Dr. Hussein Alnuweiri, professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Texas A&M University at Qatar, has been appointed as the first holder of the Maersk Oil Qatar Professorship in STEM Leadership for the next two years.
Alnuweiri was awarded the prestigious position in recognition of his cutting-edge research and his significant contributions to educational outreach to young Qataris. The STEM professorship is part of the Dhia: Engineering Leaders partnership between Maersk Oil Qatar and Texas A&M at Qatar that is developing local capacity in science and engineering teaching whilst inspiring the next generation of young engineers and scientists in support of the Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030) through practical skills development programs.
“Dr. Alnuweiri’s rich portfolio of STEM education and other outreach activities made him an obvious choice for this prestigious new professorship,” said Dr. Ann Kenimer, interim dean of Texas A&M at Qatar. “He is an integral part of the success of this campus and in achieving our vision of being the premier provider of engineering education in the region, a valuable contributor to knowledge internationally, and a valued resource to the State of Qatar. We congratulate Dr. Alnuweiri for this tremendous honor.”
Alnuweiri recently delivered his inaugural talk, which focused on the future of technology and the “Internet of Things” in which devices, infrastructure and appliances become increasingly interconnected to enhance lives. He noted the growing demand for exceptional expertise in science and engineering to support these emerging technologies, something he will be exploring further through research and thought leadership in his new role.
Lewis Affleck, Managing Director of Maersk Oil Qatar, commented, “The appointment of the Maersk Oil Qatar STEM Professor is another important milestone for the Dhia: Engineering Leaders program. It will enhance understanding of how teaching and learning practices in the context of Qatar can promote greater success and participation in STEM subjects in young people.
“STEM skills are vital for a strong knowledge-based economy and for developing the country’s future scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs. Maersk Oil Qatar is committed to Qatar for generations to come and through long-term sustainable programmes such as Dhia we are working to bring real meaningful benefits to the State of Qatar in support of the QNV 2030. We are confident that Dr. Alnuweiri and the Professorship in STEM Leadership will contribute significantly to this field in the coming months and years.”
Alnuweiri joined Texas A&M at Qatar faculty as professor in 2007 and chaired the university’s Electrical and Computer Engineering Program from 2009 to 2014. An outstanding teacher and researcher, he has also carried out many outreach and STEM activities while at Texas A&M at Qatar.
During his time at Texas A&M at Qatar, he has produced more than 70 journal papers, 180 conference papers, three book chapters and several U.S. patents, as well as 12 research grants totaling almost $9 million in funding.