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CURRICULUM VITAE

Mehiddin Al-Baali

ADDRESS/CONTANCTS

Post Mail: Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Sultan Qaboos Univ. (SQU), P.O. Box 36,

Muscat 123, Oman

E-mail: albaali@squ.edu.om

Tel. (Office): +968-24141421. Mobile: +968-92669753. Fax: +968-24141490/24413415

PERSONAL DETAILS

Place and date of birth: Douma, Syria, June 15th, 1951. Nationality: Syrian. Marital Status: Married

EDUCATIONS

1984 PhD Numerical Optimization (Supervisor: R. Fletcher)

Univ. of Dundee, UK

1980 MSc Numerical Analysis and Programming (Thesis Supervisor: J.D. Lambert)

Univ. of Dundee, UK

1979 Diploma Mathematics and Numerical Analysis Univ. of Dundee, UK 1974 B.Sc. Mathematics and Statistics Damascus Univ., Syria

EMPLOYMENTS

2015- Prof. Mathematics and Statistics SQU, Oman 1997-15 Associate Prof. Mathematics and Statistics SQU, Oman 1992-97 Assistant Prof. Mathematics and Computer Science UAE Univ., UAE 1991-92 Research Visit Electronics, Informatics & Systems Calabria Univ., Italy 1990-91 Assistant Prof. Basic Sciences Ajman Univ., UAE 1985-90 Lecturer Mathematics Damascus Univ., Syria 1977-78 Demonstrator Mathematics Damascus Univ., Syria

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Numerical optimization: small scale, large scale and non-linear least-squares problems, algorithms and

software, practical convergence analysis, and related applications.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

Editorial Board Member (and Associate Editor) for (i) Optimization Methods and Software, (ii)

Computational Optimization and Applications, (iii) Advanced Modeling and Optimization, (iv)

International Journal of Operations Research, (v) SQU Journal for Science, etc.

Reviewer for Mathematical Reviews (AMS)/MathSciNet.

Anonymous Referee for more than 35 international journals such as MP, SIAM, IMA, JOTA, etc.

Member of (i) EUROPT, (ii) Math. Programming Society, (iii) POP (Pacific Optimization Research

Activity Group), (iv) SIAM (Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics), (v) SIAG (SIAM

Activity Group) on Optimization, etc.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

1986-present Visiting Fellowship at DEIS, Calabria Univ., Italy 2017-present Associate Membership at GERAD - HEC Montreal, Canada

2001-present Awarded several SQU internal and Italian external Research Grants 2017 Awarded Distinguished Researcher in SQU, Oman 2013 2011

Awarded Best Paper of SQU Journal for Science, Oman Awarded Best Teacher in Department of Mathematics and Statistics, SQU, Oman

1990 Awarded Abdus Salam Prize in Mathematics for Scientific Advancement in Syria

(Abdus Salam was the winner of Nobel prize and the Director of ICTP, Trieste, Italy) 1989-93 Awarded ICTP Arab Fund Grant for supporting eminent Arab researchers 1989,90 1978

Awarded Damascus Univ. Funds for writing three textbooks Awarded a Scholarship for PhD study by Syrian Ministry of Higher Education

* Updated: July 31, 2018

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SCHOLARLY ACHIEVEMENTS

Refereed Journal Papers

1. M.A. and L. Grandinetti, “Improved Damped Quasi-Newton Methods for Unconstrained

Optimization” (accepted for publication in the special issue of Pacific Journal of Optimization).

2. M.A., A. Caliciotti, G. Fasano and M. Roma, “Quasi-Newton-Based Preconditioning and

Damped Quasi-Newton Schemes for Nonlinear Conjugate Gradient Methods” in Numerical

Analysis and Optimization, Springer Proceedings in Mathematics & Statistics, Eds. M.A., L.

Grandinetti and A. Purnama, Vol. 235, 2018, pp. 1-22.

3. M.A., A. Caliciotti, G. Fasano and M. Roma, “Exploiting damped techniques for nonlinear

conjugate gradient methods,” Mathematical Methods of Operations Research, Vol. 86, 2017,

pp. 501-522, DOI 10.1007/s00186-017-0593-1.

4. N. Benrabia, Y. Laskri, H. Guebbai and M.A., “Applying the Powell’s symmetrical technique

to conjugate gradient methods with the generalized conjugacy condition,” Numerical

Functional Analysis and Optimization, Vol. 37 (2016), pp. 839–849.

5. Y. Dai, M.A. and X. Yang, “A positive Barzilai-Borwein like stepsize and an extension for

symmetric linear systems” in Numerical Analysis and Optimization, Springer Proceedings in

Mathematics & Statistics, Eds. M.A., L. Grandinetti and A. Purnama, Vol. 134, 2015, pp. 59-

76.

6. M.A., Y. Narushima and H. Yabe, “A family of three-term conjugate gradient methods with

sufficient descent property for unconstrained optimization,” Computational Optimization and

Applications, Vol. 60 (2015), pp. 89-110.

7. M.A. and C. Triki, “A note on using partitioning techniques to solve nonlinear optimization

problems on parallel systems,” Sultan Qaboos Univ. Journal for Science, Vol. 20 (2015), pp.

12-18.

8. M.A., L. Grandinetti and O. Pisacane, “Damped techniques for the limited memory BFGS

Method for large-scale optimization,” Journal of Optimization Theory and Applications, Vol.

161 (2014), pp. 688-699.

9. M.A., E. Spedicato and F. Maggioni, “Broyden's quasi-Newton methods for nonlinear system

of equations and unconstrained optimization: a review and open problems,” Optimization

Methods and Software, Vol. 29 (2014), pp. 937-954.

10. M.A., “Damped techniques for enforcing convergence of quasi-Newton methods,”

Optimization Methods and Software, Vol. 29 (2014), pp. 919-936.

11. M.A. and H.F. Khalfan, “A combined class of self-scaling and modified quasi-Newton

methods,” Computational Optimization and Applications, Vol. 52 (2012), pp. 393-408.

12. M.A. and L. Grandinetti, “On the behaviour of damped quasi-Newton methods for

unconstrained optimization,” Iranian Journal of Operations Research, Vol. 3 (2012), pp. 1-10.

13. M.A. and A. Purnama, “Numerical experience with damped quasi-Newton optimization

methods when the objective function is quadratic,” Sultan Qaboos Univ. Journal for Science,

Vol. 17 (2012), pp. 1-11.

