By Tayiba Ahmed

In this day and age, where it is easy to post things online while remaining anonymous, we face a lot of issues regarding anonymous messages being sent to people, fake online accounts, and people accused of defamation, liability, or slander. How interesting would it be to learn about how investigators deal with such cases? Fortunately for us, Dr. Tharwat El-Sakran, a professor in the Department of English at American University of Sharjah (AUS), recently became a certified fraud examiner (CFE), licensed by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) in the USA. Dr. El-Sakran will soon be teaching a course dealing with forensic linguistics.

Dr. Sakran’s journey to receiving this qualification is an interesting one. He developed an interest in the area after he found out about forensic accounting through his son. “One of my children was studying for a master’s degree in accounting, and he was doing a course in forensic accounting. He often came to me to ask for help, sometimes with language issues. While helping him, I, too, developed an interest in the field. I started reading and, to my surprise, I found that there is a new field within my specialty called forensic linguistics. So I started reading more about it,” he said.

The professor travelled to America in 2014 to take an extensive course in the subject, and upon his return, delivered the first course in forensic linguistics at AUS. To get further training in the area, Dr. Sakran also travelled to Aston University, one of the leading universities in forensic linguistics in the UK, while on a sabbatical last semester. Upon researching and reading more about the subject, Dr. Sakran came across information regarding fraud and certification. “I developed an interest in this area too, because there is a lot in common between the work of forensic linguist does and that done by a fraud examiner, in terms of suspicious things, suspicious texts, anonymous texts, and analyzing people’s language for example,” he explained.

When the professor found out about the US-based Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, he applied for the certification and received the study material. Dr. Sakran took about four months to prepare for the exam. However, it was not easy as the professor did not have much experience with finance and accounting, which the exam deals with. “Often, I sat at a computer for nine hours watching tutorials because I was determined to get the certification,” he said. His hard work and determination eventually paid off, as he received his certification last April.

Next semester, Dr. Sakran will be teaching forensic linguistics at AUS in a course entitled Seminar in English. According to him, forensic linguistics is very much required these days because technological advances have made it easier to communicate with each other without even being known. The course will be a great opportunity for students to learn about the issues related to fraud since they are so relevant to us. “It mainly focuses on analyzing people’s language. There is a strong belief in the field that each of us has a DNA even in terms of our language too. The belief is that we have some unintentional features in our language that can escape our attention while writing, even if we try to control them or change them on purpose. By comparing the previous writings of the suspect with what we call the questioned text – the one we are analyzing right now – examiners can decipher if the questioned text actually belongs to the suspect. We don’t actually prove that people are guilty or innocent, but we can give probability of how much the writer of the note is the suspect or not, based on the language features that we analyze,” he said.

According to Dr. Sakran, his certification allows him to help train police officers, cadets and security personnel. He said that it is important to understand that the language used when interrogating males might differ from the language used when interrogating females. Similarly, the language used to interrogate children should differ from the language used to interrogate adults.

Tayiba Ahmed is a student at American University of Sharjah.

Visit www.aus.edu for more information about American University of Sharjah.

By Tayiba Ahmed

To help create a world that is sustainable, American University of Sharjah (AUS) strives to promote sustainability on campus. Students are encouraged to recycle through the university’s recycling campaign, as well as to think about how they can help reduce energy use and conserve water. These initiatives reflect the university’s mission to educate and transform the AUS community by encouraging collaborative relationships among students, staff, faculty and community members to explore and implement the required changes to create a sustainable campus.

The university’s annual Environmental Day, held recently on campus, was the most recent initiative to educate students about creating a more sustainable environment. Hundreds of students and teachers from 37 schools in the UAE gathered at AUS to participate in the event. The theme for this year’s event, held in the Main Building of the campus, was “Moving Towards a Sustainable Environment.”

Organized by the AUS Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, AUS Environmental Day is known for its interesting interactive displays and exhibits. The event aims to promote awareness of local, regional and global environmental and sustainability issues among high school students. Another aim of the event is to introduce high school students to exciting careers in the field of environmental sciences, while also highlighting the AUS bachelor of science degree programs in biology, chemistry and environmental sciences.

“Sustainability and environmental awareness are extremely important topics. The main goal of an event such as this is to increase awareness of environmental issues and to create an interest in science among the youth, who will become our future leaders and scientists,” said Dr. Fatin Samara, Chairperson of the Environmental Day Committee and Associate Professor in the Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences.

Throughout the day, various activities took place including competitions, live demos, lectures and seminars by prominent speakers. The five competitions conducted were: the Environmental Awareness Poster Competition, the Environmental Awareness Video Competition, the Items Made With Recyclable Items Competition for AUS students; as well as the Sustainable Schools Poster and the Environmental Jeopardy/Quiz Competition for high school students.

 “It was great to be acknowledged for our work, because usually projects such as this are not always appreciated or recognized. To be able to exhibit our work for others from outside AUS to see, and to be recognized and appreciated for it, felt great,” said Nour Safieh, a student from the Department of Mass Communication and winner of the Items Made with Recyclable Items Competition.

In February this year, American University of Sharjah got an international environmental certification, ISO14001 after successful implementation of the framework to improve resource eficiency, reduce waste and drive down costs. The ISO14000 certificate represents a series of environmental management standards developed and published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for organizations.

Let us all, as members of the AUS community, contribute towards a sustainable environment by reducing our water and electricity consumption, reducing waste, reconnecting with nature and supporting local conservation efforts.

Tayiba Ahmed is a student at American University of Sharjah.

Visit www.aus.edu for more information about American University of Sharjah.

By Sustainability Division in collaboration with Day Care Center

Understanding the importance of building a strong value-based education from a young age, the AUS Day Care Center (DCC) has integrated the theme of recycling in their KG2 program. Children enrolled in KG2 are taught to incorporate the 3 Rs– reduce,reuse and recycle– in their daily life. In order to instill sustainable behavior amongst the students, the importance of preserving our planet and reducing wastage of daily materials such as paper are highlighted at the DCC. Students are also educated to reuse food by using the waste as compost or as food for animals and birds.

Aligned to this theme, the staff and teachers at the DCC encouraged the five- and six-year-olds to celebrate their graduation day held last month in a sustainable manner by transforming recyclable materials into colorful artwork. Thikra Karim, a senior teacher at the DCC, described the event as a triumph with the happy students proud of their role as environmental ambassadors successfully implementing the 3 Rs.

As part of the university’s corporate social responsibility, AUS aims to engage all members of the society including the next generation in the move towards a sustainable future. With an increasing problem of waste accumulating in landfills around the globe, it is crucial to educate the next generation on waste reduction and environmental protection. Every year, 2.12 billion tons of waste are thrown away, waste that would go on trucks 24 times around the globe.

Visit www.aus.edu for more information about American University of Sharjah.

By Nick Ashill

On Sunday, May 14, I started off in front of Santa Monica Pier in Los Angles. I have now been running for over a month and on Wednesday, June 14, exactly a month after I started my run, I arrived in Albuquerque, New Mexico. So far I have run 1,484 km. I have run through California and Arizona, and I am about a third through New Mexico.

Blisters continue to be a problem, but this is to be expected given I need to average 50 km per day. So far I am managing to maintain this figure. My body is tired, and I am taking each day as it comes. The run is not about the 5,400 km distance. It is about 108 runs of 50 km each.

California was very extreme in terms of temperature. It ranged from 6 degrees Celsius to 43 degrees over a 12-day period. Arizona was a little more kind with temperatures in the low 30s. I have also confronted some big elevations, and I have climbed to just under 7,000 feet. I have seen rattlesnakes, wild deer, wild dogs, cattle and I have met some wonderful people.

My support crew (my father-in-law, Pete, and my eldest daughter, Emily) has been fantastic. But now my daughter has gone to South Carolina to do a course, and she will join me again at the end of the month. And my father-in-law has gone back to New Zealand. Now I have Dr. Jeffrey Baker, Associate Professor of Marketing and Information Systems at American University of Sharjah School of Business Administration. Jeff will be with me as support crew for about 10 days!

