Former Texas A&M Graduate Begins Academic Career at Oklahoma

Dr. Ahmad Al-Douri, a graduate of Texas A&M University, has embarked on his academic career as a faculty member at the University of Oklahoma. Since August 2024, he has been serving as an assistant professor, a role that builds on his extensive research and educational background.

During his time at Texas A&M, Al-Douri participated in a significant program at the Center for Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (CIRTL). He earned a certificate titled “An Introduction to Evidence-Based Undergraduate STEM Teaching,” which played a crucial role in shaping his professional aspirations. Al-Douri noted, “The department offered the flexibility to work on a project that touched multiple areas of interest to me and made me aware of opportunities at the college and university level.” His experience as a teaching assistant across various classes provided him with invaluable insight into the academic environment.

Research Focus and Academic Contributions

Al-Douri’s scholarly journey is marked by a strong foundation in chemical engineering. His master’s research concentrated on the optimal allocation of natural gas resources for producing various value-added chemicals. During his doctoral studies, he developed a framework that integrates systems reliability and economic assessment into the evaluation of chemical process design alternatives. This work has positioned him as a notable figure in the field of system safety and risk assessment.

In addition to his academic achievements, Al-Douri was affiliated with the Mary K. O’Connor Process Safety Center (MKOPSC) while at Texas A&M. This connection led to a postdoctoral position at the University of Maryland, where he worked in the Systems Risk and Reliability Analysis (SyRRA) Lab. His time in Maryland reinforced his expertise in safety and risk assessment, areas he is eager to advance in his current role.

Future Aspirations and Collaborative Goals

As Al-Douri establishes himself in his new position, he is keen to foster collaborations with Texas A&M and other institutions. He expressed his intent to build a research group while expanding connections to previous workplaces, emphasizing the importance of joint research funding. “I’m hoping to establish myself as an early career researcher in system safety and risk assessment and get the word out about my group’s work,” he stated.

With a commitment to exploring larger projects, Al-Douri aims to contribute significantly to the academic community, enhancing the understanding of systems safety and risk assessment. His journey from Texas A&M to the University of Oklahoma marks a promising chapter in his career, one that holds potential for impactful research and collaboration in the future.