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
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.