Just a few highlights of the run so far:

Day 1

This was an emotional day at the start of the run in front of the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles holding the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust flag. It progressed to be an interesting first day, as I got a little lost in LA. I couldn't easily find Route 66 after leaving Santa Monica! I ran 64 km on that first day.

Day 2

Day two had cooler temperatures and rain, and I did a nice 42 km. By the end of the day, I had crossed over 100 km, which put me a bit ahead.

Day 4

I had to go over some steep climbs, but the body was performing remarkably well. Route 66 stopped so I needed to take the Truck Summit road. This added 13 km and a 900 m climb to my run. There was some sleet, and I had a lovely day with 8 degrees as well as cold wind. There was less traffic on road, and at the end of day 4 I had completed 209 km.

Day 6

The rain on Day 2 had damaged the running sensors for my running shoes. These are sensors provided to me by Run Scribe to monitor my run and verify that I actually run across America. Tim Clarke, Founder of Run Scribe, drove all the way from LA to Victorville to provide me with some new sensors for my running shoes.

Day 9

I did not enjoy day 9. It was 39 degrees and had an 18 km detour because Route 66 was closed. The 18 km was uphill all the way. But this is nothing compared what those individuals who are living with pulmonary fibrosis face. There are 32,000 people living with the illness in the UK and over 150,000 in the US.

Day 12

On day 12 I hit 547 km. I couldn't feel my feet, but it was a great feeling to get past 500 km. That’s about 10 percent of the run done.

Day 13

This was an incredible day. I did a 3,600 ft climb through Oatman, Arizona. I followed 28 km of old railway track to Oatman. I met some donkeys and bulls, and at the top of the climb, a lady called Jo donated $10 to my charity. Her husband died of pulmonary fibrosis last year. We shared stories, laughed and cried. At the end of this day I had run a total of 603 km.

Day 16

The temperature remained around 35 degrees but it was getting cooler at night as I neared Flagstaff, Arizona. I had a scary moment with three dogs deciding to chase me. They were not fenced in! Fortunately, I had some help from a passing car! The total distance travelled to this day was 752.6 km.

Day 19

This was a wonderful rest day, and my crew and I spent the day visiting the Grand Canyon. Words can't describe this wonder of nature.

Day 22

At the beginning of Week 4, I reached another milestone as I ran past the 1,000 km mark heading into Holbrook, Arizona.

Day 25

This was a day with variety. I was stopped by the Arizona Police, chased by dogs, and experienced a thunderstorm and an encounter with a rattlesnake. I had run into a few of them before. Despite all that, I ran some 63.7 km, making it to a total of 1,128 km to this point.

Day 26

On this day I said goodbye Arizona and hello New Mexico! This was another milestone as I crossed that state line and clocked in some 1,182 km in my run.

Day 31

It seem I attracted, among other people, highway patrol! On this day I met Kristin and Chris, New Mexico State Troopers about 60 km from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and I thanked them for looking out for me.

Day 35

After running 1,483.6 km, I had to take a few days to rest in Albuquerque. I had to say goodbye to my crew. My father-in-law, who drove the RV for four weeks, had to leave to go back to New Zealand. My daughter Emily also had to leave for South Carolina for 10 days. She will be back at the end of the month. I miss them, both but it was great to have my mate Jeff join me for the next 11 days!

I still have a long way to go, but so far so good. Please visit my website www.nickrunsamerica.com or Facebook page www.facebook.com/nickrunsamerica/ for regular updates of the run. My wife, Sarah, regularly updates the running webpage with maps and photos. Keep breathing.

Dr. Nicholas Ashill is a Professor of Marketing at American University of Sharjah.

Visit www.aus.edu for more information about American University of Sharjah.

By Asma Alabed

The Christo and Jeanne-Claude award-winning sculpture entitled Keswa finished its exhibition tour around the Emirates and has now arrived at its permanent home at American University of Sharjah.

Keswa was created by graduating AUS architecture students Nada Al Mulla and Salwa Al Khudairi in 2015. The sculpture was exhibited at different sites throughout the country but has finally made its way back to AUS is now available for viewing on campus grounds in front of the new parking lot near the sports complex.

According to Al Mulla, Keswa is an Arabic term that means to cover, which is the inspiration behind the title and construction of the piece.

“The piece itself is inspired by the artistic styles of Christo and Jeanne-Claude,” said Al Mulla adding that three different types of seams were used in the fabric for three different functions in the sculture.

“When the sun is out, visitors can walk inside the sculpture and see the different stitching,” said Al Khudairi.

As an artform, Keswa also reflects the fabric of the UAE society where there are many women who wear head coverings as a symbol of modesty and privacy.

“If you look at the way people dress over here, you will notice that when there are numerous people in an area, you can just see black fabric everywhere, so we wanted to emulate that. Therefore, the abaya, the keswa," Al Khudairi said.

“Christo and Jeanne-Claude create works that relate to conceptions of vast sites which we related to our piece,” Al Khudairi added. "Also, since most of their work is wrapped with fabric, we wanted to create something flowy like fabric but with a rigid material like steel,” she said.

In 2015, Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation presented a lecture encouraging students to apply for a variety of competitions which prompted the students' submission.

The Christo and Jeanne-Claude competition is hosted annually by New York University Abu Dhabi, said Al Mulla.

Five projects were screened and shortlisted but ultimately Keswa was selected for commission, she said.

Before being placed on campus, Keswa was displayed at New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Qasr Al Sarab – Liwa, and Design Space in Sharjah.

"It took a while to figure out the logistics of where to place it on campus but now we've figured it out and it's open to faculty and students," said Al Khudairi.

Asma Alabed is a student at American University of Sharjah.

Visit www.aus.edu for more information about American University of Sharjah.

By Dr. Nicholas Ashill

Eighty days have now passed since I started my run from Los Angeles to New York to help raise awareness and funds for families suffering from Pulmonary Fibrosis as well as to inspire people to dream big. I started off in the early morning of May 14, in front of the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, California.

I have now been running for almost 12 weeks and have covered over 4,000 km. I still have a lot more running to do to get to the end of this very strenuous ultra-marathon. My expected arrival date in New York is around August 26.

I have now run through a number of different states of the US including California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana. I am currently running through Ohio and have another five days in this state before I reach Pennsylvania and 14 days of running up and down hills! After Pennsylvania, I move on to New Jersey and then to New York. My body is tired but I continue to will myself closer to my final destination.

My wife Sarah and support crew (my daughter Emily and Kieran) have been magnificent. Thank you guys for keeping me going during the low times… of which there have been many! I continue to meet people who have pulmonary fibrosis and hear about their stories of courage and inspiration. I feel powerless knowing that there is no cure to pulmonary fibrosis but I hope my run will help to increase awareness of the disease.

In additional to meeting people, I have also had to run through varying altitudes and different weather conditions such as rain, high temperatures and humidity. I have seen rattlesnakes, wild deer, wild dogs, cattle and many others along this incredible journey. Thankfully, I have seen fewer snakes, scorpions and wild animals in the past few weeks. Illinois, Indiana and Ohio have been about corn and beans! Hundreds of miles of corn fields and soya beans! Sadly not much to look at.

A few weeks ago we experienced a tire blowout on the Interstate. A frightening experience at speed. We had some damage to the RV but no one was hurt. The RV was off the road for a few days to be fixed but I welcomed and enjoyed the additional rest time.

As some of you already know, I have long dreamed of running a serious ultra-marathon, such as the Route 66 venture. My mother’s death from pulmonary fibrosis in 2015 gave me a reason and an incentive to commit to this run, along with a charitable cause to support.

Pulmonary fibrosis, a fatal lung disease, occurs when lung tissue is damaged or scarred, which causes permanent breathing difficulties. According to the Mayo Clinic Foundation for Medical Education and Research, with most patients, doctors can still not tell with certainty what causes the disease.

So as I run, I am also raising money for scientific research, and to provide oxygen bottles and support to individuals directly affected by the disease and their families. The donations will also help fund care for those suffering from pulmonary fibrosis who can’t move anymore. Please continue to follow my progress on Facebook and Instagram (@Nick.RunsAmerica). You are also welcome to check out my website.

