Abdulmohsen Alsaui has leapt halfway across the globe on his academic journey—from Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, all the way to St. John’s. At Memorial, he’s researching how to revolutionize wireless communication with quantum technology.

Where are you from?
I am from Saudi Arabia.

Where, and in what area, did you do your undergraduate or previous graduate work?
I did my master's in electrical engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and worked on quantum-secured communications. I hold two bachelor's degrees in electrical engineering and physics from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia.

Why did you choose to pursue a graduate degree?
In addition to my passion for research, I pursued a PhD to hone my skills and expand my knowledge, supporting my future goal of developing next-generation technological solutions.

Why did you choose Memorial for graduate studies?
I chose Memorial for two reasons. The first is to have the chance to be supervised by one of the leading researchers in my research field, Prof. Octavia Dobre, a Canada Research Chair Tier-1. Her extensive technical knowledge and professional experience are significant enablers for me to achieve my PhD objectives. The second reason is that Memorial provides an enriching environment that supports my research and nurtures my leadership skills.

What is your degree program and area of specialization?
I am pursuing a PhD in Electrical Engineering, specializing in using quantum technologies to enhance next-generation wireless communication systems.

Why did you choose this area of study?
I chose this study area because of the potential quantum technologies have in revolutionizing wireless communication. It allows me to engage in cutting-edge research that could significantly impact the future of global communication systems.

How would you describe your experience as a graduate student at Memorial?
My experience as a graduate student at Memorial has been highly rewarding. The university provides a supportive and enriching environment that has allowed me to grow both academically and professionally. Working under the guidance of leading experts in my field, I have had the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research, collaborate with talented peers, and develop skills that are crucial for my future career.

What is your research/thesis about? What is the goal of your research? What are the implications of your research project for the province, the country and the world?
My research, titled "Quantum-Powered 6G for Enhanced Communication and Sensing," focuses on revolutionizing the next generation of wireless communication (6G) by integrating quantum technologies. Quantum technologies leverage the unique properties of quantum mechanics to perform tasks more efficiently than traditional methods. My research aims to improve how 6G networks communicate and sense their environment, making them faster, more reliable and capable of meeting the growing demands of technologies like the Internet of Things, autonomous vehicles, and smart cities.
The implications of this research are significant. It offers the potential to enhance mobile connectivity, improve critical services such as emergency response, healthcare and transportation, and position Canada as a leader in quantum research and innovation. By addressing current technological challenges, my research not only contributes to the advancement of 6G communication but also paves the way for future innovations in the global wireless communication landscape.

Why did you choose this research question/topic?
I chose this research topic because of quantum technologies’ immense potential for transforming various fields, particularly wireless communication. My technical background, including a bachelor’s in physics and experience working on quantum communication during my master’s, has provided me with the foundation to explore this cutting-edge area and contribute meaningfully to its advancement.

How do you work with your supervisor? Does your work involve other students?
I am currently working on three projects with my supervisor. Two of these projects involve collaboration with a postdoctoral fellow, and one is in partnership with another PhD student. This collaborative approach allows us to leverage diverse expertise and perspectives, enriching the research process.

Are there any difficulties in life that youʼve overcome to pursue graduate studies?
My main difficulty in pursuing graduate studies is being away from family and friends for an extended period of time.

What are you planning to do after you complete your degree?
I worked as an R&D researcher for over three years before starting my PhD. After completing my degree, I plan to return to the R&D industry, where I aim to contribute meaningfully to technological advancements that benefit society as a whole.

Do you have any advice for current and/or future graduate students?
As a graduate student, you have the flexibility to manage your time across various workloads.
Making good use of this advantage is key to succeeding in your studies while maintaining your well-being. My advice is to plan your tasks ahead and set realistic goals for yourself, which will help you stay organized and maintain a good work-life balance throughout your academic journey. With respect to research, try to incorporate emerging tools, such as machine learning and quantum computing. The ability to utilize these advanced tools can have a greater impact on your future career than the specific research question itself, as they are versatile and can be applied to a wide range of topics.

Become a graduate student at Memorial. Apply online today!