logo
Excellence of AUS engineering graduate programs reaffirmed with renewed CAA accreditation

Excellence of AUS engineering graduate programs reaffirmed with renewed CAA accreditation

Al Bawaba17-06-2025
The College of Engineering (CEN) at American University of Sharjah (AUS) has received renewed accreditation from the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR) for 10 of its graduate programs through October 31, 2031.The CAA is responsible for licensing higher education institutions and evaluating their academic programs for accreditation. It works with both international and local authorities to safeguard academic standards and enhance the learning experience for students in higher education institutions.The 10 programs that received renewed accreditation include the master of science degrees in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, construction management, computer engineering, electrical engineering, engineering systems management, mechanical engineering and mechatronics engineering, as well as the PhD in Engineering - Engineering Systems Management.The renewed accreditation comes at a time of significant advancement for graduate engineering education at AUS, marked by the launch of CEN 2.0 Graduate—a comprehensive enhancement of all graduate programs within the college. This new framework introduces coursework-only tracks across all master's programs, providing students with the flexibility to choose between thesis and non-thesis options. To accommodate working professionals, classes are offered in the evenings and on weekends. Core and elective courses have also been updated to reflect global trends and market demand, with an emphasis on areas such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation and sustainability.Dr. Fadi Aloul, Dean of CEN, said: 'This renewed accreditation affirms the strength and strategic direction of our graduate programs and their alignment with national development priorities and global innovation trends. It reflects the trust placed in AUS as a hub for advanced engineering education and research excellence. Through our rigorous academic frameworks and industry-relevant curricula, we are preparing future leaders who will shape the technologies, infrastructure and sustainable solutions of tomorrow.'CEN will further expand its graduate offerings with the introduction of two new doctoral programs in Fall 2025—one in civil and environmental engineering and another in electrical and computer engineering—strengthening the college's interdisciplinary and research-driven approach.The college is home to a vibrant community of over 2,700 students—of which 350 are graduate students—from 70 nationalities. Twenty-one members of CEN's faculty were recently named among the world's top 2 percent of scientists by the latest Stanford-Elsevier ranking. The college also recently announced several new partnerships with top engineering schools, enabling its students to experience a world-class graduate education.AUS ranks second in the UAE for employer reputation (QS World University Rankings, 2025), and CEN's graduates regularly go on to work for leading companies such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Schneider Electric, Petrofac, PWC, EY, the UAE Cabinet, the UAE Space Agency and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre.
Applications are open for Fall 2025 for all CEN graduate programs. All applicants are encouraged to apply for graduate assistantships. These are awarded on a competitive basis and provide students with both financial support and hands-on experience in teaching and research.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Igniting Young Minds: ExxonMobil, Abu Dhabi University and Knowledge Group Conclude the ExxonMobil Future STEM Leaders Summer Camp on a High Note
Igniting Young Minds: ExxonMobil, Abu Dhabi University and Knowledge Group Conclude the ExxonMobil Future STEM Leaders Summer Camp on a High Note

Al Bawaba

time6 days ago

  • Al Bawaba

Igniting Young Minds: ExxonMobil, Abu Dhabi University and Knowledge Group Conclude the ExxonMobil Future STEM Leaders Summer Camp on a High Note