Thank you to everyone at American University of Sharjah (AUS) for your support. I look forward to finishing the 5,000km plus run in a few weeks and returning to AUS to share my experiences.

Dr. Nicholas Ashill is a Professor of Marketing at American University of Sharjah.

Visit www.aus.edu for more information about American University of Sharjah.

By Dana Bou Fakhereddine

You are now officially a student at American University of Sharjah, famously known as AUS. Welcome aboard!

As a freshman, you might find yourself overwhelmed by the amount of information you will receive from your friends, siblings and the AUS orientation week. However, don’t stress about it; embrace it instead. It is all part of the university’s experience.

My first day at AUS was nerve-wracking. I had to figure out my way around campus because I could not attend the orientation week. I thought that my brother Firas, an AUS student, will assist me, but I was completely wrong.

“Firas, where is the New Academic Building?” I asked him.

“It is the building that faces the Student Center,” he replied.

I went to that building and noticed that the room numbers started with “ARTS” instead of “NAB.” I realized then that I had been tricked by my own brother! I did not think about it too much because I needed to get to my class. I asked a couple of students and decided if I got three similar directions then that meant the students were telling the truth and not tricking me. I reached the NAB building and I was late to my class. The professor did not ask me why I was late, he just looked at me and said, “You asked a student for the directions, didn’t you?”

When I returned home, Firas asked me, “Did you find the NAB building?”

“Yes, after asking for help,” I replied.

He said, “You need to rely on yourself and figure out your own way around the university. Plus, if I did not do that, another student would have done the same thing; therefore, it is better you got lost because of me.”

To help you find your way and avoid getting lost on campus, here are a few tips:

• Go to banner-> registration menu-> concise student schedule and screenshot the schedule. This will help you know the location of your classes as well as their number.
• Download the AUS campus map.
• Ask students for help and if they give you the wrong directions, don’t fret about it too much. You will laugh at it later!
• Roam around the campus to familiarize yourself with it.
• Remember that the Chemistry Building and the New Academic Building are the same building split in two.
• Understand the following:

Besides struggling with directions on my first day, I was afraid of the number of assignments I had to submit for each course. Like every student, I registered for five courses. At first it was hectic, overwhelming and tiring, but I had to accept that I wasn’t in school anymore.

I attended sessions that AUS provided about managing time, handling submissions, and many more. Even though the sessions were very helpful, I had to figure out things on my own. Therefore, I did the following:

• I took notes during the class and studied them at the AUS library or at home.
• I moved forward each submission’s date to finish everything ahead of time.
• I tried my best to manage my time by having a day-to-day schedule.
• I learnt from other students’ mistakes, such as disrespecting professors, or cheating in exams or submitting assignments late.
• I read the university’s policy that is followed strictly on campus.

Additionally, I kept motivating myself throughout the semester. Fortunately, one of my friends mentioned that if you are taking five or six courses (15+ credit hours) and get a GPA of 3.5 or above, you are eligible for the dean’s list scholarship -- a 10 percent discount on your overall fees. This news motivated me even more. I wrote on a sticky note “dean’s list,” and placed it on my desk. Therefore, whenever I felt I was on the verge of giving up, there was a goal in front of me that I had to achieve… and I did achieve it!

The journey of achieving it was not easy at all because I had to take tough decisions, such as ending seven years of friendship. Some of my school friends thought that I will be able to hang out with them on a daily basis at the Student Center. They were careless about their studies and just wanted to enjoy life. They made fun of me for being a dedicated student and attending university events. Even though I was very close to them, I had to limit and reduce some of my friendships because they were coming in the way of my studies and goals.

As a freshman, you will face similar situations where you must be assertive and confident of your decisions. Don’t let anyone bring you down. Believe in yourself and your capabilities.

Remember the reason you are at American University of Sharjah. It is not for your parents, or friends or anyone. It is for yourself, your own future, and your life!

To learn more, get your Free Ebook on “How to Survive Your First Year at an American University in the MENA Region.”

Dana Bou Fakhereddine is a student at American University of Sharjah.

Visit www.aus.edu for more information about American University of Sharjah.

By Dana Bou Fakhereddine

You might be a new student at American University of Sharjah (AUS) and you are wondering, yes, I am here to study, but  what more can I do aside from my studies? You might be a returning student and you are trying to figure out what to do when you are tired of doing projects and submitting assignments. Here are five enjoyable things you could do on campus.

1. Sign up for a club

Photo credit: Nada Saher, President of the American University of Sharjah Book Club

It is pleasant to bond with other students over common interest. Every semester, the Office of Students Affairs (OSA) holds the AUS Club Fair at the Student Center. The fair introduces students to many ethnic and interest-oriented clubs and gives them the opportunity to join the ones they like. After signing up, students will receive information about various events or trips or games that the club organizes.  For example, if you love reading books you can join the Book Club. It organizes sessions to discuss a book chosen by the students, games to challenge the students’ knowledge, movies based on books to watch and many more. If you join an ethnic one, such as the Lebanese Cultural Club you will be invited to movie nights, musical events, themed nights and many more.

2. Join AUS sports and training programs

AUS cares about its students’ fitness and overall health. This is obvious when you look at the spacious AUS Sports Complex on campus. Indoors, it has two indoor courts that can be used for playing basketball, volleyball, handball, badminton or tennis in both organized sports and free recreation. The place also have multipurpose halls, swimming pool, sauna, fitness centers, and squash courts. While outdoors, the complex has various courts, a cricket ground, and soccer and baseball fields.

Students can join AUS sports and training programs to get in shape and relieve some stress. If you are interested in body building, there are sessions available for men. The coach guides you with every step you take to achieve the desired result. If you want to have fun while training, you can attend the aerobics classes. You will enjoy exercising while listening to upbeat music and will not feel the pain at all!

If you do not feel like walking all the way to the sports complex, most residential halls have fitness rooms. Therefore, you do not have an excuse to skip your training sessions!

3. Watch movies or read books

AUS library provides movie lovers with a whole section dedicated to media. If you are tired of studying and want to relax for a while at the library, you can do that! All you need is your favorite film, reserve a media room and invite your friends. Remember that this is subject to availability of the media rooms. Remember also to keep it low and avoid doing that during the finals week. The priority goes to students who are preparing for their presentations and exams. If you do not like watching movies and prefer reading books, AUS library has got you covered! There is a leisure section available at the first floor, but if you want to expand your knowledge on a specific topic then go to the second floor. You can search for books at the library’s website or ask one of the employees or student assistants for help. Do not be shy, they are very friendly and helpful!

4. Book a Media Room

Most AUS students are talented and creative, especially when it comes to producing videos and talk shows. If you like doing these activities for fun, such as your YouTube channel or blog, or for a course, you can do that at AUS! Just visit the New Academic Building, book the studio or the recording room and make sure to arrive on time. Otherwise your session will be given to another student. The studio is fully equipped with lights, microphones, green screen, recording room and much more.

5. Hang out at the Student Center

After a tiring day, if you just want to relax and chat with your friends, the Student Center is the right place for you. There are numerous seating areas, restaurants and cafes, and games to choose from. The restaurants provide a wide variety of cuisines and outlets include Burger King, Abela, Kal’s Chicken, Break Point, and many more. If you want to stay awake after pulling an all-nighter to submit an assignment Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks will take care of that! You get to enjoy a freshly brewed coffee with a mouth-watering dessert. Besides those,  you can challenge your friends to a game of billiards or get your own card or board games to have a pleasant time.

These are just a few of the various options available at American University of Sharjah to help you relax, unwind and do something different from academics. So be sure to make time to do something fun, something you enjoy… something that will enrich your experience of being at AUS.

Dana Bou Fakhereddine is a student at American University of Sharjah.

Visit www.aus.edu for more information about American University of Sharjah.

