SCEE (IESE) Student Represents NUST at KFUPM’s Prestigious Summer Research Program

Ms. Sana Nafees from BE Environmental Engineering Batch 2022 had the privilege of participating in the fully funded 8-week Summer Research Program at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Saudi Arabia, from June 15 to August 7, 2025. Being selected for this prestigious international program provided her with the opportunity to represent SCEE (IESE) and showcase its academic excellence while collaborating with researchers from around the world.

During the program, she was placed in the College of Petroleum and Geosciences (CPG), where she worked under the supervision of leading researchers on the development and optimization of biodiesel-based drilling fluids as a sustainable alternative to conventional oil-based drilling fluids. The program brought together 37 students from diverse nationalities and cultural backgrounds and provided comprehensive support, including access to world-class research laboratories, enabling participants to fully immerse themselves in their research.

KFUPM’s vibrant research environment offered her invaluable exposure to advanced scientific methodologies and interdisciplinary collaboration. The program concluded with a research poster session, where she presented her research to faculty members and fellow researchers. A highlight of the experience was presenting her work to Dr. Mamdouh Al-Harthi, Dean of Research at KFUPM, marking a proud milestone in representing SCEE (IESE) and NUST on an international platform.