Expedition will aid ongoing research projects
Reem Al Junaibi
Maitha Al Kaabi
Two students from Masdar Institute of Science and Technology are all set to explore the Antarctic Peninsula as part of the International Antarctic Expedition (IAE) 2012 team.
Reem Al Junaibi and Maitha Al Kaabi were selected from seven applicants, based on an essay explaining their reasons for joining the expedition and its relevance to their ongoing research activities at Masdar Institute.
Dr Lamya Fawwaz, executive director of Public Affairs, Masdar Institute, said: “The students chosen to be part of the team will be fortunate to experience the real life benefits of sustainability and renewable energy. Their research at Masdar Institute will benefit them and help contribute to the objectives of this exploration trip.”
A graduate student of Engineering Systems Management, Al Janaibi’s research focuses on the effect of having mixed sources of energy, specifically renewable, with its intermittent behavior on the electric grid, while Al Kaabi is conducting her research in the preparation of materials for application in water treatment processes.
Al Junaibi said: “This trip to Antarctica is a great opportunity for me to gauge the advantages of sustainability and renewable energy and judge for myself how clean technologies can be tapped. I believe it will greatly benefit me academically.
Al Kaabi said: “This expedition to Antarctica will allow me to see the process of temperature induced salt precipitation, a key principle in my research, in a natural environment. Masdar Institute has provided me with the expertise in water treatment and desalination. I will share this knowledge with my partners during the Antarctica trip and look forward to benefiting from their knowledge as well.”
Both students recently joined Sir Robert Swan at the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2012 in their pledge to support initiatives that will maintain the continent’s current status even after the Antarctica Treaty expires in the year 2041.
During the expedition the students will experience Leadership on the Edge, Sir Robert Swan’s personal leadership and sustainability programme, during their journey.
The programme challenges those who are compelled to make a difference by deepening their awareness of themselves in relation to the world. The IAE 2012 expedition aims to create ambassadors for education, the environment and sustainability across the globe.
The journey is scheduled to begin on 27th February from Argentina’s Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world.
