In a remarkable achievement, Texas A&M at Qatar student Wala Abdelhalim ’25 has clinched the third-place position for her outstanding poster presentation at the 2023 AIChE – American Institute of Chemical Engineers Student Conference.
Abdelhalim, a dedicated chemical engineering student, showcased her groundbreaking project centered around the development of electronic skin using conjugated polymers. The project, led by Dr. Mohammed Al-Hashimi, featured collaborative efforts with Dr. Konstatinos Kakosimos and was carried out under the mentorship of Dr. Maciej Barlog.
The initiative, supported by the Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council’s Undergraduate Research Experience Program, delves into the innovative realm of electronic skin—a technology with vast applications in fields ranging from healthcare to robotics.
Wala Abdelhalim’s research explores the unique properties of conjugated polymers to create electronic skin that mimics the sensitivity and responsiveness of human skin. Such advancements hold significant promise for the development of next-generation wearable devices and prosthetics, revolutionizing human-machine interfaces.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Hashimi, the lead principal investigator for the project, expressed pride in Wala’s accomplishments, stating, “Wala’s dedication and ingenuity have been instrumental in advancing our understanding of electronic skin. Her third-place win at the prestigious AIChE Student Conference is a testament to the high caliber of research conducted at Texas A&M at Qatar.”
The collaborative nature of the project, involving expertise from Dr. Konstatinos Kakosimos and mentorship from Dr. Maciej Barlog, underscores the interdisciplinary approach to cutting-edge research at the institution.
The Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council’s support through the Undergraduate Research Experience Program played a pivotal role in empowering Wala Abdelhalim to explore and contribute to the forefront of chemical engineering innovation.
Wala Abdelhalim ’25 expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am honored to have had the opportunity to contribute to this groundbreaking research. The support from QRDI and the guidance from my mentors have been crucial in bringing this project to fruition.”
The recognition at the AIChE Student Conference solidifies Texas A&M at Qatar’s commitment to fostering excellence in research and innovation. Wala Abdelhalim’s success not only highlights her individual achievement but also showcases the university’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in the field of chemical engineering.
