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Biography

Amira S. Mohammed Ali is a highly motivated chemical engineer with a strong background in materials science. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where her research focuses on designing and characterizing advanced hydrogels and aerogels for atmospheric water harvesting. Her doctoral thesis explores the use of biopolymer-based hydrogels and aerogels, as well as carbon-based materials as photothermal components to aid in water desorption.

She holds an M.Sc. in Materials Science from Alexandria University, Egypt, where her thesis concentrated on the preparation and characterization of cellulose acetate-nanocomposite reverse osmosis membranes for water desalination. She also earned a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from Alexandria University.
Throughout her career, Amira has gained extensive research and teaching experience. She is currently a Teaching Assistant at Khalifa University. Her prior experience includes a part-time teaching assistant position at Zewail City of Science and Technology, where she taught courses on topics like nanomaterials synthesis, modern characterization techniques, and polymer science. She has also worked as a research assistant on projects involving nanomaterials for energy applications, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for water treatment, and nanocomposite membranes for water desalination. Her work has been presented at numerous international and regional conferences.
Amira's publications include research on carbon composites for solar-driven atmospheric water harvesting, and tailoring nanocomposite membranes for desalination. Her work demonstrates a proven expertise in membrane science and technology, particularly in water desalination. Her goal is to leverage her technical skills and research experience to develop innovative materials for environmental applications and sustainable energy solutions.

Education

• PhD candidate (Chemical and Petroleum Engineering) Fall 2020 – Fall 2025 Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. • Thesis title: Hybrid Hydrogel Water Harvester for Freshwater Capture from Atmosphere. Thesis focuses on the preparation and characterization of biopolymer-based hydrogels and aerogels for atmospheric water harvesting, besides the study of carbon-based materials as photothermal components to facilitate water desorption.
• MSc degree in Materials Science Spring 2011 – Fall 2016 Materials Science Department, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research (IGSR), Alexandria University, Egypt. • Thesis title: Preparation and Characterization of Cellulose Acetate-Zeolite Reverse Osmosis Membrane Using Phase Inversion Technique for Water Desalination.
• BSc degree in Chemical Engineering September 2005 – May 2010 Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University, Egypt.

Affiliated Centers, Groups & Labs

• Center for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology
• Khalifa University