Women in Engineering society | American University of Sharjah

Overview

The Women in Engineering (WiE) Society at American University of Sharjah is an initiative dedicated to advancing the participation, leadership and professional growth of women in engineering. Officially launched in Spring 2026 under the College of Engineering, the Society builds on years of successful mentoring, outreach and research initiatives by providing a structured platform that connects students, faculty, alumni and industry partners. Through mentorship programs, research seminars, industry engagement and community outreach, the WiE Society aims to foster an inclusive environment where women engineers can develop their skills, expand their networks and drive meaningful impact across academia and industry.

Leadership

Chair and Vice Chair

Chair

Dr. Vian Ahmed
Professor of Industrial Engineering
Office ESB 2165
Tel +971 6 515 2468 
[email protected]

Vice Chair

Dr. Bayan Hamdan
Assistant Professor of Industrial Engineering
Office ESB 2161
Tel +971 6 515 4983 
[email protected]

Steering Committee
Dr. Fadi Aloul
Dean of the College of Engineering
Office ESB 2010
Tel +971 6 515 2784 
[email protected]
Dr. Mehdi Ghommem
Associate Dean for Research, Innovation and Outreach
Office ESB 2016
Tel +971 6 515 4933 
[email protected]
Treasurer
Dr. Salam Dhou
Associate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering
Office ESB 2179
Tel +971 6 515 2943 
[email protected]
Research and Innovation

The Research and Innovation team within the Women in Engineering (WiE) Society drives initiatives that empower students and faculty to advance impactful engineering solutions. The team supports student competitions, research grants and funding opportunities, and industry- and government-based collaborations, creating pathways for members to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. By fostering interdisciplinary partnerships and encouraging innovation-led projects, the team aims to strengthen research engagement, enhance professional development and position women engineers at the forefront of technological and societal progress.

Lead

Dr. Noha Hussein
Professor of Industrial Engineering
Office ESB 2104
Tel +971 6 515 4923 
[email protected]

Dr. Salam Dhou
Associate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering
Office ESB 2179
Tel +971 6 515 2943 
[email protected]
Dr. Rana Sabouni
Associate Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Office ESB 2135
Tel +971 6 515 4934
[email protected]
Yara Kaddoura
Laboratory Instructor of Computer Science and Engineering
Office ESB 0011B
Tel +971 6 515 4827
[email protected]
Schools Outreach and STEM

The Schools Outreach and STEM team within the Women in Engineering (WiE) Society focuses on inspiring the next generation of engineers through meaningful engagement with schools and young learners. Through the School Mentorship Program, the team connects students with role models from the College of Engineering, offering guidance, hands-on STEM experiences and exposure to engineering pathways. By building strong links with the community and promoting early interest in science and technology, the team aims to nurture confidence, curiosity and future participation of young women in engineering.

Lead

Dr. Rana Sabouni
Associate Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Office ESB 2135
Tel +971 6 515 4934
[email protected]

Yara Kaddoura
Laboratory Instructor of Computer Science and Engineering
Office ESB 0011B
Tel +971 6 515 4827
[email protected]
Sana Khan
Laboratory Instructor of Computer Science and Engineering
Office ESB 1006B
Tel +971 6 515 4822
[email protected]
Outreach, Industry and Academic Liaison

The Outreach, Industry and Academic Liaison Team within the Women in Engineering (WiE) Society focuses on strengthening engagement across students, academia and industry while supporting the growth of future women engineers. The team leads the undergraduate mentorship program and organizes thematic seminars that connect students with faculty, alumni and industry professionals, creating spaces for learning, dialogue and professional development. Through these initiatives, the team aims to foster meaningful connections, encourage knowledge exchange and support students as they navigate their academic and career pathways in engineering.

Lead

Dana Saleh
Senior Manager for Internships and Placement and Executive Education Coordinator
Office ESB 2130
Tel +971 6 515 2937
[email protected]

Dr. Amani Al-Othman
Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Office ESB 2049
Tel +971 6 515 2973
[email protected]
Dr. Rana Khallaf
Visiting Associate Professor of Civil Engineering
Office ESB 2154
Tel +971 6 515 4896
[email protected]
Student Membership and Engagement

The Student Membership and Engagement Team within the Women in Engineering (WiE) Society focuses on building an active and inclusive student community across the College of Engineering. The team leads student club engagement, creating opportunities for collaboration, networking and participation in Society initiatives. By supporting student-led activities and fostering a strong sense of belonging, the team aims to encourage leadership development, peer connection and sustained involvement of students in advancing women in engineering.

Lead

Dr. Amani Al-Othman
Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Office ESB 2049
Tel +971 6 515 2973
[email protected]

Karam Al-Assaf
PhD student in Engineering Systems Management
 
Rawan Abdelaal
Chemical engineering student
 
Ayah Jabr
Chemical engineering student
 
Sakina Bagalkot
Computer science student
Excellence Awards Committee

The Excellence Awards Committee within the Women in Engineering (WiE) Society is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the achievements of women across the College of Engineering. The committee leads initiatives that highlight female accomplishments in academics, research, leadership and community impact, ensuring that outstanding contributions are acknowledged and shared with the wider community. Through these efforts, the committee aims to inspire excellence, promote visibility and encourage a culture that values and supports the success of women in engineering.

Lead

Sarah Tabouch
Associate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering
Office ESB 2164
Tel +971 6 515 2904 
[email protected]

Media and Events Coordinator

Dana Abdul Khalek
College Social Media and Events Coordinator
Office ESB 2109
Tel +971 6 515 2852​
[email protected]

Events

The College of Engineering hosts regular events with students, faculty and staff to reflect on our efforts and to encourage young women to join science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Read more about some of our past celebrations at the links below:

Student Clubs

Association of Women Engineers

Instagram | aus.awe

The Ada Club

Instagram | adaclub.aus

Women in Industrial Engineering

Instagram | women_in_ine

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