Photo: BSS

DHAKA, July 7, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladeshi researcher and academic Dr. Russell Mahmud Jewel has brought international recognition to the country by 
receiving the prestigious Dr. John Nee Legacy of Leadership Award after being named the outstanding graduate among 661 graduates from 16 countries at the California-based Westcliff University in the United States. 

The award was presented to Dr. Jewel at the university's recent graduation ceremony, where he also completed his PhD degree.

His doctoral research introduced a new Three-Layer Perception Model designed to facilitate the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the public 
sector, particularly in customs administration.

Dr. Jewel has authored 16 international research papers on artificial intelligence and digital transformation.

Born in a remote village in Chandpur district, Dr. Jewel overcame numerous hardships to pursue higher education. Before moving to the United States in 
2022 for higher studies, he earned three master's degrees in Bangladesh and served in Bangladesh Customs for eight years.

Alongside his academic pursuits, he founded the California-based Bangladeshi International Students Association and has been playing key leadership roles 
in several Bangladeshi expatriate organisations in Los Angeles, including FOBANA.

Expressing his feelings over the recognition, Dr. Jewel dedicated the award to the memory of his late parents and conveyed his profound gratitude to his 
family and teachers for their unwavering support.

His achievement has been hailed as a shining example of Bangladesh's growing academic excellence and research potential on the global stage.