CELOP Alumni: Where Are They Now?
Mohammed (Allen) Alfadhel, Saudi Arabia

in Highlight
November 2nd, 2017

CELOP sits down with alumnus to talk science, English language training, and how he got to where he is today

Allen at his work station in the Nanoscience Research Center at Suffolk University.

Back in the Spring of 2013, Mohammed (Allen) Alfadhel’s typical day began by taking the Blue Line from his apartment in East Boston to Government Center. He would then take the Green Line to BU West, arriving by 9AM just in time for his morning classes at CELOP. After class, Allen would have lunch at Panera on Comm. Ave., and spend the rest of his break studying—often in the CELOP main lobby. “My spot was by the window—the tables and chairs in the corner to the right. I would not go home until I finished my work.”

Allen’s dedication during his four semesters at CELOP paid off—he is now a senior at Suffolk University majoring in Physics. Outside of classes, Allen devotes his time to working in the Nanoscience Research Center at Suffolk. His current projects are impressive—ranging from superconductivity to analyzing the structure of DNA with a scanning tunneling microscope. He’s also involved with a radiation shielding project with MGH and is helping to spearhead mixed reality research at the university. Next week, he’ll be working with drones. “Some people call me ‘fabricator’ because I create so many different things.” In the small amount of spare time Allen has, he’s a talented illustrator, photographer, and artist.

Allen with an original illustration he created of Albert Einstein. The portrait hangs in the hallway of the Nanoscience Research Center.

It’s hard to imagine, when speaking with Allen, that his English level was low when he first arrived in the U.S. from Saudi Arabia nearly five years ago. “When I first came here, I didn’t speak much English. I used to call my brother to translate for me, and would hand the phone to the CELOP front desk if I needed to ask for something.”

Looking back, Allen views CELOP’s coursework paired with activities outside of class as key to his growth. “The CELOP trips were fantastic. My favorite was to an organization where we packaged food to deliver to the elderly. It gave me the opportunity to interact with other Americans.”

Soon, after participating in several CELOP Student Life activities, Allen was able to create his own opportunities to practice English. From participating in international student meet ups in downtown Boston to starting his own Photography Club at CELOP, Allen began to thrive in his new environment. He hasn’t stopped since.

When asked what he would tell someone thinking about attending CELOP, Allen said assuredly, “Go for it. Especially if you know what you want to do after it. That’s why I studied English for Science. It’s what I like most about CELOP—that academic focus. It didn’t make me ‘bored’ so to speak. I was studying English for something I was interested in.”