Dr. Ken Chong, Research Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, visited King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia for five days in early December 2022. By the shore of the Red Sea, KAUST was established in 2009 as a graduate research university and Saudi Arabia’s first mixed gender university. More than 120 different nationalities live, work and study on campus to find solutions to pressing scientific and technological challenges in the world as well as Saudi Arabia.
During his visit, Chong toured the labs, centers and libraries across campus where he said KAUST’s motto, “Through Inspiration, Discovery,” could be clearly observed. For example, at the library Chong said the librarian told him that it is one of the best stocked libraries in the world. To test it out he put his name in their search catalog and found that five of his different books are in the library. Chong also gave a seminar on the role of basic and applied research in a modern university during his time at KAUST.
Regarding the seminar, Chong said, “There were lively interactions with the audience after my talk. I hope to convey to the students the joys and rewards of pursuing a research career as well as how to make a difference in society.”