Omar Abuasba

Omar Abuasba’s passion for technology started with video games.

Growing up, electronic games weren’t just entertainment. They were how he stayed connected with friends, even as life pulled them in different directions. A curiosity about how those systems worked eventually led him to study computer science.

But it wasn’t until later that he realized how impactful that path could be.

During an internship with Iridium Communications, Abuasba learned about a satellite-based emergency system that could coordinate maritime rescues within seconds. That moment reshaped how he saw his work.

“This is when I realized that the projects I was working on helped people stay in touch, even in the most remote corners of the world,” Abuasba says.

This spring, Abuasba graduates from the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence, part of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University, with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a cross-sector leadership certificate. An Impact Award recipient, he has built his experience around using technology to solve real-world problems.

At ASU Enterprise Technology, where he has worked as a student software engineer with Associate Director Kasey Kautenburger, Abuasba contributed to the systems that power the university’s digital infrastructure. From improving database processes to developing tools that support internal systems, he helped translate classroom knowledge into applications used by thousands of students and staff.

The Moeur Award winner also expanded his perspective through research at the ASU Urban Climate Research Center under the mentorship of Matei Georgescu, a professor in the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning. There, he explored how technology can support better decision-making in growing cities. His honors thesis modeled how green roof implementations could influence near-surface air temperatures, and he helped develop a simulation tool that lets planners evaluate how new developments affect local conditions.

Leadership and service have been central to his journey. As a peer leader in the Fulton Accelerated Community Engagement program, working closely with Instructor Jenny Wong, Abuasba mentored first-year engineering students, helping them navigate the transition to college and develop systems-thinking skills. He was also an active member of the Next Generation Service Corps, where he worked on cross-sector teams tackling complex challenges.

After graduation, Abuasba will continue his work with ASU Enterprise Technology as a software engineer while pursuing his master’s degree in computer science through the Accelerated Master’s program. Looking ahead, he hopes to build technology that makes a meaningful difference.

Favorites

Hobby: Listening to music
Performer: Joji
Sport: Badminton
Geeky possession: LEGO Brickheadz sets
Game: Overwatch

Read about other exceptional graduates of the Fulton Schools’ spring 2026 class.

Written by Kelly deVos