01

The Campus Communiqué gives a snapshot of CNA-Q by highlighting our latest news, events and activities. If you want your news item included, or for additional information, please contact us on: CAMPUS mediacoverage@cna-.edu.qa COMMUNIQUÉ May, 2021

INDEX

01. Message from the President

02. Campus News

05. Interview: Prof. Michael Phillips

09. Under the Spotlight: Rawa EL-Gasem

11. Safety First: COVID-19 impact on Environment Professor Michael Phillips 12. Helpful Tips: Save the Planet A Rich Mind 13. Fun Corner: Our monthly compe- tition A Humble Soul

HEADLINE

More than 20 new Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree Programs for Fall 2021

Continue reading Page 02 CNA-Q Campus Communiqué | May 2021 01

MESSAGE

Message from the President

Dear students, faculty and staff,

Welcome to the eighth issue of our campus communiqué. On another note, the College is gearing up for its This month we dedicate our newsletter to raise awareness transformation by launching more than 20 new Bachelor’s about the environment and to advocate for a more Degree and Master’s Degree Programs for Fall 2021. sustainable community. As we prepare to celebrate World Environment Day on the 5th of June, we need to rethink our CNA-Q has also signed an agreement with Qatargas behavior and adopt ways to save our planet from further for Incident Command System training, which is a part harm. of a wider program to bolster competency in crisis management. This day is an opportunity to make impactful decisions. It is a time to think about how we can contribute to make this Finally, I would like to reiterate on behalf of the College, the world a better place to live in. We need to start adopting importance of this year’s World Environment’s Day theme, an eco-friendly lifestyle and ensure a balance between which focuses on “ecosystem restoration”. We cannot economic growth and environmental protection as stated change the past but we can dictate the future. Let us all in the Environment Development Pillar of Qatar National take action and join #GenerationRestoration. Vision 2030. Dr. Salem Al-Naemi To mark the World Environment Day, this month’s issue President, sheds light on simple ways to improve our environmental College of the North Atlantic – Qatar footprint and the impact that COVID-19 has been having on our planet.

CNA-Q Campus Communiqué | May 2021 02

CAMPUS NEWS

CNA-Q is gearing up for its transformation More than 20 new Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree Programs for Fall 2021

College of the North Atlantic – Qatar announced that Most postgraduate jobs in our market are structured registration is open for the fall semester 2021. The College around entirely hands-on competencies, and by introducing will launch more than 20 new Applied Bachelor’s Degree all these Applied Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree and Master’s Degree programs, that will be available for programs, we are preparing our students for a lifetime of current and new students starting this fall. professional success.”

The new programs answer the need of the evolving market CNA-Q will continue to offer 2-year and 3-year diplomas in and include emerging specializations and interdisciplinary addition to the new programs, all framed within a student- curricula such as: Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, centered approach. The College focuses on experiential Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, Environmental Health, and applied learning in technology-rich classrooms, Critical Care Paramedicine, Chemical and Processing workshops, laboratories, and simulated environments. Engineering Technology, Human Resource Management, CNA-Q has transformed the education and work landscape Banking and Financial Technology, Healthcare Management, of Qatar, distinguishing itself as a destination in the state Applied Accounting, Information Systems, Information for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Technology, Medical Radiography, Occupational Health, and a source of talent for a vibrant and growing economy, Safety, and Environment, Paramedicine, Dental Hygiene, supporting the Qatar National Vision 2030. Respiratory Therapy, Pharmacy Technology, Diabetes Care, Telecommunication and Network Engineering Technology, Maintenance Engineering Technology and much more.

The innovative majors come as part of the transformation that the College is currently undergoing, 20 years after its inception. Commenting on this educational shift, Dr. Salem Al-Naemi, CNA-Q’s President said: “The changes that CNA-Q is currently implementing will lay a strong foundation for further growth. We will soon become the first National Applied University and this step will benefit our students and the wider community.