By Dana Bou Fakhereddine

Eid Al Adha holiday is approaching! Most American University of Sharjah students will be flying back to their home countries to celebrate Eid with their family and friends. Some may be visiting other countries during the Eid holiday. While the rest will remain right here in the United Arab Emirates to celebrate the Eid.

Now, if you are in the group that will be staying in the UAE and if you are wondering what are you going to do during the holiday, here are some select ideas of places to visit and activities to do with your friends during the long weekend:-

1. IMG Worlds of Adventure

If you are a fan of theme parks then IMG Worlds of Adventure is the right place to visit. It is not any theme park, but the largest indoor theme park in the world! The park consists of four zones: The Marvel Zone, Cartoon Network, The Lost Valley and IMG Boulevard. Each zone has its own attractions. For example, in the IMG Boulevard there is the Haunted Hotel, which is quite scary, especially when you feel someone is following you and your friends! But that is part of the exciting experience. If you are an adrenaline junkie, then you should definitely check out The Velociraptor roller-coaster at The Lost Valley. It is the tallest and fastest roller-coaster in Dubai; therefore, be ready for a thrilling ride! Not only that but the park provides other facilities, such as shopping, dining, movies and many more.

Photo credit: IMG Worlds website

Location: Dubai

IMG Worlds of Adventure ticket price: AED 245

TripXTours offer: AED 208. If the student enters the coupon code: IMG25D, she or he will get 15% discount. The offer is valid until the end of August only. 

Operation hours during Eid Al Adha: 11:00 am -12:00 am from August 31 to September 4.

2. Dreamland Aqua park

In this scorching heat heading to a waterpark is a great way to cool down and have amazing time with your friends. Even though it takes one hour to reach the waterpark, the trip is worthwhile. Dreamland Aqua park is one of the largest water parks in the region featuring over 15 rides. Depending on your personal preference, you can choose from an aggressive thrill ride to a basic one. The Twister is an aggressive thrill ride where you slide inside a tunnel, spin on the bowl’s inner walls then dive into the pool. On your first try, you will be frightened, as you do not know what to expect, but on your next try it is going to be fun. The park also has a Jacuzzi, cabana rentals and overnight camping facilities, restaurants and food outlets, and many more.

Photo credit: Dreamland Aqua Park website

Location: Umm Al Quwain

Dreamland Aqua park ticket price: AED 160

Online booking offer: AED 100

Operation hours: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm during weekdays and 10:00 am – 7:00 pm on Fridays

3. Musandam Dibba Trip

This trip is recommended for students who want to have a memorable time while discovering the beautiful landscape around Fujairah and the coastal environment of Oman. The trip starts from 7:00 am, which is very early but believe me it is worth it! A van will pick you up from Dubai to go to Dibba port where you will board a traditional Omani wooden dhow. As you sail along the coastline, appreciate the breathtaking scenery – mountains with whitish hues due to salt, rugged cliffs, hollow caves, crystal clear water and many more.  Luckily, in this trip, you will experience everything closely. When you reach a specific point in the Indian Ocean, a small boat will take groups of people to see the wonderful caves…be ready, it is a bumpy ride! After that you have the freedom to fish, snorkel, swim with dolphins, and try the banana boat ride in the clear water. If you do not want to do anything, you can lay back, relax and soak up the sun’s rays in this tranquil setting.

Photo credit: Musandam Tourism UAE & Dhow Tours Oman

Location: Dibba and Musandam

Musandam Dibba trip Eid ticket price:AED 159

Trip duration: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm

For more information about the trip and Visa, click here

4. Desert Safari Trip

If you want to have some quality time with your friends in the desert heat of UAE then here is a safari trip that you should consider. You will get the opportunity to try various kinds of activities, like sand boarding, dune bashing, camel rides and many more.  The sand boarding for example is intimidating, but when you get the hang of it, it is extremely enjoyable. Plus, if you want the whole safari experience then you better try it! Besides these activities, there are henna designs, live shows, and a barbecue dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices.

Location: Dubai

Safari Ticket Price: AED 119

Groupon Offer Price: AED 75

For more information, click here

5. Other Nearby Places

If you just want to take it slow in this Eid holiday then visit these places. Al Majaz Water Front has a roaming parade ready with its exciting acts, dancing fountain, and delicious restaurants for you to try, such as TGI Fridays, Zahr El-Laymoun and many more. Dubai Festival City Mall is also providing a roaming parade and Magical Eid fireworks to enjoy with the IMAGINE show. Likewise, you can watch the night sky light up with hues of red, gold, green and blue at Al Qasba, Jumeirah Beach Residence and Yas Marina.

Al Qasba. Photo credit: Pooneh Zarnegar, Interior Design student

These are just few of the places that you may consider visiting while celebrating your Eid break if you will be staying around. Therefore, be ready to celebrate Eid with your friends and enjoy the Fireworks!

Dana Bou Fakhereddine is a student at American University of Sharjah.

Visit www.aus.edu for more information about American University of Sharjah.

By Rania Omer Al-Sakaf

Hello and welcome to American University of Sharjah (AUS)!

As you may know, AUS provides a lot of services to help make your experience at the university a pleasant one. One of those useful services is the transportation services. American University of Sharjah offers an intricate network of transportation for its students, faculty and staff to cater to their transportation needs here on campus as well as to some select off-campus destinations. So we would like to familiarize you with the various services offered by the university’s transportation department to help you get around on and off campus smoothly.

On Campus

To commute around campus from the dorms to the AUS Library, academic buildings, student center, etc., you need to check out the on campus shuttle bus service. The free service has various pick up and drop off points around the campus. The blue and red routes along with their schedule is shown in the below tables.

Matajer and Sharjah Co-op

For those of you who like to get their weekly groceries from Matajer or Sharjah Co-op, we have a free shuttle bus service every Sunday and Wednesday. The schedule is shown below:

Off-Campus

Sharjah

If you are coming from Sharjah to AUS, then you can take the University City buses, which are free of charge. This service is only for students with AUS IDs. Below are the bus stops and timings:

1. King Faisal Route: passes by Al Taawun (Creative Science Center, Afamia Supermarket, Qasba and Union Insurance). Time: 6:05, 7:35, 8:45 and 9:45 am.
2. Al Khan (front of Car Service Station and Adnoc), Jamal Abdul Nasser Street (Halabi Factory, Gref Mandi, Levantine Sweets, opposite Al Majaz Park and opposite Kalha Restaurant), Corniche Street (front of KFC), King Faisal Mosque, Abdul Aziz Street (front of Mashreq Bank), Mega Mall, Estiqlal Street (opposite Sinbad Bakery), Jesco Supermarket, Halwan, Samnan and Shahba.             Time: 6:15, 8:00, 8:30, 9:00, 9:30 and 10:00 a.m.
3. Al Heera Route: passes by Verona Resort (near Rona Fashion), Al Heera Police Station, Fisht Garden, Ibn Owf (Old Maroor), near Kuwaiti Hospital and Al Kitab (Cultural) roundabout.        Time: 6:30, 8:00, 9:00 and 10:00 a.m.

If you are going to Sharjah from AUS, the University City bus pick up point is in front of the main entrance roundabout. Buses return to the King Faisal and Al Heera routes from 12:00 / 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. every hour.

For more details check the University City bus service website.

Dubai

We operate shuttle buses from Etisalat and Rashidiya metro stations from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm on regular class days and final exam days. Please note that the bus schedule changes during summer and non-regular class days. Also, the shuttle does not operate between the end of summer session and the beginning of orientation week in addition to some official university holidays. So, keep an eye on our schedule updates and announcements before any official holiday.

These are not free services and you will need tickets to board. You can buy day tickets from cashier. A book of five tickets costs AED 50 and a book of 10 tickets costs AED 90. Season tickets can be ordered through banner.

Abu Dhabi/ Al Ain

If you want to go to Abu Dhabi or Al Ain, then you can take one of the buses that leaves the campus on Thursdays.

• Buses to Abu Dhabi leave at 4:15 pm and 6:15 pm from the Women’s Residential Halls bus stop and at 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm from the Men’s Residential Halls East bus stop.

