It was a rare opportunity to shake hands with one of Washington’s most influential women.

On March 7, Dr. Jill Biden, Second Lady of the United States and full-time English professor at a community college in northern Virginia, took a tour of campus, met with students and faculty, and talked with Vice Chancellor Al Bloom about trends in higher education.

Students and professors also showed off some of their recent projects, including an award-winning drone, and smartphone app designed for safer driving. Biden’s campus tour was part of a multi-day visit to the region.

NYU Abu Dhabi Vice Chancellor Al Bloom remarked. “Dr. Biden offers a phenomenal role model to all students, and particularly to students like those at NYUAD, who are resolved to make a difference in shaping a world of shared understanding and service to humanity.”