14. M.A. and L. Grandinetti, “On practical modification of quasi-Newton BFGS method,”

Advanced Modeling and Optimization, Vol. 11 (2009), pp. 63-76.

15. M.A. and H. Khalfan, “An overview of some practical quasi-Newton methods for

unconstrained optimization,” SQU Journal for Scientific Research: Science and Technology,

Vol. 12 (2007), pp. 199-209.

16. M.A. and H. Khalfan, “Wide interval for efficient self-scaling quasi-Newton algorithms,”

Optimization Methods and Software, Vol. 20 (2005), pp. 679-691.

17. M.A., A. Fuduli and R. Musmanno, “On the performance of switching BFGS/SR1 algorithms

for unconstrained optimization,” Optimization Methods and Software, Vol. 19 (2004), pp. 153-

164.

18. M.A., “Quasi-Newton algorithms for large-scale nonlinear least-squares,” in High Performance

Algorithms and Software for Nonlinear Optimization, pp. 1-21, G. Di Pillo and A. Murli,

Editors, Kluwer Academic, 2003.

19. M.A., “Extra-updates criterion for the limited memory BFGS algorithm for large scale

nonlinear optimization,” Journal of Complexity, Vol. 18 (2002), pp. 557-572.

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20. M.A., “On the behaviour of a combined extra-updating self-scaling BFGS method,” Journal of

Computational and Applied Mathematics, Vol. 134 (2001), pp. 269-281.

21. M.A., “Extra updates for the BFGS method,” Optimization Methods and Software, Vol. 13

(2000), pp. 159-179.

22. M.A., “Properties of self-scaling quasi-Newton algorithms for nonlinear optimization

problems,” International Conference on Research Trends in Science and Technology, Lebanese

American Univ., Lebanon, 2000, pp. 1-14.

23. M.A., D. Conforti and R. Musmanno, “Computational experiments with scaled initial Hessian

approximation for the Broyden family methods,” Optimization: Journal of Mathematical

Programming and Operations Research, Vol. 48 (2000), pp. 375-389.

24. M.A., “Improved Hessian approximations for the limited memory BFGS method,” Numerical

Algorithms, Vol. 22 (1999), pp. 99-112.

25. M.A., “Global and superlinear convergence of a restricted class of self-scaling methods with

inexact line searches, for convex functions,” Computational Optimization and Applications,

Vol. 9 (1998), pp. 191-203.

26. M.A., “Numerical experience with a class of self-scaling quasi-Newton algorithms,” Journal

of Optimization Theory and Applications, Vol. 96 (1998), pp. 533-553.

27. M.A., “A Numerical study of a combined self-scaling and extra-updating method,” IV

International Symposium on “Optimization and Statistics,” Aligarh Muslim Univ., India, 1998,

pp. 1-11.

28. M.A. and R. Fletcher, “On the order of convergence of preconditioned nonlinear conjugate

gradient methods,” Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics Journal on Scientific

Computing, Vol. 17 (1996), pp. 658-665.

29. M.A., “New initial Hessian approximations for the limited memory BFGS method for large

scale optimization,” Journal of the Faculty of Science, UAE Univ., Vol. 7 (1995), pp. 167-175.

30. M.A., “On measure functions for the self-scaling updating formulae for quasi-Newton

methods,” Optimization: Journal of Mathematical Programming and Operations Research,

Vol. 32 (1995), pp. 59-69.

31. M.A., “A survey of classes of self-scaling variable metric algorithms,” Calcutta Mathematical

Society, Vol. 86 (1994), pp. 509-520.

32. M.A., “An efficient class of switching type algorithms in the Broyden family,” Optimization

Methods and Software, Vol. 4 (1994), pp. 29-46.

33. M.A., “Variational quasi-Newton methods for unconstrained optimization,” Journal of

Optimization Theory and Applications, Vol. 77 (1993), pp. 127-143.

34. M.A., “Highly efficient Broyden methods of minimization with variable parameter,”

Optimization Methods and Software, Vol. 1 (1992), pp. 301-310.

35. M.A., “Numerical experiments with the preconditioned conjugate gradient Gauss-Newton

methods,” Damascus Univ. Journal, Vol. 4 (1988), pp. 13-22.

36. M.A., “Optimal variable metric methods for unconstrained optimization,” 27th Science Week

Conference, Damascus Univ., Syria, 1987.

37. M.A. and R. Fletcher, “An efficient line search for nonlinear least squares,” Journal of

Optimization Theory and Applications, Vol. 48 (1986), pp. 359-378.

38. M.A. and R. Fletcher, “Variational methods for non-linear least-squares,” Journal of

Operational Research Society, Vol. 36 (1985), pp. 405-421.

39. M.A., “Descent property and global convergence of the Fletcher-Reeves method with inexact

line search,” Institute of Mathematics and Applications Journal of Numerical Analysis, Vol. 5

(1985), pp. 121-124.

Books/Special Issue Volume Journals (Editor)

40. M.A., L. Grandinetti and A. Purnama (Editors) “Numerical Analysis and Optimization,”

Springer Proceedings in Mathematics & Statistics, Vol. 235, 2018.

41. M.A. and A. Purnama (Guest Editors), “Numerical Analysis and Optimization,” Sultan Qaboos

Univ. Journal for Science (Special Issue Proceedings), Vol. 23(1), 2018, 72p.

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42. C. Triki and M.A. (Guest Editors) “Models and Algorithms for Applied Optimization

Problems,” Special Issue of International Journal of Operational Research, Vol. 28, No. 2,

2017, pp. 141-306.

43. M.A., L. Grandinetti and A. Purnama (Editors) “Numerical Analysis and Optimization,”

Springer Proceedings in Mathematics & Statistics, Vol. 134, 2015, 343p.

44. M.A. and A. Purnama (Guest Editors), “Numerical Analysis and Optimization,” Sultan Qaboos

Univ. Journal for Science (Special Issue Proceedings), Vol. 20(2), 2015, 87p.

45. B. Heim, T. Ibukiyama, M.A. and F. Rupp (Editors) “Automorphic Forms: Research in Number

Theory from Oman,” Springer Proceedings in Mathematics & Statistics, Vol. 115, 2014, 242p.

