awareness on key energy efficiency issues and trends. “Any role that AUD or its constituencies can play in facilitating discussion of this topic and the steps that need to be taken to improve awareness and provoke action by government and/or the private sector assists in the university’s mission to contribute to society, both locally

H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco with the EEES Speakers

and worldwide,” said Dr. Lance de Masi, President of AUD. “In that respect, I am pleased that attendees had the chance to hear directly from AUD students on this subject. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the wider national context of responsiveness circumscribed by the UAE’s many achievements in the field of energy efficiency. Let us not forget the position of renewable and clean energy as a pillar of the UAE National Innovation Strategy.” President de Masi welcomed esteemed delegates at EEES 2016 along with Dalya Al Muthanna, President & CEO of GE Gulf; HE Bernard Fautrier, Vice-President & CEO of The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Bin Fahad, Chairman of the Zayed International Foundation for the Environment. Also in attendance was H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, who

shared valuable insights and called for a mobilization of change. “As a follow up to the Euro Mediterranean meetings organized in Monaco over the past five years, the Emirates Energy Efficiency Summit offers a global approach to energy issues, due both to the questions raised and the eminent figures who provide answers. How can we mobilize individuals, companies and states for fundamental change, which is not cost neutral and whose results are sometimes distant? This question is I believe at the heart of any environmental commitment,” remarked His Serene Highness. Speakers from the UAE Supreme Council of Energy, Zayed International Prize for the Environment and Conservation and Efficiency Department at the UAE Ministry of Energy, also took to the stage to share knowledge, present case studies and examples of best practices as well as reveal future initiatives in the sector. n

FACULTY NEWS

APPOINTMENTS AND PROMOTIONS The Office of the Provost has promoted members of faculty, effective Fall 2016, as well as appointed new key staff. Dr. Bill Wechsler, an accomplished educator who recently joined AUD as Professor of International Studies, has been appointed as the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. In the School of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Elham Seyedsayamdost, who also recently joined AUD, has been appointed Chair of the newly-formed department, International and Middle Eastern Studies, Dr. Meis Moukayed was promoted to Professor of Natural Sciences, Dr. Jason Hetrick was promoted to Associate Professor of Cultural Studies and appointed Coordinator of the Humanities and Social Sciences Division, Dr. Deniz Gökalp to Associate Professor of Social Sciences, Dr. Pamela Chrabieh to Associate Professor of Middle Eastern Studies, and Dr. Ziad Adwan to Associate Professor of Mathematics. The School of Engineering has appointed Dr. Hicham Elzabadani as Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Dr. Abraham Mansouri has been promoted to Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering. In the School of Architecture, Art and Design, Dr. Woodman Taylor was promoted to Professor of Art History, Alex Albani to Professor of Architecture, Krassen Krestev to Professor of Graphic Design, Chadi Al Tabbah to Associate Professor of Interior Design and Kristin Lee to Associate Professor of Interior Design. In the School of Business Administration, Dr. Shahin Bahrami has been promoted to Professor of Management. In the School of Education, Dr. Nadera Alborno has been promoted to Associate Professor of Education. n

FACULTY SPEAKS ON REGIONAL SUSTAINABILITY

Dr. Annarita Cornaro, Assistant Professor of Architecture attended the seminar titled Construction Elements and Method in Contemporary Architecture at the University of Rome Tor Vergata and gave a lecture on ‘Sustainability and Contemporary Buildings in the Gulf Region. The Dynamic Response.’ Dr. Anna Cornaro is a practicing architect and principal of COdESIGN Associates, an architectural office based in Rome. A member of AISTUGIA (Italian Association for Japanese Studies), she has published

papers on urban space, exhibit design, spaces for mental disease and Japanese architecture, and written pieces for several international magazines, as well as gaining three scientific research scholarships. Dr. Cornaro’s main field of interest as a scholar and professional is perception of space related to materials and construction. Her practice as COdESIGN principal is focused on renewal and refurbishment of ancient buildings, housing, interior architecture, sustainable conversion of existing buildings and public spaces. n

LAYING DOWN THE LAW IN ATHENS

Thomas P. Corbin Jr., Assistant Professor of Business Administration, presented at the 13th Annual International Conference on Law that took place from June 11 to 14, 2016 in Athens, Greece. The paper, which is under consideration for further publication with the Athens Institute of Education

and Research (ATINER), was entitled The Non-Usage of Jury Trials in Papua New Guinea and was delivered during the Session on Legal Systems & Gender. Prof. Corbin also served as the chair during the session on the Legal Profession and Legal Education. This was the fourth time that Prof. Corbin presented a paper at the ATINER conference with two previous papers being published in the Athens Journal of Education and in a compilation book entitled: Selected Issues in Public Private Law, edited by eminent legal scholar David A. Frenkel. A separate publication, Dissolution Agreements: A Priority Topic for LLCs, Partnerships, and Closely Held Corporations during the Formation Process, also featured in the Summer 2016 edition of the respected Michigan Business Law Journal. n

FACULTY NEWS

AUD JOINS UAE SUSTAINABILITY RESEARCH COMMITTEE Dr. Meis Moukayed, Professor of Natural Sciences at the School of Arts and Sciences, has been recently appointed as Member of the UAE Sustainability Research Committee. The committee, which will be headed by H.E. Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi and facilitated by its Chair H.H. Dr. Majid Sultan Al Qassimi, will oversee the implementation of a national strategy that supports scientific research related to environmental sustainability in educational and research institutions, as well as public and private sector stakeholders in the UAE. The committee will also help facilitate and streamline sustainability research efforts to achieve national priorities on sustainable development in line with international sustainability priorities. “Our UAE leaders have an incredible vision and continue in their unwavering

