In the Biotechnology category, the students Amal Barham, Hala Badawi, and Zeina Barham were celebrated for their exceptional research titled "Green Synthesis of Carbon Nano-dots from Sage Leaves as Anti-Cancer Agent". This project showcased innovative and sustainable approaches to producing carbon nano-dots with potential anti-cancer properties.

In the Environmental Sciences, Water, and Renewable Energy category, the students Amal Yassin, Aya Ataya, and Lina Rifai claimed victory with their pioneering research titled "Novel Synthesis of Carbon Nanodots (CNDs) from Used Tobacco Molasses for Iron Sensing". This research highlighted novel applications of carbon nanodots for iron sensing, addressing environmental challenges through creative means.

These two remarkable projects were skillfully supervised by Dr. Shadi Sawalha, from the Chemical Engineering Program at the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, in partnership with Dr. Mohyeddin Assali from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at An-Najah University. Their guidance and support played a crucial role in the students' success.

The Engineer Zuhair Hijjawi Award is an annual accolade established by the Arab American University to recognize exceptional research conducted by Palestinian university students at the undergraduate level. The award includes four categories, including information technology, medical and biological technologies, engineering, and the environmental, water, and renewable energy sciences category. Submissions are evaluated by a committee in the Deanship of Scientific Research at the Arab American University, and winners are announced at the university's graduation ceremony. Each category winner is granted a prize of $2,000, acknowledging their dedication and contributions to their respective fields.