46. M.A. and A. Purnama (Guest Editors), “Numerical Optimization,” Sultan Qaboos Univ.

Journal for Science (Special Issue Proceedings), Vol. 17(1), 2012, 156p.

47. M.A. and A. Purnama (Guest Editors), “Numerical Analysis,” Sultan Qaboos Univ. Journal

for Science (Special Issue Proceedings), Vol. 17(2), 2012, 96p.

48. M.A. and A.Y. Abul-Magd (Editors), “Mathematics for Teachers (2)” (Textbook in Arabic,

Authors: M. Amer, M. El-Sabagh, M. Refai and A. Kamal), UAE Univ. Publications,

1996/1997, 176p.

Textbook in Arabic (Author)

49. M.A., A. Jamalddin and M. Sobh, “Numerical Analysis (2),” Damascus Univ. Publications,

1994/1995, 338p.

50. M.A., “Ordinary Differential Equations (1),” Damascus Univ. Publications, 1989/1990, 332p.

51. M.A., “Statistics for Natural Sciences,” Damascus Univ. Publications, 1989/1990, 211p.

Lecture Notes

52. M.A., “Introduction to Line Search Methods for Nonlinear Unconstrained Optimization with

Simple Illustrated Examples,” Lecture Notes, Revisited, DOMAS 17/9v4, 2017, 64p, and

DOMAS 15/9, 2015, 51p, SQU, Oman.

53. M.A., M.T. Al-Hinai, A. Al-Salman, Z. Al-Sharawi and M. Rakha, “Basic Mathematics” (in

Arabic), DOMAS, SQU, 2010, 180p.

54. M.A., “Numerical Methods for Nonlinear Optimization,” Lab. Ottimizzazione, Calabria Univ.,

Italy, 2008, 52p.

55. M.A. and H. Khalfan “Numerical Methods for Initial Value Problems for Ordinary Differential

Equations,” DOMAS, SQU, 2004, 54p.

56. M.A. and Z. ZaherAldeen, “Using Derive for Solving Ordinary Differential Equations,” T.

Report DMCS 1/94 (1994), UAE Univ., 6p.

Work in Progress on 1. “Combined conjugate gradient and quasi-Newton methods” (with I.S. Latif).

2. “Modified gradient methods” (with Y. Dai).

3. “A limited memory BFGS/Gauss-Newton algorithm for nonlinear least-squares.”

Research/Technical Reports

1. M.A., M. Al-Hinai, F. Al-Kharousi, N. Al-Salti, A. Al Sawaii, E. Balakrishnan, S. Kerbal and A.

Purnama, “Fourth international conference on numerical analysis and optimization: Information,

programme and abstracts,” January 2-5, 2017, SQU Press, Muscat, Oman, 64p.

2. M.A., "VITU External Assessor Reports,” Glasgow Caledonian Univ. in Oman, 2013-2017 (one

report every year).

3. M.A., “New Damped Quasi-Newton Methods for Unconstrained Optimization,” Research Report

DOMAS 15/3 (2015), SQU, Oman, 11p.

4. M.A., A. Al-Ghassani, M. Al-Hinai, M. Al-Lawati, N. Al-Salti, E. Balakrishnan, A. Purnama, C.

Triki, T. Yashiro and S.I. Zaman, “Third international conference on numerical analysis and

optimization: Information, programme and abstracts,” January 5-9, 2014, Al-Anan Press, Muscat,

Oman, 80p.

5. M.A., “Convergence analysis of a class of damped quasi-Newton methods for nonlinear

optimization,” Research Report DOMAS 11/2 (2011), SQU, Oman, 27p.

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6. M.A., H. Al-Barwani, M. Al-Hinai, M. Al-Lawati, E. Balakrishnan and A. Purnama, “Second

international conference on numerical analysis and optimization: Information, programme and

abstracts,” January 3-6, 2011, Al-Anan Press, Muscat, Oman, 59p.

7. M.A., “Convergence properties of damped Broyden's family of quasi-Newton methods,”

Research Report DOMAS 09/1 (2009), SQU, Oman, 11p.

8. M.A. and H. F. Khalfan, “On modified self-scaling quasi-Newton methods,” Research Report

DOMAS 08/1 (2008), SQU, Oman, 25p.

9. M.A., H. Al-Barwani, M. Al-Lawati and A. Purnama, “International conference on numerical

analysis and optimization: Final programme and abstracts,” April 6-8, 2008, T. Report DOMAS,

SQU, Oman, 28p.

10. M.A. and A. Purnama, (2008), “The Numerical World,” Horizon, SQU, Issue 134, 10 April,

2008.

11. M.A. and H. F. Khalfan, “Modified self-scaling quasi-Newton methods,” Research Report

DOMAS 07/1 (2007), SQU, Oman, 12p.

12. M.A. and H. F. Khalfan, “Globally convergent self-scaling quasi-Newton methods for

unconstrained optimization,” Research Report DMCS 1/03 (2003), UAE Univ., UAE, 23p.

13. M.A. and H. F. Khalfan, “Computational experience with a restricted class of self-scaling quasi-

Newton methods for minimization,” Research Report DOMAS 01/1 (2001), SQU, Oman, 13p.

14. M.A., “Extra-updates criterion for the L-BFGS method for large scale nonlinear optimization,”

Research Report No. 27 (2000), Department of Mathematics, Statistics, Informatics and

Applications, Bergamo Univ., Italy, 14p.

15. M.A., “Extra updates for the BFGS method: Revised version,” Research Report DOMAS 99/1

(1999), SQU, Oman, 18p.

16. M.A., “A numerical study of a combined self-scaling and extra updating BFGS method,”

Research Report DOMAS 98/3 (1998), SQU, Oman, 12p.

17. M.A., “A numerical study of a combined self-scaling and extra updating BFGS method: Extended

version,” Research Report DOMAS 98/2 (1998), SQU, Oman, 17p.

18. M.A. and H. F. Khalfan, “Experimental study of globally and superlinearly convergent self-

scaling quasi-Newton methods,” Research Report DMCS 1/96 (1996), UAE Univ., UAE, 8p.

19. M.A., “Numerical experience with a class of self-scaling quasi-Newton algorithms,” Research

Report DMCS 2/95 (1995), UAE Univ., UAE, 18p.

20. M.A., “Solving optimization problems on parallel computers,” R. Report DMCS 1/95 (1995),

UAE Univ., UAE, 8p.

