Latest news with #DavidA.Schmidt
Gulf Today
4 days ago
- Science
- Gulf Today
Female graduates outnumber males at AURAK event
Female graduates outnumbered males at the twin Commencement Ceremonies of the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), while Artificial Intelligence (AI) took centre-stage with the number of graduates doubling in just one year. The two graduation ceremonies, 13th and 14th, saw a total of 331 graduate and undergraduate students receive their degrees, of which 188 (56.8 per cent) were female, reflecting the growing trend of women aspiring for careers and entrepreneurship. The second major takeaway was the rising prominence of AI in the career landscape. The ceremony saw the very first batch of the university's Bachelor in Artificial Intelligence receive their degrees. AURAK's Bachelor of Science in AI is a four-year programme that empowers students to design and develop computer systems and data models, using the latest advances in the field. The 13th Graduation Ceremony (Class of 24) had extra significance attached to it, for these graduates had entered university in the thick of COVID-19 disruption, and had to navigate through the unknown territory of online classes. AURAK, listed among Top 500 Universities in the 2025 QS World University Rankings and occupying the sixth position among UAE universities, honoured 68 graduates and 263 undergraduates at the two ceremonies held on successive days. Eight students earned the Summa Cum Laude (highest distinction) honour. Robert Raines, US Consul General in Dubai, who delivered the Commencement Adress, hailed the resilience displayed by the COVID-impacted graduates of the Class of 2024, and urged them to draw inspiration from the Ghaf tree, whose roots go 60 metres into the soil. 'Remember your resilience. Remember that you can do this, whether you become scientists, teachers, entrepreneurs, engineers, artists or diplomats. You're entering a world that faces serious global challenges. You will need your resilience to survive and to succeed, and the world needs you to succeed. Second, I hope that you'll remember the value and the importance of community... because it is your community that will nourish you as you grow,' Robert Raines remarked. Dr David A. Schmidt, President of AURAK, in his welcome address, said: 'The world you are stepping into demands resilience, adaptability and vision. You've proven that you can navigate uncertainty and adapt to the unexpected. You've pursued knowledge, not at the absence of obstacles, but often in the face of them. As we confer your degrees, we do more than acknowledge your academic accomplishments, we affirm your readiness to lead and to shape the future.' Prof Stephen C. Wilhite, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Success/Provost, urged the graduates to carry the legacy of appreciation for diversity and a commitment to promoting cultural understanding and to fostering civic responsibility.
Web Release
5 days ago
- Science
- Web Release
AURAK Graduation Ceremony Sees Record Number of Female Graduates; AI Gains Prominence
Female graduates outnumbered males at the twin Commencement Ceremonies of the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), while Artificial Intelligence (AI) took center-stage with the number of graduates doubling in just one year. The two graduation ceremonies (13th and 14th) saw a total of 331 graduate and undergraduate students receive their degrees, of which 188 (56.8 per cent) were female, reflecting the growing trend of women aspiring for careers and entrepreneurship. The second major takeaway was the rising prominence of AI in the career landscape. The ceremony saw the very first batch of the university's Bachelor in Artificial Intelligence receive their degrees. AURAK's Bachelor of Science in AI is a four-year program that empowers students to design and develop computer systems and data models, using the latest advances in the field. The 13th Graduation Ceremony (Class of 24) had extra significance attached to it, for these graduates had entered university in the thick of Covid-19 disruption, and had to navigate through the unknown territory of online classes. AURAK, listed among Top 500 Universities in the 2025 QS World University Rankings and occupying the sixth position among UAE universities, honored 68 graduates and 263 undergraduates at the two ceremonies held on successive days. Eight students earned the Summa Cum Laude (highest distinction) honor. H.E. Robert Raines, US Consul General in Dubai, who delivered the Commencement Adress, hailed the resilience displayed by the Covid-impacted graduates of the Class of 2024, and urged them to draw inspiration from the ghaf tree, whose roots go 60 meters into the soil. 'Remember your resilience. Remember that you can do this, whether you become scientists, teachers, entrepreneurs, engineers, artists or diplomats. You're entering a world that faces serious global challenges. You will need your resilience to survive and to succeed, and the world needs you to succeed. Second, I hope that you'll remember the value and the importance of community… because it is your community that will nourish you as you grow,' H.E. Robert Raines remarked. Dr. David A. Schmidt, President of AURAK, in his welcome address, said: 'The world you are stepping into demands resilience, adaptability and vision. You've proven that you can navigate uncertainty and adapt to the unexpected. You've pursued knowledge, not at the absence of obstacles, but often in the face of them. As we confer your degrees, we do more than acknowledge your academic accomplishments, we affirm your readiness to lead and to shape the future.'. Prof. Stephen C. Wilhite, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Success / Provost, urged the graduates to carry the legacy of appreciation for diversity and a commitment to promoting cultural understanding and to fostering civic responsibility. 'Learning is a lifelong process through which you can leverage your knowledge and skills to become leaders and entrepreneurs who can change the world for the better,' he added. The graduates received their degrees in the presence of the Chairman of the AURAK Board of Trustees and other board members; H.E. Robert Raines, US Consul General in Dubai; AURAK President David A. Schmidt; and administrative leadership team and faculty of the university. The Valedictorian Address was delivered by Mohammed Ayyub, the topper in Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology with the highest CGPA of 3.95, on the first day. For the second Commencement Ceremony, there were two Valedictorians: Maryam Saeed Sanad Abdulla Alnaqbi (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration), the first Emirati to earn the honor in recent years, and Leen Mohammad Jamal Zaid (Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology).
