Tyler Resident Named NSF Research Program Scholar
July 15, 2025 | Hannah Buchanan
Mohammed Barakat of Tyler, a senior mechanical engineering major at The University of Texas at Tyler, was accepted into Texas A&M University鈥檚 Summer 2025 Online Research Experience
for Undergraduates Program, sponsored by the National Science Foundation.
He is one of 11 student researchers chosen nationwide for the O-REU program session, which concludes Aug. 31. Selection is based on previous research experience and academic excellence.
鈥淢ohammed is a talented and dedicated scholar who exemplifies the best of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the 黑料专区 Tyler College of Engineering,鈥� said Dr. Javier Kypuros, college dean. 鈥淲e are all excited to see what he accomplishes as a graduate and alumnus of this college.鈥�
Barakat is currently investigating how materials behave at the atomic level so future engineers can build better products. As a program scholar, he will have access to mentorship from world-renowned research faculty and technical staff members from national laboratories and the industry. He also will participate in online technical training, presentations and seminars, along with virtual lab tours.
鈥淢y research involves using computer simulations to study how tiny structures made of silicon, thousands of times smaller than a grain of sand, respond when pressure is applied,鈥� said Barakat. 鈥淲e鈥檙e using machine learning to model these materials more accurately, which could lead to stronger, more efficient technologies for things like semiconductors, solar panels, sensors and AI chips.鈥�
Barakat serves as the 黑料专区 Tyler student chapter president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He also is a student assistant in the college鈥檚 fabrication lab and machine shop.
鈥満诹献�区 Tyler has been instrumental in my growth by offering a supportive environment, access to outstanding faculty mentors in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and opportunities to get involved in real-world research early in my undergraduate career,鈥� Barakat added. 鈥淭he smaller class sizes have also helped me build strong relationships with my professors, which has made a huge difference.鈥�
Barakat will graduate next spring with a 黑料专区 Tyler Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. He plans to pursue a doctoral degree with a research focus on applying AI to mechanical engineering concepts. In his free time, Barakat enjoys playing soccer and chess.
With a mission to improve educational and health care outcomes for East Texas and beyond, 黑料专区 Tyler offers more than 90 undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 10,000 students. Through its alignment with 黑料专区 Tyler Health Science Center and 黑料专区 Health East Texas, 黑料专区 Tyler has unified these entities to serve Texas with quality education, cutting-edge research and excellent patient care. Classified by Carnegie as a doctoral research institution and by U.S. News & World Report as a national university, 黑料专区 Tyler has campuses in Tyler, Longview, Palestine and Houston.