Celebrating Asma AlHawai: A Fulbright scholar, analytics leader and global ambassador for OSU
With Asma AlHawai earning her master of science in business specialized in supply chain analytics, the College of Business proudly celebrates its first Fullbright scholar from its graduate programs.
AlHawai excelled academically, embraced every opportunity for growth, and became a vibrant part of the OSU community.
AlHawai arrived in Oregon with a strong foundation in industrial engineering and several years of professional experience. She approached the master’s program with curiosity, maturity and a desire to connect theory to real‑world impact. “Coming from an industrial engineering background, I also enjoyed being exposed to subjects like strategy, finance, marketing and law, and seeing how naturally they connect to analytics and decision-making,” she said.
Her coursework immersed her in data modeling and the science behind AI — tools that are reshaping industries across the globe. AlHawai simultaneously took coursework to complete a graduate certificate in business analytics.
Moving across the world as a Fulbright scholar, taking a break from work, adapting to a completely different environment, and building a new life pushed me outside my comfort zone in the best way possible. There were challenges of course, but finishing the program with a 4.0 GPA was a proud moment for me.
“Returning to school five years after graduating made the experience far more meaningful and rewarding because I could connect what I was learning to real-world experience,” AlHawai said. “At OSU, I spent a lot of time working with data, learning Python and SQL, and understanding more of the science behind AI, which was especially exciting to learn in today’s world.”
Her ability to bridge technical expertise with strategic thinking made her stand out as a scholar and a future leader. Today, she’ll journey back home to the United Arab Emirates, carrying with her a graduate degree and certificate, but also a transformed perspective on learning, leadership and life.
“I realized how much I had grown when I looked back at the person who first arrived in Oregon compared to the person leaving,” she said. “Moving across the world as a Fulbright scholar, taking a break from work, adapting to a completely different environment, and building a new life pushed me outside my comfort zone in the best way possible. There were challenges of course, but finishing the program with a 4.0 GPA was a proud moment for me. At the same time, I also realized that growth is not always tied to achievements or career milestones. It was learning to slow down, appreciate experiences, and create balance between ambition and life outside of work and school.”
One vehicle by which AlHawai was able to ‘slow down’ was through taking up a great American tradition — the road trip with siblings. Throughout her time in the United States, AlHawai’s sister was also there, providing the Fullbright scholar her greatest source of support. Together, they explored 11 states, experienced all four seasons for the first time, and created memories that made Oregon feel like home. Those moments across long highways, new landscapes and shared adventures — became just as important as the academic milestones.
As well, AlHawai says her classmates, professors and even her next‑door neighbor also became part of her support system. These relationships helped her navigate the challenges of graduate school and made her OSU experience rich with community.
“Studying abroad taught me that growth can happen in unexpected ways,” she said. “Of course I learned a lot academically, but I also became more independent and appreciative of experiences outside of work and school. It was truly an experience that shaped me in many ways. OSU will always be special to me.”
One of the highlights of AlHawai’s academic experience was her capstone project with the Portland Trail Blazers, where she applied analytics to real business challenges. The project allowed her to translate classroom learning into actionable insights — and provide the team with examples of how data can shape strategy in fast‑paced, high‑stakes environments. “It was such a unique opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world decision-making,” she said.
After graduation, AlHawai will resume her career in the UAE utilities sector, working in supply chain. Long‑term, she hopes to build a career that keeps her passionate and fulfilled — one that allows her to make a meaningful impact on people, organizations and communities.
Congratulations, Asma AlHawai, we are proud to be a part of your adventures and success!
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