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As part of its transformative learning culture, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) develops an entrepreneurial mindset in its graduates and the competencies to transform theoretical ideas into applied solutions for real-world impact. As entrepreneurs of the future, HBKU graduates are equipped to innovate for the advancement of society through novel applied solutions to challenges facing Qatar and the region, which also have global relevance.
Mohamed Sqalli, graduating with a PhD in Computer Science from the College of Science and Engineering (CSE), says: “I chose HBKU and this particular degree for its unique opportunity to develop myself and flourish, not only academically, but in all other positive aspects. I had the chance to do cutting-edge, regionally relevant research in accordance with my beliefs and values. Pursuing a PhD at HBKU helped me connect with my faith and values but at the same time remain open to the diversity that HBKU and Education City has to offer.”
Under the supervision of Dr. Dena Al-Thani, Assistant Professor and the Director of Interdisciplinary Programs at CSE, and Dr. Mohamed Elshazly, Cleveland Clinic, Sqalli specialized in human-computer interaction focusing on examining human electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretability through eye movement to improve automated outcomes.
“HBKU focuses on a multidisciplinary approach to research, making possible and encouraging this combination of computer science and medicine,” he says.
One of the highlights of his studies was publishing a scientific paper with researchers from top institutions in the US, UK, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco. “These scholars were role models when I first started my PhD journey and, by the end, I became an active collaborator. This demonstrates that HBKU prepared and equipped me with all the necessary tools to be the next role model, hopefully.”
During an outstanding academic journey, Sqalli was selected to participate in the Microsoft ‘Hack for Good’ at Cambridge University, UK, where he ranked in the top 10 in the final qualifying round. In November 2021, he was awarded the Student Innovation Fund (SIF) from the HBKU Innovation Center to develop a proactive artificial intelligence and augmented reality-based eye-tracking system to train cardiology professionals to interpret electrocardiograms better. In keeping with the Innovation Center’s aim to promote industry-relevant innovation activities, the fund supports local students to realize their business ideas. The award sets him on a path to fulfill his potential as a socially-relevant entrepreneur at the forefront of advancing real-world results in a field of vital future importance.
Abdulla Al-Wahedi, who completed his PhD in Sustainable Energy, says: “My overall journey at HBKU has been astonishing. I gained extensive knowledge and the skills necessary to enrich my knowledge and pursue my research. I am so honored to be among HBKU’s 2022 graduates.”
Under the supervision of Dr. Yusuf Bicer, Assistant Professor of Sustainable Development at CSE, his dissertation research topic was a comprehensive assessment of an autonomous electric vehicle fast charging station with multiple renewables and energy storage systems. He has published his first paper in “Energy Storage”, one of the highest-ranked journals in his field.
“I chose the Sustainable Energy program because it is unique in merging several engineering disciplines, and is highly relevant to Qatar’s National Vision 2030. As a full-time employee at KAHRAMAA, I perceive this program as providing an excellent opportunity to enrich my knowledge in e-mobility, smart grids, and renewable energy, which falls under our mission and initiatives.
“The program focuses on the fundamental knowledge of sustainable energy and goes far beyond, to equip participants with advanced research skills and detailed technological knowledge. It embraces building capacities essential to contribute actively in deploying innovative sustainable solutions and developing policies, rules, regulations, and incentives for promoting eco-friendly technologies as a substitute for traditional ones.”
Highlighting the aspects that made his learning journey “motivating and thrilling”, he reflects on the many opportunities to engage in fruitful discussions with his professors and classmates, whose multidisciplinary professional and academic backgrounds bring diverse learning dimensions into the classroom. As leading academics in their respective fields, HBKU faculty continue to earn global recognition. In January 2022, nearly 30 scientists and researchers from various colleges and institutes were named among the top two percent of the most-cited scientists worldwide in various disciplines.
“HBKU has a world-class faculty with a broad domain of expertise in several key areas of sustainability research, such as energy, water, and the environment. The university’s position within the Qatar Foundation ecosystem means that students have access to numerous professional development opportunities,” he adds.
Looking back over his time at HBKU, Al-Wahedi concludes: “The PhD program helped me build my scientific research skills and become a positive contributor to the sustainable energy research community. It assisted me in understanding how scientific research can be an effective tool in making impactful change in society and becoming an active enabler of sustainability within my organization and community. Going forward, I intend to continue being an enthusiastic researcher and implementer in the area of sustainability and explore new challenges that align with Qatar’s development agenda.”
For the Class of 2022, that is the essence of their educational journey: how HBKU has prepared them to turn their big ideas into real-world impact.
For more information on the programs and research at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, please visit hbku.edu.qa.