• Buses to Al Ain leave at 5:15 pm from the Women’s Residential Halls bus stop and at 5:30 pm from the Men’s Residential Halls East bus stop.

Buses return to AUS from Abu Dhabi and Al Ain on Saturdays at 5:30 pm. Bus passes can be ordered through banner and picked up from the transportation office.

If you need further details or assistance regarding any of our provided services, please check the American University of Sharjah transportation webpage. Or stop by our office at the AUS Main Building, Mezzanine Floor, Office number MM16.

Rania Omer Al-Sakaf is a Continous Improvement Analyst at American University of Sharjah Office of Operations.

Visit www.aus.edu for more information about American University of Sharjah.

By Dana Bou Fakhereddine

For many American University of Sharjah (AUS) students, the AUS Library is still the best place to study, do research, do projects, write reports and prepare for quizzes, tests, midterms and final exams.

AUS Library is one of the premier libraries in the region and it provides collections, services and programs to support the curricular and research needs of the university community.

According to the Library webpage, the majority of AUS library's rapidly growing physical collection of 140,000 items is in English; the library provides access to over 200,000 electronic books and there are also many materials available in Arabic. The online catalog can be used to search for library materials from any location on or off campus. Using the AUS Library website, students and faculty can access e-books, online databases, full-text journals and other digital resources.

The AUS Library has a lot of facilities including the Information Commons with 135 desktop computers, group study rooms, quiet study areas and media viewing rooms. For this and many other reasons, it is the best place for AUS students to study and do their work.

Recently I have also discovered that, one of the best things about studying at American University of Sharjah is that, in additional to having this great Library right here on campus, there are also a number of other great places to study when the AUS Library is closed, when you are not on campus or when you just want to change the environment.

In one of my courses last semester we were given a group project. One day, as we were making plans for the projects one of my friends suggested to do a group meeting at Caribou Café in Al Qasba. When I got there I was actually surprised that it was a nice place and the new environment was exciting and we were able to accomplish a lot as our senses were fully awake and we were fully focused to accomplish our task.

So that got me started into exploring alternative study places where I can go to alone or with my friends, to study when the AUS Library is closed or when I am off campus and still want to put in study time. And these are what I have found so far:-

1. Caribou Café

Photo credit: Al Majaz Water Front website

The first thing you will notice when you enter any branch of Caribou Café is the cozy ambiance. It will make you want to grab a hot drink or iced one and sip on it while working on your assignments or studying.  The employees are very friendly. They assist students with their needs of Wi-Fi, power sockets and the constant flow of tasty food and beverages. They try to make your experience at the café as pleasant as possible.

Each branch has its own studying attraction. For example, the branch in Matajer near the University City has a study room where you can isolate yourself from everybody and concentrate on your work. The branch in Al Majaz has an outdoor section that overlooks the breathtaking view of the water front. So, you can enjoy writing your essay while watching the dancing fountain show.

• Location: Matajer

• AUS to Matajer Taxi Fare: 11.25 AED
• Matajer to AUS: 11.25 AED

• Location: Al Majaz Water Front

• AUS to Caribou Taxi Fare: Approximately AED 33
• Caribou to AUS: Approximately AED 34
• AUS buses: (FREE) Take the King Faisal bus and ask the driver to drop you beside Al Majaz Park or you can ask students in the bus about the stop. The buses drop students for free from 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm.

• Location: Al Qasba

• AUS to Caribou Taxi Fare: Approximately AED 35
• Caribou to AUS: Approximately AED 35
• AUS buses: (FREE) Take the King Faisal bus and ask the driver to drop you at Al-Tawoon stop. That stop is a two-minutes away from Al Qasba.

2. Starbucks Café

If you prefer Starbucks over other cafes then you should consider the Al Qasba branch. The café is very spacious with an indoor and outdoor section. The place is good for studying, as there are power sockets, Wi-Fi, and comfortable couches to sit on, which is important if you are planning to finish a whole research paper. Besides that, the café overlooks Al Qasba Canal, so you get to walk around and appreciate the view during your breaks.

• Location: Al Qasba

• AUS to Caribou Taxi Fare: Approximately AED 35
• Caribou to AUS: Approximately AED 35
• AUS buses: (FREE) Take the King Faisal bus and tell the driver to stop at Al-Tawoon stop. That stop is a two-minutes away from Al Qasba.

3. Maktaba

Photo credit: Maktaba Facebook page

This bookshop is in Al Qasba and when I saw it I immediately fell in love with it.  It has all the services a student would need during a studying session. There are tables designated for group and individual work, and books for you to read or buy. Plus, you can eat snacks and drink coffee to stay awake and survive those draining group meetings.

• Location: Al Qasba

• AUS to Caribou Taxi Fare: Approximately AED 35
• Caribou to AUS: Approximately AED 35
• AUS buses: (FREE) Take the King Faisal bus and ask the driver to drop you at Al-Tawoon stop. That stop is a two-minutes away from Al Qasba.

4. Sharjah Library

Photo credit: Sharjah Library website

Sharjah Library is a great alternative place to study in. You can study, read and happily work on your project. There are spacious study areas and thousands of books to use for your research paper or to enjoy during your break. The librarians are very helpful and ensure that there is no one talking loudly and disturbing other library users. Also, the internet service is very fast and the printing and scanning fees are cheap. So check this library out.

• Location: Halwan

• Taxi Fare: Approximately AED 25
• Working hours: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm

Coming back to American University of Sharjah, the campus also has a lot of outdoor places where you can sit down and study when the weather is good. The grass areas around campus offer great scenery of the AUS gardens, cool breeze and wonderful ambiance for outdoor studying.

You can also utilize the indoor seating areas available in academic buildings all around campus. These are really good for quick reviews and group discussion. The study areas at the basement of the School of Business and Administration are especially nice.

With AUS Library and these other alternative study places available to us, there is no reason for us not to do our best to make sure that we do well in all our quizzes, tests, projects and examination. Wish you the best semester ahead.

Dana Bou Fakhereddine is a student at American University of Sharjah.

Visit www.aus.edu for more information about American University of Sharjah.

By Kateryna Kadabashy

Being a student is not always easy, especially when you want to have fun on a budget. Although it might seem like mission impossible, there are actually numerous ways to save money as a student here at American University of Sharjah (AUS) and beyond.

First of all, most of us spend a lot of time at university. Which means that we buy most of our meals and beverages on various outlets here at AUS. Although most outlets at the AUS Student Center are budget-friendly, you could end up spending about AED 100 each week on these outlets. So, what to do?

1. You could bring your own food with you from home if you are not staying at the AUS Residential Halls. You can heat up your food using the microwaves stationed next to vending machines in each of AUS Colleges.
2. Get a portable mug and bring your own coffee/tea from home.
3. As for cheaper food options, there are the pastries in the Co-op at the basement of the AUS Student Center.

Another major spending you would face as a student is purchasing books for your courses. At the beginning of every semester, the Community Services at American University of Sharjah organizes a Charity Used Books Sale. This is a golden opportunity to both save money, and help the needy, as all proceeds from the sale are used to fund various AUS Charitable initiatives. You could also donate your own books for the same sale. Additionally, the bookstore buys used books at the start of each semester. For the list of books wanted for sale, check the entrance of the bookstore.

As for shopping, the good news is that you don’t have to completely stop it. Rather, just learn how to be smarter at it. For example, there are specific seasonal sales going around the shops in Dubai and Sharjah. One of them is the Dubai Shopping Festival, which happens every year around December and January. The transition between Spring and Summer is also ripe with sales. Nonetheless, there are outlet shops that provide branded items at discounted prices, such as The Outlet Mall and Brandsforless.

Clothes are not the only thing you will shop for as a student, sometimes you will need new gadgets and electronics. Do not fret, as there is a yearly festival in Dubai where such products are on offers and discounts. Gitex is a week-long festival were different electronic shops and providers display their products with attractive offers and cheaper prices. Moreover, numerous grocery and retail shops provide membership cards that allow you to collect points and provide special benefits. When you collect enough points on these cards, such as Shukran, Carrefour MyClub, and Ikea Family, you will them be able to get special benefits and discounts.

