AUK Faculty Strengthen International Research Collaboration Through Dartmouth Partnership

The American University of Kuwait (AUK) continues to expand its global research collaborations through its longstanding partnership with Dartmouth College, as two AUK faculty members recently showcased their research and collaborative initiatives during faculty research gathering held at Dartmouth on July 27, 2026.

The event brought together faculty members and academic leaders from both institutions to explore new opportunities for interdisciplinary research and strengthen academic collaboration across a range of disciplines.

Representing AUK were Dr. Amro Nour, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Dr. Clark Stoeckley, Associate Professor of Art and Graphic Design, who presented research projects developed in collaboration with Dartmouth faculty.

Dr. Nour highlighted PRINTHEAT, a research project funded by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS). The project is led by Dr. Nour, with Dr. Belal Gharaibeh, Associate Professor of Engineering at AUK, serving as Co-Principal Investigator and Professor Fridon Shubitidze of Dartmouth College serving as project consultant. The initiative focuses on developing standardized 3D-printed anatomical models for biomedical thermal studies, demonstrating the impact of international collaboration in advancing scientific research and innovation.

Dr. Stoeckley, recipient of the 2026 Dartmouth Faculty Fellowship, presented his collaborative research with Professor Tricia Treacy of Dartmouth's Department of Studio Art. Their project explores Islamic geometric design through risograph printmaking and the integration of traditional and digital artistic techniques. The resulting work will be exhibited at Dartmouth's Nearburg Gallery from August 6–21, 2026.

The gathering also provided an opportunity to highlight AUK's expanding research portfolio, faculty expertise, and growing capacity to support international research collaboration. Discussions focused on developing new partnerships in areas of shared academic strength, including engineering, computer science, and interdisciplinary research.

The event was attended by senior Dartmouth academic leaders, including Professor Jonathan Smolin, Director of the Dartmouth Initiative for Middle East Exchange (DIMEX), Professor David Kotz, DIMEX Faculty Ambassador to the Dartmouth–AUK Program, and Kerry Laufer, Executive Director of the Dartmouth–AUK Program, together with members of the DIMEX Advisory Board and faculty representing a wide range of academic disciplines.

The American University of Kuwait and Dartmouth College have maintained a successful academic partnership for more than two decades, encompassing faculty research, student programs, and a broad range of collaborative initiatives. Today, the partnership continues under the Dartmouth Initiative for Middle East Exchange (DIMEX), providing an expanded platform for collaborative research, academic exchange, and experiential learning opportunities.

Through strategic international partnerships such as its collaboration with Dartmouth College, AUK continues to advance its commitment to research excellence, innovation, and global engagement while providing its faculty and students with meaningful opportunities to collaborate with leading scholars and institutions worldwide. These efforts reflect the University's mission to foster academic excellence, generate impactful research, and prepare graduates to contribute to the advancement of Kuwait and the global community.

Dr. Amro Nour, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the American University of Kuwait (AUK), and Professor Fridon Shubitidze of Dartmouth's Thayer School of Engineering
 

Clark Stoeckley the recipient of the summer 2026 faculty fellowship at Dartmouth attending a social dinner with Dr. Amro Nour, Professor Fridon Shubitidze and Kerry Laufer
 

Dartmouth and AUK