Energy, Water and Sustainable Environment Research Center (EWSERC)
The Energy, Water and Sustainable Environment Research Center (EWSERC) is dedicated to developing world-class research that seeks to make a significant impact in tackling global challenges in energy, water and environmental sustainability.
Research conducted through the center supports the university’s vision to contribute to several UAE strategic plans, such as UAE Net Zero 2050, Sustainable Environment and Infrastructure (Vision 2021), National Water and Energy Demand Management Program, UAE Environment Policy, UAE Circular Economy Policy, UAE Energy Strategy 2050, National Climate Change Plan of the UAE 2017-2050 and UAE Water Security Strategy 2036.
Hosted at the AUS College of Engineering, EWSERC offers sustainable solutions that optimize resource utilization and pioneer new technologies and infrastructures to address pressing challenges regionally and globally.
Vision and Mission
Vision
EWSERC aims to become a leading research institution pioneering innovative technologies and strategies that address the critical energy, water and environmental challenges facing the UAE and the world. Through relentless dedication to sustainability and cutting-edge research, the research center aims to create a future where its solutions drive positive impact, ensuring a sustainable and thriving planet for generations to come.
Mission
EWSERC seeks to conduct innovative, interdisciplinary research focused on addressing challenges in energy, water resources and sustainable environments. This encompasses developing sustainable solutions to optimize resource utilization and effectively manage demand. It further involves the advancement of new technologies and the construction of innovative infrastructure, all aimed at contributing to the overarching objective of creating a sustainable and resilient future.
Objectives
EWSERC endeavors to advance knowledge and innovation in energy, water and sustainability through pioneering sustainable energy solutions, supporting the UAE's decarbonization vision and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations.
This is achieved through the following objectives:
- Develop new technologies, secure patents and conduct high-quality research in energy, water and sustainable environments.
- Facilitate knowledge transfer and offer training to professionals and entities in energy, water and sustainable practices.
- Promote educational excellence and offer community services to government and industry stakeholders.
- Procure funding to bolster center activities and build an international reputation as a research hub.
Research Themes
EWSERC prioritizes specific emerging research themes derived from the university's strategic plan, areas of researchers’ expertise and UAE strategic initiatives.
- Theme 1: Renewable Energy and Smart Grid
Aligned with the UAE's strategic goals for environmental sustainability and infrastructure advancement, renewable energy and smart grid research focuses on sustainable energy sources and cutting-edge grid technologies aimed at elevating energy efficiency, reliability and integration. It explores diverse avenues such as waste-to-energy, green hydrogen production and efficiency of renewable sources like solar and wind. It also encompasses smart grid security, integration of renewable energy sources, utilization of AI in smart grids, integration of electric vehicles into the grid, and energy management and trading utilizing advanced technologies like blockchain and IoT.
Members:
Name
EWSERC Title
Email
Department
College
ERSERC Director and Theme Leader
Electrical Engineering
CEN
Theme Co-Leader and Research Fellow
Chemical and Biological Engineering Engineering
CEN
Research Fellow
Computer Science and Engineering
CEN
Research Fellow
Electrical Engineering
CEN
Research Fellow
Economics
SBA
Research Fellow
Mechanical Engineering
CEN
Research Fellow
Electrical Engineering
CEN
Research Fellow
Chemical and Biological Engineering
CEN
- Theme 2: Energy Harvesting, Conversion and Storage
Energy harvesting, conversion and storage is at the heart of sustainable energy systems. This includes harnessing energy from natural sources such as solar, wind and vibrations, converting it into usable forms like electricity and heat, and storing it for future utilization. Research in this domain is centered on enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar cells, batteries and fuel cells, optimizing systems with innovative algorithms and designs, establishing grid-scale storage solutions for renewable energy, pioneering new materials for electromagnetic and thermal energy harvesting, and implementing techniques for the recycling of Li-Ion batteries used in electric vehicles.
Members:
Name
EWSERC Title
Email
Department
College
Theme Leader and Research Fellow
Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
CEN
Theme Co-Leader and Research Fellow
Department of Mechanical Engineering
CEN
Research Fellow
Electrical Engineering
CEN
Research Fellow
Chemical and Biological Engineering
CEN
Research Fellow
Electrical Engineering
CEN
Research Fellow
Mechanical Engineering
CEN
Research Fellow
Electrical Engineering
CEN
Research Fellow
Chemical and Biological Engineering
CEN
- Theme 3: Water Quality and Treatment
Addressing the criticality of water quality and treatment, this theme sheds light on the detrimental impacts of rapid development and human activities on water resources, alongside the emergence of pollutants such as microplastics and pharmaceuticals. Key research areas encompass the development of advanced water treatment technologies such as oxidation, membrane filtration and reverse osmosis, as well as strategies for water reuse and demand management. The exploration of innovative materials for adsorption-based processes is integral to this focus. Furthermore, research extends to membrane systems for potable and industrial wastewater treatment, diverse industrial effluents treatment, and enhanced contaminant detection and monitoring. Through this comprehensive approach, EWSERC aims to bolster water safety and sustainability in the face of escalating environmental challenges.
