Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

DiscoveringAUB @discoveringaub.bsky.social · 1d

Missed yesterday’s webinar on Lebanon–Mexico relations? Watch Migration, Integration, and Diplomacy to learn why Lebanese migrants chose Mexico more than a century ago, how they helped shape its history, and how AUB’s ties with the country continue to grow.

Watch: tr.ee/oct16 #AcademicSky

Screenshot of a virtual webinar featuring four participants. Clockwise from top left: Amanda Fox, who moderated the discussion; Martha Trabulse El Khouri; Enrique Alfonso Gómez Montiel; and Caroline Chalouhi Brennan. All are smiling and appear in separate video call windows during the online panel.

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DiscoveringAUB @discoveringaub.bsky.social · 3d

What if the cure for tomorrow’s infections is hiding beneath our feet? AUB's Antoine Abou Fayad just discovered four new bacterial species in Lebanese soil—three never seen before. Read more: tr.ee/allies 🧪🛟

Close-up digital illustration of colorful bacteria in blue and orange hues under a microscope, representing scientific research on microbes. Text on the image reads: “AUB@Work Oct 2025 – New discovery in fight against antimicrobial resistance. Read more. American University of Beirut.”

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DiscoveringAUB @discoveringaub.bsky.social · 8d

How did ancient Egyptians live—and eat—thousands of years ago? AUB’s Dr. Claire Malleson is using AI to uncover remarkable details from preserved plant remains on Elephantine Island, revealing daily habits and lessons for sustainability today. Read more: tr.ee/archAI 🏺

Digital illustration combining ancient cave-style art and modern symbols shows red ochre drawings of people and animals alongside a laptop sketch on a textured stone background. Text on the image reads: “AUB@Work Oct 2025 – AI unlocks ancient Egyptian life. Read more. American University of Beirut.”

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DiscoveringAUB @discoveringaub.bsky.social · 10d

56 current faculty members of the American University of Beirut have been recognized among the world’s top 2% most-cited scientists in the updated science-wide author databases of standardized citation indicators, further marking AUB research excellence and global visibility. Read: tr.ee/topcited

DiscoveringAUB @discoveringaub.bsky.social · 12d

What drew Lebanese migrants to Mexico 150 years ago, & how did they build new lives there? In honor of 80 years of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Lebanon, join us October 16 for a webinar on how early Lebanese communities adapted to their new home—& helped shape it. RSVP: tr.ee/octwebinar

Promotional graphic for a webinar titled “Migration, Integration, and Diplomacy: The Rich History of Lebanon-Mexico Relations,” hosted by the American University of Beirut’s Debs Center. The event is scheduled for Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 12:00 pm ET. Featured speakers include Caroline Chalouhi Brennan, Enrique Alfonso Gómez Montiel, and Martha Trabulse El Khouri, with Amanda Fox as moderator.

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DiscoveringAUB @discoveringaub.bsky.social · 16d

Congratulations to architect and AUB alumna Lina Ghotmeh (BArch ’03 with distinction) on being named to the TIME100 Next 2025 list! This honor celebrates leaders shaping the future—redefining influence, breaking paths, and inspiring transformation across generations. #Architecture

Portrait of Lina Ghotmeh smiling, framed within a TIME100 Next 2025 graphic design with red and black geometric borders.

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DiscoveringAUB @discoveringaub.bsky.social · 18d

From student-led recitals in Assembly Hall to stages across Lebanon & Cyprus, the AUB Classical Music Club has become a cultural force redefining how classical music is experienced. Since 2019, the club has built on AUB’s long tradition of classical music to keep the art alive. Read: tr.ee/classical

Musicians perform on stage in front of a large audience inside a concert hall. A pianist, a clarinetist, and a woman reading from sheet music are visible, with a grand piano in the foreground. Text overlay reads: “The Journey of AUB’s Classical Music Club. Read all about it in The MainGate – American University of Beirut.”

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DiscoveringAUB @discoveringaub.bsky.social · 19d

We’re proud to share that Dr. Faysal El Kak has received the prestigious Honoris Causa Fellowship from the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists! This honor celebrates his global impact in advancing women’s healthcare & reflects AUBMC’s mission to lead w/ excellence & compassion. 🛟 #MedSky

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DiscoveringAUB @discoveringaub.bsky.social · 23d

Have you caught up on this month’s AUB@Work? Visit tr.ee/sept25 for:

📌 Rebuilding trust in Middle Eastern institutions through reform
📌 Silica nanoparticles capturing & recycling toxic pollutants
📌 AI models making fracking less harmful to aquifers
📌 Geothermal simulations advancing clean energy

Collage of Middle Eastern banknotes featuring prominent leaders and cultural symbols. Text overlay reads: “AUB at Work, Sep 2025. Rebuilding Trust in Institutions in the Middle East. Read More. American University of Beirut.”