21. M.A. and L. Grandinetti, “On the initial scaling of the Broyden class of formulae for quasi-

Newton optimization methods,” Research Report (1993), DEIS, Calabria Univ., Italy, 11p.

22. M.A., “Analysis of a family of self-scaling quasi-Newton methods,” Research Report DMCS

1/93 (1993), UAE Univ., UAE, 24p.

23. M.A., “An efficient class of quasi-Newton algorithms in the Broyden family,” R. Report No. 9

(1992), DEIS, Calabria Univ., Italy, 47p.

24. M.A., “Convergence properties of self-scaling quasi-Newton methods with inexact line

searches,” Research Report (1992), Department of Electronics, Informatics and Systems,

Calabria Univ., Italy, 30p.

25. M.A., “A rule for comparing two methods in practical optimization,” R. Report No. 119 (1991),

Systems Department, Calabria Univ., Italy, 9p.

26. M.A., “On the self-scaling updating formulae for quasi-Newton methods,” Research Report No.

87 (1990), Systems Department, Calabria Univ., Italy, 20p.

27. M.A., “Optimization and computing,” T. Report (1990), Ajman Univ., UAE, and the Syrian

Society for Computer Science, 11 pages (in Arabic).

28. M.A., “On the self-scaling updating formulae for quasi-Newton methods,” Research Report No.

87 (1990), Systems Department, Calabria Univ., Italy, 20p.

29. M.A., “Partial self-scaling variable metric algorithms,” Research Report No. 80 (1988), Systems

Department, Calabria Univ., Italy, 19p.

30. M.A., “Optimal variable metric methods for unconstrained optimization,” Research Report No.

DMUD 86/NA1 (1986), Department of Mathematics, Univ. of Damascus, Syria, 17p.

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31. M.A., “On the Fletcher-Reeves Method,” Technical Report NA/79 (1984), Univ. of Dundee,

Scotland, 7p.

32. M.A. and R. Fletcher, “An efficient line search for nonlinear least squares,” Technical Report

NA/78 (1984), Univ. of Dundee, Scotland.

33. M.A. and R. Fletcher, “Variational methods for non-linear least-squares,” Technical Report

NA/76 (1984), Univ. of Dundee, Scotland.

34. M.A., ``Methods for nonlinear least squares,” Department of Mathematics and Computer

Science, Univ. of Dundee, Scotland, 1984 (Ph.D. Dissertation supervised by R. Fletcher).

35. M.A., ̀ `A critical survey of a class of iterative algorithms for stiff systems of ordinary differential

equations,” Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Univ. of Dundee, Scotland, 1980

(M.Sc. Thesis supervised by J.D. Lambert).

Conference/Workshops

Organized and Chaired 1. 4th, 3rd, 2nd , 1st International Conferences on “Numerical Analysis and Optimization,” SQU

2017, 2014, 2011, 2008.

2. Workshop on "Numerical Optimization Software,” SQU 2017 (with Oman Mathematics

Committee).

3. SQU-GUtech Imaginary Exhibition, SQU 2015 (with Oman Mathematics Committee).

4. International SQU-GUtech Conference on “Mathematics,” GUtech and SQU 2012 (Chair at

SQU).

5. International Conference on “Analysis and Applications” SQU 2010 (Chair Numerical

Analysis Session).

6. International Conference on “Mathematical Modeling,” SQU 2009 (Member).

7. Workshop on “New Methodologies and Technologies in Teaching Science,” UAE Univ. 1996

(Chair Mathematics Session).

8. Workshop on “Optimization and Parallel Computations,” UAE Univ. 1994 (Co-Chair).

9. Member of the Organizing Committee of Workshops on “BRAINCOMP” and “High

Performance Computing”, Cetraro, Italy, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011,

2010, 2008, 2007, 2001.

Selected Participation with talks at (* Invited Speaker)

1. 23rd, 22, 21, 18, 17 ISMP - International Symposium on Mathematical Programming, Bordeaux

2018, Pittsburgh 2015, Berlin 2012, Copenhagen 2003, Atlanta 2000.

2. 15th, 11 EUROPT Workshop on Advances in Continuous Optimization, Montreal 2017,

Florence 2013.

3. 17th, 7, 3, 1 MOPTA - Modeling and Optimization: Theory and Applications, Lehigh Univ.

2016, Univ. of Waterloo 2006, McMaster Univ. 2002, 2000*.

4. ICEAMST in collaboration with ISIAM, Patiala, India, 2015*.

5. ICM Satellite Fourth Asian Conference on Nonlinear Analysis and Optimization (NAO-Asia),

Taipei, Taiwan, 2014.

6. 9th, 7 International Conference on Numerical Optimization and Numerical Linear Algebra,

Changchun, 2013, Li-Jiang, China, 2009.

7. 13th International Conference on “Stochastic Programming" (ICSP2013), Bergamo, Italy, 2013.

8. Numerik Mini-Workshop, Trier Univ., Germany, 2012*.

9. 3rd Conference on Optimization Methods and Software, Crete, Greece, 2012*.

10. 24th, 22, 18, 16, 14, 13, 11 Biennial Conference on Numerical Analysis, Strathclyde 2011,

Dundee 2007, 1999, 1995, 1991, 1989, 1985.

11. International Conference on Computational Management Science,” Vienna 2010.

12. 11 Advanced Research Workshops on “Models, Algorithms, Software and Tools for Complex

Systems Computation,” Cetraro, Italy, 2009, 2008, 2005, 2004, 2001, 1999, 1998, 1996, 1995,

1994, 1992.*

13. 8th, 7, 4 SIAM Conference on Optimization, Stockholm 2005, Toronto 2002, Chicago 1992.

14. 2nd International Conference on “Mathematical Sciences,” UAE Univ. 2004*.

15. 40th, 37 Workshop on Nonlinear Optimization, Erice, Italy 2004, 2001.

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16. AMS-IMS-SIAM in Algorithms, Computational Complexity, and Models of Computation for

Nonlinear and Multivariate Problems, Mount Holyoke College, USA, 2000.

17. International Conference on “Research Trends in Science and Technology,” Lebanese

American Univ. 2000*.

18. 4th International Symposium on “Optimization and Statistics,” Aligarh Muslim Univ., India,

1998*.