Abu Dhabi University (ADU) and Knowledge Group concluded the ExxonMobil Future STEM Leaders Summer Camp, a two-week immersive program designed to inspire the UAE's next generation of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) recently at ADU's Abu Dhabi campus, the camp brought together over 35 high-achieving Emirati high school students for an intensive learning journey that blended technical skill-building with industry exposure. The program delivered hands-on workshops in high-demand and future-focused topics including Drone Engineering, Data Analytics and Visualization, Robotics, Structural Engineering, Water Treatment, and Plastic Waste Recycling, alongside career-focused sessions and life-skills Alamin, President of ExxonMobil UAE, said: "It was truly inspiring to witness the energy, curiosity, and ambition of the students at the ExxonMobil Future STEM Leaders Summer Camp. This program has been a resounding success in sparking a passion for STEM among young Emirati minds, and we are proud to have played a role in shaping their journey toward future careers in science and technology. This program would not have been possible without our long-standing collaboration with Abu Dhabi University and the outstanding support from Knowledge Group in delivering such a meaningful and impactful experience."Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, said: "STEM careers are among the fastest-growing fields worldwide, driven by rapid technological change and the UAE's ambition to be a leading hub for innovation. At ADU, we are committed to bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry needs through future-focused learning experiences. The Future STEM Leaders Summer Camp is more than a program, it is a launchpad that equips Emirati youth with the skills, creativity, and adaptability to excel in tomorrow's high-impact industries. Through strategic collaborations with industry leaders like ExxonMobil and Knowledge Group, we are inspiring and empowering a generation ready to lead, innovate, and transform the future of the UAE and beyond."Dr. Ahmad Badr, CEO of Knowledge Group, said: "We are proud to collaborate with Abu Dhabi University and ExxonMobil to deliver an immersive STEM experience that truly inspires and equips young Emirati talent. This summer camp goes beyond traditional learning by engaging students in practical, real-world projects that ignite their passion and build essential skills for tomorrow's challenges. Programs like this are vital to nurturing a new generation of innovators who will contribute meaningfully to the UAE's community and economy, reinforcing our collective vision for a knowledge-driven future." Building on the strong foundation of collaboration established under the MoU between Exxon Al Khalij Inc. (ExxonMobil) and Abu Dhabi University, the relationship has evolved to include impactful initiatives beyond scholarships, all aimed at supporting the development of the UAE's future leaders. These efforts reflect a shared commitment to advancing STEM education and nurturing Emirati youth in alignment with the nation's strategic vision.

WCM-Q study highlights potential of flavonoid-induced ferroptosis in treating cancer
WCM-Q study highlights potential of flavonoid-induced ferroptosis in treating cancer

Al Bawaba

time04-08-2025

  • Al Bawaba

WCM-Q study highlights potential of flavonoid-induced ferroptosis in treating cancer

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) have explored preclinical evidence on the therapeutic potential of flavonoids that induce ferroptosis in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers in a new article published in the Journal of Advanced Research (ScienceDirect), a leading applied/natural sciences cancers account for a quarter of all cancer cases and are the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In addition, the incidence of early-onset GI cancer in individuals under 50 has been rising at an alarming rate in recent advances in cancer treatment, factors like rapid globalization, changes in the distribution and prevalence of key risk factors, and demographic trends contribute to epidemiological disparities and variations in the incidence and mortality of GI cancers worldwide. Of the GI cancers, colorectal cancer is considered the most predominant, followed by cancers of the stomach, liver, esophagus, and pancreas. While most GI cancers occur sporadically, only 10 percent are hereditary. Apart from the influence of genetic and environmental factors, lifestyle and dietary habits, and multi-causal combinations like obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption, are all common risk factors associated with GI treatments for GI cancers include multidisciplinary strategies based on surgical intervention, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and other therapeutic modalities. However, the efficacy of therapeutics is limited by the malignant characteristics of cancer cells, particularly their ability to resist treatment, metastasize, and promote evidence suggests that ferroptosis, a novel iron-dependent form of cell death, may be a promising target for cancer therapy. Ferroptosis is a unique, regulated form of programmed cell death driven by the overaccumulation of lipid peroxides. Numerous preclinical studies have increasingly demonstrated the effectiveness of inducing ferroptosis using natural compounds such as flavonoids as an alternative strategy in cancer article was authored by Ms. Ruqaia Shoheeduzzaman, a graduate of the WCM-Q National Internship Program (June 2024), with co-corresponding authors from WCM-Q: Dr. Dietrich Büsselberg, professor of physiology and biophysics; Dr. Samson Mathews Samuel, research associate in physiology and biophysics; and Ms. Elizabeth Varghese, a senior research specialist.'The review highlights recent studies on the anticancer potential of flavonoids, mediated through ferroptosis, in gastrointestinal cancers, including data derived from in vitro cell culture and in vivo animal model tumor systems. It hypothesizes that flavonoid-mediated ferroptosis presents a strategic intervention in cancer therapy, serving as both anticancer agents and sensitizers to enhance the efficacy of current treatments,' said Dr. Bü article also suggests that the landscape of cancer therapy is continually evolving, and with the development of new, cutting-edge technologies, there is a greater scope to understand and implement natural compounds, such as flavonoids, in cancer therapy. This would facilitate the development of tailored ferroptosis-based therapeutic strategies and help bridge gaps where conventional therapies fall short, thereby further supporting the effective translation of these strategies to clinical use. The study was made possible through funding from the Biomedical Research Program at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar and NPRP-Standard (NPRP-S) 14th Cycle grant NPRP14S-0311-210033 from Qatar National Research Fund (a member of Qatar Foundation). The findings herein reflect the work and are solely the responsibility of the authors.