Flowing water in a treatment facility or channel, symbolizing clean water and pollution solutions. Text overlay reads: “AUB at Work, Sep 2025. Microscopic Sand, Massive Pollution Solution. Read More. American University of Beirut.”

$Aerial view of a fracking site in a desert landscape with drilling equipment and machinery. Text overlay reads: “AUB at Work, Sep 2025. Can AI Make Fracking Less Harmful? Read More. American University of Beirut.”$ A geothermal steam vent releases a large plume of white vapor in a mountainous area with patches of snow. Text overlay reads: “AUB@Work Sep 2025 — Smarter modeling brings geothermal within reach. American University of Beirut.”

A geothermal steam vent releases a large plume of white vapor in a mountainous area with patches of snow. Text overlay reads: “AUB@Work Sep 2025 — Smarter modeling brings geothermal within reach. American University of Beirut.”

DiscoveringAUB @discoveringaub.bsky.social · 25d

This week’s Student Spotlight features Roy, a senior Mechanical Engineering student minoring in Economics, whose leadership, research, and global engagement have left a lasting impact on campus and beyond. #AcademicSky #EduSky

Student Spotlight graphic featuring Roy El Badawi, BE Mechanical Engineering student at AUB, standing outdoors in front of a university building with arms crossed, wearing a beige suit jacket and white shirt.

Infographic titled ‘Meet Roy’ highlighting achievements of Roy El Badawi, senior Mechanical Engineering student minoring in Economics. Lists leadership roles in student societies, awards including Excellence in Student Life Award, international Model UN representation, and winner of the AUB Founders Day Essay Contest.

Quote card with Roy El Badawi’s reflection about community and resilience at AUB. Includes his photo with AUB President Fadlo Khuri, both holding an award certificate, with the caption ‘Roy El Badawi’ at the bottom.

DiscoveringAUB @discoveringaub.bsky.social · 26d

What if clean energy was right beneath our feet? AUB Professor Elsa Maalouf and her team have developed a faster, more affordable way to design geothermal systems—bringing this hidden power source within reach for more communities. Read: tr.ee/geothermal #AcademicSky 🧪🌎

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DiscoveringAUB @discoveringaub.bsky.social · 29d

Thank you to everyone who joined us at yesterday’s panel! Our panelists explored the roots of public distrust, the risks of failing to restore it, and the vital role of civic engagement, empowerment, and the rule of law in rebuilding legitimacy and social cohesion.

Watch: tr.ee/sept18 #AcademicSky

Roundtable panel discussion with participants seated around a long wooden table, and a large screen displaying the title 'When Trust Is Lost: How to Rebuild Stable Statehood in the Middle East' alongside university logos.

Close-up of panelists at a roundtable discussion, with one man speaking into a microphone while others listen and take notes. Event title and university logos are visible on the screen in the background.

Panel discussion at a roundtable, with a woman in a green blazer speaking while other participants listen. A large screen behind them shows the event title and university logos.

Man holding a microphone asking a question during the Q&A session, while another man seated beside him listens with his hand on his chin.

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DiscoveringAUB @discoveringaub.bsky.social · Sep 16

When crises hit, how do communities step up? As governments transform, what role do citizens play? These are just some of the big questions Dr. Tania Haddad explores—and now it’s your turn to ask her!

👉 Reply with your questions for Dr. Haddad! #AcademicSky #PoliSciSky

Maroon background with white bold text at the top: “Her Research Asks.” Four questions are shown inside rounded boxes, each with an emoji icon: 🌍 citizenship, rights & accountability; ⚖️ transparency & governance; 🌱 communities after disasters; 🤝 grassroots initiatives & social contract.

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DiscoveringAUB @discoveringaub.bsky.social · Sep 12

Last chance to sign up! Will you be in NYC for UNGA? Join us on September 18 at AUB’s New York office for a timely panel discussion on restoring stable statehood in the Middle East. Reserve your spot: tr.ee/statehood #NYC #UNGA

A square event flyer for the American University of Beirut titled: “When Trust is Lost: How to Rebuild Stable Statehood in the Middle East.” Event date: Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 12:00–1:00 pm ET, at The Debs Center – New York Office, with lunch to follow. Features moderator Margaret Besheer and speakers Dr. Tania Haddad, Dr. Simon Neaime, and Dr. Khaldoun AbouAssi. Includes logos of the American University of Beirut, the Faculty of Arts & Sciences, and American University School of Public Affairs.

DiscoveringAUB @discoveringaub.bsky.social · Sep 10

This week’s Student Spotlight features Dana, a senior in Political Studies whose leadership, research, and achievements in international affairs reflect her commitment to women’s rights and inclusive public policy. #AcademicSky #EduSky

Portrait of Dana Al Hachem, BA in Political Studies student at the American University of Beirut, featured in a "Student Spotlight" graphic.