19. International Workshop on “Recent Advancement in Applied Mathematics,” (RAAM’96),

Kuwait, 1996.

20. Workshop on “Optimization and Parallel Computations,” UAE Univ. 1994*.

21. 16th IFIP (International Federation for Information Processing) Conference on “System

Modelling and Optimization,” Compiegné, France, 1993.

Intellectual Property Development

Some of my research results have reasonable international impact. In particular,

1. My paper (1985) gives “the first practical global convergence result” (see for example Nocedal,

Acta Numerica 1992, Pytlak, Springer 2009, Frandsen et al., Technical Univ. of Denmark 2004,

http://www.imm.dtu.dk/~hbn/immoptibox.html), etc.) This result remains useful for obtaining

new conjugate gradient methods.

2. The technique of Al-Baali and Fletcher (1985) has been introduced to the software NL2SOL and

distributed by SAS/OR, IMSL and TOMLAB international software libraries.

3. My papers (1998, 2005, 2012) illustrate the useful role of the self-scaling technique, although it

was not attractive before this result for two decades.

4. In 2009 (and essentially in 2004), I have extended the BFGS damped technique of Powell to all

members of the Broyden family of methods and, recently in 2014, shown that appropriate choices

of the damped parameter enforce the convergence property for all these methods. Thus, several

useful proposals have been (and will be) considered.

5. In 2015, I have proposed a new way for describing the class of conjugate gradient methods, which

enforces the global convergence of any conjugate gradient method.

Grant and Contract Supports

Internally Funded Research Projects (partially supported by SQU).

Single principal investigator (2003; OR 1600, and 2000; OR 1300).

Principal investigator joint with K. Alzebdeh and A. Purnama (2018; OR 1000, 2016; OR 2450,

2014; OR 2000), H. Al-Barwani and A. Purnama (2011; OR 2250, 2009; OR 2200), H. Al-

Barwani and H. Khalfan, UAE Univ. (2007; OR 3000), A. Al-Ghassani and H. Khalfan, UAE

Univ. (2005; OR 2400), H. Khalfan, UAE Univ. (2004; OR 4900), and M. Al-Lawati and E.

Balakrishnan (2001; OR 3800).

Externally Funded Research Projects (partially supported by CNR and MURST grants of

Italy). Co-Investigator with L. Grandinetti (2007-presnt, 1999), L. Grandinetti, R. Musmanno

(2004-2006), A. Fuduli and R. Musmanno (2004), D. Conforti and R. Musmanno (2000),

Calabria Univ., Italy, and E. Spedicato (2000), Bergamo Univ., Italy.

Research Visits and Visitors

Visited (and/or Delivered Invited Seminars at) the following institutes. Calabria Univ., Italy

(1986-presnet), GERAD-HEC Montreal, Canada (2015-present), Univ. of Trier, Germany (2018,

2012), Univ. of Paris Dauphine, France (2018), Univ. of New South Wales, Australia (2018),

Federation Univ. Australia (2018), Delft Univ. of Technology, Netherland (2017), Lehigh Univ.,

USA (2016), Bergamo Univ., Italy (2015, 2011, 2000-2002), Waterloo Univ., Canada (2015,

1998), Guru Nanak Dev Univ. and Jamia Millia Islamia, India (2015), GUtech, Oman (2015),

Chinese Academy of Sciences (2013, 2009), Venice Univ., Italy (2012), UAE Univ. (1999-2012),

Kyoto Univ. and Tokyo Univ., Japan (2011), Salento Univ., Italy (2010, 2005, 2003), Rome

Univ., Italy (2010, 1995, 1994), Univ. of Hertfordshire, UK (2007), McMaster Univ., Canada

(2006, 2002, 2000), Univ. of Gabes, Tunis (2004), Rutgers Univ., USA (2000), ICTP, Trieste,

Italy (1995, 1987, 1988, 1989), Argonne National Laboratory, Colorado Univ. at Boulder and

Northwestern Univ., USA (1992), Syrian Society for Computer Science, Damascus (1989).

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Hosted the following researchers. L. Grandinetti, Calabria Univ., Italy (2017, 2016, 2015, 2014,

2011, 2009, 2007, 1994, 1989), E. Sachs, Univ. of Trier, Germany (2018, 2014, 2012), A.

Bagirov, Federation Univ. Australia (2018), D. Orban, Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal, Canada

(2017), H. Mittelmann, Arizona State Univ., USA (2017), F. Al-Laban, Foundation Program,

Qatar (2016), M. Efendiyev, Helmholtz Center Munich, Germany (2015), N. Benrabia, EPST,

Algeria (2015), A.N. Iusem, IMPA, Brazil (2014), J.J.H. Miller, Trinity College, Ireland (2013),

I. Latif, Univ. of Salahaddin, Iraq (2013), H. Khalfan, UAE Univ. (2003-2011), O. Burdakov,

Linkoping Univ., Sweden (2011), M. Reed, Univ. of Bath, UK (2011), J. Moré, Argonne National

Laboratory, USA (2010, UAE 1994), M. Fukushima, Kyoto Univ., Japan (2009), M.J.D. Powell,

Cambridge Univ., UK (2008, 2003), P. Toint, Univ. of Namur, Belgium (2008), E. Spedicato,

Bergamo Univ., Italy (2006, 1999), J. Taylor, UAE Univ. (2006), N. Mahdavi-Amiri, Sharif Univ.

of Technology, Iran (2008, 2002, Damascus 1988).

Consulting Activities

1. Edited and/or Reviewed all invited and contributed papers for conferences/workshops held at

SQU (2017, 2014, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008) and UAE Univ. (1994).

Guest Editor for (i) Springer Proceedings in Mathematics & Statistics, Vol. 235, 2018, Vol. 134,

2015, Vol. 115, 2014, (ii) SQU J. for Science, Oman, Vol. 23, 2018, Vol. 20(2), 2015, Vol. 17(1),

2012, Vol. 17(2), 2012, (iii) International Journal of Operational Research, Vol. 28 (2), 2017,

and (iv) J. of Faculty of Science, UAE, Vol. 7, 1995.

Reviewed Books for SQU J. for Scientific Research: Medical and Sciences, Volume 6, No. 2, pp.

93-95, 2006, for OPTIMA (Math. Programming Newsletter), No. 43, pp.7-8, 1994, etc.

