Undergraduate research projects were recognized for their excellence and innovation at the Annual Student Research Awards Ceremony held at American University of Sharjah (AUS) on May 3. Sponsored by the Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB) and organized by the AUS Office of Research, the annual awards recognize the best undergraduate student research projects at the university.

The winners were chosen by a faculty committee from a pool of nominees presented by different colleges and schools. The committee evaluated each project according to communication and presentation, completeness of application, depth of research and investigation, and innovation as well as creativity.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Wei Zhao, Chief Research Officer, said:

“Research is a critical part of education in the 21st century. It produces results that are useful to improve our lives and increase our productivity. More importantly, going through a research process (successful or not) helps our students to learn important skills such as critical thinking. We are pleased to announce the winners of our AUS student research competition. Many participants demonstrated great potential in research and development. We are confident that as AUS transforms itself into a research comprehensive university, our student research activities will have a significant growth.”

The winners for the academic year 2017-2018 were:

• First place:

“Cable-Driven Robotic Gait Rehabilitation System,” by computer science and engineering students Mohammed Elnawawy and Abid Farhan and mechanical engineering student, Ahmed Mohamed. The project was advised by Dr. Assim Saghayroon and Dr. Lotfi Romdhane.

• Second place:

“Development of a Biomedical Microwave Imaging System,” by electrical engineering students Yousuf Abo Rahama, Omar Al Aryani, Mohammed Al Awar and Uzma Ahmed Din. The project was advised by Dr. Amer Samir Zakaria and Dr. Nasser Qaddoumi.

• Third Place:
  • “Synthesis and Characterization of Triazine-Based Nitrogen Rich POF’s for CO2 Capture and Storage,” by chemistry student Ali Azari. The project was advised by Dr. Mohammad Al-Sayah and Dr. Oussama El-Kadri.
  • “Energy Management System for Smart Hybrid AC/DC Microgrids in Remote Communities,” by electrical engineering students Sherin Helal, Maria Hanna and Rawan Najee. The project was advised by Dr. Mostafa Shaaban, Dr. Ahmed Osman and Dr. Mohamed Hassan.
  • “Hybrid Bookstore – Museum – Café | Bendable Plywood,” by architecture student Priyanka Soni, advised by Jason Carlow.

Also present at the event were Jassem Al Baloushi, Head of Organizational Excellence at SIB; Kathleen Furr, Director of Research and Sponsored Project Administration who served as moderator; and other senior AUS officials.