Yousef Hafezi
St Louis
Summary
Ph.D. candidate in Chemical Engineering with extensive experience in gas–liquid mass transfer, CO₂ capture, and reactor-based experimentation. Proven ability to design and execute complex laboratory systems, analyze large experimental datasets, and develop process-level insights using MATLAB and Python. Experienced in advanced characterization techniques and process simulation tools, with a strong background in both research and applied engineering. Seeking an internship or co-op position in process, manufacturing, or R&D to apply analytical and experimental expertise in real-world engineering challenges.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Research Assistant (GRA)
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Rolla, MO
08.2022 - Current
- Designed and operated a laboratory-scale bubble column reactor to investigate gas–liquid mass transfer and CO₂ absorption performance under varying operating conditions.
- Quantified mass transfer coefficients (kₗₐ) and analyzed hydrodynamic behavior using experimental data and advanced measurement techniques.
- Processed and analyzed experimental datasets using MATLAB and Python to identify trends, validate models, and improve data reliability.
- Utilized optical probes, oxygen sensors, and pH measurements to characterize interfacial area, gas holdup, and system dynamics.
- Prepared detailed technical reports and presented findings to research supervisors, contributing to ongoing research publications and experimental design improvements.
Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA)
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Rolla, MO
01.2023 - 05.2025
- Led undergraduate Unit Operations laboratories, teaching core concepts in heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and separation processes.
- Provided hands-on training in instrumentation, data acquisition, and experimental safety procedures.
- Evaluated lab reports and delivered structured feedback to improve student understanding of engineering principles.
Head Researcher at GTL (Green Technology Laboratory)
University of Tehran
09.2018 - 12.2021
- Operated supercritical water gasification and pyrolysis reactors for biofuel and hydrogen production from industrial waste.
- Conducted material and product characterization using HPLC, GC-MS, SEM, XRD, and FTIR to evaluate process performance.
- Investigated catalyst behavior and optimized operating conditions to improve conversion efficiency and product yield.
- Contributed to experimental design, data interpretation, and process optimization in thermochemical conversion systems.
Research Projects
Sharif University of Technology
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Designed nanocarriers for targeted drug and gene delivery to support cancer treatment optimization.
- Completed 240-hour water treatment workshop at Tehran Refinery.
- Gained practical skills in diverse water treatment techniques.
Education
Ph.D. - Chemical Engineering
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Rolla, Missouri, USA12-2026
M.S. - Chemical Engineering
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Rolla, Missouri, USA12-2025
M.S. - Environmental Engineering
University of Tehran
09-2021
B.S. - Chemical Engineering
Sharif University of Technology
02-2018
Skills
- Data & Analysis
- Excel (data organization, plotting, trend analysis, basic statistics)
- Python (data analysis, visualization, processing experimental datasets)
- MATLAB (engineering calculations, modeling, simulation support)
- Process, Controls & Simulation
- Aspen HYSYS, ChemCAD (process modeling and system analysis)
- DeltaV (process control, monitoring and operation of lab-scale CO₂ absorption column)
- Process control fundamentals (PID control, control loops, instrumentation concepts)
- CFD (academic exposure to flow modeling and result interpretation)
- Laboratory & Experimental Techniques
- HPLC, GC-MS, SEM, XRD, FTIR, UV-Vis, DSC
- ICP, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy
- Optical probes (4-point), pH measurement
- Experimental design, data collection, and reproducibility analysis
- Design & Engineering Tools
- AutoCAD (basic drawings and layout support)
- MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
HONORS ACTIVITIES
Ranked Top 0.2% among ~300,000 participants in the National Entrance Examination for Universities (Iran, 2012)., Active member of the International Student Community at Missouri S&T, supporting cross-cultural events., Dedicated sports enthusiast, regularly participating in soccer, volleyball, and fitness activities., Organized and participated in campus STEM outreach events, helping introduce engineering concepts to younger students.
PUBLICATIONS
- Hafezi, Y., et al. (2024). Green synthesis of bimetallic AgZnO nanoparticles: Synergistic anticancer effects through regulation of gene expression for lung cancer treatment. Results in Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2024.102329
- Hafezi, Y., et al. (2024). Green approach for fabrication of high-quality graphene nanosheets from PET waste and wood sawdust via co-pyrolysis for dye adsorption. Waste Management. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11696-024-03542-y
- Hafezi, Y., et al. (2023). In-silico design and mechanistic study of niosomes encapsulated curcumin against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. Frontiers. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1277533
- Recovery of Cadmium, Nickel, Chromium and Arsenic using Emulsion Liquid Membrane (Under Review)
Timeline
Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA)
Missouri University of Science and Technology
01.2023 - 05.2025
Graduate Research Assistant (GRA)
Missouri University of Science and Technology
08.2022 - Current
Head Researcher at GTL (Green Technology Laboratory)
University of Tehran
09.2018 - 12.2021
Research Projects
Sharif University of Technology
01.2014 - 01.2015
M.S. - Chemical Engineering
Missouri University of Science and Technology
M.S. - Environmental Engineering
University of Tehran
B.S. - Chemical Engineering
Sharif University of Technology
Ph.D. - Chemical Engineering
Missouri University of Science and Technology