Mohamad Alchalabi

Robin and Nadine Wells Scholarship

Joining us from: Saudi Arabia

MBA (2022)

This is my first attempt at writing a bio and I must admit, it's more challenging than any academic topic I've tackled. Let me start from the beginning.

I was born and raised in Dammam, a city located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Since my teenage years, I've had a passion for science and engineering and a desire to have a career that makes a positive impact on humanity.

My academic journey at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) prepared me to join the renewable energy industry, where I was fortunate to be one of the pioneers in establishing the sector in Saudi Arabia. Although the initial years were challenging with site visits, assessments, and studies, the satisfaction of seeing our work translate into some of the most successful solar and wind energy projects in the world was truly rewarding. My role evolved into setting up net-zero and decarbonization strategies for the largest energy company in the world, and my contribution into my employer's first-ever sustainability report was one of my proudest moments before my time here at Oxford.

My experience in the energy sector opened my eyes to the many sustainability challenges the world faces. I realized that the root cause of the problem is largely financial and business-related. That's why I decided to pursue an MBA degree, and Oxford was my top choice. Fortunately, I was accepted into the program, and I chose St Cross College because of its friendly community atmosphere, which makes it easy to share knowledge, experience, and cultures, and to make new friends from all over the world. I am also very grateful for the college's generous support with the Robin and Nadine Wells scholarship, which has enabled me to enjoy a wider range of extracurricular activities and events that Oxford has to offer.

My time at Oxford has been exhilarating – receiving an education of the highest standards, enjoying meeting notable speakers from diverse fields, and the company of many life-long friends. St Cross has had a big role making this experience all the more memorable.