CNA-Q Campus Communiqué | May 2021 03

CAMPUS NEWS

CNA-Q distributes Iftar meals to workers on Campus in collaboration with Qatar Charity

As part of its social commitment towards the workers on campus, College of the North Atlantic – Qatar collaborated with Qatar Charity to distribute 350 Iftar meals. This activity Sport and Wellness launches aims to reach workers in different campus divisions such as a research project in security, cleaning, technical, fire and safety, civil and more. In line with the COVID-19 restrictions, meal boxes were collaboration with School of packed and loaded onto Qatar’s Charity decontaminated Health Sciences and Applied delivery van. Workers received their meals directly from the van while respecting social distancing and corona virus Research and Innovation prevention measures. Sport and Wellness, a section of Student Affairs, is offering Suhoor and Iftar are two elements of Ramadan that have the college community free personal and small group great significance to all worshippers. It is a manifestation virtual training from May 19th to June 24th. This virtual of solidarity and fellowship. College of the North Atlantic training opportunity, in collaboration with the School – Qatar has always been committed to community causes of Health Sciences, is also being considered a potential and has worked relentlessly to encourage volunteering and research project with guidance and support from the actions that make a difference. Office of Applied Research and Innovation. Aside from assisting over 40 program participants achieve their short-term wellness goals, it is hoped that this project will contribute to increased knowledge as to the best way to optimize interaction, engagement and retention of the FITClub valued clients. The program is run by experienced senior and contract trainers. For more information on this exciting project please contact: [email protected]

CNA-Q Campus Communiqué | May 2021 04

CAMPUS NEWS

CNA-Q and Qatargas sign agreement for Incident Command System training Training forms part of a wider program to bolster competency in crisis management

College of the North Atlantic – Qatar (CNA-Q) recently CPE tailored a training that develops the company’s signed a five-year agreement with Qatargas to co-facilitate workforce skills, and raises the readiness level to deal with accredited Incident Command System (ICS) Training for emergencies according to international standards.” their staff. Qatargas is the world’s largest liquified natural gas Under the five-year agreement, CNA-Q will provide the company with a total annual production capacity of 77 technical support, specialized equipment, facilities and million tonnes. As it continues to develop and expand its personnel to train more than 500 Qatargas technical operations, mitigation of the associated risks is paramount. staff, subject matter experts, and managers over the After completing an analysis of the current crisis five-year period. management system, senior managers at the company identified formal and comprehensive training in incident The Continuing and Professional Education Department command management as a priority for Asset Managers at CNA-Q has been co-delivering ICS training since April and their respective incident management teams (IMTs). 2019 aimed at meeting the growing demands of crisis response management in the country, and as part of the “We identified major priority areas and developed an College’s continuing and professional education mandate. approved tailored training plan for the crisis management CNA-Q has previously partnered with Qatargas as well, to teams together with the College of the North Atlantic – provide First Aid and Emergency Technician training. Qatar” said Khalid Al-Hemaidi, Qatargas’ Chief Health, Safety, Environment & Quality (HSEQ) Officer. “We are Commenting on the agreement, Dr Salem Al-Naemi, confident that with the expertise, competence and CNA-Q President said: “We are fully committed to serving on-campus facilities of the College, together we can the growing needs of Qatar’s largest industry, addressing successfully bolster the company’s incident command an area that is becoming increasingly important – crisis competency across the board.” management. We are proud to be collaborating with Qatargas again, specifically working with their Crisis The courses delivered under the agreement include ICS Management team to co-deliver this crucial training.” 200 training for initial responses, ICS 300 Intermediate training for expanding or escalating incidents, and ICS 400 Dr. Suhaim Khalaf Al-Josaiman, Manager of CNA-Q’s Advanced for the command and general staff functions Continuing and Professional Education added:” The during complex incidents.

CNA-Q Campus Communiqué | May 2021 05

INTERVIEW

Professor Michael Phillips A Rich Mind, A Humble Soul

You graduated as a civil engineer; you hold a Master’s degree in Environmental Management and a PHD in Coastal Processes and Geomorphology. What inspired you to go this direction? I had an internship with the Atomic Energy Authority and worked on river training for a nuclear power station. I was then employed by Associated British Ports and was working on projects for ports, tidal harbors, ferry terminals, container areas and breakwaters. Environmental management was a logical choice for assessing physical and cultural (socio- economic) demands and their integration (Carl Ortwin Sauer) and coastal geomorphology to understand how the coastline changes in response to sea levels, storms and human use. I see understanding the coastline as being essential to our way of life.

What do you think of the statement “Mother Nature is an Engineer”? Mother nature resolves problems, like an engineer. The hardest rock, granite is worn away by running water. Man is constantly learning new ways of doing things from Nature, flight, disguise, structure, strength, etc. For example, where nature manages the land, tsunamis do not cause Prof. Michael Phillips the devastation they do in human modified areas. Academic Manager, Applied Research and Innovation

