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Student Focus: Ghada Ahmed

Ghada Ahmed is a Ph.D. student in the University's Solar Center working under the supervision of KAUST Assistant Professor Omar Mohammed. Image courtesy of the Solar Center.

Ghada Ahmed is a fourth-year KAUST Ph.D. student from the University's Solar Center (KSC)—she works in the Ultrafast Laser Spectroscopy and Four-dimensional Electron Imaging group under the supervision of Assistant Professor Omar Mohammed. Her current research focuses on the preparation of semiconductor nanocrystals and the characterization of their optical and electronic properties. Before joining KAUST, Ahmed received her bachelor's degree in chemistry and her master's degree in nanoscience and technology in Egypt.

"I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to work with the hardworking scientist Professor Omar. I consider this as a turning point in my research career," Ahmed noted.

At KSC, Ahmed is currently working on the colloidal synthesis of semiconductor quantum dots and nanocrystals with different sizes, shapes and controlled dimensionalities that are successfully conducted through manipulation of the surface ligand chemistry and the reaction conditions. The primary goal behind the precision synthesis of the semiconductor nanocrystals is to develop an insightful understanding of the photogenerated charge carrier dynamics, the origin of the defect states and the reaction mechanism at the interface in different donor-acceptor systems. The latter is the critical step in optimizing the performance of many relevant energy-efficient devices.

Ph.D. student Ghada Ahmed is based in the University's Solar Center, focusing on the preparation of semiconductor nanocrystals and the characterization of their optical and electronic properties. Photo by Anastasia Khrenova.

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"My research has resulted in many notable publications in highly reputed journals, such as Chemistry of Materials, Chemical Communications, JACS and JPC Letters," Ahmed said. "The University has offered me great learning experiences and exceptional networking opportunities."


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