There are also ways to save on restaurants and outings, such as coupons, punch cards, and special offers. My family and I have been using The Entertainer for a few years now. It’s a book of coupons that you have to purchase, where most offers consist of buy one get one free. They work in various restaurants, attractions, services, and more. However, do check the participating outlets before hurrying to purchase the book, as they might not be what you need or like. But there are other alternatives such as Groupon, Cobone, etc.

Punch cards are also popular amongst a number of outlets in the UAE, some of the ones I know myself are Charleys, Costa Coffee, and Yogurberry. Additionally, several restaurants such as Fridays, Texas, and Hardeys, have special lunch offers where there is a separate menu for cheaper prices on weekdays during lunch hours.

Transportation will also be a major expense from now on. Luckily, there are ways you could save on that too. AUS offers transportation service with shuttle services from and to Sharjah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain. For more information on timings and locations, check out this link. Additionally, you could always use Dubai Metro for transportation inside of Dubai.

Be sure to also checke the AUS Discount Program. It has a lot of discount offers on a wide variety of services such as hotels, restaurants, car rentals, health centers, salons, shops, theme parks and many more.

At the end of the day, remember that all beginnings are challenging. Learning to manage our money might not be a natural skill we are all born with, but with a little persistence and a lot of trial, anyone can harness it. And we will all be able to have lots of fun on a budget.

Kateryna Kadabashy is a student at American University of Sharjah.

Visit www.aus.edu for more information about American University of Sharjah.

Greetings from Ohio!

Many of you are aware that I was undertaking a three-month run across the United States of America, a very serious ultra-marathon run from Los Angeles to New York.

On August 2, 2017, after running 3,941 kms, my dream to run from Los Angeles and New York to raise awareness of a lung disease known as pulmonary fibrosis came to an abrupt halt. I had three weeks left to run 922 kms to New York. At 8:30 that Wednesday morning, I was deliberately hit by a pickup truck when running on the shoulder of Highway US 40 approximately 20 miles west of Columbus, Ohio.  The vehicle did not stop and the driver is yet to be found. The accident was widely covered in the media, such as on 10TV, the New Zealand Weekend Herald and ABC6.

Miraculously, I was speaking to my wife, Sarah, on Skype at the time of the accident and she was able to alert my support crew and get the emergency help I needed. I was left with a perforated bowel, and compound fractures to my leg and pelvis. The doctors told me that I am very lucky to be alive. I have undergone five major surgeries to date and my rehabilitation will take about five months.

I wanted this run to “inspire ordinary people to do extraordinary things and to never be afraid to dream big.” Despite the accident and the life-changing injuries I have incurred, I am still determined to continue my fundraising and raise awareness for pulmonary fibrosis.  However, my first task will be to learn to walk again. I am so grateful to my wife and family for their love and support. And to my friends and colleagues at American University of Sharjah—Thank You.  I have so many emails from AUS students wishing me a speedy recovery.  I look forward to returning to AUS after my healing.

Dr. Nicholas Ashill is a Professor of Marketing and the Chalhoub Group professor of Luxury Brand Management at American University of Sharjah.

Visit www.aus.edu for more information about American University of Sharjah.

By Gureni Lukwaro

Jayant Menon Manavazhi, Supply Chain Director at American University of Sharjah has once again reached new heights—this time at the base camp of the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest, in Nepal. Standing at an altitude of 5,365m, the Southern Face Base Camp offers some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world.

“I left the UAE on Saturday, September 2 and travelled to Kathmandu and then on to Lukla, where the climb started. The initial plan was to fly to Lukla immediately after arriving in Kathmandu, but due to bad weather at the Lukla Airport, we could not travel the first and the second day after arriving in Kathmandu. So, the team decided to hire a helicopter on the second day to start the trek from a point 300 meters below Lukla and we started from there.”

According to Jay, as he is well known to his colleagues at American University of Sharjah, the trip was organized by the company Himalayan Wonders and there were 14 people in his group from eight different countries.

Jay, who climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania last summer, said the trek was longer and more difficult than the Kilimanjaro hike. “It took us nine days to reach base camp and three days to reach back to Lukla. We walked on average about 20kms per day, which included vertical and steep descent, and we stayed in so-called tea houses/lodges, where you have basic amenities in tin-roofed and wooden structures. The scenery starts with forests, and as you go up it becomes bushes—that’s when the wind hits you—and finishes off with rock boulders on glacier. It is just spectacular scenery.”

“We were allowed to carry a maximum of 30kgs each, of which 20kgs were carried by porters and 10 in our backpacks. Food was provided by the tea houses, so we only carried warm clothing, water and snacks in our day pack. Warm clothing was important as the weather was very unpredictable. It started out at 5°Celcius at Lukla and it got down to between -15°C to -20°C at basecamp. By the time we reached basecamp we all had at least five to six layers of clothing on us.”

According to Wikipedia, about 40,000 people trek the South Base Camp in Nepal each year.

“Several people asked me why I did this. And my answer to them is this is one way that I have found to keep myself motivated, to stay fit and work towards higher sustainable personal goals; to think beyond malls, restaurants and grocery shopping,” said Jay. “This was indeed an experience of a lifetime and I would urge everyone to visit the Himalayas. The memories of this mountain will remain with you forever.”

When asked what was the biggest take away from the trip, Jay said, “Fourteen of us—from eight different nationalities, from different religions, cultures and backgrounds—met as strangers and worked together towards a common goal, caring for each other, helping each other till the last day, despite of harsh weather conditions. At the end of the trip, it was difficult for us to leave the group, as the friendship and teamwork that developed during the trip was priceless.”

Regarding future plans for more adventure, Jay said, “If God, time and health permits, I would like to summit Andes Ranges in Chile or Mount Vinson in Antarctica, next year.”

For more pictures, please visit http://bit.ly/2wgyzaa.

American University of Sharjah staff climbs Mount Kilimanjaro

Gureni Lukwaro is a Social Media Specialist at the American University of Sharjah.

For more information about American University of Sharjah, please visit www.aus.edu

By Ahmad Khalid

Forensic science is “any aspect of science that deals with law,” Brigadier General Abdel Qader Al Amri, Director of the Forensic Laboratory of Sharjah Police, said to students and faculty during his lecture at American University of Sharjah (AUS) on Monday, September 25.

Al Amri’s seminar, titled “Introduction to Forensics: From Crime Scene to Court,” was part of the Forensic Science Experts Seminar Series offered by the Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences at American University of Sharjah. The series aims introduce students, faculty and staff to practical and theoretical experiences in the forensic science field.

“We do examinations, data collection,” Al Amri said. “From the analysis we do, we have to make inferences, and then come to conclusions put into a report.”

One of the skills a forensic scientist must have is the ability to write reports that are free of jargon and “clear to a layperson,” he said. “Reporting is very important.”

Al Amri said that crime scene investigation is challenging, and that an investigator should not expect to always find fingerprints or biological samples leading to a full DNA profile. “You have to deal with it,” he said. “You have to be able to adjust things together.”

He said forensic scientists should work according to what he called the “GIFT principle,” meaning “Get it the first time.”

“You don’t have to go back to the scene two, three times,” he said, “and you don’t know who tampered with it.”

Al Amri said that forensic scientists classify evidence with individual and class characteristics. Individual characters establish the uniqueness of an object, he said, and include fingerprints, while class characteristics describe a group of objects, such as hair. He said there are cases where “class characteristics beat DNA.”

Al Amri spoke on how forensic scientists solve various cases, including robberies, homicides, and instances of fraud and arson. “In arson cases, the point of origin is important,” he said. “If you get the point of origin, then you have solved 50 to 80 percent of the problem.” He said signs of arson include fires with multiple points of origin, and fires with little smoke.

Another example involved a hit-and-run crash that killed a man. He said investigators found the suspect’s car and determined that the pieces of glass found in the crime scene matched the glass of the car window, and also completed the matrix of broken pieces. He said they also found strands of fiber from the victim’s clothes under the car. Al Amri said the evidence led to the suspect’s conviction.