CNA-Q Campus Communiqué | May 2021 06

INTERVIEW

You have published more than 100 academic articles. Which one is dear to your heart? There are many where I’ve discovered something new but the nearest to my heart is a 2006 publication entitled: Erosion and tourism infrastructure in the coastal zone: problems, consequences and management. Tourism is (was) approximately 10% of the global economy and is America’s largest industry. This publication led to many opportunities and had a major impact on the direction of my career. Through this publication, my profile led to engaging with Presidents, UN Ambassadors, European Commissioners, Government Ministers, and an invited TEDx talk, to name a few. During the reception EU-US Initiative Maritime You served as an Adjunct Professor in Canada, Iceland Policy in presence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of and Malaysia. You were also a Pro Vice-Chancellor Monaco and H.E. Anibal António Cavaco Silva, President of the Portuguese Republic (Research, Innovation, Enterprise and Commercialism) at the University of Wales. What brought you to CNA-Q? I wanted a fresh challenge and made an application to CNA-Q. I clearly remember my interview with Dr. Mothana Al-Kubaisy, Director of Institutional Excellence, Dr. Mohammed Samaka, Former Associate Vice President, Academic Quality (Acting), Tamara Rida, Manager Legal Affairs and Cindy Fernandes Recruitment Specialist and immediately knew I wanted to work with them and be part of CNA-Q’s transformation to an applied University. I had previous experience of helping a Technical Higher Education Institution become a University and had worked from middle management Head of School roles to senior management as Pro-Vice Chancellor. Because of Networks developed and perceived achievements, I am invited to contribute to different institutions strategic initiatives. I have experienced successes and want to achieve the same at CNA-Q and make a difference. Incidentally, between 2013 and 2015, I had experience of coastal research in Qatar with my archaeological research teams in collaboration with QMA and VCU-Q, excavating ancient settlements at Ruwayda.

Prof. Michael receiving the Privvy Council Coat of Arms for University of Wales Man is constantly learning new ways of doing things from Nature

CNA-Q Campus Communiqué | May 2021 07

INTERVIEW

You hold the position of Academic Manager of Applied Research and Innovation Centre and the UNEVOC Center Coordinator at the College. What is the most challenging aspect of your job? As you noted, responsibilities include working on MoUs and MoAs, research projects (QNRF and SEED), staff development, publications, seminars…I also work on the Innovation aspect of the Centre such as Business Gateway, patents and coordinating with research centers. For the Qatar’s UNESCO-UNEVOC Center, I focus on developing our international TVET profile and as a QAPCO Chair I deliver TVET initiatives in addition to establishing CNA-Q’s independent Institutional Review Board (IRB). The most challenging aspect is not having enough time to achieve all I would like to do. In an ideal world, everything would be done. A single challenge includes the length of time it is taking to get everything in place to re-establish our IRB.

You believe that the engagement of TVET students in applied research is one of the ways TVET education can raise its profile. How can that be? Perception is important and a TVET education is often University of Wales Pro-Vice Chancellor Academic Regalia considered to be at a lower level than a traditional University education. The public and parents consider vocational education to be for academically less able students. However, students have different abilities, subjects, skills, etc. Some are early developers, while others develop later The Applied Research and Innovation Centre has in life, including as mature students. It is not about when recently launched SEED program. Can you tell us more you get there, as long as you do. Research, Innovation, about it? Enterprise and Commercialization are part of a continuum Its purpose is to help develop a research culture in the and TVET education is an important part. CNA-Q is College and contribute to academic knowledge through participating in the capacity building of the Nation through publications and project results. Generally, without research, for example HSREP3 (High School Research experience of process, applying for competitive funding Experience Program) is 90% success - this means High seems difficult. Academics may think they are unable School students will experience CNA-Q first hand and to succeed and external funding often requires the Lead their parents will become aware of TVET and the important Principal Investigator (LPI) to have a PhD. There is no such work CNA-Q is doing. CNA-Q’s research contributions are restriction on SEED applications, it is the worthiness of increasing internally and externally and this will definitely the project and ability to deliver that is assessed. The raise the TVET profile. proposal must include students, have a delivery timeline and a considered budget. A review panel decides on the proposals to be awarded. The program is competitive, as we do not have unlimited funding. Importantly, I immediately SEED funding gives confidence to both academics and students and last year’s SEED projects underpinned FIVE knew I wanted to UREP28 (Undergraduate Research Experience Program) be part of CNA-Q’s submissions. transformation to an applied University

CNA-Q Campus Communiqué | May 2021 08

INTERVIEW

You have achieved a lot in your career, you possess intellectual prowess and yet you remain humble about it. What’s your secret? I have been very lucky in life. I came from and have a loving and supportive family. I went to excellent schools and straight from School to University. I didn’t have to struggle academically nor financially. I’ve been guided by many inspirational people and have had excellent role models. I’ve been presented with opportunities which I’ve gratefully taken. I realize how lucky I am, and working at CNA-Q is another example of my good fortune. I always try and give back because I recognize my good fortune and am blessed. I’ve also noted in life that all inspirational people I have known have been humble, not that I’m saying Undertaking Coastal Research in Australia I’m inspirational.

