Lecturer at Department of Petroleum and Refining Engineering, College of Petroleum and Mining Engineering, University of Mosul, Iraq
Dr. Semaa I. Khaleel is a dedicated academic and researcher currently serving as a Lecturer at the Department of Petroleum and Refining Engineering, College of Petroleum and Mining Engineering, University of Mosul, Iraq. With a strong foundation in chemistry, she has continuously advanced in academia, obtaining her B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. from Mosul University. Her scholarly journey is marked by a passion for applied research, focusing on innovative materials and environmental sustainability. Dr. Khaleel has taught a wide range of undergraduate courses and mentored students across diverse subjects related to petroleum engineering. Her expertise lies in developing and modifying materials such as activated carbon and biofuels, contributing to clean energy and waste utilization solutions. She has led and completed several impactful research projects, and her contributions are particularly noteworthy in the areas of adsorption technologies and asphalt modification. Committed to both research and teaching excellence, she maintains active profiles on global research platforms including Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and ORCID. As an emerging voice in her field, Dr. Khaleel exemplifies the qualities of a modern scientist—bridging theory and practice with innovation and integrity. Her academic rigor, combined with her practical approach to problem-solving, makes her a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Semaa I. Khaleel’s academic journey is deeply rooted in the prestigious Mosul University, where she earned all her degrees in Chemistry, reflecting her unwavering dedication to scientific inquiry and academic excellence. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in 2002, laying the groundwork for a career centered on chemical and environmental science. Driven by an early interest in applied chemistry, she pursued her Master of Science in 2009, further honing her analytical skills and expanding her theoretical foundation. Her graduate research emphasized the role of chemical processes in industrial and environmental applications, a theme that continued throughout her doctoral studies. In 2018, Dr. Khaleel completed her Ph.D. in Chemistry, focusing on advanced materials and adsorption technologies, which later became the core of her academic and research interests. Her doctoral work has significantly influenced her contributions to petroleum refining, asphalt rheology, and sustainable fuel technologies. The continuum of her education within a single institution also illustrates her long-term commitment to the development of scientific research in Iraq. This strong educational background, paired with her practical and teaching experience, has uniquely positioned her to contribute meaningfully to academia, industrial innovation, and student mentorship at the University of Mosul.
Professional Experience
Since 2018, Dr. Semaa I. Khaleel has served as a Lecturer at the Department of Petroleum and Refining Engineering, College of Petroleum and Mining Engineering, University of Mosul. Her professional responsibilities include teaching various undergraduate-level subjects that intersect chemistry and petroleum engineering. Her courses are designed to integrate theoretical concepts with real-world industrial applications, reflecting her belief in experiential learning. Beyond her teaching duties, she plays a critical role in guiding student projects, supervising laboratory work, and supporting departmental academic development. Dr. Khaleel has also actively participated in curriculum development to align educational programs with emerging industry trends in sustainable fuels and advanced materials. Parallel to her teaching, she has successfully completed five research projects and is currently engaged in three ongoing investigations related to activated carbon production, biofuel synthesis, and rheological modification of asphalt. Her collaborations with other departments and institutions showcase her commitment to multidisciplinary research. She has maintained professional affiliations with engineering and chemistry societies, and her contributions have extended to consultation on environmentally conscious refining processes. With a career that balances research innovation and pedagogical effectiveness, Dr. Khaleel continues to demonstrate a strong impact in academia and the applied sciences sector in Iraq and beyond.
Research Interest
Dr. Semaa I. Khaleel’s research interests are deeply rooted in applied chemistry with a focus on sustainability and industrial relevance. Her primary research themes include the development and utilization of activated carbon, biofuels, rheological modification of asphalt, polymer chemistry, and diesel fuel analysis. She is particularly known for her innovative approaches in using agricultural and industrial waste materials to synthesize activated carbon for environmental applications such as dye adsorption and water purification. Her work in asphalt modification investigates the use of chemical treatments and polymers to enhance the performance and durability of paving materials under extreme conditions. Another area of interest is the thermodynamic and kinetic studies of adsorption processes, where she has contributed new insights into how low-cost carbon materials interact with dyes and pollutants. Dr. Khaleel also explores biofuel production pathways that are efficient and sustainable, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and fossil fuel dependency. Her interdisciplinary approach allows her to connect materials science, environmental engineering, and petroleum technology. Through these focal areas, she aims to contribute practical solutions to pressing environmental and energy challenges while advancing fundamental understanding of material behavior and chemical interactions.
