Dr. Javad Farrokhi is an associate professor of mechanical engineering at the College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East (AUM), Kuwait. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Adelaide in 2015 and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in fluid-structure interaction and computational modeling. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed international journals and co-authored a textbook in his field. He has received several institutional certificates in recognition of outstanding course delivery and capstone project supervision. Dr. Javad is recognized for his contributions to engineering education and research in mechanical systems.
Dr. Jestin Mandumpal is assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry at the College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East (AUM), Kuwait. He holds a Ph.D. in Computational Material Science, a master’s in polymer science, and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.
His research work focused on simulation-driven materials research, including code development. He is the author of several scientific publications and books, including A Journey Through Water: A Scientific Exploration of the Most Anomalous Liquid on Earth. His current academic interests focus on the role of education in societal transformation.
Dr. Jose Reyna is an assistant professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the College of Business Administration, American University of Middle East (AUM), Kuwait. He obtained his Ph.D. in Theoretical and Computational Chemistry from the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, in 2002. He also holds an M.Sc. in Physics of Materials and a B.Sc. in Physics with a focus on astronomy and astrophysics. He has professional experience in the industrial sector, particularly in the development and fabrication of magnetic materials for electrical applications. Over the past thirteen years, he has been involved in teaching undergraduate courses in mathematics, physics, and chemistry within the College of Engineering and Technology and the College of Business Administration at (AUM). Dr. Reyna has published in diverse topics across mathematics, physics, and chemistry.
Dr. Joumana Stephan is an assistant professor in the Architectural Engineering Department at the College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East (AUM), Kuwait. She holds a dual international doctorate in Architecture & Spatial Planning (Université Paris-Saclay) and Sciences of Architecture & Landscape (Lebanese University), following a Bachelor’s and Master’s in architectural engineering from Lebanese University.
She is a founding member of the Southern Urbanism Research Group Ensemble (SURGE), a global collaborative network exploring public spaces through Southern-centered methodologies.
Her research interests include sustainable architecture, with a focus on thermal comfort and building-integrated renewable energy systems, and complex urban diagnostics, such as the Systemic Triangulation methodology. She recently co-edited SURGE’s International Planning Studies special issue on pluriversal urban practices.
Dr. Stephan has served as a licensed engineer and consultant on projects across the Mediterranean and MENA regions, bridging critical theory with participatory methodologies. Her professional experience includes her work at Ras Al Khaimah Municipality (UAE), where she contributed to zoning reform and urban development strategies. At AUM, she teaches architecture and urban design studios, environmental analysis and theory, and sustainability, with a focus on evidence-based and participatory pedagogy.
Dr. Julian Hoxha is an assistant professor of computer engineering at the College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East (AUM), Kuwait. He earned his Ph.D. in Photonics and Digital Signal Processing, M.Sc. in Information and Communication Technologies, and B.Sc. in Electronic Engineering from Roma Tre University, Italy.
Prior to joining AUM in 2022, Dr. Hoxha served as an Assistant Professor at Epoka University, Albania, and completed a research fellowship at the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Japan. His multidisciplinary research spans photonic networking, AI-driven data analytics, and digital infrastructure.
His recent work includes projects on blockchain and sustainable development, attention-customized BiLSTM–XGBoost decision ensembles for speculative stock-price forecasting, and stacking-ensemble models for transportation-energy demand prediction in Türkiye. Additional research interests include Bayesian rank-set sampling, LLM-enhanced entrepreneurship education, IoT-enabled vehicular networks, and green AI.
Dr. Julien Barakat is an associate professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East (AUM), Kuwait. He received his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Joseph Fourier, France. His doctoral research was conducted at LETI, French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), and IMEP/Minatec in Grenoble, focusing on 60 GHz integrated antennas over silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrates for smart dust applications.
He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Beirut Arab University, and an M.Sc. in Microwave and Optical Communication from the University of Paul Sabatier, France.
Dr. Barakat is a Senior Member of IEEE and a member of the Order of Engineers and Architects (OEA). He has published over 30 peer-reviewed papers in areas such as antenna design, photonics, and optical fiber communication. His research interests span high impedance surfaces, SOI-integrated millimeter-wave antennas, millimeter-wave measurement techniques, optical transmission, the Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, and the development of novel optical components.
Dr. Julien El-Amine is an assistant professor in the Department of Information Systems and Technology at the College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East (AUM), Kuwait. He earned his Ph.D. in Computer and Networking from IMT Atlantique, France, in 2019, following a bachelor’s and master’s in electrical and computer engineering from Lebanese American University (LAU). His research interests include green cellular networks, network function virtualization (NFV), network slice optimization, resource allocation, and the application of artificial intelligence in modern communication systems.
Jumanah Al-Awadhi is an architectural engineer specialized in Lighting Design and currently works as an architectural engineering lab instructor at the American University of the Middle East (AUM), Kuwait. She holds a Master of Engineering in Architectural Engineering with a focus in lighting design from Pennsylvania State University (PSU), USA, and a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder), USA.
During her undergraduate studies, she worked as a Teaching Assistant, supporting students in architectural and lighting design courses. She later joined the Kuwait Fund Training Program for Engineers, through which she trained at NAGA Architects in Dubai, gaining hands-on experience in concept development, visual design, and project execution before transitioning to academia.
Her graduate research, titled “Perceptual and Cognitive Responses to Chromatic Light and Background Music,” explored how varying lighting conditions influence human perception and cognition. Her academic and professional interests focus on the integration of architecture and lighting to enhance spatial experience, energy performance, and emotional well-being.
During both her bachelor’s and master’s studies, Jumanah was an active member of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), engaging in activities designed to provide practical tools and resources for career success in the lighting industry.
Dr. Karam Jabbour is an associate professor of chemical engineering at the College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East (AUM), Kuwait. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Sorbonne University (Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris VI, France). He served as a researcher and later Assistant Professor at the University of Balamand (Lebanon), before joining AUM in 2021.
Dr. Jabbour has taught a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses and has played a key role in research collaborations and institutional service. His research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials, hydrogen and syngas production via reforming reactions, thermodynamic process optimization, and water electrolysis for sustainable energy applications. He currently chairs the Chemical Engineering Research Committee at AUM and previously led the project and thesis committee at UOB. Dr. Jabbour has been deeply engaged in ABET accreditation processes and is committed to advancing academic quality and innovation.
Kareem Abbady is a laboratory instructor in the College of Engineering and Technology at the American University of the Middle East (AUM), Kuwait. With over ten years of combined experience in mechanical engineering, research, and teaching, he brings hands-on expertise in mechanical systems, manufacturing engineering, and laboratory instruction.
He specializes in the application of innovative methodologies and tools to ensure consistent system performance and achieve project goals. His responsibilities include laboratory teaching, engineering documentation, and supporting undergraduate student development.