Text graphic highlighting Dana Al Hachem’s achievements, including leadership roles in student organizations, published research, advocacy for women’s rights, and internships with international recognition.

Dana Al Hachem speaking into a microphone, alongside a quote about her motivation to give back to Lebanon through politics, featured in a student spotlight design.

DiscoveringAUB @discoveringaub.bsky.social · Sep 8

Congratulations to our AUB alumnus Jad Mohammad el-Dana (BA Economics ’16) on his spectacular $61,000 win at the Florida Coast Equipment CSI4* Grand Prix! Riding his champion horse Itchcock des Dames, he delivered two flawless rounds and a lightning-fast 39.56-second jump-off. #Equestrian

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DiscoveringAUB @discoveringaub.bsky.social · Sep 5

From algorithms to architecture, Arab scholars helped shape the foundations of modern science, medicine, and culture—yet their legacy is too often overlooked.

Learn more: tr.ee/ifiblog #AcademicSky #MENA

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DiscoveringAUB @discoveringaub.bsky.social · Sep 3

Welcome back! New and returning students filled our campus with energy and excitement this week as we kicked off the new academic year, as captured by our Office of Student Affairs. Here’s to a year of learning, growth, and connection! #AcademicSky #EduSky

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Reposted by DiscoveringAUB

American University School of Public Affairs @au-spa.bsky.social · Aug 30

Don't miss this insightful conversation on rebuilding a stable statehood in the Middle East, co-hosted by SPA and @DiscoveringAUB.bsky.social.
Panelists: SPA Prof. @AbouAssi.bsky.social, AUB Profs. Tania Haddad and Simon Neaime. 🗓️9/18 🕑 12-1 PM📍New York City
👉 bit.ly/4oX9rQs

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DiscoveringAUB @discoveringaub.bsky.social · Aug 29

Registration is open! Join us on September 18th at our New York office for a timely panel discussion on restoring stable statehood in the Middle East.

Reserve your spot here: tr.ee/statehood
#AcademicSky #EduSky #UNGA

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DiscoveringAUB @discoveringaub.bsky.social · Aug 27

For this week's Student Spotlight, we’re welcoming our new cohort of Mastercard Foundation Scholars! They’ve been busy with orientation activities on campus as they prepare to kick off the academic year.

Learn more about AUB's MCF program: tr.ee/mcf #AcademicSky #EduSky

A group of students sits outside, gathered around a campus map, smiling and pointing at different spots on it.

A group of students stands outside, gathered around a campus map, smiling and pointing at different spots on it.

Students sit in an auditorium; a young woman in the middle holds a microphone and an inflatable globe while smiling at the camera.

A large group of students and faculty pose together outdoors on campus, smiling and giving thumbs-up gestures.

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DiscoveringAUB @discoveringaub.bsky.social · Aug 25

AUB's Good Governance and Citizenship Observatory recently hosted a panel discussion which examined the drivers, mechanisms, and future impacts of reform, advancing dialogue on good governance across the Arab region.

Watch: tr.ee/vision2030 #AcademicSky

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DiscoveringAUB @discoveringaub.bsky.social · Aug 22

AUB’s Dr. Aram Yeretzian joins Majd Fayyad to discuss Net Zero in MENA—what’s driving or slowing progress, the power of energy efficiency, and why deep retrofits are a climate game-changer. Featuring a look at the design of our Charles Hostler Student Center!
Watch: tr.ee/MENA #Architecture

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DiscoveringAUB @discoveringaub.bsky.social · Aug 20

"Both failure and luck are very important in research." — Sir Richard J. Roberts

Join AUB’s TrEd program on Thursday, Sept 11 at 11AM ET for a talk with Nobel Laureate Sir Richard J. Roberts as he shares his path to the Nobel Prize! #AcademicSky

Promotional poster for an online mentoring talk titled 'The Path to the Nobel Prize' with Nobel Laureate Sir Richard J. Roberts. The poster features a portrait of Sir Richard smiling in a blue shirt against a black background. Event details read: Thursday, Sept 11, 2025 — 6:00 PM Beirut Time / 11:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time, via Webex. Watch live at bit.ly/MentoringNobelLaureateRoberts. Organized in partnership with Angewandte Chemie, the American University of Beirut, and TrEd (Transformative Education). Logos of the sponsors are displayed at the bottom. Hashtag: #TransformativeEducation.

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Reposted by DiscoveringAUB

American University School of Public Affairs @au-spa.bsky.social · Aug 19

SAVE THE DATE!
Don't miss this insightful conversation on rebuilding a stable statehood in the Middle East, co-hosted by SPA and @DiscoveringAUB.bsky.social.
Panelists: SPA Prof. @AbouAssi.bsky.social, AUB Profs. Tania Haddad and Simon Neaime. 🗓️9/18 🕑 12-1 PM📍New York City
👉 bit.ly/3V5ixNj

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