"[The] awards represent a great honor for me, and I'm proud I [have been] able to represent my country abroad...both in Europe and in Saudi Arabia," he stated.

Dragos Ilies first came to KAUST as an intern in Professor Salim Al-Babili's research group. Impressed with the University, its facilities and the KAUST lifestyle, he then applied to KAUST as a master's degree student and was accepted to the plant science program under the supervision of Professor Mark Tester. After graduating with his M.S. in 2018, Dragos Ilies began his Ph.D. studies at KAUST in atmospheric chemistry with Associate Professor Mani Sarathy. His current research focuses on how secondary aerosols like machine-generated nitrogen oxide and even volatile herbal substances can influence climate change by increasing temperature.

KAUST is not Dragos Ilies' first experience of studying abroad. His passion for chemistry led him to first study at the University of Glasgow, where he demonstrated plastic can be made from solar energy. He then completed an internship at German chemical company BASF before coming to KAUST.

"I am very pleased that Bogdan has won this award," Tester said. "He is a very smart and hard-working student who is very dedicated to the pursuit of scientific knowledge...[He] clearly revels in discovery and the application of discoveries for society."

Dragos Ilies' supervisor Sarathy added, "[Bogdan] has many qualities of an outstanding and talented researcher. He exhibits remarkable creativity; he actively pursues partnership to develop his research; and he works hard through failure and success. This award is just one of what I am sure will be many recognitions for Bogdan as he continues to grow in excellence."