PROFESSOR ACCLAIMED FOR DESIGN WORK

Michael Rice, Associate Professor of Studio Art, was one of four finalists for the 2016 Van Cleef & Arpels Middle East Emergent Designer Prize, offering a unique opportunity to showcase original works on a global level. Following an open call for design proposals in November 2015, Van Cleef & Arpels - in collaboration with Tashkeel and Design Days Dubai - selected Rice as a finalist for his design of a low spiral bowl made in crystal glass. When Rice heard the brief he immediately responded to the idea of works inspired by ‘natural forms and natural materials’ by crafting his unique design of a low spiral bowl made in crystal glass. “I am completely elated to be one of the four finalists for the Van Cleef & Arpels Middle East Emergent Designer Prize; it’s a real honor,” said Rice. n

efforts to build a strong sustainable nation for their people, and to ensure through every mechanism possible the continued sustainability, happiness and security of the people of the UAE.

NEW ROADS FOR CIVIL ENGINEERING PROFESSOR

Dr. Songsu Son, Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering has been appointed a technical committee member with the World Road Association - the oldest organization in road transport sectors in the world. “I will serve a four-year term (2016 – 2019) in technical committee to develop international manual and strategies for the global transportation policy and governmental plan on transportation systems and infrastructures. I am in charge of disaster management in the road sector,” explained Dr. Son. Founded in Paris in 1908, the World Road Association consists of road administrations of 122 governments and professionals over 140 countries. n

I am honored to be appointed to this committee and to contribute to this sustainability mission and vision of our beloved UAE,” said Dr. Moukayed, adding that the role will benefit education and research at AUD as well. “There will be opportunities for research support for academics, and student internship opportunities which will further enhance innovation and sustainability efforts nationally and in our case at AUD. I openly reach out to all AUD members, from all schools, and welcome faculty, students and staff, who are interested in sustainability and environmental research and education, to discuss with me their sustainability ideas, needs or proposals which may be of mutual benefit to their research and to enhancing sustainability education and research aligned with national sustainability priorities.” n

RETHINKING ANTI-CANCER STRATEGIES

A talented intellectual, Dr. Meis Moukayed also recently presented a research paper at the BIT 9th World Cancer Congress 2016 in Shanghai, China, entitled Vitamin D and Cancer Prevention - Rethinking Anticancer Strategies that highlighted the therapeutic role of Vitamin D in cancer prevention and treatment. Presenting evidence from in vitro, in vivo, epidemiological studies and clinical trials, the paper supported the use of Vitamin D in cancer prevention because of its effect on cellular mechanisms that promoted cell cycle arrest and cell death, as well as prevented tumor formation and metastasis. The paper also discussed how cancer patients can use Vitamin D as an adjuvant therapy to radiation and chemotherapy and radiation therapy. n

FACULTY NEWS

DISCUSSING RELIGIONSTATE RELATIONS

Dr. Pamela Chrabieh, Associate Professor of Middle Eastern Studies and a member of the Christian Academic Forum for Citizenship in the Arab World (CAFCAW) Executive Committee, met her peers during a workshop on Lebanese Youth and Citizenship held in Beirut. CAFCAW is a forum that aims to provide a more public voice for Christians and interreligious dialogue in the Arab world. The forum was part of the ongoing academic work of the Executive Committee on the religion-state relations in the Middle East, and on the roles of diverse stakeholders and activists in diversity management. The workshop gathered more than 25 young Lebanese and included trainings and conferences tackling the subjects of democracy, democratic institutions, citizenship and advocacy. “The gathering of Middle Eastern Christian and Muslim scholars, religious leaders, media figures and politicians, initiates a regional dialogue between academicians from diverse backgrounds and identities, who debate issues related to religions-politics’ relations, interfaith dialogue, Christians’ roles and situations as well as theology of public life, and propose alternative worldviews, narratives and projects facing the culture of violence,” commented Dr. Chrabieh. Dedicated to academia, Dr. Chrabieh also recently presented a series of conferences on the importance of general knowledge to high-school students from diverse academic institutions in Lebanon. n

PROFESSOR LEADS LYNX ACADEMY

Dina Faour, Associate Professor of Advertising was selected as the dean and course tutor of the Lynx Academy at the Dubai Lynx International Festival of Creativity 2016. The Lynx Academy, in partnership with Leo Burnett, offered a group of carefully selected students an exclusive learning opportunity.

As well as having entry to the full program of seminars, workshops and evening events, the academy students benefitted from personalized sessions, tutorials and workshops from top industry figures, giving them firsthand access to expert knowledge and experience. Prof. Faour moderated the academy’s program: coordinating tutorials, presentations and activities. The Dubai Lynx International Festival of Creativity, which took place from March 6 to 8, is the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s annual must-attend event for the creative communications industry to learn, network and be inspired. AUD’s own Reem Al Ani, last year’s winner, now a senior student, featured in the official festival campaign. n

CREATIVE PLATFORM TAKES SHAPE

Brad Moody, Coordinator of Digital Media at the Department of Visual Communication, along with musician and media consultant Costas Papa now head the Dubai chapter of the Ableton User Group. The first in the Middle East, the Dubai User Group has been designed to provide a platform for users to collaborate and exchange ideas. “It’s an incredible experience to be involved with the Dubai Ableton User Group,” said Moody. “Extensive planning and thought has gone into the best way to move forward and I’ve no doubt that it will thrive in the region. Interacting with such a vast group of creative minds is amazing!” The granular initiative promises to supply daily online content for music creators and a resource for musicians of all skill levels. Currently, both Ableton Live and Max for Live have been integrating into the Sound and Interactive

courses at AUD, in an effort to further the abilities that the students are already undertaking. “As we move forward, I feel that the strength in the relationships built both locally and internationally within the creative community will flourish. AUD is appreciative of the efforts made on behalf of Ableton and the push to move us forward within the realm of Digital Media so that we can provide our students with the very best of experiences,” explained Moody. n