Research Skills
Dr. Semaa I. Khaleel possesses a comprehensive set of research skills that enable her to navigate and contribute meaningfully across multiple areas of applied and analytical chemistry. She is adept in experimental design, data analysis, and statistical modeling, particularly within the context of adsorption processes and thermodynamic studies. Her lab expertise includes activated carbon synthesis, polymer blending, and biofuel refinement, using methods like chemical activation, distillation, and surface modification techniques. Dr. Khaleel is highly proficient in UV-Vis spectrophotometry, FTIR spectroscopy, and thermal analysis, which she applies to characterize materials and investigate their physicochemical properties. She also brings competence in kinetic modeling, having conducted studies that explore adsorption mechanisms and isotherm behavior. Additionally, she is skilled in academic writing, project reporting, and preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals. With five completed research projects and three currently underway, she has demonstrated her capacity for long-term research planning, proposal writing, and collaboration. Her familiarity with platforms such as Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and ORCID reflects her active engagement with the global research community. Collectively, her practical skills, analytical mindset, and commitment to scientific rigor position her as a strong candidate for recognition through research awards.
Awards and Honors
While formal awards may not yet fully reflect Dr. Semaa I. Khaleel’s academic merit, her accomplishments and growing recognition in the field signal her increasing impact as a researcher. Being appointed as a Lecturer at the University of Mosul, a prestigious public university in Iraq, stands as a significant professional achievement and acknowledgment of her academic excellence. Her continuous teaching role since 2018 demonstrates trust in her educational capability and technical knowledge. Her research contributions, such as the production of activated carbon from waste materials and her kinetic studies on adsorption, have positioned her as a promising researcher in the sustainable materials domain. She has successfully led multiple projects, collaborated across disciplines, and published peer-reviewed work. In an academic environment where resources may be limited, her ability to conduct meaningful research with practical implications is a testimony to her ingenuity and dedication. Through her participation in academic conferences, student mentorship, and growing citation record, Dr. Khaleel is steadily building her reputation. She is now being considered for the Best Researcher Award, which would serve as a fitting recognition of her hard work, scientific contributions, and her unwavering commitment to academic and research excellence in Iraq and beyond.
Conclusion
Dr. Semaa I. Khaleel exemplifies the qualities of a dynamic and impactful researcher whose work bridges theoretical innovation with practical utility. From her academic training in chemistry at Mosul University to her current role as a lecturer and researcher, she has continually demonstrated intellectual rigor, commitment to education, and a passion for sustainability. Her research into activated carbon production, asphalt modification, and alternative fuels addresses some of the most pressing global challenges—resource recovery, pollution mitigation, and energy efficiency. Her projects, often centered on converting waste into value-added products, showcase a resourceful and environmentally conscious mindset. Moreover, her dedication to teaching has influenced a new generation of petroleum engineers and chemists, especially in a region where scientific advancement is both challenging and essential. Her active involvement in research, publication, and professional collaboration illustrates her readiness for greater responsibility and recognition. Being nominated for the Best Researcher Award is a timely and well-deserved acknowledgment of her contributions to applied science. With continued support, Dr. Khaleel is poised to make even greater impacts, not only through academic achievements but also by fostering innovation that serves society and the environment.
Publications Top Notes
Title: A Thermodynamic and Kinetic Study for Adsorption of a Number of Dyes from their Aqueous Solutions on a New Kind of Activated Carbon Prepared by Pomegranate (Punica Granatum)
Authors: E.A.S. Al-Hyali, A.A.H. Al-Khazraji, S.I.K. Al-Taey
Year: 2016
Citations: 1
Title: A Statistical Study Comparing Experimental and Theoretical Yields of Activated Carbon Prepared from Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Peels via Chemical Treatment
Authors: S.I. Khaleel, A.A.H. Al-Khazraji, E.A.S. Al-Hyali
Year: 2024
Title: Preparation of New Types of Activated Carbon and Testing Their Efficiency by the Adsorption of Some Dyes, Thermodynamic and Kinetic Studies
Authors: K. Semaa, H. Ammar, A.L.H. Emad
Year: 2017
Title: Extraction of Amino Acids from Their Aqueous Solutions by Using Derivatives of Polyethylene
Authors: S.I.K., Asaad F. Khattab
Year: 2016
Title: Studying Thermodynamic and Kinetic as for the Adsorption of a Number of Dyes from their Aqueous Solutions on a New Kind of Activated Carbon Prepared by the Residues Vacuum Distillation of Air Oxidation for Beji Asphalt by Chemical Treatment
Authors: A.A.H. Al-Khazraji, E.A.S. Al-Hyali, S.I.K. Al-Taey
Year: 2016