American University of Sharjah established a partnership with Sharjah Police Forensic Laboratory and Dubai Forensics Science and Criminology Department to introduce the AUS community to forensic science and demonstrate how science can help solve crimes.

“Colonel Al Amri will return to American University of Sharjah to conduct another lecture on November 13. Dr. Fuad Tarbah, Director of Training, Research and Development Department at Dubai Forensics Science and Criminology Department, will also visit the AUS campus on October 4 and 16 as part of this AUS Forensic Science Experts Series,” said Dr. Yehya El Sayed, Associate Professor of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Science at American University of Sharjah.

Ahmad Khalid is a Mass Communication student at American University of Sharjah.

Visit www.aus.edu for more information about American University of Sharjah.

By Louay Khalil

We all have dreams, some big and some small. Some of these dreams will remain just that, dreams. But if we work hard to achieve them, these dreams can turn into life-changing experiences. This summer, I fulfilled a big dream of mine. In itself, the dream was simple, to trek to the iconic Everest Base Camp. It took me two weeks and an upward trekking of around 130 kms to reach the base camp.

The camp rises at an altitude of 5,368 meters above sea level. Throughout the trek you walk through the villages in the Himalayas. This is by itself a marvelous experience. It opens your eyes to a whole new culture. You get to know people who, up until then, were totally isolated.

I booked the trip with a tour operator and I didn't know any of the group members I was going to go with. However, the moment we met in Kathmandu, we clicked right away because we all shared the same interests. I did sightseeing on my own in Kathmandu to places such as Boudhanath, one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in the world. Then I flew to Lukla, one of the highest airports in the world and by far one of the most dangerous ones.

Soon after our arrival, we started our trek from Lukla. We slept in guesthouses, and even though the amenities were minimal, if not lacking, the experience was life changing. Such a long trek of around 14 days, 7 hours a day and upward trekking of 130 kms humbles you. It also gives one time to reflect on oneself. Plus, it is hard on the legs.

Right after we passed an altitude of 4,000 meters, we realized that the mind starts to play tricks on you. You start questioning yourself. You ask yourself questions like, why am I doing this? Why am I here? However, once you reach the base camp all the emotions erupt. You forget about the physical challenges and you just embrace the moment. At this point you conquered a challenge. All the hard work pays off. You did a challenge that thousands aspire to do.

This was my second major trek. In 2015, I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the highest free standing mountain in the world and the highest mountain in Africa. This opened my eyes to trekking and mountain climbing. People ask me why I do this, my answer is always the same: first for the experience and lasting memories; secondly for pride and accomplishment; and thirdly for getting out of my comfort zone.

I encourage everyone who has the same interests to go for this. The weather was amazing, however, it does snow, and the wind can be really harsh, especially when you get close to the peaks. At night it is cold. One of the highlights has got to be the scenery, the majestic 360-degree views.

So if you have any dream, big or small, as much as is possible, go for it. It will be all worth it. You can view more pictures here.

Louay Khalil graduated from American University of Sharjah a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in 2014.

By Ahmad Khalid

Understanding chemistry is essential to being a good toxicologist, noted Dr. Fuad Tarbah, Senior Forensic Toxicologist and Director of Training, Research and Development at Dubai Forensic Science and Criminology Department, during his lecture at American University of Sharjah (AUS) earlier this month.

Toxicology is the branch of science dealing with poisons, their nature, effects and antidotes, and knowledge of chemistry is helpful in detecting and analyzing chemical compositions of various drugs and other harmful substances.

Dr. Tarbah, who holds a Doctor of Pharmacy in Forensic Toxicology from the University of Düsseldorf in Germany, said part of his job is to perform postmortem toxicology.

"If somebody died, I have to understand, or to explain to the physician if there's any influence of toxins or drugs," he said, adding that "quantitative analysis is very important."

He said toxicologists perform quantitative analysis to identify substances and determine how much of these substances is present in a sample.

"We are responsible for classifying the results, as well as telling a small story." He said his work involves "result interpretation," where he determines whether a drug was used medicinally or recreationally.

Dr. Tarbah said that, according to Federal Law No. 15, UAE Police "classify the drugs in different tables or schedules." He said that Schedule 1 drugs, for example, have no medical use, and include heroin and cocaine.

Dr. Tarbah presented cases of drug smuggling and used photos of seized material to show how traffickers hide drugs in hazelnuts, electric cables, instant noodle packets and mobile phone chargers.

In his lecture, he also touched on the effects of opiates, stimulants and hallucinogenic drugs, as well as the procedures toxicologists employ to analyze samples containing these substances.

The seminar was part of a series of talks by forensic science experts organized by Dr. Yehya El Sayed, Associate Professor at the AUS Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences. American University of Sharjah offers a world-class Bachelor of Science in Chemistry that can help people pursue careers in, among other things, forensic toxicology.

Ahmad Khalid is a mass communication student at American University of Sharjah.

Visit www.aus.edu for more information about American University of Sharjah.

By Gureni Lukwaro

Adnan Shahpurwala, Electrical Engineering student at American University of Sharjah (AUS) College of Engineering accomplished one of his life-long dreams by trekking to Everest Base Camp recently.

Alongside his childhood friend Arihant Jain, they took the 130 kilometers, journey to climb up to the famous base camp in Nepal which stands at an altitude of 5,364 meters.

“Everest Base Camp Trek is, so far, the most exhilarating experience of my life!” said Shahpurwala. “My friend and I decided to do it ourselves. It was just my friend and I. No guide. No porter. All we had was a map and local people guiding us along the way. And we made it all the way there.”

Trekking independently to Everest Base Camp is an option that people may choose to have a more adventurous experience and to save money. Even though it is possible to trek from Kathmandu to Lukla, where base camp treks begin, but trekkers would usually fly from Kathmandu to and from Lukla to save time and energy. The duo flew from Kathmandu to Lukla and started their trek from Lukla.

On what they took back from this epic journey, Shahpurwala, who is a senior student at AUS, said it was endurance and patience as they had to hang in there through the thick and thin and keep pushing forward towards achieving the goal they set out to achieve.

“This trek means a great deal to me and my childhood friend, Arihant, because it will serve as a reminder that no matter what hardships we faced or how tough or cold it got, we kept calm, kept walking, and kept bearing the pain until we reached our goal!”

On his advice to others who are aspiring to achieve their life dreams, Shahpurwala said nothing can actually stop anyone from achieving their dreams. Even though people sometimes think its money or others, but it is actually themselves and how they set their priorities. He said people need to find and make the time to achieve things that will make them enthusiastic and make them feel alive.

American University of Sharjah is a vibrant community where students, faculty staff and other members of the community strives to excel in a variety of activities both academic and extracurricular. An AUS staff member trekked to Everest Base Camp last month. An AUS alumnus did the same earlier.

Please Click Here to see more pictures of Adnan Shahpurwala trip to Everest Base Camp.

Gureni Lukwaro is a Digital Marketing Manager at the American University of Sharjah.

For more information about American University of Sharjah, please visit www.aus.edu

By Kateryna Kadabashy

If you are a new student at American University of Sharjah (AUS) and are wondering what can you do when you have some free time, don’t fret, there are many options to help you hang out and enjoy your time, especially in our neighbor Emirate of Dubai. Dubai is known, among other things, for the great shopping experiences it offers across its various malls and souks. However, there are malls in the city that offer much more than just shops, they offer much more for you to have a good experience. Here are my top 5 list for you.

1. Dubai Mall

Being among the biggest shopping malls in the world, Dubai Mall is not a place to miss. The mall contains several shops, ranging from designer brands, such as Alexander McQueen, to cheaper options, such as New Yorker. It also hosts a spacious cinema, SEGA theme park, and an ice skating rink. You will also be able to enjoy the world’s second-largest choreographed fountains, as they shoot water up to more than 150 meters in height. The fountains are surrounded by beautifully designed outdoor areas, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee from nearby shops. Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, will not skip your notice as you enjoy the outdoor views of the mall. Visitors can get inside the 124^th level of the skyscraper upon the purchase of tickets, or enjoy their meals at At.mosphere restaurant, located on the 122^nd floor.

