RCC 2024 Winners

Futurize Your Course Competition

First Place

• Laila ElSerty
• Nesreen Fakhr
• Hagar Seddiek
• Yousef AbdelAzi

Being Human in the Age of AI

Abstract

In 2024, the presence of AI professors and students on campus impacted the cognitive skills of our human students negatively, due to the over-reliance on AI. As a result, it became crucial to develop a course that would protect our students from losing their human side. This course will be taught by humans, for humans, with the ultimate goal of preserving humanity. It will not be a theoretical concept, but rather a lived experience, as it will follow a glocal project-based design that encourages collaboration among students from universities around the world. Together, they will embark on a journey to create "The Canon of Humanity," a collaborative book project featuring reflections on various themes such as music, nature, culture, art, civic responsibility, and community-building.

Second Place

• Nesreen Fakhr
• Omneya Hesham
• Isa Kundra
• Malak Mekky

Reviving Local Culture

Abstract

Due to advances in technology, there is a major social issue of global identity and global culture, which has led to a decline and loss of local culture/identity. The problem of global identity is that it has created a monolithic culture that has negatively impacted diversity of thought and culture; the world is ripe for social and political manipulation. This course aims for students to diagnose and understand this major social trend and attempt to alleviate some of its negative effects through technology. This course will aim to revive and reconnect. As for revival, students are expected to recognize the importance of local culture and identity and work towards reviving it. As for reconnecting, students will attempt to strengthen their sense of local identity/culture in an age of tech.
 

Third Place

• Mona El Saady
• Maya Elnaghy
• Mariem Mousa
• Shahd Aman

Beyond Business Ethics

Abstract

In the complex landscape of 2044, students face the challenge of choosing a major and navigating the realms of STEM, business and human sciences. However, this course exceeds the conventional concerns of academic selection, delving into the profound inquiry: "Why Attend University in 2044?" This course transcends the traditional considerations of technology, job markets and personal preferences; it helps embark on a journey to explore the deeper dimensions of education, addressing the fundamental question of why learning matters. In students' learning, they lose the aim of education, which becomes the guiding principle. Rather than providing a straightforward answer to why we learn, the course encourages students to articulate their philosophies of education. It motivates them to explore for answers, constructing a personal philosophical theory they will share and debate with peers. The goal is not to find a compromise but to appreciate the diversity of perspectives, providing a deeper analysis of the education system in AUC and globally to unravel the overarching question, "Why Do We Learn?" It will address the underlying challenges of 2044 - not just how to acquire information effortlessly but why it matters. In 2044, the challenge will not be how to deliver the information effortlessly or be time efficient, but to understand the reason behind everything, including why we study, how to use AI and how we stand with our societies. The course aims to guide students toward a profound understanding of education philosophy in 2044, revitalizing the true essence and purpose behind pursuing knowledge. 

Graduate Poster Competition

First Place

Alia ElShabassy

Breaking the Silence: A Feminist Critical Discourse Analysis of Arabic and English Language Gender-Based Violence Activism on TikTok

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) continues to be a threat to women and girls around the world, significantly impacting their well-being and life. In today’s digital age, online platforms are considered battlegrounds, where users fight against GBV by launching online campaigns aiming at raising awareness and advocating against abuse of women. TikTok is a prominent platform, where hashtags are repeatedly used to spread awareness about GBV against women. Guided by Lazar’s Feminist Critical Discourse Analysis framework, the present study analyzes 80 TikTok videos associated with one English and one Arabic hashtag, to systematically explore the gendered power relations and linguistic differences present in the discourse surrounding GBV activism in different cultural contexts. Our analysis yielded two counter-discourses namely, breaking the silence and redefining cultural norms. The study further presents a semiotic analysis of different elements in the videos such as transitions, emoji’s, colors, and music. Our results shed light on the gendered relations and power dynamics as depicted in each hashtag. 

First Place

Ghada Ismail Zaki

Concentrations of Several Contaminants in Egyptian Bottled Water: Effects of Storage Conditions and Estimate of Human Exposure

Abstract

The occurrence and concentrations of six common phthalates were investigated for the first time in bottled water locally produced in the Egyptian market. The compounds investigated were dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), n-butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), diethyl hexyl phthalate (DEHP), and Din- octyl phthalate (D-n-OP). A set of 108 bottled water samples from six different commercial brands of water bottled in transparent polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic caps were investigated. Water samples were analyzed immediately after purchasing (~2 weeks after production), after being stored at room temperature (25±5 °C), in a refrigerator (4±1 °C), and outdoors under sun exposure (daylight temperature of 40±5 °C). Samples were stored for up to six months depending on the tested condition. Among the target compounds, only DEHP and DBP were detected in the samples analyzed immediately after purchasing with a detection frequency of 50 and 58% and mean concentrations of 0.104 and 0.082 μg l−1 respectively. A significant positive correlation was obtained between the storage time, temperature, and the concentration of phthalate compounds detected in the bottled water, indicating possible migration from the PET plastic material as the source. The estimated contribution of bottled water consumption to the tolerable daily intake (TDI) levels of the two most abundant phthalates observed here for adults and toddlers did not exceed 0.16 and 0.72% for DBP while these values were 0.04 and 0.16% for DEHP respectively. These estimated daily intake values from PET bottled water consumption were far below their respective TDI values and therefore should constitute no adverse health effects.

