03/06/2020
NNA - The World Economic Forum announced its Class of 2020 Young Scientists, recognizing 25 exceptional researchers from around the world, under the age of 40, who are at the forefront of scientific discovery. Among them are American University of Beirut (AUB) researchers, Drs. Joseph Costantine and Joanna Doummar.
Dr. Joseph Costantine’s research leverages electromagnetism to design new generations of communication systems that accommodate future wireless platforms, novel sensors that tackle health monitoring challenges, and wirelessly powered devices that harvest ambient electromagnetic fields. This research pushes for a better quality of life through electromagnetism that is focused on human-centered transformative technology. Such technology addresses life challenges that extend from continuous non-invasive diabetes monitoring, to charging remote sensors using drones, in addition to deploying agile communication systems in areas without an existing infrastructure.
Dr. Joanna Doummar’s research entails the characterization of flow and transport in complex groundwater systems through process based models and the identification of contamination indicators. These models involve the acquisition of high-resolution time series from poorly monitored sites equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation. This research aims at providing decision-makers with support tools to overcome water quality and quantity challenges under climate change conditions. It also helps tailor policies based on science-supported evidence in semi-arid and Mediterranean regions at high risk for water scarcity.
The Young Scientists were nominated by leading research institutes according to criteria including research excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to serving society, according to the World Economic Forum’s announcement. They were selected on the basis of their achievements in expanding the boundaries of knowledge and practical applications of science in issues as diverse as child psychology, chemical oceanography, and artificial intelligence.