Farming the unfarmable: How microbes are reviving life in desert soils, research shows new hope for arid agriculture
Farming the unfarmable: How microbes are reviving life in desert soils, research shows new hope for arid agriculture

Al Bawaba

time31-07-2025

  • Al Bawaba

Farming the unfarmable: How microbes are reviving life in desert soils, research shows new hope for arid agriculture

In dry, degraded soil, it's easy to assume life has gone quiet. But underground, a different story unfolds—one of continuous exchange between plant roots and microbial communities that shape each other in subtle but powerful ways. A new paper, co-authored by researchers from American University of Sharjah (AUS) and published in Science, one of the world's most prestigious scientific journals, explores this relationship and proposes a new model for sustainable agriculture—one rooted in ecology and informed by decades of review was developed through a year-long collaboration between five scientists: Dr. John Klironomos, Professor in Biology Chemistry and Environmental Sciences and Associate Dean for Research and Innovation at the AUS College of Arts and Sciences, Professors Guangzhou Wang, Fusuo Zhang and Junling Zhang from China Agricultural University; and Professor Wim van der Putten from the Netherlands Institute of Ecology and Wageningen focus is on plant—soil feedback: the concept that plants shape the microbial makeup of the soil through their roots and chemical signals, while these microbes, in turn, influence plants' access to nutrients, water and protection from disease. These feedback loops, depending on how they are managed, can either weaken or strengthen a crop regions like the UAE, where farming is challenged by salinity, limited organic matter and scarce freshwater, this model offers a path forward. At AUS, Dr. Klironomos and his team are already putting the concepts into action. Field trials are underway with microbial inoculants—beneficial bacteria or fungi added to the soil to boost plant health—and biostimulants, natural substances that help plants grow better and cope with stress like heat or poor soil. Desert crops such as wheat and date palms are tested to measure how they perform under extreme soil conditions when supported by the right microbial partners.'Plants and microbes have always influenced each other,' said Dr. Klironomos. 'The key is managing those interactions with purpose, especially in environments where every biological advantage matters. This work helps shift the focus from short-term yield to long-term soil function.'The paper also revisits traditional farming strategies—including crop rotation, intercropping and minimum tillage—not as legacy techniques but as ecologically informed methods to support soil biology. When implemented with awareness of microbial systems, these approaches can restore fertility, reduce input dependency and help create more stable growing conditions over time.'Microbial life is one of agriculture's most overlooked tools,' said co-author Professor Junling Zhang. 'When we support the living processes in soil, we create systems that are more sustainable, more adaptive and better aligned with how ecosystems naturally function.'Alongside ecological practice, the review points to advances in plant science. By identifying the genes and molecular signals involved in root-microbe communication, researchers are now exploring breeding strategies to develop crop varieties that interact more effectively with soil microbiomes, an emerging direction that bridges molecular biology and further localize and scale this work, AUS and regional partners have launched the Sharjah Sustainable Agriculture Research Group. The group brings together Professors from AUS including: Dr. Klironomos; Dr. Mohamed Abouleish, Professor in Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences; and Dr. Tarig Ali, Professor in Civil Engineering; as well as Dr. Ali El-Keblawy from the University of Sharjah. Their combined expertise spans soil ecology, spatial analysis, sustainability science and native plant conservation and biotechnology—all directed toward restoring the biological function of arid the research is a deeper shift in mindset: soil is not a neutral background—it is alive. It breathes, it evolves and it responds to how we manage it. By treating it as a living system, the researchers argue, agriculture can move toward solutions that support not only food production but also climate resilience, biodiversity and sustainable land use. The paper, 'Steering Plant–Soil Feedback for Sustainable Agriculture,' appears in the July 2025 issue of Science. Click here to view it.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store