FACULTY NEWS

COLLABORATING TOWARDS EPILEPSY RESEARCH A team of AUD scientists and engineers showcased their latest innovation in Bionics technologies at the 2016 IEEE Life Sciences Grand Challenges Conference at Khalifa University. The team, which comprised Dr. Vinod Pangracious - Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering, Dr. Meis Moukayed - Coordinator and Professor of Natural Sciences, and Dr. Adnan El Nasan – Associate Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering, presented their work entitled ‘A 3D-Nano-GSI Brain Implant Chip for Detection and Prevention of Seizures in Epilepsy’. n

RICE BECOMES UNESCO CORRESPONDENT Michael Rice, Associate Professor of Studio Art, was selected as the International Academy of Ceramics - IAC, UNESCO correspondent for the UAE. Prof. Rice travelled to Barcelona to attend the 47th Congress and General Assembly of the International Academy of Ceramics, and was awarded with an IAC Diploma and announced as the official IAC UNESCO Correspondent for the UAE. In his new role, Rice will facilitate the development of IAC/UNESCO events around transversal topics such as education, environment and heritage as well as other themes that also correspond to UNESCO priorities. The International Academy of Ceramics is the principal organization

MEETING OF MINDS IN EUROPE At the request of the German Government’s Studienstiftung (German National Academic Foundation), AUD’s MBRSC Associate Professor Bradley Freeman delivered a series of lectures at the annual Summer Akademie in St. Johann, Italy. The Summer Akademie represents a unique opportunity for students and professors to have a ‘meeting

of the minds’ in a stimulating academic environment, both in and outside of the classroom. Dr. Freeman’s lectures examined the nature of media regulations in Singapore, the USA, and the UAE. His co-lecturer, Marcel Machill (Journalism School Dean, U. of Leipzig; and Harvard graduate) spoke on regulations in France, the former East Germany, and the role of the Internet in Germany. “The spirit of the event is unparalleled in modern global higher education. It was a privilege to teach side-by-side with top German professors, and lecture to students who represent the absolute very best, bar none, from various stellar ‘IvyLeague-class’ German academic institutions,” said Dr. Freeman. The German Foundation counts among its alumni many leaders of government, the arts and industry, as well as several Nobel Laureates. n

representing the interests of ceramists worldwide. Since 1958, it has been affiliated with UNESCO, first on a consulting basis and then, since 2001, as an official partner in the cultural sector. n

TURATH AS TACKLED BY CONTEMPORARY ARAB THINKERS The Middle Eastern Studies Division at the School of Arts and Sciences hosted a panel discussion and book signing for Assistant Professor of Middle Eastern Studies, Dr. Nadia Wardeh. Dr. Wardeh’s book, The Problematic of Turath in Contemporary Arab Thought: A Study of Adonis and Hasan Hanafi, focuses on the question of turath (heritage) as tackled by contemporary Arab thinkers since 1967. The study concludes that their “imagined” visions of turath are remnants of the colonial period and colonialist system of knowledge, and opens the door to the re-thinking of turath on the basis of a post-colonialist/ post-orientalist approach. n

FACULTY INTERVIEW

THE HUMAN RACE Dr. Elham Seyedsayamdost, Chair of the Department of International and Middle Eastern Studies, discusses the interconnectedness of the world

n an age of pocket supercomputers and virtual frontiers at every turn, one must question what it really means to be ‘connected’ in today’s world. From issues of race and religion to socio-economic disparity, it has never been more

important to embrace oneness with others. This realization has driven Dr. Elham Seyedsayamdost, the new Chair of the Department of International and Middle Eastern Studies and Assistant Professor of International Studies, for decades.

“Life is short and there’s a lot to do. There are a lot of great opportunities if you just go out and get them. It’s so important to try to make an impact in some way. Ultimately, it’s such a small world and we’re all so interconnected,” says Dr. Seyedsayamdost.

FACULTY INTERVIEW

Having joined AUD in Fall 2016, Dr. Seyedsayamdost was previously a Cordier Fellow at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), where she received the Presidential Award for Outstanding Teaching. Her current research explores issues pertaining to global governance, political economy of development and migration flows — interests that stem from her travels and work. “I am originally from Iran, but left my home country towards the end of the Iran-Iraq War. My parents thought it would be a safer and more promising future if we moved somewhere else — education was very important to them. I spent my formative years in Germany and went on to gain a B.A. in International and Comparative Politics from The American University of Paris. “Following that, I started my graduate studies on a Master of International Affairs degree from the

School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. It was a two-year program and focused on economic and political development, which was a field that was of more interest to me, covering social justice issues and others topics pertaining to global governance. That degree helped me gather and have all the tools needed in order to work at the United Nations,” says Dr. Seyedsayamdost. Before embarking on her doctoral studies at Columbia University, she worked with important international and humanitarian organizations, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, United Nations and World Bank, with each experience proving invaluable. While at the World Bank, she worked at the Office of the Chief Economist for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) investigating issues related to gender and economic policy.

