In close coordination with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, our next Endeavour team represents the leading young STEM minds in Dubai and the surrounding region. Our judging panel has selected the top 6 students out of more than 150 candidates identified by the Ministry of Education for their outstanding academic achievements.
The team was honored at Dubai Airshow 2023 at the USA Partnership Pavilion. Previous scholarship recipients Miss Rasha Arkoub, Shaikha Al Zaabi, and Maha AlSeiari were in attendance, as well as Sultan Al Neyadi. Also in attendance were guests of honor, the Honorable Martina Strong, U.S. Ambassador to the UAE (#AmbStrong), Mark Napier, Executive Director, Commercial Aftermarket, Americas at Spirit AeroSystems, UAE Astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri, and Col. Mike Bloomfield (USAF, Ret.), former NASA – National Aeronautics and Space Administration Space Shuttle Pilot/Commander (STS-86, 97, 110), who attended the show as the goodwill ambassador for the scholarship program.
Thank you to all our in-country partners and supporters. We’re grateful to the International Community Schools, AmCham Dubai, AmCham Abu Dhabi, the Dubai Airshow, and Spirit AeroSystems; your support for the future leaders in STEM is inspiring! View the photos here.
Scholarship Recipients
Shahad Abdulla
Hello, I am Shahad Abdulla, a 16-year-old high-school student from the United Arab Emirates. I attend Dubai National School – Albarsha. Many may question how my scientific interest grew over the years. I must highlight that this passion has grown since I was six when I first started my experimental lab in the small room within our apartment. I used to mix compounds and design a range of devices that triggered a sense of curiosity and critical thinking in me. However, this passion did not stop in that room since I knew I had to spread it everywhere. Therefore, I participated in diverse competitions and initiatives that incorporate the concepts and skills associated with science, engineering, mathematics, and art. Furthermore, I uncovered different sides of me that shaped who I am physically and mentally. Nevertheless, this shaping does not stop here as I am eager to learn, prosper, and become determined. Hence, I am forever grateful for the opportunity granted by the Endeavour Scholarship Program, as it is a privilege and honor to represent my country in it. Lastly, I would like to conclude that I am looking forward to making new friendships, learning from others, and enjoying the overall experience, given that my love for space is growing daily, striving to create a better community through such desire.
Hind Khalid Alsuwaidi
Hello! I’m Hind Khalid Alsuwaidi, a 16-year-old high school student from Dubai National School – Albarsha in Dubai, UAE. My passion for science started early, but it was a visit to Bristol’s aerospace museum that truly sparked my fascination with the workings of the universe. Since then, I’ve enthusiastically engaged myself in building model rockets, crafting prototypes, and showcasing my concepts for future space travel at local science fairs. I’ve been on an exciting quest to pursue a career as an aerospace engineer, while also diving into my diverse range of interests, including graphic design, reading, cooking, swimming, and hiking. Joining ‘Team UAE’ and connecting with other Endeavour Scholarship students is a dream come true! I’m incredibly excited about how this experience will propel me closer to making my mark in the field of space exploration.
Fatma Mansoor Habib
My name is Fatma Mansoor Habib. I am a 17- year old Emirati senior at Dubai National School – Albarsha. Although I’ve always found space to be fascinating, I’ve always thought it would be quite difficult to reach the stars. However, coming from the lands of the United Arab Emirates, our leaders have always taught us that We Can Make the Impossible, Possible.
Witnessing my country’s remarkable achievements, particularly in the realm of space exploration has ignited a profound interest in me. In the near past, our young astronauts have made history in the Arab region.
As I reflect on these successes, I find myself drawn to the mysteries of space. We have yet to uncover so many of its magical aspects. The key to unlocking these secrets lies in fostering strong global relations.
Recognizing this, I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a unique journey that will introduce me to individuals from diverse corners of the world, all while delving into one of the most captivating topics in the universe. I look forward to the future, excited about the possibilities and opportunities that will enable me to explore and expand my full potential.
Hamad Bushahab
My journey into STEM has been really exciting. I’m going to share some of the things I’ve achieved and why I love all things STEM as a current student of Almawakeb School Al Khawaneej.
Ever since I was a kid, I loved asking questions about the world. Doing well in math and science wasn’t just about school, it was my way of exploring the fascinating stuff around me.
When I became big enough to use computers and technology, I jumped right in. I learned how to make computer programs and built a game that was similar to Pac-Man but added a bit more details.
Science is all about finding out how things work. Whether it’s in a lab or just exploring on my own, I love digging into the mysteries. I also did some projects like a hand that was controlled by water pressure and also I also built a windmill with reusable energy that showed me science is all around us.
So, that’s my journey with STEM. STEM isn’t just school subjects for me, it’s my way of exploring and figuring out how things tick. From playing with numbers to coding, building things, and exploring the wonders of science, I’m on a journey of discovery in the world of STEM.
Gillian Hammond
Miss Gillian Hammond is the Chief Education Officer of Excella and Principal at Repton Dubai. Miss Hammond has a wealth of expertise and leadership experience and has been Repton Dubai’s Inclusion and Safeguarding Governor since 2018. She joined Repton Al Barsha in September 2022, after proudly serving as the Principal of Repton Abu Dhabi for over four years, successfully leading the school to an Outstanding rating by ADEK.
Miss. Hammond earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Combined Science and Qualified Teacher Status with Honours in the year 2000 from Lancaster University, which is among the top 10 universities in the United Kingdom. She was also awarded her National Professional Qualification for Headship from the University of Manchester in 2005. Miss. Hammond demonstrates an unwavering desire to provide a world-class education and the best for every child, and currently leads the Digital & STEM Working Parties across our three Repton schools. She passionately believes that families and staff collectively share the responsibility to enjoy and promote learning, so that every student loves coming to school each day.
News: Repton students break the Guinness World Record... as astronauts! (25 October 2022)
Shukran @MBRSpaceCentre 🇦🇪💙 pic.twitter.com/pnevqB9Vy7
— Principal | Repton Abu Dhabi (@ReptonADSLT) October 25, 2022
940 #astronauts @ReptonAbuDhabi today…I’m sure they could see us from #space! Impressive scenes today at Fry Campus. #NASA you’d be impressed by our use of #Apple technology. Our future is safe in Reptonian hands 📡🚀🛰 pic.twitter.com/D5iuIPHK2h
— Principal | Repton Abu Dhabi (@ReptonADSLT) October 25, 2022
I couldn’t be prouder of our Repton Abu Dhabi family 💙 Congratulations on smashing the #GuinnessWorldRecord today! @astro_hazzaa this is in your honour…you continue to inspire #UAE #firstuaeastronaut #Space pic.twitter.com/58mKxKnhJW
— Principal | Repton Abu Dhabi (@ReptonADSLT) October 25, 2022