Date: Friday, December 13
Time: 5:00 p.m.
The entire KAUST community is cordially invited to attend virtually by watching the live stream at Discovery Square or on YouTube.
Commencement Speaker
Sir Edward Byrne
Professor Sir Edward Byrne AC FMedSci is a neuroscientist and clinician known for his significant contributions to academia, healthcare and society. He served as president and principal of King’s College London (KCL) from 2014 to 2021, where he led the university’s Vision 2029, enhancing its role on the national stage and chairing King’s Health Partners.
Before KCL, Professor Byrne was president and vice-chancellor of Monash University in Australia from 2009 to 2014, where he elevated Monash’s global rankings into the top 100 universities worldwide.
He earned his medical degree from the University of Tasmania and trained as a neurologist in Adelaide and London. He is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, the Royal Colleges of Physicians of London and Edinburgh, and the American Academy of Neurology. He is a member of a number of learned academies, including the Academy of Sciences in the UK and the Australian Academy of Science, Technology and Engineering.
Professor Byrne has received numerous honors, including the AO (Officer of the Order of Australia) in 2006, the AC (Companion of the Order of Australia) in 2014, and a Knighthood in Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday honors in 2020.
Class of 2024 Student Speakers
Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering | Arwa Alghuneim
Arwa Alghuneim earned her Ph.D. and master’s degrees in Bioscience from KAUST. She previously completed her bachelor’s degree in life sciences at Alfaisal University. Under the mentorship of Professor Jasmeen Merzaban, her research work focused on understanding the processes of leukemogenesis, aiming to discover novel and broadly effective therapies for acute myeloid leukemia.
Arwa has shared her research through publications and presentations at various international conferences. Upon completing her Ph.D., she hopes to contribute to the enrichment of the Saudi scientific research community.
Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering | Linda Alzaben
Linda Alzaben is an assistant professor currently teaching at King Abdulaziz University, where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics. She holds a Ph.D. from KAUST, and her research primarily focuses on the numerical analysis of partial differential equations, with an emphasis on finite/mixed finite element approximations of eigenvalue problems.
Linda has taught at the University of Business and Technology (UBT) and has helped deliver several short courses for organizations such as Aramco and the Ministry of Interior (MOI). She has actively participated in international conferences, attended the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) summer school, and collaborated with researchers from renowned institutions such as the University of Twente and the University of Warwick. She is also a proud member of the SIAM student chapter at KAUST.
Beyond academia, Linda has a keen interest in the Saudi Arabian economy and actively participates in the local stock market, applying her analytical and technical skills to investment strategies.
She is an avid swimmer and a certified PADI diver. Additionally, Linda is a certified life coach, having earned her certification through the pilot program at KAUST. She is passionate about helping individuals achieve their goals and overcome obstacles. She actively engages in community service through various volunteer initiatives. Linda was selected as the Convocation speaker for the academic year 2022/23 at KAUST and received the Dean’s List award for the academic year 2021/22.
Physical Science and Engineering |Yousef Algoos
Yousef Algoos is a Ph.D. graduate in Mechanical Engineering and specializes in Nano/Micro- Electro-Mechanical Systems (N/MEMS). His research focuses on advanced semiconductor technologies, driving innovation across key sectors like healthcare, aerospace and biotechnology. Yousef has received global recognition for his inventive achievements, including winning prestigious awards, such as third place and best young inventor at iENA 2012, third place at IBTIKAR 2013, third place at Falling Walls 2024, and the top project award at ShenTech Bootcamp 2024 in China.
Beyond his technical expertise, Yousef is deeply committed to youth leadership and innovation. He has been an active participant in programs like the Misk Leadership Program and has represented Saudi Arabia’s youth in global forums, including the UN Youth Assembly 2023 and UNDP’s Youth Leadership Program (YLP).
With a vision to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s technological leadership, Yousef aims to leverage his expertise in microchip design and manufacturing to contribute to the localization of the semiconductor industry in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.
Commencement Team
commencement@kaust.edu.sa