Ruaa Al Mezrakchi, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering,
College of Science and Engineering

Contact number: 281-283-3828
Email: AlMezrakchi@UHCL.edu
Office: ST2238

Biography

Ruaa Al Mezrakchi earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University followed by pursuing her postdoctoral in Mechanical, Materials, and Manufacturing. Dr. Al Mezrakchi joined UHCL with prior years of experience in teaching and research at multiple universities.

Areas of Expertise

Nanomaterials
Polymers and pomposites
Additive manufacturing
3D printed robots
Self-healing materials
Manufacturing and design
Smart and advanced-performance materials
High-speed ballistic impact
Advanced armors
Mechanical testing and thermal characterizations
Finite element analysis and modeling
Compression, injection, and transfer molding
Solid mechanics and vibration
Innovative micro/nano plastic removal treatments and their ecological footprints

Publications

Al Mezrakchi, R. and Alramthan, A., The Impact of Collaborative Learning Strategies on Engineering Students’ Ability to Problem Solve and Apply Theories to Practical Applications, ASEE Gulf Southwest Annual Conference Proceedings, TX, USA (2022). URL: https://peer.asee.org/39211
Al Mezrakchi, R., Alramthan A., and Alam, S., Designing and Modeling New Generation of Advanced Hybrid Composite Sandwich Structure Armors for Ballistic Threat in Defense Applications, AIMS Materials Science, 7 (5), 608-631 (2020). DOI:10.3934/matersci.2020.5.608
Al Mezrakchi, R., Creasy, T., Sue, H J, and Bremner, T., Manipulation of Thick-Walled PEEK Bushing Crystallinity and Modulus via Instrumented Compression Molding, Journal of Applied Polymer Science, e49930 (2020). DOI: 10.1002/app.49930
Al Mezrakchi, R., Creasy, T., Sue, H J, and Bremner, T. Evaluating Crystallinity Distribution Along Thick and Tall Advanced Performance Thermoplastic Products, The Composites and Advanced Materials Expo. CAMX Conference Proceedings. Anaheim, CA, September 23-26, USA (2019).
Al Mezrakchi, R. Y., and Naraghi, M., Interfused Nanofibers Network in Scalable Manufacturing of Polymeric Fibers via Multi-Nozzle Electrospinning, Micro & Nano Letters, 13 (4), 536-540 (2018). DOI:10.1049/mnl.2017.0640
Al Mezrakchi, R. Y. An Investigation into Scalability Production of Ultra-Fine Nanofiber Using Electrospinning Systems, Fibers and Polymers, 19 (1), 105-115 (2018). DOI:1007/s12221-018-7506-z

Courses (Current Academic Year)

MENG 3303 Solid Mechanics
MENG 3210 Mechanical Engineering Lab I
MENG 3211 Mechanical Engineering Lab II
ENGR 1201 Introduction to Engineering
MENG 1204 Engineering Graphics

Research Projects

Dr. Al Mezrakchi’s research interests evolved from her multidisciplinary doctoral research experience at Texas A&M University in College Station and postdoctoral training at Texas A&M University in Kingsville. Her research work was funded by multiple governmental agencies such as US Air Force Research Laboratory AFOSR, Department of Defense DOD, and National Science Foundation NSF as well as various industrial companies through Advancing Performance Polymers in Energy Applications consortia in the Polymer Technology Center at Texas A&M University.

Dr. Al is currently working on an external grant to identify the risk factors of the micro and nano plastics contamination in the Houston Matagorda Bay Area and other comparison sites. The research project is also focusing on acquiring potential treatment for microplastic removal from contaminated water. Ecological impact of the polymer treatment is an essential part of this study.

Awards and Accomplishments

2022, NASA – USLI Overall First Place Award, for exceptional performance in all aspects including system engineering, milestone, reviews, outreach, and safety, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and Northrop Grumman Corporation - American Multinational Aerospace and Defense Technology.
2022, NASA – USLI Design Division Award, for excellence in the design of a high-powered rocket and scientific engineering payload, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and Northrop Grumman Corporation - American Multinational Aerospace and Defense Technology.
2022, NASA – USLI Experimental Design Award, for creative and innovative payload design while maximizing safety and scientific value, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and Northrop Grumman Corporation - American Multinational Aerospace and Defense Technology
2022, Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Center for Education Excellence, Tarleton State University.
2022, Featured in Innovative Educators series for Excellence in Teaching and Innovative Research, Tarleton State University.
2022, Featured in the Future Edition of the Spotlight on Excellence Newsletter, Center for Education Excellence, Tarleton State University.
2022, Third Place Research Poster Award, 17th Annual Pathways Symposium, Texas A&M Universities Systems.
2018, Silver Recognition Award for Outstanding Years of Services at the Academy for Future Faculty, Office of Graduate and Professional Studies, Center for Teaching Excellence, and Center for Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning, Texas A&M University.