Tell us your favorites: Color: Blue Country: Qatar, I have loved every minute being here and am blessed. All my family know how happy I am. Food: Asian/Arabic Book: Sci-Fi fan and Childhood’s End, Arthur C Clarke. Song: I have an eclectic taste in music and love different genres. However, Nessun Dorma sung by any acclaimed tenor makes me emotional. Wearing the traditional attire during a Research expedition in Jizan, Saudi Arabia

Prof. Michael with Dr Charles Finkl President and CEO of US CERF

CNA-Q Campus Communiqué | May 2021 09

UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT

Interview with Rawa El-Gasem

Age: 21

Hobbies: Reading

Major: Environmental Health and Safety

CNA-Q is: The initiator of my successful journey and I will forever be grateful for that Rawa El-Gasem An Environmentalist at Heart

Why did you choose your major? You will graduate this year, what’s next? A desire for and commitment to protecting our environment I am planning to pursue my education, especially that was always a prominent force in my life, and when I had the College will offer a Bachelor’s Degree Program in the chance to study Environmental Health and Safety Environmental Health and Safety, which is exactly what I at CNA-Q, I did not hesitate for a second; I knew it was need. my path. Learning at the College was fascinating, I was discovering something new every day and the instructors What kind of sustainable business are you planning to along with CNA-Q’s community made it a beautiful journey. launch in the future? Throughout my years at the College, I learned about the I want to start my own sustainable fashion line, with power we have to create positive change, to advocate for affordable pieces. It will be a first in Qatar. We can always a better environment and help every living creature on this look good without increasing our environmental footprint. planet.

CNA-Q Campus Communiqué | May 2021 10

UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT

You are the founder and the Student Lead for CNA-Q’s Afterwards we participated in a coastal clean-up at Al Environmental Club. Tell us more about it… Zubara beach with the presence of more than 120 people. I have always wanted to start an environmental club, We had to put our activities on hold for the moment due but I didn’t know the way. When I raised the idea to my to the current circumstances, but we’re still organizing classmates and instructors, everyone agreed to the virtual awareness events and hopefully we will resume our proposal. I remember Ms. Nour scheduled a meeting with initiatives once the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. the chair of our School who was very supportive, and Ms. Jennifer suggested we propose the idea to Student Affairs. You have a high sense of fashion, who’s your After we met with Dr. Al-Jazzi Fetais, the club was initiated inspiration? in no time. She showed us great support and trust, thanks My mother is my greatest inspiration; we used to watch to her, my dream came true. My classmates and friends fashion shows together and it was a delight to talk to her played a major role also in the club’s success. I was about them. She always took me shopping with her and surprised by the number of people who expressed their she is quite knowledgeable in fashion trends, fabrics, interest in the environment and who were waiting for the colors etc. It is a tradition that runs in the family, and I right platform to engage. always remember mom saying: “Dress good, do good.”

What environmental activities have you engaged in so If the environment was a person, how would you far? describe him? We started with a beach clean-up at Al-Wakrah in Patient, Moody, Warm and friendly, but if we keep hurting collaboration with the municipality. It was quite a him this way he will definitely show us his other face. successful event that saw the participation of 35 students.

CNA-Q Campus Communiqué | May 2021 11

SAFETY FIRST

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Environment

Coronavirus pandemic has profoundly affected our daily lives, but it has also had mixed impacts on the Environment as well. This crisis further highlights the necessity to address many environmental challenges we are facing, for the sake of our society’s health and well-being.

Positive Environmental Effects Negative Environmental Effects

1-Reduction of air pollution and GHGs emission: 1- Increase of biomedical waste generation As industries, transportation and companies have closed Medical waste generation has increased globally, which is down, it has brought a sudden drop of greenhouse gases a major threat to the environment. For sample collection emissions. of the suspected COVID-19 patients, diagnosis, treatment and disinfection purpose, a lot of infectious and biomedical 2-Reduction of water pollution wastes are generated from hospitals. In many underdeveloped countries, domestic and industrial wastes are dumped into rivers without treatment. During 2- Safety equipment use and haphazard disposal the lockdown period, the major industrial sources of To protect from the viral infection, people are using pollution have shrunk or completely stopped, which helped facemask, hand gloves and other safety equipment, which to reduce the pollution load. increase the amount of healthcare waste.

