Unleashing the Power of Computational Thinking: Empowering Engineering Students towards Innovation and Inclusion

The College of Engineering at the American University of Kurdistan (AUK) organized a seminar on Computational Thinking on April 22, 2024. The seminar, led by civil engineer Aween A. Abubaker, aimed to empower engineering students by shedding light on the revolutionary potential of computational thinking in the fields of architecture and engineering.

Aween A. Abubaker holds a BSc from Salahaddin University, and an MSc from Vienna University of Technology. Abubaker has also made significant contributions as a Structural and BIM Engineer at SOM in New York, and currently serves as a Computational Designer Structural Engineer at SOM in London.

During the seminar, Abubaker introduced the concept of computational thinking, emphasizing its ability to transcend traditional logic and conventions. She encouraged students to recognize geometric patterns and proportions, urging them to embrace innovation and think beyond their comfort zones to create sustainable and inclusive solutions.

In her concluding remarks, Abubaker delivered an inspiring message to the audience, particularly the AUK students, emphasizing that mastery of computational thinking requires careful tool selection, creation, decision-making, and coding. She encouraged them to actively seek out the best tools, create new ones when necessary, make informed decisions, and embrace coding as a means to unlock endless possibilities.