Reviewed 25 published papers for Mathematical Reviews (AMS)/MathSciNet.

Refereed manuscripts for possible publication in 35 international journals such as COAP, IMA,

JOGO, JOTA, MP, Optimization, OMS, OptL, SIAM, etc.

TEACHING

My long teaching experience is based on teaching and coordinating a large number of courses with

all level for undergraduate and postgraduate students at several universities.

Courses Taught at SQU (1997-present)

1. FPMT 0102: Basic Mathematics (in Arabic).

2. MATH 1063: Mathematics for Commerce and Economics 3,

3. MATH 1101: Business Mathematics 1 (coordinator),

4. MATH 1105: Business Mathematics 1 (3 times),

5. MATH 1106: Pre-calculus (2 times),

6. MATH 2107: Calculus 1 (10 times, 1 time coordinator),

7. MATH 2108: Calculus 2 (8 times, 3 times coordinator),

8. MATH 2202: Linear Algebra 1 (3 times, 1 coordinator),

9. MATH 2296: Mathematics for Agriculture (coordinator),

10. MATH 3302: Ordinary Differential Equations (3 times coordinator),

11. MATH 3303: Linear Algebra 2 (coordinator),

12. MATH 3171: Linear Algebra and Multivariable Calculus for Engineers (2 times),

13. MATH 4141: Numerical Analysis (coordinator),

14. MATH 4473: Linear Programming (3 times coordinator),

15. MATH 4176: Numerical Analysis for Engineers (coordinator),

16. MATH 4481: Introduction to Optimization (10 times coordinator),

17. MATH 5500: Undergraduate Project in Mathematics (5 supervisions, 3 co-supervisions),

18. MATH 6012 (MSc): Numerical Methods for Differential Equations (3 times coordinator),

19. MATH 6072 (MSc): Numerical Analysis for Engineers (4 times coordinator),

20. MATH 7001 (MSc): MSc Thesis in Mathematics (2 supervisions),

21. MATH 8001 (PhD): PhD Thesis in Mathematics (2 supervisions),

9/13

This list shows that I taught postgraduate courses and most levels of undergraduate courses not only

for mathematics and science students, but also for other college students. In the following tables, I

state the courses which I taught at other universities.

Short Courses Taught at Calabria University, Italy (2000-present)

1. Nonlinear Optimization 2. Numerical Analysis

Also delivered at Bergamo (2015, 2011, 2000-2002) and Salento (2010, 2005, 2003) Universities,

Italy, Jamia Millia Islamia, India (2015), and Gabes Univ., Tunis (2004).

Courses Taught at UAE University (1992-1997)

1. Calculus 1 2. Calculus 2

3. Numerical Analysis 1 4. Numerical Analysis 2

5. Numerical Methods 6. Ordinary Differential Equations

7. Linear Algebra 1 8. Mathematics for Statisticians

9. Engineering Mathematics 2 10. Engineering Mathematics 3

11. Engineering Mathematics 4 12. Undergraduate project in Mathematics

Courses Taught at Ajman University (1990-1991)

1. Numerical Analysis with Algorithms 2. FORTRAN 77

3. Engineering Mathematics 2 4. General Mathematics 2

Courses Taught at Damascus University (1985-1990)

1. Calculus 1 2. Ordinary Differential Equations

3. Real Analysis 1 4. Partial Differential Equations

5. Numerical Analysis 2 6. Statistics for Natural Sciences

7. Optimization for Diploma students

Supervised Mathematics Tutorials for the courses

1. Applied Mathematics, Dundee Univ., UK (1981-1984)

2. Linear Algebra 1 and 3, Calculus 1, Damascus Univ., Syria (1977-1978)

Supervised and/or Co-Supervised Students

1. Supervising PhD Student (Amal Ahmed Mohammed Al Saidi), SQU, 2017-present, thesis

“Limited Memory Methods for Large-Scale Optimization.”

2. Supervising PhD Student (Ahmed Azzan Ali Al Siyabi), SQU, 2017-present, thesis “Efficient

Methods for Solving Nonlinear Least-Squares Problems.”

3. Supervised an MSc Student (Fahad Awad Alabri), SQU, 2017-2018, thesis “Improved Limited

Memory BFGS Method for Large-Scale Unconstrained Optimization.”

4. Supervised an MSc Student (Asmaa Al Najar), SQU, 2004-2005, thesis “Experimental Study

with Quasi-Newton Methods for Unconstrained Optimization.”

5. Supervised Undergraduate Students with 5 projects at SQU (2017, 2016, 2015, 2007, 2004) and

one at UAE Univ. (1995).

External Assessor/Examiner

1. External Assessor and Examiner for BSc and MSc Programmes at Caledonian Univ. of

Engineering in Oman, Muscat, 2013- present.

2. External Examiner for 10 MSc and two PhD theses, College of Education, SQU, 2013-present.

3. Examiner and co-supervisor for MSc and 7 undergraduate student projects, Department of

Mathematics and Statistics, SQU, 1998-present.

4. Examiner for an MSc thesis, Department of Mathematics, Damascus Univ., 1989.

Scholarship in Teaching

1. Awarded the best teacher in Department of Mathematics and Statistics, SQU, 2011.

10/13

2. Organized and Chaired the Mathematics Session of the Workshop on “New Methodologies and

Technologies in Teaching Science,” UAE Univ., Al-Ain, March 3-6, 1996.

3. Attended several workshops related to new methodologies for teaching (1998 - present) which

increased my experience and knowledge on teaching.

4. Wrote three textbooks (one Co-Author) published by Damascus Univ..

5. Edited a textbook published by UAE Univ..

6. Wrote five lecture notes on optimization, ordinary differential equations and basic mathematics.

7. My knowledge of the following computer skills helped me to i) teach applied mathematics

courses efficiently, ii) solve some problems on computer successfully, iii) report certain results

clearly, and iv) type exams and notes without typos quickly:

8. Computer skills: FORTRAN, MATLAB, MAPLE, LINUX, UNIX, MS-DOS, LATEX,

Microsoft Windows (Arabic and English), EXCEL, etc.

Curriculum Development and Teaching Management

Some details about proposing and/or revising courses in SQU can be stated as follows.

