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Top: The remains of a desert dwelling and typical
landscape.
Bottom: The towers of Qatar University symbolize the
old style architecture that used wind towers for cooling.
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Retired industrial scientist Tom Weeks spent his one-year Fulbright
grant working in the Chemistry Department at Qatar University
developing linkages between local industry and the Qatar Environment
Department. Weeks offered the host institution expertise in petroleum
catalysis and environmental heath and safety, areas of great importance
for a nation concerned with risk management of hazardous materials.
During his grant, Weeks worked with the director of the Environment
Department to establish national metrics for sustainable development,
helped the national oil company recycle several hundred tons of
waste catalyst and reviewed a $500 million dollar environmental
impact analysis for a major gas project. The scholar also assisted
the government in an evaluation of its ability to conduct environmental
analyses. About his experience, the scholar commented, "I
would encourage more industrial scientists who retire early to
apply to the Fulbright program. People with an industrial background
have an especially high degree of credibility in developing countries
and can help local colleges and universities fully participate
in nation building."
The working environments of Weeks and his wife, who traveled
with him to Qatar, gave them a chance to develop meaningful personal
and professional relationships with members of the local community
that they expect to maintain. Weeks was the only Westerner in
a department of 35 people; his wife, meanwhile, volunteered at
the American Cultural Center, advising local students about educational
opportunities in the United States. They welcomed the experience
of adapting to a new environment and took advantage of being abroad
by traveling extensively throughout the region.
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