At the UN, Dr. Seyedsayamdost worked as a policy advisor supporting the Under-Secretary General/ UN Coordinator’s work on avian and pandemic influenza while frequently traveling and offering training to UN country offices in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. POWER AND POVERTY

It was her time at the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) when Dr. Seyedsayamdost worked on poverty reduction policies and focused on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and their implementation at the local level, that planted the seeds for her dissertation, A World Without Poverty: Negotiating the Global Development Agenda. She explains: “In the year 2000, 189 UN Member States came together and decided to agree on a global agenda to reduce poverty by half in the year 2015. They agreed to a list of eight

Make use of every opportunity given, take apart an entire argument and critically think about an issue that you may not be able to talk about in other settings. This is the best time to open your minds to different ways of looking at things. Analytical and critical thinking skills are going to give you an edge over others” 36

FACULTY INTERVIEW

It’s so important to try to make an impact in some way. Ultimately, it’s such a small world and we’re all so interconnected” goals and later key officials at the UN and other agencies decided it would be a great idea to have a synthesized declaration of what these goals meant, with measurable targets and deadlines. It would allow various governments to have a ‘scorecard’ of sorts, which meant it was easier for governments to rally around and easier for citizens to hold their governments accountable. “I sensed there was some resistance with the roll-out of the MDGs and I wanted to understand its source. I also wanted to find out the extent of its impact on local and national agendas. I was very fortunate to have access to key archives and the opportunity to interview highlevel officials involved with the process and gain their understanding and insight.” Dr. Seyedsayamdost started to delve deeper and discovered these goals had previously existed in some form within the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). “They were already talking about it, so some in the ‘developing world’ perceived it as an imposed set of targets, which explained the hesitation behind recipient governments. Also, it revealed the ‘second face’ of power in practice — the idea that power is not just about the decisionmaking process but can also manifest itself in the setting of an agenda.” Dr. Seyedsayamdost published an important paper, which highlighted the outcome of the goals and their impact on national agendas. It questioned the purported impact of the global development agenda on governments’ policies and also revealed how more vulnerable countries would feel

obligated due to their dependence on aid. Regarded as the first systematic attempt to look at the impact of the MDGs on national government policy, she is now currently working on turning her dissertation into a book. COMPLETING THE CIRCLE

After completing her doctorate studies at Columbia University, Dr. Seyedsayamdost considered a number of destinations, but chose to move to the Middle East. “I feel like I’ve now come full circle at AUD. I have worked and lived in different places, which has helped me gain a strong interest in the field of international studies. My decision to join AUD was based on the fact I would be teaching international studies, but a more challenging aspect was the creation of a new department. The idea of creating something and engaging in institutionbuilding sounded fantastic. Also, while I did travel a lot, I was based in the US for about 15 years and it was time to do something different,” she says. Within a short period of time, Dr. Seyedsayamdost has acquainted herself with the AUD and the programs offered by the department she now heads, as well as the faculty and students, while developing a strong vision for the future. “We are a small department at this point, but there’s high demand for the existing Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. “Looking at the faculty experience and expertise, there’s huge potential. I see it as my task to think about how we can make use of the resources and strengths within the School of Arts and Sciences,

and more broadly within the university itself, to make this a fantastic program that provides students with the tools they need. The aim is to ensure that when students graduate, they not only go on to become great, productive members of society and contribute to the fields they enter, but also make us really proud.” Once a curious student herself, the famous quote by visionary Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world,” holds special meaning to Dr. Seyedsayamdost. She advises AUD students to consider their time as an integral experience for both their intellectual and personal growth, and not be afraid to ask questions. “While grades are important, it’s also important to interact with the material and the classes. Make use of every opportunity given, take apart an entire argument and critically think about an issue that you may not be able to talk about in other settings. This is the best time to open your minds to different ways of looking at things. Analytical and critical thinking skills are going to give you an edge over others,” she explains. Students also need to expose themselves to many themes, topics and materials in order to find their calling, as Dr. Seyedsayamdost concludes: “Your passion can be expressed across different careers and professions. First, understand what you really want to do and then get the skills within different settings, so you have a transferable way of expressing your passion in different sectors. Discover your passion and stick with it.” n

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION NEWS

VICTORY AT L’ORÉAL’S BRANDSTORM Senior undergraduate students from AUD’s School of Business Administration were honored as runners-up at the recent L’Oréal Brandstorm Competition 2016, in which teams had to design new strategies to reposition a range of L’Oréal products. The team, called “Freshtech”, consisted of Liv Haland, Babak Zomorrodian and Mashaal Effendi, demonstrated their business plan by using the story of the Wizard of Oz as a set of strategies to market L’Oréal product lines. One of the students

BBA PROGRAM GRANTED CIMA EXEMPTIONS AUD was granted 11 exemptions by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) based on the program’s comprehensive syllabi. While CIMA and AUD previously signed an agreement to offer students the opportunity to gain CIMA’s global professional certification while studying towards their graduation degree, the recent review and further exemptions takes students several steps closer to the certification upon graduation. Moving forward, AUD students in all Bachelors of Business Administration (BBA) programs will be offered exemptions in attaining CIMA’s Diploma after graduation, based on the number of related courses they have completed in their majors. Those majoring in Accounting will now be only one paper away from CIMA’s global certification of Diploma in Management Accounting and CIMA’s

global certification of Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting. Meanwhile, students majoring in Finance will be only one paper away from CIMA’s global certification of Diploma in Management Accounting. “We are delighted to see the growing collaboration between the School of Business Administration and the Chartered Institute of Management Accounting reaching the Advanced Rout 1 exemptions terms and accreditation,” commented Dr. Mohammad Abu Ali, Dean of the School of Business Administration at AUD. “This is a great added value for our Accounting, Finance, and Management students. Not only does this allow our student to become one paper away from CIMA’s global certification of Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting, but it is a quality signal about the excellence of our BBA program.” n

was also offered a position at L’Oréal immediately after the competition. “This is what learning is all about in a university context,” said Dr. Dennis Lee, Chair of the Department of Marketing and Marketing Communications. “The Brandstorm competition was indeed exciting and challenging as it allowed our business students to bring their knowledge from the classroom to solve a real-world business issue. Most importantly, the students that I mentored through the three months of intense competition were able to think out of the box in designing business strategies.” n