Gulf Today
03-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Experts highlight role of AI in every field
Experts from industry and government organisations provided insight into AI-driven innovations and tools at an Industry Colloquium on 'Bridging Innovations' hosted by the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) recently. Speakers from diverse fields – including IT, retail, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, statistics, and public utilities – forcefully drove home that AI and Digitalization are the key drivers of transformative developments in industry and our daily lives. Welcoming the speakers, Dr. David A. Schmidt, President of AURAK, remarked, 'This colloquium embodies the belief that knowledge thrives most when applied—when it moves beyond the classroom, lab and studio to solve real-world challenges, and drive innovation.' 'Fostering impactful industry collaborations is not just our goal; it's a cornerstone of our mission. This Colloquium celebrates that commitment. It is an opportunity to showcase the work happening across our campus, amplified through partnerships with companies, organisations, and innovators. From cutting-edge research in sustainable energy to advancements in AI, our faculty and students are tackling the pressing issues of our time.' In a keynote address, Noura Al Awadi, Microsoft's Higher Education Industry Lead, highlighted upskilling as a key differentiator, and said that the switch from classroom to career requires new skill sets, including adaptability to new technologies, strong communication skills, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and digital literacy. She stressed that AI competencies extend beyond tech roles into virtually every field. Finance professionals need AI analysis skills, marketers require prompt engineering abilities, and even HR specialists must understand AI-driven recruiting tools, she added. Among the speakers, Ahmad Murad, Chief Information Officer, Transmed, cited examples of how AI had impacted the company's logistics and transportation, warehousing, financial and operational intelligence, sales, product recommendations, and inventory management. Muhammed Eassa, IT and Mobility Solutions Manager at RAK Transport Authority (RAKTA), provided glimpses of Ras Al Khaimah's strategy for sustainable transport, which aims to provide safe, reliable, and smart transportation driven by AI. Utkarsh Jain, Renewable Energy Manager at RAK Municipality, highlighted the municipality's strategy of advancing towards a data-driven, sustainable future, using IT solutions that permit energy management, environment monitoring, traffic control, and industrial operations.
Web Release
03-05-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Experts at AURAK-hosted Industry Colloquium Say AI Competencies Are a Must in Every Field
Experts at AURAK-hosted Industry Colloquium Say AI Competencies Are a Must in Every Field Experts from industry and government organizations provided insight into AI-driven innovations and tools at an Industry Colloquium on 'Bridging Innovations' hosted by the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) recently. Speakers from diverse fields — including IT, retail, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, statistics, and public utilities — forcefully drove home that AI and Digitalization are the key drivers of transformative developments in industry and our daily lives. Welcoming the speakers, Dr. David A. Schmidt, President of AURAK, remarked: 'This colloquium embodies the belief that knowledge thrives most when applied—when it moves beyond the classroom, lab and studio to solve real-world challenges, and drive innovation.' 'Fostering impactful industry collaborations is not just our goal; it's a cornerstone of our mission. This Colloquium celebrates that commitment. It is an opportunity to showcase the work happening across our campus, amplified through partnerships with companies, organizations, and innovators. From cutting-edge research in sustainable energy to advancements in AI, our faculty and students are tackling the pressing issues of our time.' In a keynote address, Noura Al Awadi, Microsoft's Higher Education Industry Lead, highlighted upskilling as a key differentiator, and said that the switch from classroom to career requires new skill sets, including adaptability to new technologies, strong communication skills, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and digital literacy. She stressed that AI competencies extend beyond tech roles into virtually every field. Finance professionals need AI analysis skills, marketers require prompt engineering abilities, and even HR specialists must understand AI-driven recruiting tools, she added. Among the speakers, Ahmad Murad, Chief Information Officer, Transmed, cited examples of how AI had impacted the company's logistics and transportation, warehousing, financial and operational intelligence, sales, product recommendations, and inventory management. Muhammed Eassa, IT and Mobility Solutions Manager at RAK Transport Authority (RAKTA), provided glimpses of Ras Al Khaimah's strategy for sustainable transport, which aims to provide safe, reliable, and smart transportation driven by AI. Utkarsh Jain, Renewable Energy Manager at RAK Municipality, highlighted the municipality's strategy of advancing towards a data-driven, sustainable future, using IT solutions that permit energy management, environment monitoring, traffic control, and industrial operations. Aghiles Mitiche, Senior Manager of Tech Ops Performance at Julphar, demonstrated how the Company was leveraging AI and Digital solutions for operations excellence, compliance, and safety, with benefits like predictive maintenance, an OEE calculator, a digital twin, smart scheduling, and automated visual inspection. Ichrak Lafram, Senior Statistical Expert in Data Science at the RAK Statistics Centre, explained how the centre was providing high-quality, timely, and relevant data that empowers government, supports innovation, and ultimately improves people's lives. Nikhil Chaturvedi, Vice President of the IT Department at RAK Ceramics, highlighted the numerous benefits of digitalization in his talk, 'Digital Transformation in Manufacturing Industries: Powered by Academic-Industry Collaboration.' Rashed Iqbal, Chief Data and Technology Officer, IDO, explained how AI tools were critical to the organisation's goal of managing assets for the long term on behalf of the government, driving the economic transformation of the Emirate into a diversified and globally competitive economy. Dr. Khouloud Salameh, Department Chair/Associate Professor – Computer Science, AURAK, said: 'The colloquium lived up to its motto of being a bridge between classroom and industry. The high calibre of the speakers and the way they put forward their ideas contributed to making this event a grand success.' On the sidelines, AURAK students showcased some of their key innovations and research projects, which were viewed and appreciated by the speakers and attendees.
