AUS honors graduate students for dedication, discovery and leadership

Each year, American University of Sharjah (AUS) recognizes exceptional graduate students through the University Awards for Excellence in Graduate Studies. When Faisal Mustafa, Waad Abuwatfa and Habibelrahman Hassan started their graduate studies at AUS, they had no idea their research would take them from lab benches to international recognition. For the Academic Year 2024–2025, these three remarkable individuals have been selected for this prestigious honor.

Established in 2017, the awards recognize two categories of distinction: research, scholarly and creative work; and overall academic and leadership excellence. Students are nominated by their graduate programs and selected by a university-wide committee. 

Dr. Faisal Mustafa
PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
Graduate Student Academic and Leadership Excellence Award

As a scholar, leader, and advocate for student empowerment, Dr. Faisal Mustafa has left an indelible mark on the AUS community. He currently serves as a Post-Doctoral Research Assistant in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and is a Council Member of the AUS Alumni Association. Dr. Mustafa earned his PhD in Materials Science and Engineering with distinction, recognized not only for his academic contributions but also for his leadership in enhancing the graduate student experience.

His PhD research explored the behavior of advanced materials that could play a role in next-generation technologies. He studied how certain metals and crystals conduct electricity and respond to magnetic fields, work that helps scientists better understand materials used in things like quantum computers and energy-efficient electronics. His discoveries, which shed light on unusual electrical and magnetic behaviors, were published in top scientific journals such as Physical Review B, Applied Physics Letters and ACS Applied Energy Materials.

As President of the Graduate Student Association, he led initiatives that enriched the academic and social life of graduate students. From organizing interdisciplinary events and workshops to collaborating with the Office of the Chancellor on key student-focused projects, Dr. Mustafa helped cultivate a supportive and inclusive graduate student community.

“Receiving this award is a true honor and a reflection of the incredible support and opportunities I’ve had at AUS,” he said. “It inspires me to continue leading with purpose, contributing to academic growth and empowering others along the way.”

Dr. Waad Abuwatfa
PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, CAS
Doctoral Award for Research, Scholarly and Creative Work Excellence

Dr. Waad Abuwatfa’s journey with AUS spans nearly a decade. After earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemical engineering at AUS, she pursued a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, where she established herself as a rising scholar in cancer research and drug delivery. 

Her innovative research has gained international recognition, with a strong focus on targeted therapies for cancer. Over the course of six years, she authored more than 25 peer-reviewed publications, many of which appeared in high-impact journals. Notably, she published in the Journal of Biomedical Science, ranked top 2 percent of journals in its field, emphasizing the quality and relevance of her work. Her studies have been widely cited by other researchers, reflecting their significant contribution to advancing biomedical science.

At a recent conference in Hawaii, she received the Best Student Presentation award for her paper on a novel nanotechnology-based approach to treating HER2-positive breast cancer. Her work explores targeted drug delivery, offering potential for safer and more personalized therapies.

“Pursuing a PhD in STEM was far from easy, especially as a woman navigating the unique challenges of the field,” she shared. “I am deeply grateful to AUS and to everyone who supported me. Beyond academic milestones, this journey taught me resilience, determination, and the value of perseverance.”

Habibelrahman Hassan
Master of Science in Civil Engineering, College of Engineering (CEN)
Master’s Award for Research, Scholarly and Creative Work Excellence

A civil engineering graduate with a focus on green buildings and construction innovation, Habibelrahman Hassan has emerged as a leading voice in sustainable development through research, advocacy and public engagement.

His research on the thermal performance of 3D-printed buildings—developed in collaboration with the Energy Efficiency area at Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s Research and Development (DEWA R&D) Center as part of their Al Baheth program—has led to significant recognition, including the Dr. Owainati Student Excellence Award by the Emirates Green Building Council. He has published in top-tier academic journals such as Automation in Construction and has shared his expertise at international events including The Big 5 Global in Dubai, the American Concrete Institute Concrete Convention in Boston and the World Utilities Congress in Abu Dhabi—delivering keynote presentations on topics such as 3D printing in construction and sustainability in the built environment, and participating in panel discussions on youth involvement in sustainability.

Hassan was also awarded the American Concrete Institute Foundation’s Middle East and North Africa Fellowship, a prestigious opportunity that supports emerging leaders pursuing careers in areas like 3D printing in construction. He is currently part of Masdar's Youth4Sustainability Program as a Future Sustainability Leader, further reflecting his commitment to driving impactful change in the built environment.

His passion for innovation extends beyond the lab. A smart waste management solution he developed using a GIS-based approach won first place at the National Emirati Society of GIS and Remote Sensing (ESGRS) Challenge – Sustainability Edition hosted by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre. Most recently, he received the 2025 Graduate Research Excellence Award from CEN.

“I am incredibly honored to receive this award, but it is far from an individual effort,” he said. “I share this recognition with my AUS mentors Dr. Adil Al-Tamimi and Dr. Tarig Ali, Dr. Edwin Rodriguez-Ubinas from DEWA R&D Center, as well as the faculty and staff of the Department of Civil Engineering, CEN and my family and friends who encouraged and believed in me every step of the way.”

This year’s award selection committee included Dr. Youssef Belhamadia from CAS, Dr. Malick Ndiaye from CEN and Dr. Mona Mrad from the School of Business Administration.

Reflecting on the awardees' achievements, Dr. Mohamed El-Tarhuni, Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost at AUS, stated: “These students represent the very best of AUS—where scholarship is driven by purpose, leadership is grounded in service and every challenge is met with curiosity and determination. We are proud of their accomplishments and confident that their work will continue to make an impact far beyond our campus.”

AUS currently offers 21 master’s and eight PhD programs that foster academic excellence, research innovation and regional impact. To learn more about graduate studies and research at AUS, click here.