Engineering Education and Research Partnership between PMU and Curtin University

ALKHOBAR | Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Dean of Engineering at Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia, Professor Moses Tadé visited Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU) and met the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Dr. Nassar Shaikh and the Dean of the College of Engineering, Dr. Jamal Nayfeh. Dr. Moses Tadé interacted with PMU’s College of Engineering faculty members and students and toured the College instructional and research facilities. International collaborations are integral to PMU’s philosophy and practice as an innovative model for a Saudi institution of higher education. PMU seizes opportunities to establish deeper and enduring relationships that produce world-class joint programs. It grooms next generation of Saudi engineers through providing modern learning opportunities. The university is visible nationally and internationally with its recognitions. Such objectives are achieved, in part, through partnerships with select international universities including Curtin University. “International partnerships enhance and transform PMU to achieve long-term goals of campus internationalization and prepare students for an entry into the global workforce,” said Dr. Nassar M. Shaikh. He further added that “our partnership will provide opportunity to PMU engineering baccalaureate graduates to pursue Master’s and doctorate engineering studies at Curtin University.” Dr. Moses Tadé said that “Curtin University is Western Australia’s largest and most multicultural university with strong commitment to global engagements with institutions of higher learning.” He stressed that “both PMU and Curtin University have much to benefit from joint innovative and cutting edge teaching and research activities which we intend on build for solid collaborative framework. It will bring value to both institutions in the near future.” This visit was highlighted by a technical seminar by Professor Moses Tadé as part of the lecture series sponsored by PMU’s Prince Sultan Endowment for Energy and the Environment. This seminar was titled “Role of Multi-Scale Modeling and Control in the Thermal Management of the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell.” Dr. Jamal Nayfeh remarked that “this Endowment supports fundamental and applied research, education, and training that will enable innovative processes for the sustainable production of energy and be environmentally benign, reduce greenhouse gas production, and utilize renewable resources that are abundant in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” The visit concluded with recommendations, models and strategies to initiate; manage and sustain a wide range of collaborative projects. Some of the key topics addressed included establishing a twining master’s of engineering degree program, offering graduate certificate program in corrosion engineering, exploring joint supervision of M.S. theses and Ph.D. dissertations. Designating PMU/National Instruments Center of Excellence in Systems Design a premier research facility for joint efforts and to start internship and study abroad opportunities for students were also highlighted.