Pali 2025 — Talks in Palestine

Honoured and Inspired: Meeting the Next Generation of STEM Trailblazers

During my trip to Palestine in May 2025, a few remarkable students reached out to ask if I would be willing to give some talks. What followed became one of the most rewarding and energizing experiences of my professional life.

Over just a few days, I had the absolute honour — and joy — of meeting some of the most inspiring young minds I’ve encountered. From brilliant scientists to future engineers, from passionate high schoolers to rising academic leaders, the experience left me both humbled and filled with hope.

IMechE Workshop — Birzeit University

5 May 2025 · Blue Dome, Birzeit University

Talk: Data-Driven Science and Engineering: Building Trustworthy Machine Learning Solutions

I spoke as an alumna of the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering at Birzeit University, now pursuing my PhD at the National University of Singapore. I shared insights from my research on nonlinear dynamics and the integration of machine learning in aerospace systems — showcasing how engineering and data science intersect to drive innovation.

This workshop was coordinated by Sara Khader, an exceptional emerging leader in mechanical engineering and community development. Sara serves as an Impact Officer at Global Shapers Ramallah and Vice Chair of IMechE – Birzeit University. Her experience spans disciplines — automotive operations, HR consulting, business development, and astronomy education. Her coordination of the event was nothing short of outstanding: professional, strategic, and deeply passionate.

Sara was the driving force behind the event, and it was her initiative that brought me on board. We had thoughtful conversations about women in STEM, about the early challenges of belonging in male-dominated fields, and about how extracurricular engagement helped both of us carve out our spaces in engineering.

Special thanks to Dr. Rashad Mustafa, Head of the Department, and Dr. Sameh Abu Awwad, Coordinator of Student Activities, for their unwavering support.

Reconnecting with my alma mater and engaging with bright minds like Sara — and final-year students Aya and Dalia, who have already published their first research paper — reminded me why we must invest in and uplift the next generation of engineers and scientists in Palestine.

Horizon Academy Workshop

10 May 2025 · Al Nayzak Office, Ramallah

Talk: Artificial Intelligence — Trustworthiness and the Machine Learning Pipeline

I gave a workshop on Artificial Intelligence to a group of outstanding students from Horizon Academy — a visionary initiative reshaping the future of Palestinian youth. Founded in 2017, Horizon Academy is not just an academic program — it’s a holistic ecosystem that nurtures identity, leadership, and excellence. It equips Palestinian high school students with the tools, mentorship, and exposure needed to unlock opportunities at the world’s best universities. Graduates of the program now study at institutions like MIT, Dartmouth, Northwestern, Notre Dame, and Aiglon College.

Their discipline, focus, and creativity were simply unmatched. As we explored the future of AI, they shared their own aspirations — from engineering and computer science to policy and research. It was one of those rare teaching moments where I felt I was learning just as much as I was sharing.

Horizon Academy is doing something truly exceptional. These students aren’t just prepared for elite universities — they’re prepared for the world.

Thank you, Cezar Qumsieh, and the entire Horizon team, for welcoming me into this journey.

A Night with the Moon — Birzeit University Astro-Club

10 May 2025 · Michel and Sanieh Hakim Astronomical Observatory, Birzeit University

Talk: Did Humans Really Land on the Moon? Between Fact and Conspiracy

On May 10, 2025, I had the privilege of participating in “يلا نتعرّف على القمر” (Let’s Get to Know the Moon), a public science outreach event organized by the Michel and Sanieh Hakim Astronomical Observatory and the Astronomy Club at Birzeit University.

It was an unforgettable evening under the stars. I spoke about humanity’s journey to the Moon — from the Apollo missions to the Artemis program — and shared reflections on how science and engineering drive us beyond the boundaries of Earth. But what truly lit up the night was the audience’s engagement — their curiosity, their thoughtful questions, and their wonder.

I must highlight Rinad A.H., a physicist and the brilliant force behind the Astro-Club. Our conversation on astronomy and physics was absolutely electric. Her knowledge, passion, and leadership are exactly what science education needs.

To the Astro-Club team: your care and energy were felt in every detail.

A Final Note

To the women in STEM I had the honour of meeting — engineers, physicists, mathematicians — you are paving the way with brilliance and resilience. You inspire me deeply.

To the men in STEM — your curiosity, dedication, and support for your peers give me great hope for the future. Keep lifting others as you climb.

And to every student, organizer, and educator I encountered — thank you. You made a lasting impression, and I am grateful for every conversation, question, and shared moment.

This journey reminded me why I love what I do. Investing in the next generation of thinkers, doers, and dreamers is not just important — it’s essential.

Here’s to the future. It’s in capable hands.