President appointed for RIT-Dubai University

NEW YORK, USA: New York’s Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), one of the world’s leading universities, announced today the appointment of Dr. Mustafa A.G. Abushagur as President of RIT Dubai, which is located at Dubai Silicon Oasis, the region’s leading integrated innovations hub for high-tech industries.

Dr. Abushagur previously served as the Director of the Ph.D. program in Microsystems Engineering, and Professor of Electrical Engineering at RIT’s Kate Gleason College of Engineering. Earlier, Dr. Abushagur taught at the University of Alabama as Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Professor of Optical Science and Engineering. At the University of Alabama, Dr. Abushagur led the development of the university’s optical engineering degree program.

Dr. Abushagur specializes in the fields of optical communications, micro-photonic devices, signal processing and computing. His extensive research experience includes his role as principal investigator (PI) or Co-PI on various research grants, totaling more than US$13 million. He is the author of more than 100 papers, five book chapters, and a book on Fourier Optics.

Dr. Abushagur currently holds several patents and has received numerous excellence awards in research and teaching. These include Distinguished Faculty Member Award, College of Engineering, UAH, 1992; NASA Space Act Award from the NASA Inventions and Contributions Board 2004; and several US NAVY faculty fellowships.

Shahla Abdul Razak, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, DSOA, said: “We are privileged to welcome Dr. Abushagur to Dubai and Dubai Silicon Oasis. With his extensive experience in the fields of research and education, Dr. Abushagur will prove a great asset to the technology park. His specialization in the field of optical communications, micro-photonic devices, and signal processing and computing are excellently aligned with DSO’s core operations. We are confident that hosting RIT to Dubai in general and DSO in specific will contribute directly to the growth of Dubai’s aspiration of becoming the global hub for technology development and innovation.”

As the founder of US-based LiquidLight Inc., a developer and manufacturer of optical network systems for the metro-access market, and Photronix of Malaysia, makers of fiber-optic components, Dr. Abushagur will also bring to Dubai Silicon Oasis an extensive leadership, entrepreneurial and business consulting experience. He has consulted for the US Army Missile Command, NASA, Boeing Co. and several other firms.

Dr. Mustafa A.G. Abushagur received his doctorate in electrical engineering from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena, California.

Located in the centre of Dubai Silicon Oasis, a 7.2 km master-planned community, RIT Dubai aims to transform the conventional meaning of education. Surrounded by state-of-the-art office towers and companies, research and development zones, educational institutions, healthcare services and a full spectrum of facilities, students at RIT Dubai will enjoy access to premium facilities that will enhance their educational experience.

Starting this August, RIT Dubai will provide Master’s programs in Finance, Human Resource Development, Service Management, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Networking, and Systems Administration. By 2010, RIT Dubai aims to offer both graduate and undergraduate programs in an innovative class-room environment with applied teaching techniques.