The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on alternative energy and sustainability, honored five UAE national students for working as interns with professors and graduate students on research projects as part of the summer internship program.

At an event organized in late July at the Masdar Institute campus, faculty members were additionally honoured for mentoring the five interns who worked on various research areas under the Masdar Institute Research Experience for Undergraduate Students (MI-REUS) program.

Under the four-week MI-REUS program, Ayesha Ibrahim Abdullah Ahmed Al Hosani, a student from the UAE University worked with Dr. Hassan Fath on a project titled ‘Membrane for Desalination and Pre-Treatment Systems’, while Saleha Mubarak Mohammed Al Mheriri from the UAE University worked with Dr. Toufic Mezher on ‘Measuring RE-readiness for the Diffusion of Renewable Energy Technologies in Developing Countries’.

Dr. Isam Janajreh had Eiman Ahmed Mohamed Khalaf Al Hammadi from the UAE University as the research assistant to investigate the ‘Effect of the Fuel/Oxidizer Mixing and Incomplete Conversion on the Fuel Cell Performance’. Dr. Inas Khayal mentored Abdulla Salem Ahmed Al-Kayoumi from the UAE University to research on ‘Mapping Location and Use of UAE Activity Centers’, while Mouza Humaid Al Zaabi from the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) interned to investigate ‘Mapping and Understanding Abu Dhabi Food Sources’.

Dr. Lamya N. Fawwaz, Executive Director of Public Affairs, Masdar Institute, said: “The MI-REUS program is part of Masdar’s objective to contribute to Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030 that aims to build a sustainable knowledge-based economy. In addition, by nurturing and encouraging talented UAE national graduates to conduct research, we are further expanding the profile of renewable energy and sustainability among the youth. We believe our efforts will effectively shift Abu Dhabi towards becoming the preeminent source for knowledge, development and implementation in renewable energy initiatives.”

Dr. Ken Volk, Outreach Manager at Masdar Institute, said: “The interns enthusiastically participated in their respective research projects that focused on energy, environment and sustainability. It was indeed gratifying to host such talented students who demonstrated professionalism in their allotted research areas. We are confident more talented undergraduate students will choose to experience and participate in the exciting research being undertaken at Masdar Institute next summer.”

Ayesha Al Hosani said: “The intense research environment and the world-class faculty that were mentoring the program were truly inspiring for me. The Masdar internship program enabled me to acquire key insights in the area of my research on membrane desalination systems. The program has empowered me to chart my professional career in alternate energy. I am delighted to have participated in the Masdar campus summer internship program.”

Eiman Al Hammadi said: “The well-equipped and state-of-the-art laboratory facilities significantly helped my research on fuel cell efficiency. My mentor’s discerning and novel subject-specific concepts opened fresh vistas in my knowledge horizon. I am confident the experience gained during the summer program will qualify me to meaningfully contribute to the renewable energy sector.”

The MI-REUS program that commenced on 3 July attracted a number of students from the science, engineering and information technology streams. The selection committee comprising academicians considered various factors including academic background and interests to match projects with the professors. The program is offered to the UAE nationals who are university seniors and/or those graduating this year.

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