Dean Al-Arfag and Prof. Kostic (click to enlarge photo)Professor Milivoje Kostic of NIU’s Department of Mechanical Engineering was invited to attend an International Engineering Conference on Hot Arid Regions (IECHAR2010) and visit King Faisal University (KFU) at Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, May 1-3, 2010. Kostic has discussed "Energy Fundamentals and Application in Hot-Arid Climates" issues and possible collaboration in research and education with KFU Engineering College. He spoke with their Dean of Engineering, Vice President for Development and Public Relations, and the President of the King Faisal University. Also, Kostic met with the Mayor of Al-Ahsa Municipality, the richest area of Saudi Arabia with the largest palm-tree oasis (a new wonder of nature) and the largest oil well in the whole world. The richest Saudis also live in this area. The KFU is a well-established university with over 13,000 student, 1200 faculty and 10 colleges, including noted medical school. However, the Engineering College is in its infancy and is seeking for creative ways to invest in fast development of distinct and quality education and research. They are interested in provisional admission of their students to US graduate schools (since their students may have English and some other deficiencies), but even more interested in strategic ideas and collaboration with distinguished researchers, for the KFU Engineering College, according to their Dean Al-Arfag (photo above), “to achieve distinction and unique identity, by funding and establishing scientific chairs, research centers, twining projects, and other quality activities, with final goal of developing a ‘knowledge-based’ College for the world emerging Knowledge Economy.” This was the first international engineering conference organized by KFU Engineering, conducted at the 5-stars Al-Ahsa Intercontinental Hotel with His Highness Al-Ahsa Governor Prince Bandar Patronage. More information on Kostic and his research and teaching interests is available at www.kostic.niu.edu.