• Hometown: Baghdad, Iraq
• Faculty mentor/advisor: Ass. Prof. Syed Mubeen
• What is your degree program and expected graduate date? Ph.D. Candidate in the Chemical and Biochemical Engineering; graduation time is December, 2021.
• Please describe your research: My work is extensively on developing novel materials and systems for photoelectrodialysis unit (Water treatment unit) powered by sunlight as the only energy input
• In simple terms, why does this research matter? Currently, two thirds of the total operating cost of a typical desalination plant is electrical energy cost. Cutting energy use and chemicals will directly cut costs, carbon emissions and environmental impacts of the desalination systems. Our research develops a cost-effective and energy-efficient photoelectrodialysis unit that is driven by sun light
• How soon after starting at the University of Iowa were you able to participate in research? I spent one year in the English institute at the University of Iowa started Fall 2014, and then joined the academic department Fall 2015. After two months I started my work on this project.
• How has being involved in research made you more successful at the University of Iowa? The number of the problems I faced during my journey at the university of Iowa taught me how to work hard towards finding solutions. Thus, my research became more promising to be commercialized in future to participate in solving water crisis in the world.
• What are your career goals and/or plans after graduation? I’m planning to pursue a career in industries where I can be very close to the real life about how the water treatment systems are working.

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