AUD ALUMNI SHARES CAREER INSIGHTS

The SBA welcomed lecturer Razan Badri, AUD alumni and founder of Dubai-based training and development company Leave a Mark. Badri’s lecture at AUD focused on how career development is practiced in the workplace and the importance behind its implementation, and was attended by more than 60 students enrolled in the Human Resources Management course. “The last time I was in an AUD classroom was about 10 years ago; the year I graduated! It was an amazing experience and truly inspirational; great students and atmosphere. My advice to students: be an ambitious dreamer but always have a sense of realism in what you aim for,” commented Badri. n

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION NEWS

POWER OF PLANNING

Dr. Marika Lindstrom, Vice President Procurement Operations, Global Markets, Unilever Gulf, was the latest in a line of distinguished guest speakers to share their experiences with SBA students. Dr. Lindstrom spoke of her leadership journey and advised students to plan for their future. “What do you want to be famous for? What is your brand? Develop skills to meet your aspirations and don’t forget to network and build relationships and sponsorship,” she added. “On behalf of the SBA, I would like to thank Dr. Lindstrom and Unilever for the time and effort taken to share thoughts and experiences with students,” commented Raj Kapoor, Associate Dean - Operations and Administration, SBA. n

EXPERT ON VENTURE CAPITAL The AUD Finance and Accounting Student Club welcomed entrepreneur Noor Sweid for an illuminating talk on venture capital, angel investing and private equity that aimed to inspire and motivate students to start their own businesses. Sweid is a Managing Partner at Leap Ventures, a venture capital firm based in Dubai and Beirut, investing in growthstage companies and entrepreneurs focused on technology and innovation. Noor’s entrepreneurial spirit, and her passion for yoga led her to start the first yoga studio with internationally-trained teachers in Dubai in 2006, ZenYoga, which has grown to become the largest chain of yoga studios in the Middle East. Sweid boasts a long list of achievements that also includes establishing the regional chapter of Ellevate (formerly 85Broads) in 2006, the largest global professional women’s network with over 35,000 women across the world, and still serves as Board Director for the regional chapter.

LAW IN THE SPOTLIGHT The Department of Business and Economics held its second UAE Law Presentation as part of a series launched in 2015 to address current legal issues in the country. Guest speaker Dr. Abdel Kareem Kadomi, Senior Vice PresidentLegal affairs at DAMAC Properties, addressed a series of topics including the most recent changes and amendments to UAE corporate law. Dr. Akram Al Matarneh, Assistant Professor of Business Administration, who is leading the initiative, launched the UAE Law Presentation to provide students with a practical application to their current law curriculum and there are plans to continue the successful series through every semester. n

She is also an official mentor through the non-profit organization, REACH. Her dedication to creating social impact has led her to teach at Zayed University and INSEAD where she is a lecturer and a Director-in-Residence. n

SBA CELEBRATES STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS A recent event was held to recognize the achievements of SBA students, including alumna Hayla Ghazal, who was selected as the United Nations Young Ambassador for the UAE. Other SBA students that were celebrated included the trio that secured second place in the L’Oreal Brandstorm Competition and Ali Owji, who ranked first out of 400+ national and international competitors to win the top award at the Custom Show Emirates. It also recognized Jinan Al Sammak and Shahryar Ali, runners-up in the CSR Best Idea competition by Al-Ahli Group, who have been recruited for training sessions and paid internships; and finally Amal Kowatli, who made it as a semi-finalist at the Al-Ahli Group Competition. n

MBRSC NEWS

MBRSC RECEIVES BADGE OF RECOGNITION The Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication (MBRSC) at AUD was honored with the Endowment for Good badge of recognition from the Mohammed bin Rashid Global Centre for Endowment Consultancy, which encourages institutions in the UAE to allocate a portion of their budget to charity endowment.

MBRSC is one of 12 leading institutions in the country which allocates a significant portion of its budget to assist those in need and even offers a scholarship for deserving Arab students to pursue media studies at AUD. “We are so proud to be one of the first leading educational institutions

to receive the badge of recognition from the Mohammed bin Rashid Global Centre for Endowment Consultancy, on the grounds that the school allocates more than a third of its budget to financial aid, as we believe in providing deserving students with the opportunity to study in Dubai,” said Ali Jaber, Dean of MBRSC. “We promise His Highness Sheikh Mohammed to continue in this humanitarian mission and to work on increasing the number of scholarships.” n

ON FILM FESTIVAL HAILED A SUCCESS

The third edition of the MBRSC annual short student film festival Original Narrative – ON came to a successful close with a glittering ceremony attended by jury members, participating filmmakers as well as AUD faculty, staff, students and film enthusiasts. The festival, which lasted for four days, screened 55 films from over 20 countries in four categories: documentary, fiction, animation and scenarios. The program also included workshops, script-readings and networking sessions between directors and students from around the world. “The ON Film Festival has become a platform where a new generation of

aspiring filmmakers around the world has the opportunity to share its views. The festival aims to inspire, recognize and reward these up-and-coming filmmakers, showcasing students’ short films and screenplays from the UAE, the region and beyond, and providing a muchneeded hub for students to network with peers and established industry professionals,” said Sophie Boutros, President of the Festival Committee. This year, the Best Screenplay award went to Plain Chocolate directed by Dania Moussa, Samah Srisi, Tasnim Alsayed (MBRSC students), while Best Animation was Cowboyland directed by David Stumph from

