British Council Qatar’s Podcast Series

Laura is a seasoned finance professional with 20 years of experience spanning investment banking, finance, and operations. Holding a Master’s in Business Mathematics, she has worked in Germany, England, the Philippines, and India before relocating to Qatar in 2017. Her career focuses on driving organizational value through strategic initiatives and team empowerment. Beyond work, Laura enjoys family time with her husband and three children, as well as traveling and outdoor exploration.

Interview

Dr. Khalid Abdulla Al-Ali serves as a consultant to Qatar’s Minister of Education and Higher Education, drawing from a distinguished career in academia and policy. Formerly Assistant Undersecretary for Higher Education, his leadership has spanned roles such as Associate Vice President at Qatar University and Chair of UNESCO's COMEST in Paris. His contributions to the fields of Genetics, Education, and Ethics are widely recognized, with numerous publications to his name.

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Dr Binoy is an experienced lecturer in Physics and Mathematics, joined OUC-LJMU, Qatar in the summer 2021 as a senior lecturer in mathematics, bringing along with him more than 20 years of experience of working in Universities in the UK. With a vast experience in academia, Dr Binoy holds a PhD in Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics from Trinity College, University of Cambridge.

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Abdullah AlBaker brings a wealth of experience in architecture, urban planning, and value engineering. Throughout his career, Abdulla has held numerous leadership roles, including serving on the Qatari Engineering Society's board and founding the Architects Association under QSE. He has also represented Qatar as a member of the executive board in the Organization of Arab Architects, advancing architectural standards and innovation across the region.

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Founder and CEO of ClearExhaust LLC and Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Qatar University, holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge, specializing in combustion, emissions, and alternative fuels. Dr. Ahmed has led numerous high-impact research projects funded by government and industry, earning recognition for his innovation and excellence. He is also a global finalist for the British Council Study UK Alumni Award in the Entrepreneurship category.

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Fatima Mohamed Fawzy is a Doha-based architect and urban planner with a passion for sustainable design. Her expertise spans both research and practical implementation in architecture and urban planning. A registered architect in Qatar, she has delivered numerous lectures at key institutions across the country. Fatima holds a bachelor’s in architecture from the University of Engineering and Technology Lahore and an Executive MBA from HEC Paris.

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Jennifer Stables, a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, serves as an Associate Director at AECOM. With over a decade of experience leading multidisciplinary teams on major regional projects, Jennifer is a respected figure in the field. She has held key positions such as Trustee and Qatar Country Representative for the ICE and President of the Cambridge Society of Qatar.

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Khalifa Al Obaidly, a talented Qatari photographer, originally studied marine biology at Qatar University before earning an MBA from HEC Paris. Focusing his lens on the themes of Desert and Sea, Khalifa captures the essence of Qatari culture and tradition. Having worked at various art and science museums, including the Qatar National Museum, he is also deeply involved in heritage programs.

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