In a remarkable display of talent and dedication, two high school students, Maria Qumsani and Bandar AlBraheem, started their journey at the KAUST SRSI program last year. The students were mentored by students from the Robotics, Intelligent Systems, and Control (RISC) Lab under the guidance of Professor Eric Feron. Maria and Bandar participated in the national competition IBDAA, where their outstanding performance granted them a pass to the renowned International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2023 in Dallas, Texas.
The world’s largest pre-college STEM serves as a launching pad for scientific breakthroughs and a hub of innovation, attracting a diverse cohort of approximately 1,700 students from over 70 countries. It fosters collaboration and provides a platform for young minds actively pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration.
Maria Qumsani participated in the Engineering Technology: Statics and Dynamics category. Among 70 projects, her project: Development of a Testing Platform for an Underwater Surveying Robot to Assess Coral Reef Health, was awarded 4th place.
Bandar Albraheem participated in the Robotics and Intelligent Machines category. Among 76 projects, his project: An adaptable, Cost-Effective, Compact Approach to 3D Printer Self-Repair achieved 4th place.
In addition to their awards in their respective categories, Maria and Bandar received special recognition at ISEF 2023. Maria earned nominations for three prestigious awards from esteemed organizations such as the Air Force Research Laboratory, the National Geographic Society, and the Office of Naval Research on behalf of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Bandar earned a nomination for a special award from the Office of Naval Research on behalf of the United States Navy and Marine Corps.
These nominations serve as a testament to the significance of their work and reaffirm the impact of their research in various fields.
Congratulations to Maria and Bandar from the RISC Lab at KAUST. The students from the RISC lab are proud to have mentored you on your scientific journey and wish you both continued success and the best in your future endeavors.