Slovakia, Best Documentary was Traces of Absence directed by Ana Monras Zoller from Spain, and Best Fiction went to Disintegration directed by Alvaro Martin from Spain. Meanwhile, a Documentary-Special Mention was given to Marbouta directed by Ibtihal Bakhti (Moroccan - MBRSC Student), while the Fiction-Special Mention award went to Alex directed by Laura Garcia from Spain, and the FictionSpecial Mention award went to Soukoun directed by Clara Kossaifi from Lebanon. Last but not least, the coveted People’s Choice Award was handed to Michel Zarazir from Lebanon for directing Under the Robes. n

SPORTS NEWS

AUD HOSTS ANNUAL SCHOOL SPORTS CHALLENGE

The 5th Annual AUD School Sports Challenge was held on February 19, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation and President of the UAE National Olympic Committee The action-packed day attracted talented athletes and teams who competed in a variety of sports including soccer, running, basketball, volleyball, swimming, mixed relay and tug-of-war. 23 high schools took part in the School Sports Challenge this year, including Dubai

International Academy (DIA), GEMS Al Khaleej National School Dubai, International School of Choueifat - Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Khalifa City, Ras Al-Khaimah, Ruwais, Dubai Investments Park, Sharjah, ISAS - International School of Arts and Sciences, Nibras International School, Philadelphia Private School Dubai, Sharjah American International School –Dubai, Sharjah American International School, St Mary’s Catholic School Dubai, Al Mawakeb SchoolAl Garhoud and Al Barsha, Lycée Libanais Francophone Privé, Australian International School - Abu Dhabi, Raffles World Academy, Horizon Private School and Manor International School.

SERBIA TRIUMPHS AT BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP In collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) and the UAE Basketball Association, AUD proudly hosted the second Dubai International Basketball Junior Championship. Held from August 27 to September 2 at the AUD Knights Arena, the competition featured eight teams – including four international teams – split into two groups. The first group included Bayern Munich of Germany, Al-Ahli of Egypt, and Al-Nasr and Al-Ahli from the UAE, while the second featured Partizan of Serbia, Sports Club of

Jordan, and Al-Wasl and Al-Shabab from the UAE. The closely-contested final on September 2 saw Partizan triumph over Al-Ahli, 59-55. “We at AUD believe that students who engage in sports and work as part of a team will develop leadership skills and maximize their potential for success,” said Miso Pancetovic, Athletics Director at AUD. “Accordingly, we were very proud to partner with the Dubai Sports Council for the second year to host the Dubai International Basketball Junior Championship.” n

St. Mary’s Catholic School took home the coveted Athletic Scholarship offered by AUD in the name of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. “We believe in rewarding excellence and encourage our students and our communities to strive to achieve it. The scholarship is awarded to a student who has demonstrated excellent athletic skills, good sportsmanship all the while maintaining good academic standing. We look forward to welcoming new students on our campus to further cultivate their skills, athletically and academically,” explained Carol Maalouf, AUD Directors of Admissions. n

SPORTS DAY WITH RASHID CENTER The annual Rashid Center Sports Festival was recently held at AUD, where students competed in friendly matches, proving they are more than able to overcome their disabilities to lead healthy, productive lives. A colorful opening ceremony kickstarted the one-day event and was followed by soccer and basketball games where students teamed up with teachers as well as enthusiastic volunteers from the government and private sector. Inaugurated in 1994, Rashid Center is a humanitarian organization, which provides quality education and therapy services to children with special needs. n

PROUD PROFESSORS

Annarita Cornaro The Assistant Professor of Architecture, shares her love for art, culture and all things Japanese

What are you reading? Colorless Tsukuro Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage by Haruki Murakami. Murakami is one of my favorite authors, along with Paul Auster. Which place do you see yourself retiring in? While Rome will always be the place I call home, I’d like to retire in Japan. I lived there for two years.

with all the words he did and didn’t say. Who is your favorite designer? Toyo Ito Do you play any sports? Not for the body, but for the mind. I like practicing Kundalini yoga, breath walking as well as meditation.

Who is your role model? My ancestor, Elena Cornaro Piscopia. She was the first woman in the world to receive an academic degree in 1678 and then a Ph.D. Every time I think about her, I feel stronger and driven to offer my own contribution in research and teaching.

Why are you a Proud Professor? I joined in Fall 2014 and am proud to be part of a department so rich with diversity. All of us come from different backgrounds and cultures and I think this makes our team incredibly unique. I am proud that my students are sometimes able to surprise me with levels of effort and enthusiasm that exceed mine.

Did she inspire you take up teaching? Actually, my mentor in Japan – professor Hiroyuki Suzuki – inspired me

Are there any inspirational words you live by? “Explore. Dream. Discover” by Mark Twain n

Abraham Mansouri

A professional table tennis player and sports fan, the Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering is a man of many surprises

Do you have a nickname? Yes, it’s Shahriar When did you join AUD? September 2011 When you’re not at AUD, what do you like to do? I go swimming, shopping and watch movies. I also hang out with friends and explore more of Dubai. What do you like best about Dubai? The sun, beach and people

What sports do you play? I am a professional table tennis player and love to play sports. My favorite team is the Oilers, an ice hockey team from Edmonton, Alberta. If you had three wishes, what would they be? To travel and explore more of this wonderful world, to have a happy and healthy family…and to have three more wishes!

