Two CMU-Q graduates receive QF Excellence Awards
Muneera Al-Baker and Yahya Elkhatib were among just 16 graduating students who received Qatar Foundation (QF) Excellence Awards at the Class of 2024 Convocation ceremony. Al-Baker studied information systems and Elkhatib studied biological sciences at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q).
During the ceremony, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, recognized the 16 awardees who were selected for academic success, as well as leadership, innovation, and creativity.
During her undergraduate years, Al-Baker actively promoted equity in global education, serving as an Education Above All Youth Advocate, and participating at the WISE conference, the UN Economic and Social Council youth forum, and the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Al-Baker won the Akhlaquna award for Arabic calligraphy art, and the Najah Qatari award for best youth initiative.
“Being part of the Education City community has been a transformative experience,” she said. “Whether participating in EMPOWER, ROTA or WISE, I’ve been constantly inspired by the collective efforts of the community to make a positive impact locally and globally.”
Elkhatib was very active in student leadership during his years at CMU-Q. In his junior year, he served as Student Majlis president, leading an executive team of departments and working with the Dean’s Office on various projects. He also was a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ambassador, and participated in multiple research projects about the functionalities of mRNA.
“CMU-Q taught me that perseverance and hard work can do wonders,” he said. “This is a place where you can do advanced research, have a positive impact on the community, and build personal relationships with your faculty and peers.”
The Class of 2024 was the largest in CMU-Q’s history, with 120 graduates from 31 countries.