Category Archives: Community & Social Innovation
Tinkering with Technology: An interview with Peter Rautek from the KAUST Maker Space
I recently connected with Peter Rautek, a research scientist at KAUST to ask him about a side-project he’s been working on. He, along with several other collaborators at KAUST, launched the Maker Space Self-Directed Group to enable builders, tinkerers, and innovators to create and connect. I was eager to learn more about this group when… Read More »
Communicating Science in the Post-Truth Era | TEDxKAUST
My TEDx is live! Here’s the video of my talk. I’ve also included the full transcript at the bottom of this post for those who prefer to scan. Mine was one of nine talks in a full-day TEDx event hosted here at KAUST. I was particularly touched by Tsiki’s talk about the impact of education in… Read More »
Creating a community of science communicators at KAUST
On March 4, I did at TEDx talk here at KAUST which aimed to inspire scientists to communicate beyond their scientific ecosystems and engage with the general public. In the nine days since the event, I’ve had numerous people approach me to say they agreed with what I had to say and wanted to push… Read More »
Upcoming TEDx Talk: “Communicating Science in the Post Truth Era”
In 2 weeks, I’ll be speaking at the first ever TEDx KAUST, talking about the opportunities for scientific communication in the post-truth era. My talk will cover why and how scientists can communicate beyond their scientific ecosystem and the value of public communication in today’s media landscape. For those of you at KAUST, I hope… Read More »
The Culinarist’s Guide to Thuwal
Just south of KAUST is the town of Thuwal. It used to be a sleepy fishing village, but as KAUST has grown, so too has the village. We have visited Thuwal often since we moved here and our visits almost always include eating a meal. For a long time, we always went to the same fish restaurant on… Read More »
Follow me on Instagram
I’ve been using Instagram for my personal life since 2011. Recently, I decided it was time to create a new account as a public profile where I post photos and video with a similar focus as this blog. I post photos from around the KAUST campus and community, as well as other things I find generally interesting. If… Read More »
Getting started with the KAUST Core Labs
Yesterday I started a part-time position as the Events and Community Relations Coordinator in the KAUST Core Labs. The Core Labs are a host of shared resources to be used across the university – a dazzling array of leading scientific equipment and brainpower including the 7th fastest Super Computer in the world. I’ll be working on an… Read More »
Entrepreneurship at KAUST
I recently had the pleasure of meeting with Gordon McConnell, the Acting Director New Ventures & Entrepreneurship, in the Entrepreneurship Center at KAUST. He was telling me about all the programs they have for both students and community members here at KAUST. Avid readers will know that I have a passion for social innovation and using technology to improve/build communities.… Read More »
Apply to Attend the Middle East Youth Leadership Jam
Are you a changemaker in the Middle East? Do you want to connect with other Middle East changemakers? Are you free November 7 to 14? Are you aged 20-40(ish)? I really encourage you to apply to the Middle East Jam in the beautiful Wadi Rum in Jordan this fall. It’s an opportunity that I believe… Read More »