During my trip to Palestine in May 2025, a few remarkable students reached out to ask if I would be willing to give some talks. What followed became one of the most rewarding and energizing experiences of my professional life.
Over just a few days, I had the absolute honour—and joy—of meeting some of the most inspiring young minds I've encountered. From brilliant scientists to future engineers, from passionate high schoolers to rising academic leaders, the experience left me both humbled and filled with hope.
Let me share a few highlights:
Poster of the Workshop!
Sara Khader is an exceptional emerging leader in mechanical engineering and community development. Currently serving as an Impact Officer at Global Shapers Ramallah and Vice Chair of IMechE – Birzeit University—and yes, she’s also a part-time rock star (just kidding… kind of)—Sara has built a formidable track record in just a few short years.
The Sara Khader in Question
From managing public relations at IMechE to facilitating STEAM programs with AlNayzak, Sara’s experience spans disciplines—automotive operations, HR consulting, business development, and even astronomy education. Her coordination of the recent Data-Driven Science and Engineering workshop was nothing short of outstanding: professional, strategic, and deeply passionate.
Sara was the driving force behind the event, and it was her initiative that brought me on board. We had thoughtful conversations about women in STEM, about the early challenges of belonging in male-dominated fields, and about how extracurricular engagement helped both of us carve out our spaces in engineering.
We were honoured to host a lecture titled “Data-Driven Engineering and Sciences,” where I spoke as an alumna of the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering at Birzeit University, now pursuing my PhD at the National University of Singapore. I shared insights from my research on nonlinear dynamics and the integration of machine learning in aerospace systems—showcasing how engineering and data science intersect to drive innovation.
Special thanks to Dr. Rashad Mustafa, Head of the Department, and Dr. Sameh Abu Awwad, Coordinator of Student Activities, for their unwavering support.
Reconnecting with my alma mater and engaging with bright minds like Sara reminded me why we must invest in and uplift the next generation of engineers and scientists in Palestine.
Aya and Dalia are final-year Mechatronics Engineering students working on a robotic arm for their capstone project. These brilliant women in STEM have already published their first research paper—and I couldn’t be prouder! 👩🔬🤖✨
IMech Workshop 📸
Omar Al Aqqad from the School of Engineering at Birzeit University—my beloved alma mater.
Cezar Qumsieh and I have been in touch for nearly three years now, and during that time, I’ve had the privilege of speaking to many students from Horizon Academy—a visionary initiative reshaping the future of Palestinian youth.
Founded in 2017, Horizon Academy is not just an academic program—it’s a holistic ecosystem that nurtures identity, leadership, and excellence. It equips Palestinian high school students with the tools, mentorship, and exposure needed to unlock opportunities at the world’s best universities. Graduates of the program now study at institutions like MIT, Dartmouth, Northwestern, Notre Dame, and Aiglon College.
