American University in Dubai students Mohammed Ayoub and Amirali Piadehbasmenj won the Senior Project Design Competition during the Annual Scientific Students Day which took place at Etisalat University College (EUC). Over 200 students from 9 different higher institutions across the United Arab Emirates participated in the event, which was held recently in collaboration with Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Participating universities and colleges included: Etisalat University College, American University in Dubai, Ajman Science and Technology University, American University of Sharjah, BITS Pilani - Dubai Campus, Higher Colleges of Technology Abu Dhabi, Petroleum Institute, United Arab Emirates University and University of Sharjah.

The key objectives of the contest were to recognize students' achievement, to share experience, and identify and improve the leadership qualities of the IEEE students.

The Senior Project Design Competition aimed at giving the senior students an opportunity to present their graduation projects through a poster or by actually demonstrating it. Ayoub and Piadehbasmenj's project, which was overseen by Dr. Boutheina Tlili, Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering, consisted of a voice activated system to control lighting and appliances in the Smart Home environment.

Dr. Alaa Ashmamy, Dean of the School of Engineering and Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, commented: "Our students have once again proven to be the best. Mohammed Ayoub and Amirali Piadehbasmenj have reinforced earlier successes by AUD engineering students at national and regional competitions. Their performance speaks for the quality of our academic programs."

Other competitions, which were held during the event, included: the Remote Controlled Smart Device Design, e-Learning Program, Engineering Design Competition, and Community Service Competition.