Second Place

Nourhan Shebl

A Possible Novel Role of Trans-Cinnamate In Parkinson ’s Disease: A Metabolomics Study of An Egyptian Cohort

Abstract

It is investigated the metabolic alterations associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD) by performing a comprehensive metabolic analysis. The main objectives were to identify possible changes in the phenylalanine (dopamine precursor) metabolism and its impact on the dopaminergic, adrenergic, serotonergic, and melatonergic pathways; in addition,  testing the hypothesis that phenylalanine metabolism in PD may be shifted toward trans-cinnamate (phenylalanine metabolite) production, affecting the levels of critical neurotransmitters and related metabolites such as tyrosine. Plasma samples were collected from 27 PD patients, 18 reference controls, and 8 high-risk controls to perform a non-targeted metabolomics analysis. The analysis focused on assessing the intensities of various metabolites, including trans-cinnamate, phenylalanine, tyrosine, dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, a metabolite that connects phenylalanine metabolism to that of tryptophan. Both multivariate and univariate analyses were conducted, employing Principal Component Analysis (PCA) as a multivariate technique. Prior to selecting the appropriate univariate test, we executed three tests to assess the goodness of fit for normality, namely the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Jarque-Bera, and Anderson-Darling tests. Subsequently, It is opted for Welch's test based on the results of these assessments. The findings revealed significantly higher intensities of trans-cinnamate in PD patients compared to controls. In addition, it also showed significantly lower intensities of phenylalanine, tyrosine, DA, NE, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, tryptamine, melatonin, and nicotinamide in PD patients. On the contrary, It wasn't found any significant difference in the levels of tryptophan among the recruited groups. In conclusion, the study provides insights into the metabolic changes associated with PD, particularly in phenylalanine metabolism. The higher levels of trans-cinnamate in PD patients suggest a potential shift in phenylalanine metabolism towards the production of trans-cinnamate, possibly via L-phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), as opposed to the production of tyrosine. Moreover, Altered phenylalanine metabolism may have downstream effects on neurotransmitter production, including DA, NE, tryptamine, melatonin, and nicotinamide, and may contribute to the neurodegenerative processes seen in PD.

Third Place

Khaldoun Abou Dargham

Teachers’ Perceptions of the Factors that Challenge and Advance Music Education in K-12 Schools: A Qualitative Study in Lebanon

Abstract

Music education plays a crucial role in developing students on the individual level and societies on the communal level. Despite its benefits on the human brain, student learning, physical and mental health, and its contribution to culture and the creative economy, music education still faces challenges that prevent it from fulfilling its potential. Due to scant research on the factors that impact music education in Lebanon, this phenomenological study explored the perceptions of six K-12 music teachers in Mount Lebanon through in-depth interviews regarding the issue. Drawing upon the constructivist and humanistic learning theories, the research investigated how the Lebanese society influences student attitudes towards music learning. Specifically, the study explored teachers’ perceptions of the factors that prevent music education from reaching its full potential in Lebanese private schools and provided insights on how it can be improved. It also examined how fostering creativity, innovation, individuality, and freedom inside the classroom can advance music education. The research findings highlighted that regardless of the teachers’ vehement belief in the importance and impact of music education, institutional and socio-cultural challenges have been obstructing an ideal reality from forming in Lebanon. In light of these findings, four main themes were drawn: The Role of Music Education in Lebanese Society, Socio-Cultural Barriers, Institutional Barriers, and Student Motivation. Finally, the researcher discussed how these themes are interrelated and shed light on how teachers in Lebanon cope with external challenges in creative ways inside the classroom to inspire change. 

Science Slam

First Place

Maram Mahmoudi and Ikrame Rekabi
Digital Twins of AGVs for Rescue Missions
 

Second Place

Rafik Raouf
Solar Electric Three Wheelers Vehicle
 

Third Place

Abdelrahman Helaly
AI Tools: What to Wear?

Faculty Research Pitch

First Place

Sherif Fakher
Assistant professor, Petroleum and Energy Engineering

Polymeric Barrier for Long-Term CO2 Storage

Abstract

Carbon dioxide (co2) storage is a widely known process which involves injecting co2 in depleted underground reservoirs for greenhouse gas reduction. What is not widely discussed however is the long-term storage of this co2 underground. After co2 injection, the well is sealed with a cement plug to prevent it from leaking to the surface. Due to interaction with the cement, the co2 eventually creates pathways and seeps to the surface. This research develops and tests a novel polymeric material that can be used as a barrier between the co2 and the cement to prevent co2-cement interaction for safer co2 storage.

Second Place

Yasmin Maghraby
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Chemistry

Unlocking the Nature's Treasure Chest

Abstract

The agri-food industry annually produces huge quantities of crop residues and wastes. Vegetable oils are broadly used in household cooking, commercial kitchens and food industries. These oils are not sustainably produced, leading to deforestation, environmental degradation, and accordingly leading to climate change. A healthier and more sustainable oil substitute is being produced in this research work. It possesses a minimal carbon foot print; accordingly, it vastly aids in alleviating the global warming crisis. In addition, the oil substitute maintains the palatability of foods as it has a similar texture/mouthfeel of edible oils. Fermenting oleaginous single-celled microorganism (i.e., yeast) for the production of cultured edible oils was undertaken and the edible oil was quantified for sensory and safety evaluations. The fermentation process took place by the addition of a carbon source, e.g., dextrose, to the nutrient broth/culture medium where lipids started forming and were afterwards separated.

Third Place

Mustafa Arafa
Professor, Mechanical Engineering

Energy Harvesting from the Motion of Trees

Abstract

The research project involves harvesting energy from the motion of trees. The purpose is to use the kinetic energy associated with the movement of tree branches to extract useful energy. This energy can be used to power-up sensors that are mounted on the trees themselves to measure various quantities, such as temperature or humidity. The use of wireless sensors for regulating irrigation or detecting forest fires can have a huge impact on sustainability and the environment.