Since its foundation in 2010, Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has continuously embodied Qatar Foundation’s (QF) commitment to lifelong learning. This is reflected by the number of applications the university regularly attracts from individuals with considerable work experience who still regard graduate studies as essential for further career advancement. HBKU alumnus Abdulla Al-Wahedi is a case in point. His academic journey spans three decades and is punctuated by extended periods of employment.

Following the completion of a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Applied Physics from Case Western Reserve University in 1996, Abdulla embarked on a career in maintenance engineering, first with Doha International Airport and then Occidental Petroleum Qatar Ltd. He was nevertheless quick to recognize that the knowledge and skills required to thrive in his career were constantly evolving. This eventually prompted him to study for a Master of Business Administration with Qatar University in 2007, which helped pave the way for senior managerial roles at Kahramaa.

Abdulla has never let the demands of a full-time job stand in the way of his personal and professional development. His engagement with Qatar National Vision 2030, for example, inspired his interest in energy diversification and sustainable development, not to mention a determination to make a positive contribution to the country’s long-term objectives. As he saw it, enrolling on a PhD program with HBKU’s College of Science and Engineering (CSE) was the best way to make this happen.

Many people find the prospect of returning to full-time education after years in employment daunting. Abdulla nevertheless eased himself back into student life with the full support of HBKU, which included orientation programs, flexible study options, and mentorship schemes. He was also encouraged from day one to build connections between HBKU’s colleges and research institutes to support his PhD studies. Doing so not only exposed Abdulla to HBKU’s diverse and innovative research ecosystem, but also opened opportunities for collaboration with researchers within Qatar and further afield.

Abdulla participated in many high-profile conferences over the course of his graduate studies with HBKU. These included the HBKU-organized 12th International Exergy, Energy and Environment Symposium (IEEES-12) and 31st European Symposium on Computer Aided Process Engineering  (ESCAPE31) in Turkey. Every conference provided Abdulla with opportunities to share research findings, receive feedback from experts, and engage in scholarly discussions with researchers from around the world. His professional network grew organically, as did his access to knowledge and resources to support his PhD studies.

Like all PhD students, Abdulla has contributed to a range of academic publications, including internationally recognized journals and book chapters. The latter includes a chapter on renewable energy driven electrical vehicle charging stations in Accelerating the Transition to a 100% Renewable Energy Era. Abdulla has also received numerous awards related to his research interests. His Green Electrical Vehicle Charging Station project was among the winners at the 2019 edition of Kahramaa’s Engineer's Day. This was followed two years later with an HBKU Innovation Center Industrial Innovation Fund award for his Green Hydrogen Demonstration for Electric Vehicle Charging Station in Abu Hamour project.

After three highly productive years at HBKU, Abdulla is now fully focused on excelling in his fields of expertise and conducting relevant research activities, particularly as both apply to his current employer Kahramaa. This includes offering advice and knowledge that supports the company’s continued efforts to align with Qatar National Vision 2030. He’s also determined to pursue his own entrepreneurial ambitions in the field of sustainable energy, including  renewable energy development, energy storage solutions and electric vehicle infrastructure.

Abdulla has no doubts that HBKU’s focus on research, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration provided the ideal environment for his doctoral studies. He’s also convinced the university’s rigorous academic programs deepened his interest and expertise in sustainability issues and provided countless opportunities for partnerships and collaborations with fellow researchers and likeminded organizations.  He advises anyone interested in studying at HBKU to take the time to explore the wide range of academic programs on offer, and to be assured that every student leaves with the knowledge and skills to succeed in their chosen professions.

This article was originally published in Arabic by Al Arab, and can be accessed here.