Over 170 Students Attend Orientation Program
Abu Dhabi-UAE: 11 September, 2012 – Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, today announced more than 170 newly enrolled students attended the two-day orientation program.
Dr Fred Moavenzadeh, President, Masdar Institute, Dr Lamya N. Fawwaz, Executive Director, Public Affairs, and other officials welcomed the fourth batch of students at the event that was held from 2-3 September, at Radisson Blu in Yas Island. A welcome dinner on 5 September was attended by a large number of students, as well as faculty members, staff and senior students.
Dr Fred Moavenzadeh urged the students to focus on their academic pursuit, making use of the world-class facilities available at the campus and contribute through innovation in sustainable and advanced technologies. He also asked them to emulate the example of the alumni, who continues to contribute to clean energy and advanced technology innovation globally through their professional lives. Dr Lamya Fawwaz encouraged them to embrace the unique opportunity to spend the next two years studying and doing research in a one-of-a-kind setting.
During the Orientation program, the newly enrolled students were presented with information on the inter-disciplinary academic offerings at Masdar Institute and the research areas they can select for their thesis. They were also brought up-to-date on the housing and residency policies for a sustainable living within the campus. The induction process also offered an occasion for the new students to individually interact with the staff, faculty and senior students.
Dr. Marwan Khraisheh, Dean of Masdar Institute, Dr. Youssef Shatilla, Associate Dean for Graduate Education, Dr. Scott Kennedy, Associate Dean for Research, other faculty members and members of the Recruitment Team highlighted various aspects of the academic process at Masdar Institute.
Moreover, students were provided with details on accessing IT services, the library and other facilities. Officials from the environment, health, safety and security (EHSS) department also offered students adequate guidance on the right use of existing facilities at Masdar Institute.
Abeer Almaazmi, a UAE national student of Engineering Systems and Management program, believes that Masdar Institute is one of the best engineering institutions in the Middle East. Almaazmi said: “I am very proud to join Masdar Institute as it offers world class education in advanced research. I will aim to become one of the remarkable students in the future.”
Another UAE national student of Engineering Systems and Management program, Muna Saleh Ahmed Moqbel, joined Masdar Institute to play a key role in enhancing the energy sector of the UAE. Muna said: “I would like to improve myself and gain more knowledge in order to lead my country into the new era of energy and handle projects with huge impact on the environment. I was amazed by the large number of the students who have come from different countries, and I was happy to meet them and learn more about their cultures.”
Mustafa Hussain, a UAE national student, said: “When I heard about the collaboration between Masdar Institute and MIT, I was keen to join since I know MIT is one of the best institutions, especially in engineering and technology. I appeared for the GRE and IELETS exams. And I was fortunate to have been selected among so many students who joined Masdar Institute.”
Ghita Wallin of Finland, another Engineering Systems and Management student, came across Masdar City and Masdar Institute when she was doing background research about sustainability for a company she worked for. Wallin said: “The Head of Admissions and a student visited my university to talk about Masdar Institute, and based on their presentation I decided that I wanted to be part of the Masdar experience. I feel that this is a truly inspiring environment, and I have met nice people from all over the world, which I found exciting. I am really looking forward to the next couple of years I am going to spend here.”
Daye Eom from the Republic of Korea has joined Engineering Systems and Management program to become part of this unique environment by studying with peers from diverse nationalities. Eom said: “Everything is new but interesting at the same time. Good to know different cultures and I like the motto of Masdar Institute, which is ‘Learning to change the world.’
Information on the Student Affairs Office & Career Services Office, as well as the Student Government Association and Clubs was also provided for students to spend their academic and leisure time usefully. They also learnt about the Masdar Institute Ambassadors Program and the scholarship program from ICT Fund that targets the UAE nationals.
Established as an on-going collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Masdar Institute integrates theory and practice to incubate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, working to develop the critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow. With its world-class faculty and top-tier students, the Institute is committed to finding solutions to the challenges of clean energy and climate change through education and research.