1. Established the MSc and PhD degree programmes for Applied Mathematics at SQU, 2002, 2003.

2. Revised most of the undergraduate courses.

3. Proposed the courses

i) “Introduction to Optimization” for Science and Engineers, 1998. (Introduced recent

algorithms to the course, 2014.)

ii) “Mathematics for Agriculture,” 2000.

iii) “Numerical Analysis” for the bridging year of MSc students in Applied Mathematics, 2002.

(Revised to be core course, 2015).

iv) “Numerical Methods for Differential Equations” for applied MSc students, 2003.

v) “Numerical Analysis for Engineers,” 2015.

4. Wrote four textbooks (in Arabic) on ordinary differential equations, numerical analysis, statistics

and mathematics for teachers.

5. Edited 4 books and 5 special issue journals on numerical analysis, optimization and modeling

algorithms.

6. Wrote five lecture notes on optimization, ordinary differential equations and basic mathematics.

7. Revised/improved some MATLAB files for certain algorithms in optimization.

Student Academic Advising

I have advised many students with various cohorts in both UAE Univ. and SQU. This experience also

increased my knowledge about the student behaviours so that I could help them whenever required.

In this regard, I am always available to guide students in their course selections. As an advisor, my

role is useful and particularly important for first year students and if a student became on probation

and/or when he/she has difficulties with some courses, etc.

Teaching Activities Outsides Classroom

Teaching activities outside classroom and inside SQU

1. Delivered lectures as a Mini-Workshop on “Introduction to Nonlinear Optimization” for

Engineering Students, College of Engineering, SQU, December 18, 2012.

2. Delivered a lecture on “Maths and Stats with applications,” Open Day between College of

Science and College of Engineering, SQU, April 4, 2010 (representative of Department).

3. Proposed a modification for the SQU survey of Teaching Evaluation Sheet, 1998.

Teaching short courses activities outside SQU at 4. Calabria Univ., Italy, December 2017, entitled “Practical Methods for Nonlinear Unconstrained

Optimization” for undergraduate students.

5. Calabria Univ., Italy, January 2017, entitled “Recent Conjugate Gradient Methods for

Unconstrained Optimization” for postgraduate students.

11/13

6. Calabria Univ., Italy, July 2016, entitled “Line search technique with application to conjugate

gradient and quasi-Newton methods for unconstrained optimization” for postgraduate students.

7. Bergamo Univ., Italy, June-July 2015, entitled “On the behavior of conjugate gradient methods”

and “Conjugate gradient methods with relations to self-scaling quasi-Newton methods” for PhD

students.

8. Calabria Univ., Italy, July 2015, entitled “On the behavior of decent and conjugate gradient

methods” and “On Newton's and quasi-Newton methods” for PhD students.

9. Guru Nanak Dev Univ., Amritsar, and Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India, February

2015, entitled "Optimization Algorithms".

10. DEIS, Calabria Univ., Italy, June 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2010, entitled “Numerical Methods for

Nonlinear Optimization” for MSc and PhD students in Optimization.

11. DEIS, Calabria Univ., Italy, June 2000, 2008 and 2009, entitled “Practical Methods for

Unconstrained Optimization” for undergraduate students in DEIS.

12. NEC Centre, Calabria Univ., Italy, June 7 - 15, 2007, entitled “Introduction to Numerical

Calculus” for Master Students in “Computational Sciences and High Computing.”

13. Salento Univ., Italy, June 2005, entitled “Introduction to Nonlinear Optimization” for staff in

Department of Mathematics.

14. Univ. of Gabes, Tunis, November 2004, entitled “Numerical Methods for Unconstrained

Nonlinear Optimization” for staff and students in Department of Mathematics and Computers

SERVICES

It is worth mentioning that I have been involved in several professional services which also helped

me to improve my teaching methodologies and researching experiences. In particular, I have chaired

the College teaching committee, curriculum Committee, research committee and organized superb

conferences/workshops on both recent research results and new methodologies for teaching

mathematics. Other selected services in other universities can be summarized as follows.

While at UAE Univ. (1992-1997), I chaired the promotion committee, appointment committee,

practical training committee and self-study committee. I was member of the Faculty and Univ.

steering committee, a secretary for the Faculty Board and Assistant Professors’ representative. I also

chaired department committees for writing Textbooks (in Arabic) for undergraduate and High

schools students, co-Authored the textbook “Mathematics for Grade 10,” Edited the submitted papers

to two UAE workshops and organized two workshops.

At Damascus Univ. (1985-1990), I chaired the Mathematics-Computer Science Division and

committee for proposing a new degree programme in this division.

For details, we state the following selected services:

SQU Administration and Committees

1. Chair the College Library Committee, 2016-present.

2. Chair the College Teaching and Learning Committee, 2013-present.

3. Member of the College International Research Cooperation Committee, 2012-present.

4. Member of the College Conference Committee, November 2015–present.

5. Chaired the College Committee for MSc Defense Examination, January, May and June 2016.

6. College Ad-hoc Committee for Evaluating Best Teacher Award (Chair, 2016, and Member 2008).

7. Member of the College Ad-hoc Committee for writing the “College Annual, Research and

Performance Report 2011,” October 2011 - April 2012.

8. Member of the College Choice of Major Committee (Representative of the Department), 2010-

2012, 2003-2004.

9. Member of the College Research Committee (Representative of Department), 2004-2011.

10. Member of the College Ad-hoc Committee for Evaluating the Best Researcher Award, 2010.

11. Member of the College Curriculum Committee (representative of DOMAS), 1997-2002.

12. Member of the College Medical Laboratory Science Committee, 2002-2005.

13. Chair the Department Teaching Committee, 2012-2014, and member from 2014-present.

14. Chair the Department External Relations Committee, 2013-Present.

12/13

15. Chair the Department Committee for Service Teaching Coordinators (Engineering), 2016-

Present.

16. Member of Department Promotion Committee, 1997-2005, 2016-present.

17. Chaired the Ad-hoc Committee for proposing a course on Numerical Analysis for College of

Engineering, 2015-2016.

18. Acting Head of DOMAS, 2014, 2001, 2000, 1999.

19. Chaired the Committee for writing “Response to the External Examiner and Assessor Reports”

for mathematics undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the Department, years 2013,

2012 and 2010.

