This Is What Science Looks Like at NC State: Ahmad Alsabbagh

Editor’s note: This post was written by Ahmad Alsabbagh, who recently completed his Ph.D. in nuclear engineering at NC State. The post is an entry in an ongoing series that we hope will highlight the diversity of researchers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The series is inspired by the This Is What A Scientist Looks Like site.

My name is Ahmad Alsabbagh and I am originally from Jordan. I joined the nuclear materials group in the nuclear engineering department at NC State under the supervision of K.L. Murty in 2011, and I defended my Ph.D. dissertation in May.

The structural materials of reactors are the most important factor for sustaining the safe operation of next generation reactors, and my research focused on investigating the effects of neutron irradiation on nano and ultra-fine grained materials. This is important because this information can be used to design materials that are radiation-tolerant, especially in extreme conditions, for use in future nuclear reactors. My research clearly demonstrated the superiority of nano and ultra-fine grain sizes in tolerating neutron radiation exposure.

During my research I had the opportunity to use the PULSTAR reactor at NC State and the Advanced Test Reactor at Idaho National Laboratory (INL).  Conducting the post-irradiation experiments at both institutes (NC State and INL) gave me the opportunity to use cutting edge technologies in testing the influence of neutrons on the microstructural and mechanical properties of reactor structural materials.

As an extracurricular activity, I joined the international orientation team, helping in organizing orientation activities and assist new international students through their first year experience.

In addition to my research, I enjoy playing soccer, traveling, visiting new cities and spending time with my wife and my four-month-old daughter.