2. Dubai Festival City

There are several reasons why this mall is a nice place to visit, especially after the recent renovations it has undergone. Apart from the various shopping options, it has a good variety of restaurants that offer different cuisines and outdoor seating options. The mall also recently installed a new attraction called IMAGINE, which broke Guinness World Records as the largest water screen projection and largest permanent projection mapping in the world. IMAGINE is a mesmerizing show that features dancing fountains, lasers, fire, and music. For rock lovers, the one and only Hard Rock Dubai is also located in DFC. The restaurant is part of a chain of theme restaurants created by Isaac Tigrett and Peter Morton, which have branches in more than 55 countries. The café often features free performances by rock bands.

3. Dubai Marina Mall

Located next to a breathtaking water canal, the mall provides a cozy and airy atmosphere for visitors. Although this mall is smallest in size on this list, it still has a lot to offer. The four stories are filled with popular destinations for shopping, again, varied between affordable and high-end brands. The mall also offers a wide variety of restaurants and cafes with views on Dubai Marina. As for entertainment inside the mall, there is a Reel cinema where visitors can enjoy the latest movies. However, what sets this mall apart from numerous others in Dubai is the beautiful water canal, surrounded by skyscrapers. Visitors can ride boats or simply enjoy a walk along the canal.

The view from Dubai Marina Mall in the evening by Daniel Cheong

4. Mall of the Emirates

This mall houses more than 500 shops and has the biggest Carrefour hypermarket in Dubai. However, it is the various entertainment options available in the mall that make it an attractive destination. Emirates Mall is mostly famous for Ski Dubai, which is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East. The resort hosts a snow garden, where guests can enjoy playing with snow, and offers activities such as skiing and snowboarding. Another unique opportunity offered at Emirates Mall is Theatre by Rhodes, which is a unique and luxury cinema experience where visitors can order plates from a menu created by Michelin star chef Gary Rhodes. The mall also hosts a DUCTAC community theatre that often hosts regional and international comedians and shows.

5. Ibn Battuta

Named as the biggest themed shopping mall in the world, Ibn Battuta offers a one of a kind experience for visitors. The mall is designed after the adventures of the Moroccan traveler Ibn Battuta during the 14^th century. Ibn Battuta mall is divided into six pavilions: Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India and China. Each pavilion is designed according to the culture that was dominant in the area at the time of his travels. There is a hand-painted dome awaiting to mesmerize guests in the Persian pavilion, as well as pyramids in the Egyptian pavilion and a lion fountain in the in the Andalusian pavilion. While enjoying the views, guests can shop in over the 250 stores in the mall.

Chinese Court at Ibn Battuta Mall. Picture by Ibn Battuta Mall.

The best part about all of these malls is that you can reach them by Dubai Metro. However, to reach Dubai Festival City, you need to exit the metro at Emirates or Al Rashidiya Stations and take a short taxi ride to the mall. American University of Sharjah operate shuttle buses to and from Etisalat and Rashidiya metro stations from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on regular class days. You can check the bus schedules here.

Kateryna Kadabashy is a Mass Communication student at American University of Sharjah.

Visit www.aus.edu for more information about American University of Sharjah.

By Wency Villamora

Sometimes university students encounter academic and personal obstacles that stand in the way of achieving their full potential and educational goals. For these students, the challenges of navigating university life are often overwhelming. The Academic Support Center (ASC) at American University of Sharjah (AUS) is here to help by providing current students a wide range of services.

Exploring Majors

Many factors need to be considered when deciding on a major or choosing a career. Students who are currently exploring majors can contact the ASC Director, who serves as the Academic Advisor for undeclared students. ASC also offers the Strong Interest Inventory, a tool that measures interest in various fields of study.

Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Students who have a documented disability diagnosed by a qualified professional may apply for academic accommodations through ASC in order to have equal access to educational opportunities at AUS.

Study Skills Workshops and Events

ASC offers a wide range of study skills workshops, such as time management and procrastination, motivation and goals, test taking and managing anxiety, study skills and note taking, health and wellness, and much more. These workshops aim to equip students with effective study strategies to help them succeed in university. ASC also runs a few events and inspirational talks every semester presented by key faculty, students and external visitors. Attending ASC workshops and events can earn you an AUS certificate!

Peer Advisors

Peer Advisors are academically successful current students from the AUS colleges who are available to meet one-on-one. They provide academic information and support and also share their invaluable perspective. Peer Advisors offer students advice related to their respective college and major, recommend effective learning strategies and share their personal journeys to a fulfilling university experience. Come and talk to our Peer Advisors!

Student Support Crew (SSC)

The SSC consists of students who were previously on probation and are now in good standing and progressing at AUS. They give back by sharing their success stories and practical tips with new students and students that are currently struggling academically. Some of the projects they take part in include classroom visits, presenting workshops, campus events, video making and social media campaigns. You can attend their events and apply to join the SSC team.

Academic Advising

Academic advising is a collaborative relationship between student and advisor that promotes student success. ASC Advisors provide the knowledge, tools and resources to support students in attaining their academic goals. ASC Advisors are also committed to helping students make a successful transition to the university while empowering them to discover their full potential through advising, mentoring and coaching.

Furthermore, ASC collaborates with other departments to introduce and refer students to a wide variety of resources and services provided by the university. Students can always find the support they need by simply accessing these campus resources.

Math Learning Center: Offers free one-on-one tutoring to students in MTH 00 and 100-level courses. Trained tutors are available to help.

Writing Center: Provides individual instruction, helpful handouts, writing resources and workshops throughout the semester.

AUS Library: A study space full of resources with a Research Help Desk. The Library provides students with several useful workshops, group study rooms, media and presentation rooms.

Faculty Office Hours: All instructors hold weekly office hours listed in their course syllabi, which give students the opportunity to seek help directly from the instructors.

UPA 200: This course focuses on developing a positive attitude toward studying at university and providing the study skills necessary for academic success. This course is mandatory for freshman students on academic probation and is offered through the Achievement Academy.

University Counseling Services (UCS): Located in the University Health Center, the UCS offers psychological and emotional support to the entire AUS community. Students can seek help with anything from goal setting, decision making, enhancing relationships, mental illness and much more.

The Dean’s Business Team (DBT): The School of Business Administration’s DBT offers tutoring for most business courses. Also, DBT holds educational events and events to highlight student talents.

Career Services: Provides guidance to students on how to secure a rewarding professional career and internship opportunities. Career Services conducts seminars and trainings on job search and preparation, interviewing and negotiation skills, career planning and resume writing skills, among many others.

Office of Financial Grants and Scholarships: Offers students a wide range of grants, scholarships and work study opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students to help them finance their education regardless of race, gender, religion or national origin.

Office of International Exchange Programs (IXO): Helps students actively engage with numerous other partner universities and organizations to experience a different way of life, culture and educational environment. IXO services include study abroad, international scholarship and study tours.

AUS Undergraduate Catalog: A comprehensive guide to the degrees and course structure, as well as an in-depth look at each course and the prerequisites required. The catalog is an important tool in degree planning and academic life at AUS. 

Student Handbook: Students can download a copy of the Student Handbook from the AUS website for detailed information on useful campus outlets and services. The handbook is a guide and reference to all aspects of campus life.

Sheraa—Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center: Provides aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources needed to bring their idea to life. Sheraa supports students with pitching their start-up business. Sheraa also runs workshops and trainings delivered by top business leaders in the region.

The ASC highly encourages students to be proactive in their learning experience and to make use of the resources available. To learn more about ASC, visit our website. To learn more about AUS resources mentioned above, contact us. To make an appointment with an ASC Advisor, call +971 6 515 2180. ASC is located in the Main Building, Mezzanine Floor, Room M-M01.

Wency Villamora is an Academic Advisor at American University of Sharjah Academic Support Center.

For more information about American University of Sharjah, please visit www.aus.edu