3-Decrease of noise pollution 3- Use of Disinfectants Noise pollution has negative effects on physiological Recently, huge amount of disinfectants is applied into health, along with cardiovascular disorders, hypertension, roads, commercial, and residential areas to exterminate and sleep shortness of human. However, the quarantine the COVID-19 virus. Such extensive use of disinfectants and lockdown measures limited economic activities and may kill non-targeted beneficial species, which may create communication worldwide, which ultimately reduced noise ecological imbalance. level in most cities. Finally, The COVID-19 pandemic has elicited a global response and made us united to win against the virus. Similarly, to protect this globe, the home of human beings, A global united effort is imperative to propose a global long-term environmental sustainability strategy and action plan.

Source of information: Science Daily Research News, The National Center for Biotechnology Information, Harvard School of Public Health.

CNA-Q Campus Communiqué | May 2021 12

HELPFUL TIPS HELPFUL TIPS Simple Acts to

”There’s nothing I can do to help the planet”… How many times did we hear these statements “Governments are not doing enough efforts around us? to protect the environment”…”You can’t Well guess what…Change starts from within. blame me for climate change… Here are some simple ways that we can all follow to help reduce our impact on the Planet.

1- Reduce Food Waste 5- Save Electricity Food Waste is a huge issue in Qatar, according to data Use energy efficient light bulbs to reduce greenhouse published by the United Nations Food and Agriculture gas emissions. Switch off lights when you don’t need Organization (FAO) in 2014, the average local inhabitant them and unplug unused electronics. Be efficient with wastes up to 250 kg worth of food per year, compared refrigeration; keep your fridge and freezer at their ideal to just 70 kg in other regions. To avoid that guilt feeling temperature. Try to wash laundry in cold and hang dry when you throw food, keep portions under control and it whenever possible. Turn off the air conditioner when make sure to turn common leftovers into something you’re not at home. new. Many cooking sites and applications can help you on your mission. 6- Plant a tree Trees help stop climate change, they purify the air and 2- Conserve Water cool down the atmosphere. Trees also help to save water The average Qatari resident uses 675 litres of water because of the shade they provide, water will evaporate per day (drinking, washing and waste), at a rate double slowly from low vegetation. They prevent storm water that of the average European as per (EcoMena) reports. from polluting oceans. They control erosion and some Simple acts such as not leaving the tap running, of them provide food for the population. watering houseplants with cooking water, maintaining house plumbing and rinsing fruits and vegetables in a 7- Educate and Volunteer bowl can make a big difference. Encourage your friends and family to accompany you for clean-ups in your community. Donate financially to 3- Recycle support groups when you cannot volunteer your time. By recycling items at our home, we can play a small but Spread environmental awareness around you and help huge part in protecting the environment. Segregating others understand the value of our natural resources. waste is important and reusing it is also a good way. You can turn those plastic containers into useful household There are many more ways to help our Planet and items and you can donate old clothes or transform keep us safe. We can all make a difference if we put them into cleaning rags. our minds into it.

4-Shop Wisely Buy eco-friendly garments and try to repair rather than replace whenever possible. Reduce the use of plastic bags and bring a reusable shopping bag. Choose non- toxic chemicals, also avoid processed food and buy locally grown food. This can lessen the load on your wallet and the planet.

CNA-Q Campus Communiqué | May 2021 13

FUN CORNER

How well do you know the Campus?

Answer the below question and win a Dinner Voucher for 2 persons at “Al-Hubara” Restaurant-Sheraton Grand Resort & Convention Hotel. Note: All COVID restrictions need to be followed for Dine-in

Question: The Environmental Club participated in two beach clean-ups this year. Mention the locations of both activities.

Send your answers to: [email protected]

Good Luck!

Terms & Conditions:

• A draw will be held live at cnaq_life Instagram channel to announce the winner • Stay tuned to know the exact date of the announcement • You are only allowed to participate once • Participants should include their contact details in the email • This competition is exclusive to CNA-Q students • Winner should present their student ID before collecting the voucher • Prize collection photo will be posted on social media platforms @cnaq_life and the next campus communiqué.

Last month edition

CONGRATULATIONS TO Anees Khan

The answer to April’s competition is: Building 7, every Tuesday from 12:00 (12:15) to 1:00 (1:15) pm

CNA-Q Campus Communiqué | May 2021 01

COLLEGE OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC – QATAR

293 Street 68 , North Duhail North P. O. Box 24449 Doha, Qatar

Phone: +974 4495 2222 Email: [email protected]

CNA-Q Campus Communiqué | May 2021