PEOPLE

Get to know the passionate experts driving our mission forward. Our team is a diverse group of scientists, researchers, and innovators, each bringing unique skills and perspectives to our work. United by a shared commitment to excellence and impact, we collaborate to push boundaries, solve challenges, and make a difference. Meet the people who are turning ideas into breakthroughs.

Glenda Teran Cuadrado

PhD STUDENTS

PhD, Chemical Engineering (Jul 2023 — Dec 2026)

Social Profile:

Biography

Glenda Teran Cuadrado is a Ph.D. candidate in Chemical Engineering at KAUST, specializing in life cycle analysis of building materials under the guidance of Professor Sami Al-Ghamdi. With a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering, she focuses on quantifying emissions from Saudi Arabia’s construction sector and developing local databases to support accurate assessments. Her research also explores methods to reduce carbon emissions in the cement industry. Glenda is passionate about bridging the gap between academia, industry, and policy-making to ensure sustainable practices are environmentally, technically, and economically sound across various sectors.

Research Interests

Glenda’s research centers on advancing sustainability in construction through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and green practices. Her focus includes evaluating cement production impacts and exploring alternative materials and technologies to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency. By integrating clean energy solutions and innovative construction techniques, her research develops frameworks that promote eco-friendly practices and contribute to a circular economy. This work addresses key environmental sustainability challenges and supports the transition to greener, more resilient infrastructure.


Selected Publications

  • Teran-Cuadrado, G., Tahir F., Nurdiawati A., Almarshoud A. M., Al-Ghamdi S.G. (2024). Current and Potential Materials for the Low-Carbon Cement Production: Life Cycle Assessment Perspective. Journal of Building Engineering. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2024.110528
  • Nurdiawati, A., Terán-Cuadrado, G., & Al-Ghamdi, S. G. (2024, July). Assessing the Environmental Impacts of Electrified Cement Production. In Energy Sustainability (Vol. 87899, p. V001T11A003). American Society of Mechanical Engineers. https://doi.org/10.1115/ES2024-131253
  • Terán-Cuadrado, G., Sbahieh, S., Tahir, F., Nurdiawati, A., Almarshoud, M. A., & Al-Ghamdi, S. G. (2024). Evaluating the influence of functional unit on life cycle assessment (LCA) reliability of concrete. Materials Today: Proceedings. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2024.04.079 

Education

  • MSc- Chemical Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia, 2022-2023.
  • BSc- Chemical Engineering, Universidad del Atlántico, Colombia, 2014-2020

Professional Profile

  • 2020 – 2021: Research Intern, Clean Combustion Research Center, KAUST
  • 2019: Research Intern, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
  • 2018 – 2020: Research Intern, Chemical Engineering Department, Universidad del Atlántico, Colombia

Awards

  • 2020: Scholarship for Academic Excellence. Ternium, Colombia.

KAUST Affiliations

  • Climate and Livability Initiatives
  • Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering
  • Urban Lab

Research Interests Keywords

LCA Cement Sustainanbility Assessment Decarbonization
UrbanLab. Talent. Affirmations. Thought. Inspiration. Transmission. Knowledge. Meeting. Community. Future. Transition.