At the American University of Sharjah (AUS), innovation begins well before graduation. Each year, senior engineering students step into the role of problem-solvers, addressing some of the UAE’s most pressing challenges through the Senior Design Projects Competition organised by the AUS College of Engineering (CEN). This initiative transforms classrooms into incubators of innovation, where industry partners collaborate with students and ideas evolve into real-world solutions.
Innovating for Passenger Experience at Sharjah Airport
In the latest competition cycle, industrial engineering students Leen Adel AlSabbagh, Jana AlMoutaz Mohamed, Azza Elsiddig Mukhtar and Shahad Yousif Al-Ali partnered with Sharjah Airport to enhance passenger satisfaction. Supervised by Dr Mahmoud Awad, Professor of Industrial Engineering, the team earned second place in the May 2025 competition. Their project reimagined the passenger journey, applying sentiment analysis to thousands of passenger reviews and developing a simulation model to optimise airport operations and manage peak-season demand more efficiently.
Equipping Students with Real-World Skills
Dr Fadi Aloul, Dean of CEN, said:
“Senior design projects represent the culmination of our students’ academic journey. They translate knowledge into solutions for local and global challenges while developing essential skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, leadership and effective communication. Students benefit from year-long projects guided by academic and industry mentors, ensuring they graduate ready to innovate and lead in the professional world.”
Industry Collaboration Across Disciplines
In the academic year 2024–2025, 42 out of 114 senior design projects, representing 37 per cent, were sponsored by leading companies and government organisations. Industrial engineering led the way, with over 80 per cent of projects developed in collaboration with industry partners including Sharjah National Oil Corporation, Sharjah Municipality, Sharjah Civil Defence, RTA Dubai, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, PwC, Beeah, Dubai Health Authority and Apparel Group.
Notable Student Projects
Civil engineering students worked with Sharjah Civil Defence to improve fire safety and egress design at key AUS buildings. Electrical engineering students partnered with SNOC on a hydro storage power plant pre-feasibility study, contributing to the UAE’s renewable energy goals. Mechanical engineering students collaborated with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre on designing a multifunctional robotic arm for satellite docking.
Chemical and biological engineering students teamed with Harwal Group to develop sustainable aerated light concrete for eco-friendly construction. Computer science and engineering students worked with University Hospital Sharjah on “Gaze Control”, an assistive technology allowing individuals with disabilities to interact with digital devices using eye movement.
Preparing Students for Success
Through these collaborations, students gain access to mentorship, industry expertise, real-world datasets and facilities. AUS is ranked first in the UAE for employer reputation and second for employment outcomes in the QS World University Rankings 2026, reflecting the university’s commitment to preparing graduates for the workforce.
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Further Reading:
- AUS Students’ Shaheen Project Earns Global Recognition for Desert Rescue Innovation
- AUS Ranked Among World’s Top 10 Universities for Sustainability Curriculum and Research
- AUS partners with Group AMANA to drive student development through Al Nukhba Programme