Effat University's Center for Clean Water and Clean Energy hosted a forum on Jan. 11 to discuss the center's newly developed research in desalination, low carbon energy, design and manufacturing, and curriculum development for mechanical engineering. The center is based on a partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM). In her opening speech, Dr. Haifa Jamalallail, Dean of Effat University, said: “There is no other country more appropriate for a forum on water and energy than Saudi Arabia. On the one hand, energy has played a central role in the development of modern Saudi Arabia, but on the other hand we are faced with tremendous challenges in meeting the need for water in our desert environment.” The Director of the Center for Clean Water and Clean Energy, Prof. John Lienhard, spoke of MIT's collaboration with KFUPM and the center's activities, research and attendance at other international forums in different universities around the world. “Mechanical engineering is at the intersection of so many facets of modern life. Engineers are at the heart of all innovation,” said Prof. Mary Boyce, Head of the Engineering Department at MIT. Prof. David Wallace concluded the forum with an interactive demonstration of how effective teaching requires active student involvement in projects right from the outset. He had all members of the audience build a simple device to cut materials used in the production of prototypes and models. This hands-on experience engaged and entertained the audience. Some senior students created a working prototype of a biogas plant, which they plan to turn into a working plant for Effat's campus. It will be fueled by organic waste from kitchens and restaurants to produce gas for cooking and electricity. __
