Masdar Institute's Summer Research Internships Help Develop UAE Nationals in Science and Technology

15 UAE National Undergraduates Complete Summer Research Internship Program

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 24 July, 2014 – Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, today announced that its summer research internship programs for undergraduate students is working to contribute to Abu Dhabi’s human capital development.

The summer research internship program is targeted at talented UAE national undergraduates majoring in Science, Engineering or Math. The program offers students a critically important research experience, motivating them to innovate and obtain new solutions in clean energy and advanced technologies. It is also expected to encourage them to seek higher learning opportunities at Masdar Institute. To be accepted for the highly competitive internship, interested students must apply for specific projects proposed by Masdar Institute faculty. Selected students then undergo a six-.week long internship.

This internship program reflects only one aspect of Masdar Institute’s initiative to contribute to the overall human capital development efforts in Abu Dhabi. Throughout the year, Masdar Institute organizes knowledge-sharing forums, workshops and other such events, in line with the Abu Dhabi leadership’s directive to transform the emirate and the UAE into a center for knowledge and intellectual capital.

Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director, Public Affairs, Masdar Institute, said: “Supported by the country’s leadership, our annual research internship programs are designed to build capabilities of UAE nationals in science and technology. In line with the UAE directive, Masdar Institute will continue to develop future programs in areas of new technology that will be offered to undergraduate interns every year. We believe the current group of students has gained fresh insights into conducting research with advanced laboratory equipment.”

Dr. Ken Volk, Outreach Manager, Masdar Institute, said: “We have 15 UAE nationals participating in the summer research internship program, which we believe will enrich their academic and laboratory experience . We thank the UAE leadership for their continuous support to our human capital development initiatives.”

Participating interns under the summer internship program are excited about the research experience they are receiving and the modern cutting-edge laboratory facilities at Masdar Institute.

Asmaa Almazrouee’s research focuses on ‘Graphene Nanostructure Advanced Characterization’ and she is advised by Dr. Adel Gougam, Assistant Professor, Material Science and Engineering. A University of Sharjah student, Almazrouee said: “This research experience has been special because I was working with two doctors, instead of just another intern student. With more practical experience, I hope I can do something useful at Masdar Institute and publish a paper in the near future.”

Mariam Ahmed Ali Salem Al Dhaheri from the UAE University participated in Masdar Institute Ektashif program last summer and she loved the experience. Al Dhaheri is doing her ‘Core Research Laboratory’ internship, advised by Dr. Mustapha Jouiad, Microscopy Suite Manager and Principal Research Scientist at the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. The program involves learning to set up and operate electron microscopes. Her project is titled ‘Characterization of API X52 steel pipelines using metallography and electron microscopy’.

About her experience, Al Dhaheri said: “This is a golden chance for me to get engaged in research and learn the proper scientific approach. I will definitely apply for Master's degree at Masdar Institute after my graduation.”

Dina Muraish from Abu Dhabi University is also doing a ‘Core Research Laboratory’ internship with electron microscopes. She feels that, unlike other educational institutes or even companies, Masdar Institute, has within a short period of time, proven its place not only in the UAE but also worldwide because its dedicated researchers seek worldwide sustainable solutions – an area she is keenly interested in.

Muraish added: “I have acquired more practical skills in high-tech laboratories, which I have never experienced before. I have gained worthy knowledge from highly qualified faculty that definitely did help me in getting a better insight into the many environmental problems that the UAE and other countries face and how they could be resolved. The knowledge that I gained over here has given me more awareness to assist in making the UAE an environmentally better place for future generations.”