Saudi woman student conducts advanced solar energy research at Masdar Institute

RIYADH: A Saudi female student from the US has conducted advanced research in solar technology at the Abu Dhabi-based Masdar Institute of Science and Technology.

Samar Alqatari is an engineering physics student with a focus on renewable energy at Stanford.
As a research assistant, Alqatari has spent the summer in the nanoelectronics and photonics labs of Dr. Ammar Nayfeh and Dr. Matteo Chiesa.

Her research focuses on the characterization of zinc oxide using a process called atomic force microscopy, which has the ability to analyze the surface and electric properties of nanomaterials, to look at the topography and conductivity properties of a zinc oxide thin film coating on a silicon wafer.

The results have many applications in electric devices, flexible electronics, and most importantly solar cells, according to a statement from Masdar.

Alqatari received her scholarship from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia to study at Stanford University.

Nayfeh said: “The nanoelectronics and photonics labs at Masdar Institute is the perfect location for promising students such as Samar Alqatari to conduct advanced research.” “Her research has already produced significant results, which we hope will benefit the academia and the solar energy industry.”
Alqatari said the research she conducted at Masdar has many applications in renewable energy, specifically solar power.

She added the institute has provided a stimulating environment for research and innovation.
She added: “The lab environment is very relaxed but at the same time their work on cutting-edge projects remains productive.”

She said Masdar Institute helped her decide on pursuing a career in academia with a focus on solar energy.

Women's Voices on the Arab Spring: Lara Ayoub



Lara Ayoub - News Director, Jordan

 1. Were women’s roles in the Arab Spring more or less meaningful than men’s roles?
Women played an essential role in the Arab Spring that was as important as the role of the men; however, in a region that has always been known to be male dominant, that equivalent role had much more meaning. This had a huge impact on the overall international perception and credibility of the uprising.

2. Have the revolts of the Arab Spring improved the position of women’s rights in the region?
For sure, her role in the Arab Spring forced the respect and acknowledgement of her rights within transformed/reformed countries such as Tunisia, Egypt and Yemen, and the entire region as well. However, women need to continue playing their vital, visible roles in the development of their communities, as the current transformations happening may compromise her rights.

3. How can the women of the Arab Spring turn this activism into long-term/sustainable gains?
By continuing to voice their opinions and playing their essential roles in their communities on a social, economical and political level, without accepting any compromises, women today can demonstrate that they are an active 50% of the population and will always have 50% of the say.

Women's Voices on the Arab Spring: Fida Ouri



Fida Ouri - Media Strategist, Palestine

 1. Were women’s roles in the Arab Spring more or less meaningful than men’s roles?

I think this depends on the country. For example, we haven’t noticed the presence of women in the Syrian revolt as much as we saw it in Egypt, Yemen, and, maybe, Libya. Women's roles in Egypt in the revolt have been as important as men's, and we saw them as university students, housewives, elderly women — united and all fighting for the same cause.

2. Have the revolts of the Arab Spring improved the position of women’s rights in the region?

I think it is too early to tell; time will show, as we see changes in legislation in favor of women. Generally, I believe women are taking part in the Arab Spring to improve their position on all levels, whether economic, social or political. In Tunisia, now we have seen that women are skeptical of their future and of their rights being reversed after the Arab Spring.

3. How can the women of the Arab Spring turn this activism into long-term/sustainable gains?

Women in the Arab world should ensure that policies and regulations are changed on the long run in their favor. Also, women must ensure their full participation in the political, economic and social life to guarantee that those gains or achievements are there forever.