Connected and Supportive Community
It is so crucial to find a community that understands and supports you.
College:
P.C. Rossin College of Engineering & Applied Science
Program(s):
Major:
Chemical Engineering
Minor:
Supply Chain Management
Hometown:
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Activities:
Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Research Associate, Engineering Social Media Expert, United Nations youth representative for The American Association of University Women (AAUW)
Q: What is one thing you would want a prospective student to know about Lehigh?
A: You will be fine! Lehigh can be intimidating at first with its hilly campus and accomplished professors, but you will adapt. I would say try out everything at least once. Don’t say no to any opportunity if it’s within your bandwidth. This will help you form a community and create connections.
Q: How has Lehigh prepared you to take on tomorrow’s challenges?
A: Most days in my life as a Lehigh engineer can be hectic (you can head to my TikTok for reference - @lordkhad). Balancing a social life while keeping up with deadlines as well as taking care of myself is a skill I will be using for the rest of my career.
Q: You started your first semester at Lehigh during the start of Covid-19. How was your experience navigating all of the huge changes that came with the pandemic and starting college?
A: My first semester was completely online and I was at home. The following one was a little more normal: on campus yet still mostly remote. It was challenging to meet people and commit to extracurriculars. During my first summer here, I took up a campus tour guide position to really get to know my campus and start interacting with people.
Q: You’ve been involved with different research opportunities on campus, can you tell us about that and how you connected with the professor(s)?
A: I had the opportunity to work with Professor Elsa Reichmanis, former ACS president and incredibly accomplished in her field. In the lab, we studied the synthesis of organic & hybrid semiconductor polymers & processes for flexible optoelectronics. It was an enlightening experience! I am grateful that Lehigh professors are approachable. You can figure out where your interests lie within the field by reading up faculty research areas on the departmental website. Shoot a few emails to your top three choices and go from there!
Q: You’re passionate about supporting and inspiring women in STEM, can you talk about how you do that through your involvement with the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and/or social media?
A: Through SWE, I had the opportunity to meet with inspiring women across campus and the country. I witnessed the dedication of leading figures in the industry and of those presently striving for equity. Through my social media presence, I aim to do the same. I share my life, academics and experiences as a STEM student at Lehigh in my TikToks (@lordkhad) so young women hoping to pursue engineering understand that we do not have to sacrifice our hobbies and social life to fulfill our dreams!
Q: How would you recommend first-year students get involved on or off campus?
A: If I was a first-year right now, I would join everything that piques my interest at the club fair. From belly dancing to cheese club, I would try it all. It’s essential to meet all kinds of people and figure out any hobbies you might want to take up. You don’t know what’s going to stick. It is crucial to find a community that understands and supports you.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Lehigh?
A: I like the size. I like that I am familiar with many people but also don’t know everybody. It’s always interesting to get acquainted with students I always see around campus.
Q: Where is your favorite study spot or place to relax on campus?
A: When it comes to collaboration, I love working at the Linderman Library under the beautiful stained-glass rotunda. However, I mostly prefer to study independently in the Health Science and Technology building (HST) study pods.