Members:
Name
EWSERC Title
Email
Department
College
Theme Leader and Research Fellow
Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences
CAS
Theme Co-Leader and Research Fellow
Civil Engineering
CEN
Lab Instructor
Chemical and Biological Engineering
CEN
Research Fellow
Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences
CAS
Research Fellow
Chemical and Biological Engineering
CEN
Research Fellow
Chemical and Biological Engineering
CEN
Research Fellow
Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Science
CAS
Dr. Sandra Knuteson Research Fellow [email protected] Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Science CAS Dr. Taleb Ibrahim Research Fellow [email protected] Chemical and Biological Engineering
CEN - Theme 4: Water Supply, Security and Sustainability
Water supply, security and sustainability initiatives are dedicated to ensuring global communities’ access to safe and dependable water sources while preserving the ecosystem’s health and promoting water resource sustainability. Emphasizing the criticality of securing and efficiently managing both source water and distribution systems, this extends to activities such as leak detection, enhancing resilience and optimizing water and energy networks, which are essential components of the UAE's infrastructure. This research theme emphasizes the imperative of assessing water sustainability amid climate change threats, encompassing evaluations of climate change impacts on water systems, environmental risk assessments and life cycle sustainability assessments. In alignment with strategic UAE objectives for sustainable infrastructure and environmental stewardship, the research domain highlights emerging areas such as life cycle assessments, integrated water resource management tools, water conservation technologies and the ramifications of climate change on water security.
Members:
Name
EWSERC Title
Email
Department
College
Theme Leader and Research Fellow
Civil Engineering
CEN
Theme Co-Leader and Research Fellow
Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences
CAS
Research Fellow
Mathematics and Statistics
CAS
Research Fellow
Media Communication
CAS
Research Fellow
Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Science
CAS
Research Fellow
Civil Engineering
CEN
Research Fellow
Civil Engineering
CEN
Dr. Aaron Bartholomew Research Fellow [email protected] Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Science CAS Dr. Ivonne Rodriguez Research Fellow [email protected] Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Science CAS - Theme 5: Sustainable Cities and Infrastructures
The pursuit of sustainable cities in the UAE emphasizes a commitment to environmentally friendly urban development, prioritizing sustainable infrastructure, waste management and construction practices. Key research focuses on nondestructive evaluation of infrastructures, innovative recycling techniques, and the integration of smart technologies to bolster urban resilience and sustainability. This approach aligns with strategic visions for sustainable environments, striving for resource efficiency and the enhancement of urban ecosystems amid rapid urbanization.
Members:
Name
EWSERC Title
Email
Department
College
Theme Leader Research Fellow
Mechanical Engineering
CEN
Theme Co-Leader and Research Fellow
Economics
SBA
Research Fellow
Architecture
CAAD
Research Fellow
Civil Engineering
CEN
Research Fellow
Civil Engineering
CEN
Research Fellow
Art and Design
CAAD
Research Fellow
Civil Engineering
CEN
Research Fellow
Electrical Engineering
CEN
Research Fellow
Civil Engineering
CEN
Research Fellow
Civil Engineering
CEN
Research Fellow
Civil Engineering
CEN
Facilities
Core facilities in the College of Engineering (CEN) and the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) provide centralized access to specialized equipment, expertise and services, facilitating collaborative research, enhancing efficiency and accelerating scientific discovery.
- Core Facilities
Core Facilities
College
Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences Laboratories (CHM building)
CAS
Renewable Energy and E-Mobility Laboratory (ESB)
CEN
Environmental Engineering Laboratories (EB2)
CEN
Water Technology Laboratory
CEN
Environment Research Laboratory
CEN
Energy Research Laboratory
CEN
Structures and Construction Materials Laboratory
CEN
Power Systems Laboratory (ESB)
CEN
Common Research Facility at the Department of Physics
CAS
Environmental Engineering Laboratory
CEN
Analytical Laboratories at the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
CAS
Electric Machines and Power Electronics Laboratory (ESB)
CEN
Aeronautics Laboratory (ESB)
CEN
Control Systems Laboratory (ESB)
CEN
Manufacturing Laboratory (ESB)
CEN
Mechatronics Center (ESB)
CEN
Microwave Imaging and Nondestructive Evaluation Laboratory (MINEL)
CEN
Measurement and Instrumentation Laboratory (ESB)
CEN
Geospatial Analysis Laboratory (EB1)
CEN
Fluid Mechanics Laboratories (ESB)
CEN
Heat Transfer Laboratory (ESB)
CEN
Mechatronics Center (ESB)
CEN
Drone Academy (ESB)
CEN
Mechanical Engineering Manufacturing Laboratory
CEN
Corrosion Laboratory
CEN
Fluid Mechanics Laboratory
CEN
Geospatial Analysis Laboratory
CEN
Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory
CEN
Geology Laboratory
CEN
Asphalt and Highway Laboratory
CEN
Transportation Laboratory
CEN
Surveying Laboratory
CEN
EWSERC Leadership
Dr. Mostafa Shaaban
Director of EWSERC
Associate Professor in Electrical Engineering, CEN
Theme leader: Renewable energy and smart grid
Dr. Amani Al-Othman
Associate Professor in Chemical and Biological Engineering and Petrofac Research Chair in Renewable Energy, CEN
Theme leader: Energy harvesting, conversion and storage.
Dr. Fatin Samara
Professor in Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences, CAS
Theme leader: Water quality and treatment.
Dr. Hamid Baghestani
Professor in Economics, School of Business Administration
Dr. Md. Maruf Mortula
Professor in Civil Engineering, CEN
Theme leader: Water supply, security and sustainability
Dr. Mehdi Ghommem
Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering and Dana Gas Endowed Chair in Engineering, CEN
Theme leader: Sustainable cities and infrastructure
Contact
