AUS IISE student chapter wins Gold Award for the third time

The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) student chapter at American University of Sharjah (AUS) has been awarded the institute’s Gold Award for the 2025-26 academic year. The distinction, awarded to the chapter for the third time, stands as the top tier of recognition within the IISE’s international University Chapter Recognition program. It also builds on the chapter's history of excellence, which includes  Gold Awards in both the 2016-17 and 2017-18 academic years.

Established in 1948, IISE is the premier global professional organization for the field of industrial and systems engineering. To secure the esteemed Gold Award, student chapters must adhere to the institute’s benchmarks for productivity while satisfying administrative, recruitment and operational requirements. The AUS IISE chapter exhibited exceptional results across every audited sector, including professional initiatives, operational success and extensive student involvement.

“Securing the Gold Award on a global stage is an incredible validation of the strategic focus our members bring to the discipline,” said Sabrina Attari, outgoing president of the chapter and a graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering program. “We are proud of the fact that the caliber of engineering activities, industry-interface programs and professional networks are fully competitive with top-tier institutions globally. The IISE student chapter is not just a campus club, it is an active professional resource for its members.”

Former treasurer and current president Youssef Abdellatif, a senior in the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering program, highlighted that Attari and her team used past operational roadblocks as a blueprint for growth. They completely restructured their outreach, revitalized their media presence to drive university-wide recognition and expanded chapter membership from 10 to 24 active members.

The key initiatives organized by the chapter included workshops providing specialized training in industry software such as Lingo and Minitab, an immersive trip to South Korea to study large-scale study tours and alumni seminars to help share practical knowledge with student members.

The highlight of the year was the organization of the first-ever student-led IISE Regional Student Conference hosted within the GCC. More than 200 attendees, including students, faculty and alumni from multiple regional universities, heard from nine high-profile industry speakers. The conference had an immediate industrial impact, paving the way for corporate sponsorships and direct student internship opportunities with three participating firms.

“One of the biggest lessons from leading IISE was that meaningful impact rarely comes from a single event. It comes from consistently showing up, listening, adapting and building experiences that genuinely add value. Whether it was organizing the regional conference, connecting students with alumni, or creating opportunities for professional growth, our focus was always on serving our members. This recognition is a result of that commitment and the collective effort of everyone who contributed throughout the year,” Attari added.

Shawki Zaitoun, former PR coordinator of the club said: “Being the PR coordinator of IISE has helped me grow a lot in communication, teamwork, and planning. It gave me the chance to connect with students, promote useful events, and represent the chapter in a way that feels professional but still close to the student community.”

Hamza Ammar, the outgoing activities coordinator, also highlighted his experience. “My time with IISE has been one of growth, leadership and meaningful impact. Through organizing activities and helping lead the first student-led IISE Regional Conference in the GCC, I learned the value of teamwork, innovation, and creating opportunities that bring students together and inspire future leaders.”

The chapter’s success is attributed to the rigorous academic standards of the AUS Department of Industrial Engineering, with Head of the Department Dr. Abdulrahim Shamayleh serving as the club’s faculty advisor. 

“We are extremely proud of the AUS IISE Student Chapter for earning the Gold Award, which reflects the dedication, leadership, and professionalism of our students throughout the academic year,” noted Dr. Shamayleh. “This recognition highlights the chapter’s commitment to organizing impactful activities that enrich the student experience and strengthen connections with industry. Congratulations to all board members, volunteers, participants and faculty advisors whose contributions made this achievement possible.”

For next academic year, the incoming executive committee plans to grow upon the work done by their predecessors and make use of their past experiences, as Abdellatif steps in to lead the newly elected executive board, alongside Vice President Seifalla Ali, Secretary Mamoun F. Baidas and Treasurer Ahmed Elayat.

To explore the academic associations and professional student chapters within the College of Engineering, visit

www.aus.edu/cen/community/student#student-clubs-and-organizations.

To explore the academic associations at AUS, visit www.aus.edu/life-at-aus/student-life/clubs-and-organizations/academic-as....