Meet KAUST prospective student: Reem Alghamdi

About

-By Taruna Rapaka

Reem Alghamdi is a computer science graduate from Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Saudi Arabia. Reem will join KAUST this fall as a M.S. candidate under the supervision of Professor Peter Richtarik.

Reem was inspired by Professor Richtarik to pursue maths and the theoretical side of computer science. KAUST's diverse campus, outstanding research labs, facilities and world-class faculty prompted Reem to continue her academic career at the University.

When did your interest in computer science arise? What are your research interests?

I was interested in technology from a young age. In middle school, I made my first PC game and desktop application. I continued this skill throughout high school and made more games and websites. I am currently interested in machine learning and its applications.

What do you do in your spare time? What are you passionate about?

In my spare time, I like learning new languages. I speak Arabic, English and Japanese. I am currently learning Chinese, too. I also enjoy programming; it is my hobby, passion, major, and hopefully, one day my career. I picked up crochet lately, too. And I love cooking and reading.

What is your future outlook?

I want to become a professor in the future. I love teaching and programming. Becoming a professor is, for me, hitting two birds with one stone: you get to keep up with the newest technologies, play with them, and teach the next generation the wonders of these technologies!

Can you give a piece of advice to students who plan to pursue a M.S./Ph.D. at KAUST?

Prepare well; revise your subjects thoroughly. Do not be nervous during the interviews. KAUST is very beautiful, and it deserves every minute of hardship pursuing an admission here.