CURRENT STUDENTS

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FREQUENTLY USED FORMS

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CURRENT STUDENTS FAQs


How do I know who my advisor is? Can I change my advisor?

​For M.S. students, your advisor when you are admitted to KAUST is the Program Chair. For Ph.D. students, your advisor is your PI (supervisor) whose lab you have been accepted in to. 

Yes, you can change your advisor. M.S. students are advised to do so if/when they begin their thesis or directed research.  Ph.D. students do have the ability to change advisors, but the overall impact to the Ph.D. project, as well as the time left to finish the Ph.D., could be significant.  This will have to be taken into account before approval.

​M.S. students need 36 credits (combination of courses and research is specific to your program). 

Ph.D. students need 6 credits of 300-level coursework and will earn dissertation research credit each semester until they defend (no minimum credits established, although there is a minimum residency requirement of 2.5 years).

​During your final M.S. semester at KAUST, you will be eligible to submit a “rollover” application.  You will be contacted by the Admissions Office for this.  You must have a confirmed supervisor in order for the application to be approved.

​M.S. students get all university holidays (Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha, Spring break).  

Ph.D. students get university holidays and three weeks of annual/vacation leave per calendar year to be taken in agreement with your PI.

​Mandatory, core and elective courses are listed in the program guide. The program guides for all BESE programs can be found here 
​“Time Extension to Complete M.S. Thesis” application request can be submitted by the 9th week of your final Fall semester.  See application for required approvals here .
​No.  Only once during your time here at KAUST.  If “WE Courses” appears on your KAUST transcript, that means you have met this requirement.​
​Yes, both M.S. and Ph.D. in all BESE programs must register, attend, and receive an S grade for the graduate seminar each semester (Spring and Fall, NOT summer).

​Yes. Drop and Add deadlines are on the academic calendar.

​Your GPC can help you request these from the Registrar’s Office, or you can contact them directly at  RegistrarHelpDesk@KAUST.EDU.SA​​ 

Latest Events


RSRC Dual Seminar: Ali Alibrahim & Dr. Justine Braguy

Speaker 1:Ali Alibrahim
Title 1: Mapping the Global Distribution of Modern Planktonic Foraminifera Using Python

Abstract:
A common problem in studying foraminifera is the ability to map the distribution of species in an area and producing and plot their variations through time. This is usually done with the help of specialized software such as Stratabugs or Arc-GIS. The Python code developed for this study provides a solution for this problem with results that can surpass those provided by specialized software. The maps produced in this study illustrate regional or global trends in the distribution of planktonic foraminifera which can inspire further research environmental causes and effects. The methods in this study can have applications beyond modern planktonic foraminifera including mapping the distribution of coral species or benthic foraminifera and their changes through time. In addition, the same method can be applied to geological studies to map distributions of fossilized foraminifera to understand regional variations in environments in the Earth’s history and their relevance to resource exploration.

Bio:
B.Sc. in Geopysical Sciences – Leeds University, UK
M.S. in Geological Sciences – University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA
Working for Aramco for 15 years specializing in foraminiferal studies for biostratigraphy
Currently working on my PhD in Geology in KAUST and expecting to finish in 2025

Speaker 2: Dr. Justine Braguy
Title 2: Navigating the depths of science, one picture at a time

Abstract:
This talk delves into the pivotal role that AI plays in simplifying the complexities of marine science through advanced image analysis techniques. Harnessing the power of AI-driven algorithms and computational tools, researchers can now navigate the seas of data more efficiently, paving the way for breakthroughs in understanding marine ecosystems. The presentation will present the KAUST spin-off Thya Technology, its AI tools and capabilities and explore case studies where AI has proven instrumental in streamlining data collection, species identification, and environmental monitoring. Thya Technology promises to revolutionize how marine scientists interact with and interpret vast datasets, ultimately accelerating the pace of discovery.

Bio:
Justine Braguy, the CEO of Thya Technology, is dedicated to empowering research and businesses through the integration of AI tools for automated image and video analysis. Her academic journey reflects a diverse background, holding a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry and Physics, a Master's in Synthetic Biology in France, and a Ph.D. in Plant Biology obtained at KAUST in 2021. During her Ph.D., Justine incorporated AI and Computer Vision into her research, focusing on automated seed counting. Motivated by the challenges she faced during manual image analysis, she has since committed herself to assisting scientists across various fields. Leading her team at Thya Technology, Justine bridges the gap between cutting-edge AI technologies and research labs. Thya Technology's no-code platform facilitates technological access, significantly reducing the time required for AI model generation and deployment, particularly in the analysis of large datasets. Beyond her role as CEO, Justine is a vibrant dancer and artist, adding a colorful dimension to her professional pursuits.

Speakers

Ali Alibrahim & Justine Braguy

​LIFE AT KAUST