AUS students recognized among regional winners at the Global Undergraduate Awards 2025

American University of Sharjah (AUS) students delivered another strong performance at this year’s Global Undergraduate Awards (GUA), the world’s largest academic awards program recognizing innovation at the undergraduate level. AUS students achieved two Regional Winner awards and five Highly Commended recognitions, representing contributions from 19 students. This latest performance reaffirms AUS’ position among the strongest performers in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Among the Regional Winners were Asfar Ameerdeen and Afreen Saheed, Spring 2025 graduates in architecture and design. They were recognized for their project titled Beyond Vision: Exploring Multisensory Approaches in Architecture. The project, developed under the supervision of Professor Michael Hughes, explores how architecture can engage the senses beyond sight, offering alternative ways to experience and design space.

“This recognition means a great deal to me because it validates the idea that architecture is not just something to be seen; it is something to be felt,” said Asfar Ameerdeen. “Working on Beyond Vision encouraged Afreen and me to rethink how we design for all the senses, especially in a world where accessibility and inclusivity are central to meaningful spatial experiences. It is an honor to see that perspective recognized internationally,” added Amerdeen.

For Amerdeen, who grew up in Sharjah and whose family has been part of the AUS community for more than two decades, the recognition carries special significance.

Several other AUS students from across disciplines were also recognized for their research addressing timely global challenges.

In the Life Sciences category, Bayan Khatib, Maria Ajith, Yamna Azim, Rayan Kessi and Rhea Shroff were named Regional Winners for their collaborative study, The Effects of Stress-Resilience on Pyramidal Neuron Morphology in Layer II/III of the Primary Visual Cortex. Supervised by Associate Professor of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences Dr. Reem Khalil, their research was prized as the “single-best and most outstanding of the Life Sciences category's Highly Commended Entrants in the GCC and Africa region.”

Their research examined how stress resilience affects neuronal structure in the visual cortex, contributing to a better understanding of brain plasticity under stress and physiological resilience.

“We were driven by a key question: what does the anatomical architecture of a brain that copes well with chronic stress look like? By examining the structure of the visual cortex of resilient individuals, our work moves beyond simply understanding disorders like depression and PTSD, and helps lay the groundwork for interventions designed to proactively build resilience,” said Rayan Kessi, speaking on behalf of the team. “Being recognized for our work has been an incredible honor and shows that even undergraduate research can contribute to meaningful, global conversations in neuroscience.”

Since its launch in 2012, the Global Undergraduate Awards has recognized top undergraduate work from universities around the world, connecting students across cultures and disciplines.

“Each year, AUS ranks among the strongest performers in the MENA region in the Global Undergraduate Awards, with our students earning recognition across a broad spectrum of disciplines,” said Dr. Matthias Ruth, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost. “Their success reflects the strength of AUS’ undergraduate teaching and learning environment and our commitment to nurturing intellectually curious graduates who think critically, conduct rigorous research, and engage creatively with today’s most pressing global challenges.”

To learn more about studying at AUS, visit www.aus.edu/prospective-students.

Regional Winners

Architecture and Design

Beyond Vision: Exploring Multisensory Approaches in Architecture
Asfar Ameerdeen and Afreen Saheed (supervised by Professor Michael Hughes)

Life Sciences

The Effects of Stress-Resilience on Pyramidal Neuron Morphology in Layer II/III of the Primary Visual Cortex
Bayan Khatib, Maria Ajith, Yamna Azim, Rayan Kessi, Rhea Shroff (supervised by Associate Professor Dr. Reem Khalil)

Highly Commended

Computer Science 

SHATRANG: Smart Hybrid Applications for Transformative and Accessible Neuroadaptive Gaming — Rana Gharaibeh, Lodan Elmugamer, Abdulla Mahir Bin Saifudheen and Hassan Abouelela (supervised by Dr. Hicham Hallal, currently at York University and formerly Senior Lecturer of Computer Science and Engineering at AUS)

Life Sciences

Exploring the Relationship Between Heart Rate Variability, Problematic Smartphone Use and Resilience on Mental Health — Maha Khazi and Dima Rafeek (supervised by Associate Professor Dr. Sarah Dalibalta)

Architecture and Design

Terraforming Acupunctures — Ajay Sunil and Salma Hani Ali (supervised by Professor George Katodrytis)

Maggie’s Center at Abu Dhabi — Rouqaya Almufti and Hala Al-Khrishi (supervised by Associate Professor Marcus Farr)

Hybridizing Morphologies: Vertical Solutions for Walkable Futures — Heidy Tarek Adel Thabet and Dana Ahmed Fawzy Mohamed Abodahab (supervised by Professor Michael Hughes)