Ms. Nour Merhi | Materials Science | Young Researcher Award

Nour Merhi is a dedicated Research Assistant at the American University of Beirut, specializing in thermal sensing and materials chemistry. With a strong academic background in chemistry and a passion for scientific discovery, she has contributed to advanced research in conjugated polymers and metal-organic frameworks. Her academic and extracurricular pursuits demonstrate leadership, collaboration, and initiative. She has held prominent roles such as president of student-led STEM organizations, while also participating in community outreach. Nour’s work blends rigorous experimental techniques with analytical insight, aimed at innovating in the field of chemical sensing. Her efforts have been recognized through multiple academic honors and grants.

American University of Beirut | Lebanon

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Academic Background

Ms. Nour earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the American University of Beirut between August 2019 and June 2022, followed by a Master of Science in Chemistry from the same institution, completed between August 2022 and June 2024. Prior to university, she obtained the Lebanese Baccalaureate in Life Sciences from Bourj International College in June 2019.

Research Experience

As a Graduate Research Assistant at AUB since August 2022, Nour works in a cutting-edge physical and analytical laboratory. Her research centers around thermal sensing technologies, leveraging advanced instrumentation to conduct precise material characterization for thermal and biosensing applications. Her work involves data collection, interpretation, and collaborative innovation in sensing strategy development. She has also served as an Undergraduate Research Assistant from May 2021 to July 2022, where she focused on heterocyclic chemistry, specifically synthesizing and analyzing triazine derivatives using FTIR and NMR spectroscopy, while also mentoring junior researchers.

Teaching Experience

From August 2022 to May 2024, Nour has contributed to chemistry education as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and Laboratory Instructor. She supported senior students in CHEM 234 (Biosensing), led experimental sessions for CHEM 220, covering thermodynamics, kinetics, electrochemistry, spectroscopy, and computational chemistry, and facilitated problem-solving sessions in CHEM 200 and CHEM 201. She also took responsibility for proctoring and evaluating undergraduate exams, ensuring academic integrity and learning outcomes.

Leadership & Extracurricular Activities

Nour actively engages in leadership and outreach. She is scheduled to present her research on MOFs for thermal sensing at the International Workshop on Advanced Materials (IWAM), February 2024. From July 2021 to July 2022, she served as President of the Chemistry Student Society (CSS) at AUB, organizing academic events for chemistry students. As President of the AGFE STEMer Club (2020–2022), she led initiatives focused on career development, mentorship, and networking for STEM students. She was also a representative in the AUB LEAD Initiative, hosting panels on Lebanon’s financial crisis, and volunteered with Dar Al Fatwa and Al Imdad Foundation, supporting marginalized communities and orphan outreach programs between 2020 and 2021.

Awards & Honors

Nour has been consistently recognized for her excellence. She was named to the Dean’s Honor List (2021–2022) at the American University of Beirut for academic distinction. She was awarded the prestigious Al Ghurair STEM Scholarship (2019–2022) for her exceptional academic potential in STEM fields. Most recently, she received the IWAM Travel Grant (2024), acknowledging her valuable research contributions and enabling her participation in a global materials science conference.

Notable Publications

Luminescence Nanothermometry: Investigating Thermal Memory in UiO-66-NH2 Nanocrystals
Authors: Nour Merhi, Abdullah Hakeem, Mohamad Hmadeh, Pierre Karam
Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
Year: 2024

Sustainable Strategies for Converting Organic, Electronic, and Plastic Waste From Municipal Solid Waste Into Functional Materials
Authors: Abdelaziz Gouda, Nour Merhi, Mohamad Hmadeh, Teresa Cecchi, Clara Santato, Mohini Sain
Journal: Global Challenges
Year: 2025

Single Particle Insights into the Thermal Sensing of Conjugated Polyelectrolyte–Nanoparticle Assemblies
Authors: Kareem Alhafi, Nour Merhi, Pierre Karam
Journal: ACS Applied Optical Materials
Year: 2024

Sustainable Strategies for Converting Organic, Electronic, and Plastic Waste From Municipal Solid Waste Into Functional Materials (Global Challenges 4/2025)
Authors: Abdelaziz Gouda, Nour Merhi, Mohamad Hmadeh, Teresa Cecchi, Clara Santato, Mohini Sain
Journal: Global Challenges
Year: 2025

Self‐Assembly of UiO‐66 on Conjugated Polyelectrolytes: Toward Enhanced Photophysical Properties
Authors: Abdullah Hakeem, Nour Merhi, Pierre Karam, Mohamad Hmadeh
Journal: Particle & Particle Systems Characterization
Year: 2024

Conclusion

Through her academic journey and hands-on research experience, Nour Merhi has established herself as a promising contributor to the field of chemistry. Her dedication to advancing thermal and biosensing technologies through experimental research highlights her commitment to scientific development. In addition to her technical skills, her leadership in student societies and community initiatives reflects a well-rounded and proactive approach to education and service. As she continues to explore complex material systems and sensing applications, she is poised to make impactful contributions to both academic research and practical innovations in chemical science. Her career trajectory demonstrates clarity of purpose and a drive for excellence.