CAES, May 25, 2026, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences (CAES) | When we celebrate a graduation, we celebrate more than just the completion of a degree; we celebrate the growth of the next generation of leaders who will sustain our region. To mark the recent graduation photo session, we invite you to explore the stories and achievements of the Class of 2026.

Rooted in Excellence: About the College

Located 15 km west of Duhok in a dedicated agricultural research hub, the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences (CAES) has been a pioneer in the Kurdistan Region since 1992. The college is dedicated to advancing agricultural sustainability through applied sciences and modern engineering. So far, 4419 students have graduated from the college.

With over 230 teaching and 40 research laboratories and a specialized library housing 8,168 reference books, CAES offers a rigorous academic framework following the international Bologna Process. Students specialize in high-impact fields such as Horticulture, Animal Production, Forestry, Plant Protection, Soil and Water Sciences, Environment and Ecotourism, Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Food Sciences & Technology, and Field Crops, earning Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees.

A New Generation of Agricultural Leaders

The college takes in 845 students this year. And we celebrate a vibrant cohort of 340 graduate students. These graduates are not just entering a traditional field; they are stepping into roles as "Tech-Driven Farmers," "Food Security Officers," and "Climate Change Warriors." The college’s robust network of strategic partnerships—including the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, GIZ, Nuffic, and industry leaders like HZPC Holland—ensures that our graduates are uniquely prepared to bridge the gap between academic innovation and global agricultural enterprise.

Feature Student Voices

To capture the spirit of the Class of 2026, we spoke with three graduates about their journey and their vision for the future.

Tijink Hemid Hassan (Department of Food Sciences & Technology)

Expressing the years of study at the college, Tijink highlighted: "What makes this department special is the balance between rigorous science and practical application. We aren't just in lecture halls; we are in laboratories analyzing food chemistry and engineering large-scale production."

"My ultimate goal is entrepreneurial. I want to launch my own brand specialized in food technology, applying the sustainable practices I learned here at the University of Duhok." He added.

- He had a message to peers: "If you want a career that offers stability and creativity, this is the place. Don't just study for a degree—study to become a specialist who can change how we think about food."

Bilind Rashed Khorsheed (Department of Plant Protection)

- Bilind described the experience as: "It has been a journey of growth that goes far beyond textbooks. We learned how to build professional attitudes and strong bonds with colleagues. Success depends on how you treat others."

- His career outlook was: "The curriculum is forward-thinking. We mastered greenhouse technologies and mushroom cultivation—viable business opportunities we are now equipped to lead."

- The message to peers he holds is: "Focus on your English language skills; it is the key to accessing global research and international opportunities."

Mohamed Bashar Qasim (Department of Soil and Water Sciences)

- "We delved deep into water resource engineering and the impacts of climate change. We learned the chemistry behind soil health to protect the environment." Stated by Mohammed.

-Where his future ambition is: "I see this as a 'new page.' It is the beginning of a journey to sharpen my practical skills in the design of irrigation systems and environmental consultancy."

- He holds a message to peers: "Believe in yourself. This field requires dedication, but if you push yourself to get better every day, you will make a real difference in the world."

A Narrative of Transformation

The graduation photo session captured more than just smiles and gowns; it captured the transformation of students into specialists. From the laboratories to the fields, these graduates have spent four years mastering the skills necessary to feed and protect our world. Each photo represents a journey of late nights in the research labs and collaborative breakthroughs in the greenhouses, a true celebration of achievement.

Join the Celebration

We invite our alumni, current students, and the wider community to view the full gallery of the graduation photo session and share in the joy of our graduates.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE PHOTO SESSION

University Press Office, May 25, 2026
Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali, Bilnd Jalal H. Hambi, Sipal Mohammed Taher.
Photography by: Mohammed A. Tahar, Ali Habib Habib, Harman Jangeer Ahmed