Ahmed Jassim Al Muhamadi in the lab aboard Janan.
Doha: Ahmed Jassim Al Muhamadi from Qatar University (QU), has become the first student to conduct research on the university’s marine research vessel Janan since its arrival in Doha in January 2012.
He is working on a research project for his capstone course at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences.
The ship is fitted with state-of-the-art equipment and technology for use by QU’s Environmental Studies Center (ESC) to advance marine environmental studies and research in Qatar and the Gulf region.
Ahmed’s research aims to evaluate the amount of dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll-A in the coastal waters in the east and to monitor the seasonal changes at six marine stations all the way to Halul Island.
“I chose this project because of its importance and uniqueness in the Qatari waters”, Ahmed said, adding that the vessel’s equipment made it easier to collect samples in a short time and with the least efforts.
“This is like a dream come true. I’m from a lucky generation that gets the best scientific supervision as well as the opportunity to use the most sophisticated technology in our research.”
Ahmed has already made two field trips aboard Janan accompanied by a team of marine specialists led by the Assistant Professor Dr Ibrahim Mohamed Al Ansari, who is also in-charge of research aboard the vessel and Ahmed’s project supervisor.
“We are proud of Ahmed’s accomplishment in doing his research on Janan, which represents a rare opportunity for marine scientists given its technological potential. We are looking forward to having a new generation of Qatari scientists in this important field,” Dr Al Ansari said.
ESC Director Dr Mehsin Al Ansi expressed his pride in having a developed modern research ship at the Center. “We’re sure that it would open new horizons for QU students who are interested in marine sciences. We partner with various QU departments to offer training opportunities for students willing to major in this important branch of science to later join the labor market as well-trained professionals. I believe that investing in human resources is the most rewarding investment.”
The Peninsula
