Summary
Two graduates from the CMU-Q Class of 2026, Khalid Al Abdulla (Biological Sciences) and Fatou Sokhna Gueye (Information Systems), received the Qatar Foundation Excellence Award. Presented by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, the award recognizes their significant research in breast cancer and interdisciplinary leadership in technology, respectively.
Two graduates from Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q), a Qatar Foundation partner university, have been honored with the QF Excellence Award: Khalid Al Abdulla and Fatou Sokhna Gueye. The award recognizes outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and impact and was presented by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation.
This year’s awardees represent the ambition and talent of the Class of 2026, each distinguished by a commitment to advancing knowledge and contributing to their communities. Their stories reflect two distinct paths and the same determination to make an impact.
Khalid Al Abdulla, a Biological Sciences student with a minor in Neuroscience, is recognized for his award-winning research in breast cancer. His work combines biological sciences with computational methods to understand the behavior of aggressive cancer cells and identify new pathways for treatment.
Motivated by scientific curiosity and a personal drive to make a difference, Khalid has presented that work at both CMU-Q’s Meeting of the Minds research competition, where it earned top recognition, and at the Cancer Research for Cancer Prevention Conference, co-organized by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. He was also among four students inducted into Nu Rho Psi, the national honor society in neuroscience, recognizing strong academic performance in the field.
Reflecting on his journey, Khalid credits CMU-Q for shaping his academic path and personal growth. “This has been one of the most important parts of my life. I’ll truly miss it,” he said.
Read more about Khalid Al Abdulla’s journey at CMU-Q
Fatou Sokhna Gueye, brings an equally distinct set of achievements. An Information Systems student, she is recognized for her interdisciplinary approach to technology and her contributions as a campus leader. Combining interests in data science, business, and human-computer interaction, she has explored how technology can address real-world challenges and improve lives.
Her academic journey includes global learning experiences and hands-on opportunities, from consulting projects to international programs across multiple countries. On campus, she has taken on leadership roles that foster community and collaboration.
“I’ve grown in ways I didn’t expect. CMU-Q gave me the space to explore, challenge myself, and find what I truly care about.”
Read more about Fatou Gueye’s journey at CMU-Q
The awards were presented at the Qatar Foundation Convocation Ceremony that celebrated all of the 2026 graduates from across Education City, including all of the partner universities.
