Exploring the Possibilities of Technology Beyond the Classroom
LAU students from various majors recently had the opportunity to explore how the principles they learn in class can be successfully applied in the dynamic realm of real-world business during a visit to Multilane – a Lebanon-based company at the Houmal Technology Park that specializes in data center infrastructure equipment.
The visit fell under the LAS302 Inquiry for Innovation course, one of the multidisciplinary Liberal Arts and Sciences Curriculum (LASC) courses designed to expand the knowledge of students beyond their majors and help them grow into socially responsible, ethical and critical thinkers capable of taking on local and global challenges. To that end, the LASC curriculum is closely aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Providing a concrete example of entrepreneurship and innovation, the visit demonstrated to students how research and development taught in the course functions in an industry, and how one can work in Lebanon on an international scale, positively impacting the national and global economy. The students visited the labs, discussed vision, challenges and achievements with the individuals in charge, and observed the development of the AI infrastructure, testing equipment and products.
Second-year computer science student Adnan Kabbani said that the visit was “not only educational and incredibly inspiring, shedding light on the remarkable potential that Lebanon holds in the global market, but also eye-opening and loaded with invaluable experience.” It left him with a renewed sense of hope and determination to contribute to the country’s future, he added.
“For students grappling with the challenges of the 21st century, encountering a business model that aligns with the demands of the third millennium is crucial,” said part-time faculty member Mazen Abboud, stressing the significance of imparting valuable entrepreneurial lessons to students and preparing them for the evolving professional landscape where innovative problem-solving and adaptability are essential qualities in this competitive economy.
The objective of training students and growing their knowledge of and skills in technology and data infrastructure is “to shape their perspective and motivate them to envision and contribute to a better future for Lebanon,” he added.
By developing an entrepreneurial mindset, students learn to apply this knowledge in ways that can help enhance Lebanon’s overall economy in their respective fields.
Second-year psychology major Yara Abd El Sater found that the course and what it offered “was one of the most significant aspects of the semester,” and second-year computer science student Louana Ibrahim looked forward “to applying some of the entrepreneurial lessons as well as technical knowledge I acquired to my own studies and projects.”
For Fatima Baydoun, a second-year biology student, this journey has “taught me that with vision, commitment, good leadership and teamwork, everything is possible,” she said. “Everyone can succeed everywhere even in Lebanon, despite the crisis and everything else that is going on.”
Third-year pharmacy students Mona Itani and Tia Atiyah who are enrolled in the Inquiry and Innovation course said that the opportunity to step beyond their major gave them insight into technology and was, in all, a new experience.