Texas A&M University at Qatar proudly announces Aysha Melhim and Abdulla Zaza as the inaugural recipients of the Texas A&M at Qatar-ExxonMobil Fellowship, marking a significant stride towards advancing climate solutions in the LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) value chain. The fellowship, a testament to the collaboration between ExxonMobil Qatar and Texas A&M University at Qatar, seeks to foster research initiatives in carbon management and sustainability.
As part of this groundbreaking fellowship, Aysha Melhim and Abdulla Zaza, both graduate students, will channel their research efforts towards addressing the critical challenges associated with climate change and sustainable energy. Zaza’s research will delve into the techno-economic analysis of diverse process design options aimed at decarbonizing the LNG supply chain. Meanwhile, Melhim will focus on developing a concentrated solar-powered technology tailored for multiple high-temperature industrial applications.
Dr. Patrick Linke, Chair of the Chemical Engineering Program at Texas A&M University at Qatar, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Aysha and Abdulla as the first recipients of the Texas A&M at Qatar-ExxonMobil Fellowship. This is a unique opportunity for our talented graduate students to conduct cutting-edge research on topics that are vital for Qatar’s transition to a more sustainable energy future.”
The fellowship is not only a financial support mechanism but also provides access to valuable data, expertise, professional development opportunities, and extensive networking possibilities within ExxonMobil. Mehhim and Zaza, along with their faculty advisors, will benefit from the guidance and insights of industry specialists at ExxonMobil, both in Qatar and globally. Additionally, the recipients will have the opportunity to tour and work at an ExxonMobil facility, further enriching their research experience.
Speaking about her anticipation for the fellowship, Melhim emphasized the potential impact of her work on industry practices. She stated, “My work can have a direct impact on industry practices, and so I am excited to have this opportunity to get direct constructive feedback from a leading industry player.”
Zaza, recognizing ExxonMobil’s global leadership in energy production and commitment to low-carbon energy, sees the fellowship as a gateway to professional development and networking opportunities. He said, “As a chemical engineering M.Sc student, I applied to the ExxonMobil fellowship for several reasons, including financial support, data and expertise access, professional development, and networking.”
The fellowship arises from a broader agreement between ExxonMobil Qatar and Texas A&M University at Qatar to advance initiatives and collaborate on opportunities in the carbon management and sustainability space. Dr. César O. Malavé, Dean of Texas A&M University at Qatar, emphasized the potential global impact of the research, stating, “Our research should have a direct positive impact for the world. Through the Texas A&M at Qatar-ExxonMobil fellowship, our students will be able to pursue projects that address the dual challenge of providing reliable, affordable energy to the world while reducing environmental impact.”
Dominic Genetti, President and General Manager for ExxonMobil Qatar, expressed excitement about the fellowship’s winners, stating, “We’re thrilled to announce the winners of the ExxonMobil Qatar Graduate Fellowship in Low-Carbon Energy with our partner Texas A&M University at Qatar – congratulations to both fellows.” Genetti highlighted ExxonMobil’s commitment to building local talent in carbon management and advancing research on a broad range of climate solutions.
The fellowship stands as a cornerstone in nurturing the next generation of researchers and leaders committed to addressing the challenges of climate change and ensuring a sustainable energy future.