Your favorite author? Mark Twain

Where do you like to go on vacation? Cuba

Where would you suggest we visit in your home country of Iran? You should definitely visit the Caspian Sea, the largest lake in the world, and the lush jungles in the north of Iran.

Is there an inspirational quote you like to share with students? “Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men” – John F. Kennedy, quoting Reverend Phillips Brooks. n

PROUD PROFESSORS

Akram Almatarneh The Assistant Professor of Business Administration encourages students to follow Emerson’s advice and blaze their own trail

When not in AUD, what do you get up to? I love heading outdoors with friends and family. Otherwise, you’ll find me watching movies, the news or browsing the internet. What book are you reading now? World History: 50 Key Milestones You Really Need to Know by Ian Crofton. Who is your favorite author? Jubran Khalil Jubran Are you a sports fan? Yes, I like soccer and basketball. My favorite teams are Arsenal and Knicks. What is your favorite inspirational quote? “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path

and leave a trail” – Ralph Waldo Emerson. Who is your role model? My late father What do you like most about Dubai? Its people, the variety of choices available and many initiatives that make our lives easier. If you had the chance to make one wish come true, what would it be? Peace in the Middle East and the world. Why are you a Proud Professor? AUD is an amazing educational place. It provides a firstclass education for many students who are coming from different backgrounds and cultures. n

Roula-Maria Dib

The Assistant Professor of English reveals a few of the reasons she loves working at AUD and being in Dubai

What do you like most about Dubai? Besides Dubai’s incredible dining scene, I love the city’s budding art community, cosmopolitanism and futuristic vibes. Who is your role model? Stephen R. Covey, for the principle-centered life and leadership lessons he taught. Your favorite authors? Toni Morrison and Hanan Al Shaykh. At the moment I’m reading Diary of a Genius by Salvador Dali. Your favorite movie? Notting Hill and My Big Fat Greek Wedding Where would you like to retire? Greece What are some of the attractions we should visit in your home country, Lebanon?

The olive groves and mountains, as well as the ancient Greek, Roman and Phoenician ruins. If you could have three wishes granted, what would they be? Good health, peace of mind and a lifetime supply of free travel tickets with hotel bookings included! Your favorite quote? I have many, but I particularly like this quote by Carl Jung: “Follow that will and that way which experience confirms to be your own”. Why are you a Proud Professor? My own university professors inspired me to become a teacher. At AUD, I love the warm, friendly environment of the university, the enthusiasm of the students, and the wonderful experience of being surrounded by many creative, talented colleagues. n

AUD FORUM

THE TIME IS NOW

Dr. Mohammad Obeidat explains how a focused plan for the future is the secret to success

t the School of Business Administration, we take immense pride over the fact that our efforts in ensuring a dream career for our students are not merely limited to the classroom. We mentor and guide the students during their stay at the school but also try to ensure that they are able to access the best opportunities in the market once they graduate. One of the most common questions put forward by students is about the need for ‘experience’ to land a high salary job. Although, a number of factors determine the ultimate salary offered, most often the answer is that other factors have a much more important role than experience in determining your salary. Rather than experience, the most important factor which will determine their job success is ‘focus’. The need for early planning and dedicated work to achieve their aim can never be emphasized enough. Hard work is essential to achieve their goals. But, so is the need for focus. The essence of ‘focus’ here is the need to plan their career from the first day they enter business school. Over the years, I have interacted with students from different majors who do not have a clear idea of what they want to study and also about their target after graduation. It is very important for students to determine their field of interest and know where their passion lies. This will help identify a clear vision about their choice of subjects for studies at the business school and will ultimately help fulfill their goals. I always ask my students in the BUS101 class about their preference for the ‘Major’ subject and generally receive very general answers such as marketing,

finance or management, often without any background research or linked to their true passion and area of interest. It is essential for students to explore the career opportunities related with their area of study and see if it matches their passion or interest. If they select a subject that aligns with their passion, studies become enjoyable and students can graduate as an expert in an area that they like and are genuinely interested in. For example, a student who wants to study marketing as a major should be clear right from the first year about which sub-area of marketing they would like to work on later on in life. A student interested in sports can take up the field of sports marketing, while those with a passion for research can aspire to join a prominent marketing research company in the future.

ROLE MODEL

Dr. Mohammad Obeidat, Associate Professor of Marketing at AUD, has his own YouTube channel with dedicated videos on a range of business topics that are widely viewed by students, employees and members of the public, as well as top business leaders in the country.

Students sometimes get frustrated about their institution not offering a specific minor in a subject they are interested in. This should never be a major hurdle in achieving their goals. Over the years that they spend in the business school, they need to focus their energies on their field of interest and gain more experience and knowledge in that specific area, even without necessarily minoring in the subject. Let us consider the case of a business student who has a major in marketing and wishes to focus on sports marketing as his area of interest and also wants to work in that particular industry after graduation. From the very first year, he or she can select assignments in the field of sports marketing and through research work on assignments, they will have the opportunity to meet with experts in the industry. By staying focused on assignments on this particular industry, by the time they graduate, they would have built contacts with related professionals and would also know about the job market in detail. With dedicated efforts, a focused student by his or her graduation date can easily build the same contacts and knowledge equivalent to a four-year professional in the field. This would, in turn, lead to a good internship and potentially a job with a reputed employer much more easily than a non-focused student. The importance of focus can never be emphasized enough. An early start can help them build a portfolio which stands out from the crowd of competing students because real dedication and expertise in their field is a greatly valued quality among employers who now believe in specialization rather than generalization. n

