Student Spotlight: Khaled Baamran

This is another in our Student Spotlight series, where our students tell their stories in their own words.

I am Khaled Baamran, from the AMD Valley and residing in Seiyun City, Hadhramout Governorate, Yemen. My journey began with a dream during my high school years: to study abroad, not just to pursue academic excellence but also to gain exposure to new cultures, acquire life skills, and build a strong personal character. The opportunity to achieve this dream was made possible by Hadhramout Foundation (HF), and their support set me on a path that would profoundly impact my life.

After completing high school, studying abroad seemed like an unattainable goal due to the limited opportunities available in Yemen. Scholarships were limited, competition was intense, and the political circumstances made achieving such dreams even more challenging. However, HF provided the lifeline I needed. I applied for their scholarship program, underwent the required exams and interviews, and was fortunate to be selected among the first group of bachelor’s degree candidates to study in Saudi Arabia. This was the pivotal moment that launched my academic journey, ultimately leading me to complete a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at the University of Missouri Science and Technology, USA. Along the way, I also earned a bachelor’s degree from King Saud University and a master’s degree from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, both in chemical engineering. HF’s sponsorship gave me the foundation to achieve these milestones and pursue my passion for science and problem-solving. I was the second in my family to obtain a bachelor’s degree and the first to pursue higher studies abroad, completing both master’s and Ph.D. programs. This transformative impact proves that opportunities like HF’s scholarships can change lives and inspire others to pursue their dreams.

Chemical Engineering became my chosen field because it combines my love for science with practical applications that address real-world challenges, such as energy sustainability and environmental preservation. I specialize in developing advanced materials like adsorbents and catalysts for CO2 capture and conversion into valuable chemicals and fuels. During my PhD journey and up to now, I have achieved several awards, such as the Energy & Fuels 2024 Excellence in Review Award (2024), the College of Engineering and Computing Ph.D. Scholar & Graduate Educator Award (2023), and the Distinguished Ph.D. Dissertation Award (2023). This field allows me to contribute to the global energy transition and tackle pressing issues like carbon emissions, aligning perfectly with my personal goals of creating a meaningful impact.

Today, I work as a research scientist with Leidos, supporting the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), and I serve as a reviewer at the Energy & Fuels journal, one of the American Chemical Society (ACS) journals. My work involves cutting-edge research in carbon capture, clean energy, and environmental sustainability—areas that align with global energy transition goals. Working at NETL provides invaluable opportunities to collaborate with leading experts, develop innovative solutions, and gain hands-on experience with advanced technologies. These experiences are equipping me with the skills and knowledge I need to eventually return to Yemen and contribute to its development. My vision for Yemen involves leveraging my education and expertise to address the country’s energy and environmental challenges. Over the next 5-10 years, I plan to continue gaining experience in the USA, preparing myself to make a meaningful impact upon returning. I hope to contribute to Yemen’s academic and industrial sectors, particularly in the realm of energy transition, to help build a sustainable future for my homeland.

You can support students like Khaled by donating to our cause. 100% of anything donated will go to support students like Khaled, trying to improve their (and their family's) situation through hard work and education. Donate here!