20. Department Research Officer, 2004-2011.

21. Member of the Department Graduate Studies and Research Committee, 2005-2011.

22. Chaired the Department Curriculum Committee, 1997-2002; stated the basic details related to

curricula, provided well revised CDCF forms which contain brief descriptions of all courses,

revised the SQU Undergraduate Catalogue, and make lists of courses for minor, major, MSc in

Applied Mathematics, MSc in Pure Mathematics and MSc for Statistics, etc.

Professional Services

23. Organized 22 international conferences/workshops (chaired 8 and member of 2 at SQU, 2008-

present, chaired 2 at UAE Univ., 1994-1996, and member of 10 at Cetraro, Italy, 2001-present).

24. Organized 14 seminars for research visitors who I invited and hosted (2000-present).

25. Proposed 5 courses for postgraduate and undergraduate programmes.

26. Chaired an Examiner Committee for Master students at College of Science, January, May and

June 2016, June and September 2017.

27. Examined (as External Examiner) 10 Master theses and two PhD thesis for College of

Education, 2013-present.

28. Examined (as Internal Examiner) MSc and 7 Undergraduate projects for DOMAS, since 1999.

29. Translated certain material from English to Arabic for SQU (e.g., course descriptions, leaflet for

brief description of DOMAS, etc.) whenever required, since 1997.

30. Established the Computer Science Division at the Department of Mathematics, Damascus Univ.,

1987 (Co-Chaired this division until 1990 when I left for another Univ.).

Services to Public

31. External Assessor for BSc and MSc Programmes, Caledonian Univ. of Engineering in Oman,

Fall 2013- present.

32. External Examiner for the courses: Applicable Mathematics-1, Applied Mathematics, Technical

Mathematics (1 and 2), Advance Mathematics, Advance Mathematics for Engineers, Calculus (1

and 2), Engineering Mathematics (2), and Probability and Statistics, Caledonian Univ. in Oman,

Fall 2013- present.

33. Editorial Board meeting for Optimization Methods and Software in (i) Bordeaux, France, July

5, 2018, (ii) Pittsburgh, USA, July 14, 2015, and (iii) Chania, Greece, May 16, 2012.

34. Editorial Board meeting for Computational Optimization and Applications, Bordeaux, France,

July 6, 2018.

35. Referee for Full Professor Promotion Evaluation at (i) Dhofar Univ., Oman, January 2016, (ii)

GUtech in Oman, April 2016, (iii) Kuwait Univ., March 2016.

36. External Examiner for Canada Evaluation of Killam Research Fellowship Application, July

2016.

37. Member of the Committee for Skype Meeting of Professor Promotion, GUtech in Oman, April

4, 2016.

38. Organized (joint with SQU-GUtech in Oman) Imaginary Exhibition, SQU, Oman, November

22-24, 2015.

39. Delivered short courses on "Optimization Algorithms” for postgraduate students at Calabria

Univ., Italy, January and December 2017, July 2016, July 2015, Bergamo Univ., Italy, June-July

2015, Guru Nanak Dev and Jamia Millia Islamia universities, India, February 2015, etc.

40. Assessment Board Meeting, Caledonian Univ. in Oman, February 2014-2018 and July 2014.

13/13

41. Organizing (joint with German Univ. of Technology in Oman) the International Conference on

Mathematics, GUtech and SQU, Muscat, February 18-22, 2012.

42. Contributed articles about organizing conferences in Oman for Alroya Newspaper, Oman

Observer, Times of Oman, Qasar AlHamar Trading-Oman, and GUtech magazine, January 2014.

43. Contributed Oman TV interview about SQU International Conference on Numerical Analysis

and Optimization, January 2014.

44. Contributed Conference announcement to the international web magazines EUROPT, Na.Digest,

Opt-Net, etc., Fall 2013.

45. Oman TV invitation for discussion on “Mathematical Modeling Conference,” Qahwat Al-Sabah

Programme Show, February 26, 2009.

46. Optimization Consultancies for staff, Nizwa Univ., Oman, 2009.

47. Optimization Consultancies for postgraduate Omani students (working in Oman or studying

abroad), 2007-2009.

48. Contributed an article for the SQU Newspaper “Horizon” April 2008 (with A. Purnama).

49. Writing recommendation letters for staff and students and several optimization consultancies for

staff and students in Colleges of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, 1997-present.

50. Invited E. Spedicato, Bergamo Univ., Italy, to give a seminar for public, Staff Club, SQU,

December 2006.

51. Interviewed by AlWatan Oman Newspaper on “Syrian Experiments for Teaching in Arabic at

Univ.,” February 24, 2003.

52. Member for the Committee for Joint Technical College, Ministry of Defense, Oman, 2002-

2005, for proposing curricula and related matters.

53. Reviewed the Arabic syllabi of several courses in mathematics for the High Colleges in Oman,

Ministry of Higher Educations, May 2002.

54. Gave an invited lecture on Optimization (in Arabic) for public at General Public Library,

Damascus, Syria, which was organized by Syrian Society for Computers, 1989.

55. Taught a course on “BASIC Language with Applications” to the staff of the Faculty of Science

and Engineers, Damascus Univ., 1988-1989.

56. Helped and/or participated (with my wife) several public activities (eg, Eid’s Celebration,

International Nights, Charity Markets, etc.), Staff Club, SQU, 2001-present.

Selected Services at UAE University (1992-1997)

1996-97 Chair/ Editor

Committee for writing Textbooks/lecture notes (in Arabic) for undergraduate

students entitled “Mathematics for Education 1 and 2” and “Computers and

their Applications in Education” 1997 Chair/

Co-Author Committee for writing Mathematics Textbooks (in Arabic) for High schools

and Co-Author of the textbook “Mathematics for Grade 10” 1995-97 Chair Promotion Committee (and member of Steering Committee in Faculty) 1995-97 Chair

Appointment Committee (and member of Steering Committee in Faculty of

Science and Univ.)

1995-96 Chair Practical Training Committee 1996 Chair Self-Study Committee (and member of Steering Committee in Faculty) 1994-95 Secretary Faculty of Science Board (and Assistant Professors’ representative) 1994 Editor Edited the invited and contributed papers to the UAE workshop on

“Optimization and Parallel Computations” 1994, 96 Organizer Organized two workshops at UAE Univ.

Selected Services at Damascus University (1985-1990)

1987-90 Chair Computer Science Division in Department of Mathematics. 1986-87 Chair Committee for proposing a new degree programme in Mathematics,

Computer Science Division.