Before KAUST, Dalal Alezi knew she wanted to be a teacher at a university. She completed her masters at King Abdulaziz University (KAU), and with a degree in chemical science education she was on the right track to pursue a PhD abroad. Then, when KAUST was established, she found an opportunity closer to home.

“I originally thought I would get my PhD in another country,” said Alezi. “But when I found KAUST, it just made sense to apply there for many reasons. I had seen firsthand the quality of research and faculty at the university through WEP in 2011. I also would be starting a degree with three kids, so KAUST’s support for mothers made it even more attractive.”

Under the supervision of Professor Mohamed Eddaoudi, Alezi studied the design and synthesis of novel metal-organic materials and the exploration of their properties in a wide range of applications, such as gas separation and storage, catalysis and drug delivery.

“My master’s research was highly theoretical, where I worked on ways to make chemistry fun for students,” said Alezi. “In my PhD, I was working on practical applications of chemistry, specifically on creating smart materials for energy and environmental applications. Because I did not come from a background in research, it was really challenging, yet rewarding, to be surrounded by extremely smart people at KAUST.”

Recognition in research and academia

Alezi soon made her mark in the community of ambitious scientists at KAUST. She was awarded the Physical Science and Engineering (PSE) Division Student Award in 2016 with three lead-author papers published the year previous. The same year, she was selected as one of the 45 finalists for the Reaxys PhD prize, which recognizes young chemists for their innovative work, from a pool of 450 excellent candidates. Then, in 2017, she and two other PSE students were chosen to join the 67^th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, a high honor where outstanding graduate students from around the world would be able to network with selected Nobel Laureates.

A role model for women in science

As Alezi moved from graduate student to university assistant professor, she recognized the significant responsibility of molding, teaching and encouraging incoming science students at KAU.

“I now work as an assistant professor of chemistry for undergraduate and graduate female students at KAU,” said Alezi. “In this role, I try to bring all of the good things I have learned from KAUST to my position as a role model for women in science. I also try to make the connection between KAU and KAUST stronger by inviting KAUST professors to give lectures at my university and support more opportunities for collaboration. I want the students I teach to have tangible mentors in the fields they want to pursue.”

Coming from – and producing - a family of scientists

This kind of representation of female Saudi scientists has always been present in Alezi’s family.

“All of my sisters are scientists, and my family has always been very supportive of that,” said Alezi. “Now, my youngest daughter can see what a woman in our country can become, my son wants to pursue a degree in science, and my nine-year old daughter will sit and watch me grade and ask me questions about my students and what I teach. I have always believed my passion has come from inner strength and having good role models, and I am trying to provide both of those for my kids.”

Achieving my goals through KAUST 

When asked about what KAUST has to offer, Alezi shares some of the things she took advantage of when she was a student.

“KAUST gives you room to explore research topics, and their amazing facilities allows you to actually accomplish ambitious goals,” said Alezi. “Don’t be afraid of dreaming big and asking for help, you cannot do a degree alone. But, one of the most important things to always do at KAUST, and even after you graduate, is stay connected. Go to events, make friends, meet professors outside of your field. When you graduate, take advantage of the alumni network, you never know when you could find a connection that helps you in your career.”

Alezi recently spoke at the November 2021 KAUST Alumni Reunion. She works at KAU and uses her YouTube channel to provide lectures in basic chemistry and research as well as advice for students pursuing science degrees. 

Dalal Alezi (PhD ’17) – by Melissa Pappas