Zawya
04-03-2025
- Health
- Zawya
With psychology placed among Top 10 high-demand careers, AURAK launches intensive psychology program with unique features
RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE: The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) has launched a four-year Bachelor of Science in Psychology program with unique features, as global demand for psychologists remains high. According to Global Career Counsellor, mental health professionals are among the Top 10 high-demand careers in the world today, as increased focus on mental health and wellbeing has elevated the role of psychologists, therapists, and counsellors. AURAK's new Bachelor of Science in Psychology is designed to provide a comprehensive education in psychological theories, research methods, and practical applications. The program includes opportunities for hands‐on experience through internships and research projects, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real‐world settings. Dr. David A. Schmidt, President of AURAK, says: 'In a world assailed by turmoil, psychologists play a vital role in addressing human behavior and mental processes, influencing various aspects of mental health, counseling, and research. With this goal in mind, we at AURAK have crafted a program that will mould new-age psychologists equipped to render services to affected people. This one-of-its-kind program in the region has been created by our expert faculty who understand the complexities of human relationships.' Prof. Stephen Wilhite, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Success and Provost at AURAK, adds: 'Plenty of thought and research went into the development of this program. We were driven by the fact that economic difficulties, societal shifts, and other changes have increased the need for psychological expertise across many employment sectors. Therefore, we have included lab components in several courses to help develop in our students skills in research, critical thinking, and communication that young men and women graduating from this program will need in taking on important roles in a variety of employment settings.' Graduates of the program can pursue careers in business, human resources, education, healthcare settings, and beyond. They can work in clinical settings, research institutions, or corporate or non-profit organizations. Graduates will also be well prepared to apply for graduate study in psychology in the United States. Prof. Hariclea Zengos, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at AURAK, added: 'This program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of psychology as a scholarly discipline, scientific field of study, and applied profession. Through integrated coursework, research experiences, and field-based opportunities, our program provides significant learning experiences within a diverse academic community. It will empower graduates to make meaningful contributions to individual and societal well‐being by applying psychological principles and practices.' The four-year Psychology program at AURAK has three distinct features. It has been explicitly designed to conform to the guidelines of the American Psychological Association (APA) for undergraduate majors in Psychology. It is one of only three Psychology programs in the UAE requiring a summer internship that gives students the opportunity to work full‐time in a work setting that affords supervised application of knowledge and skills developed in the program to day-to‐day issues encountered in the workplace. It is the UAE Psychology program with the largest number of required courses (5) that include a co‐requisite laboratory course, helping to ensure that students completing the program 'develop competence in written and oral communication, critical thinking, and problem‐solving, enabling them to articulate psychological concepts effectively, and engage confidently in communication regarding the science of human behavior. Globally, the overall employment of psychologists is projected to grow above 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. Some in-demand psychology jobs are projected to increase by as much as 18% between 2022 to 2032. Earnings-wise, psychologists command excellent salaries. In the UAE, according to SalaryExpert, the average psychologist's gross salary is AED 20,900 per month, plus bonus. Another consulting firm, Indeed, puts the average UAE salaries for psychologists at between AED 14,000 and 29,000, plus bonus. About the American University of Ras Al Khaimah The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), located in the United Arab Emirates, is a non-profit, public university that offers a comprehensive set of accredited and internationally recognized undergraduate and postgraduate programs. With a focus on holistic education and practical knowledge, AURAK prepares students to become global citizens who are innovators in their respective fields. Through partnerships with top global universities and organizations, AURAK provides students unparalleled opportunities to gain international exposure and experience. This press release is issued on behalf of the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) by Communicate Gulf FZE, Sharjah, UAE. For media queries, please contact PR Consultant Anthony D'Silva Email: anthony@
