Oumou Madeleine Sylla (She/Her)

Undergraduate Economics Student , NYU Abu Dhabi
Zena Muqattash

Undergraduate Student , New york University Abu Dhabi

Alex Kurian

Student, New York University Abu Dhabi

Hi, my name is Alex Kurian. I am a Mathematics and Economics major at NYU Abu Dhabi. I'd love to connect!
Ghalia Fohami

Undergraduate Mechanical Engineering Student, NYU Abu Dhabi

Hey! I’m a Mechanical Engineering rising sophomore at NYU Abu Dhabi. Currently, I’m exploring robotic manipulation and navigation using Dynamic Movement Primitives (DMPs) to understand how robots how to adapt to real-world forces and perform precise tasks. My goal is to build a deep understanding and develop proper comparisons between traditional robots and upcoming paradigms within the robotic industry which can help us thrive in several fields and our daily lives. Outside the lab, you can find me making music, drawing, traveling, or spending a few too many hours playing video games. Feel free to reach out to discuss whatever comes to heart!
Jordan Legesse

Student, NYU Abu Dhabi

I’m a Computer Science and Mathematics student at NYU Abu Dhabi, originally from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I’m naturally curious and tend to think a lot about how system, whether technological or social, shape the way people experience the world. I’m especially interested in questions around access, representation, and decision-making. Outside of academics, I enjoy playing chess, exploring new places, and spending time with friends. I also care deeply about education and have been involved in initiatives supporting students from diverse academic backgrounds.
Maghai Ghak

Laidlaw Scholar, Georgetown University

Hi! My name is Maghai, and I am a rising junior at Georgetown University in Qatar studying International Politics. As a Laidlaw Scholar, I am conducting research on civilian perceptions of UN peacekeeping withdrawal in South Sudan and how local communities experience security and international intervention. Growing up through conflict and displacement has shaped my interest in community-centered policy, accountability, and research that elevates local perspectives in global decision-making.
Meshack Moseti

Student, New York University Abu Dhabi

Hi everyone! I am a rising sophomore, Mech. E student with a strong interest in Aerospace engineering. My current research involves the characterization of the Emirates Lunar Simulant, which means analysing the chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of our lab-made ELS. The ultimate goal is to make sure the simulant produced by our space lab matches the real lunar regolith brought back during the Apollo and Luna missions. Our research would later also extend to learning how to extract oxygen from the simulant, which will be a huge breakthrough in establishing Lunar bases. From there, partners like the UAE Space Agency use it to test rover performance, train astronauts, and validate lunar equipment, since all this helps optimize missions and reduce the risks that come with lunar exploration. Outside the lab, you'll catch me curating playlists, playing ATC on VATSIM with friends, or wandering somewhere I haven't been before.
Youness Robert-Tahiri

MSocSci Psychology Candidate (Laidlaw Scholars Alumnus), University of Cape Town

Hello! I recently graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology Research from the University of Toronto. I’m passionate about youth mental health and how humour can be used to support resilience after adversity. My Summer 1 research project explored the relationship between childhood adversity, aggression, and self-regulation — deepening my understanding of the psychological impacts of early trauma. In Summer 2, I led a Leadership-in-Action project at SOS Children’s Villages in Cape Town, where I designed and facilitated a comedy-based mental health program for teens. That experience led me to found HaHaHelps — an organization that uses improv comedy to support youth mental health through accessible, community-led workshops. I am currently conducting a feasibility study of the program in South Africa as part of my master’s dissertation in Psychology at the University of Cape Town, with plans to expand to more communities globally. Please feel free to connect :) Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/younessrobert-tahiri Email: youness@hahahelps.org