ALUMNI PROFILE

DESIGNS ON THE FUTURE AUD Alumna Maliha Nishat takes the lead on some of the region’s most iconic hospitality and lifestyle projects

s Design Director for the ID Lifestyle Studio at Design Worldwide Partnership (dwp) in Dubai, Maliha Nishat works with an award-winning network of architects and interior designers. “Working as Design Director with a striving, talented design team is rewarding and challenging,” says Nishat. “My role involves being a lead designer on hospitality and lifestyle projects, which places me front and center with clients, operators and developers on a daily basis. Some of the challenges involved include managing client expectations, meeting deadlines and delivering excellence in design on a daily basis.” She says there is no time to have ‘off ’ days. “You need to bring your ‘A’ game day in and day out. Every client wants their property to be the best, and it is your job to deliver. “My win of Interior Designer of the Year at the Commercial Interior Design Awards in 2015 goes to prove that my constant drive for excellence did get recognized, and that there is great potential for local homegrown talent in the region. I was also featured in the top 10 of the Commercial Interior Design Power list 2015 and have since had multiple publications in numerous magazines.” Graduating from the AUD Bachelor of Fine Arts – Interior Design program, she regards her time at university as instrumental to her success today and reveals her choice to study at AUD was driven by the fact that she didn’t need to travel far to receive a respected American degree. The

PROUD TO BE AUD “AUD gave me my tools and taught me how to use them. I had to go out and develop those skills in the real world in the years to come. The program at AUD is great as it is on the pulse with the developments in the industry and ensures they are implemented into the assignments and tasks provided on a daily basis. I learned most of my technical skills at AUD, and still apply them through my career. They also provided a platform as I won a design competition that put me in the spotlight with many employers and helped me land an exceptional internship, which helped with my first job. I was also part of the SGA, which helped develop my organizational and leadership skills. I often participated in fashion shows and cultural events that also helped boost my confidence to perform in front of large audiences. I now have no issues addressing a room full of people for one of my talks or a large presentation.”

campus, however, looked very different when she joined back in 1996. “It was one of the first few universities over here at the time, and was much smaller in size than it is today,” she adds. “The campus was in Jumeirah in a large villa and the classes were intimate. I wouldn’t swap my experience at AUD for anything. The university has of course expanded tenfold since and is currently one of the leading educational entities in the region. There is some exceptional talent coming out of the university and some of the region’s best professors, so it is always a proud moment to see a student of AUD excelling in the outside world and making a solid name for themselves, or a professor on the power list.” Crediting AUD for providing the right skills to break into the industry, Nishat now specializes in hospitality and lifestyle and her current projects include a number of hotels, high-end residential towers and large-scale mixed-use developments. With a goal to never stop learning and designing, she hopes to do more for the community as well. “My two greatest passions are designing and travelling, both of which I do passionately and exhaustively. Both feed off of each other - I travel to learn design and I design to implement what I have discovered along my travels. I have also been involved with a lot more design talks lately, and also student mentoring. I judged the Marina Home Remake Project and spoke at the designMENA Summit in 2015 and Design Talks at Index. I love sharing learning experiences. I think I learn just as much from students I mentor as they do from me.” n

ALUMNI PROFILE

SETTING THE SCENE

AUD Alumna Hanan Al Sammak discusses social media fame and her new self-help book

ince graduating in Spring 2013, Hanan Al Sammak has been hard at work, making a name for not only herself but also contributing to the welfare of the community through her role at The Ruler’s Court. “I am currently Marketing Officer at The Ruler’s Court – The Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department. I handle social media, events management, communication, dealing with suppliers and marketing in general,” says Al Sammak who graduated AUD with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration – Marketing. However, she admits that the course wasn’t her first choice. “I always wanted to study media, but my father maintained that a media career can be self-taught. He suggested business instead, and I chose marketing because I always loved dealing with people and had strong communication skills. Also, marketing involved studying customers’ needs, behavior and demands, so it includes a lot of psychology aspects, which I love. “While I did get a job in marketing after graduation, I also pursued my own media career, proving that real passion never dies,” explains Al Sammak. Determined to bring a positive change to society, Al Sammak is the

founder and presenter of the hugely popular HayaTech show on YouTube that has attracted over 40,000 subscribers and more than 1.4 million views. “I do the writing, shooting, film making and translating. Hayatech is a non-profitable show that strives to bring positive change and raise awareness by speaking about self-help topics based on my personal experience and mentioning steps recommended by psychologists. Having a full time job along with working on my show, and in addition to attending training courses and giving lectures, can be quite challenging,” she says. The hard-working woman, whose career also took shape at Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Program and Emarat Petroleum, recently

PROUD TO BE AUD “I honestly learned a lot at AUD. I loved my university life and I loved my professors. I try to apply everything I learned including presentation skills, problem solving and critical thinking skills, marketing and sales techniques, etc. I am honored to be part of the AUD Alumni and I hope I could be a positive contribution to the team.”

became a certified trainer from the Canada Global Center. After researching topics related to selfdevelopment and positive psychology, Al Sammak published her first self-help book this summer titled Hayatech. The book is written in colloquial Arabic and includes inspiring real life stories and motivational phrases, aimed at contributing to positive change and influence. “My next plan would be to be part of the global shapers community and have my own training center where I could train, share knowledge and bring positive change to society and to have my own show on television,” says Al Sammak. Aiming higher and setting more ambitious goals, Al Sammak is a role model to the next generation of students and advises everyone to make their dreams a reality. “You don’t need someone pushing you to pursue your dreams - sometimes these are just excuses we give because we are afraid of failure. Once you become your own motivation and believe in yourself, discover your true strength and actually start working on your goals, you’ll find that people will support you and inspire you to reach places you never thought of. It takes courage, patience and of course, positive thinking.” n

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