The College of Science and Engineering (CSE), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University, recently announced its most successful cycle of the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) Graduate Student Research Award (GSRA) program yet, with 17 students receiving a scholarship.

The program, now in its seventh cycle, was launched to promote the most deserving students QNRF believe will go on to promote a world-class research culture in Qatar, and who will contribute to the nation’s research and development (R&D) mission.

We spoke to some of the award recipients about what the scholarship means to them, their experience of studying at HBKU and their aspirations to be part of that mission.

What does this recognition mean to you?

Receiving a GSRA scholarship means I have realized one of my biggest dreams. I always had this ambition and was eager to pursue my studies and obtain my PhD. This grant gives me great motivation to become a researcher and I will do my best to use this scholarship for the benefit of my university, society, and country in general. 

Can you tell us about your research projects that led to you receiving the scholarship?

I have done a great deal of research in different fields, including marine and medicine, but when I joined Qatar Petroleum (QP) as a sustainability expert, I wanted to learn more about this field and I obtained an MS in Sustainable Energy at HBKU. After my graduation, I was able to publish a paper on food waste management and then decided to do extra research on solid waste management.

Can you tell us about your background, and why research is important to you?

I started my research during my bachelor’s in Environmental Science (Biotechnology) at Qatar University, where I learned so much and published several scientific papers. I then joined QP as a lab analyst, and was later promoted to be in charge of sustainability. To be sustainable, we must invest more in research and technology, to enable us to live a better life and sustain our children's future. This is why I decided to explore ways to not only manage waste, but convert it into useful products such as energy. 

What are your long-term aspirations in terms of contributing to Qatar’s R&D mission?

I want to become an expert in solid waste management in addition to finding the most sustainable solid waste management techniques applied and adopted by countries all over the world, to better manage waste in an environmentally safe and efficient way. 

Can you tell us about your experience of studying at HBKU?

I studied toward my master’s in Sustainable Energy at HBKU, where I gained a lot of experience that enabled me to progress in my career as a sustainability expert. At HBKU, I was given the opportunity to do modeling using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which is one of the most useful techniques I have applied in my job. At HBKU, I also completed my first publication as first author, with the help of high caliber doctors and professors.