COLLEGE STATION, Texas, Sept. 22, 2008 – Mert Atilhan, assistant professor in the department of chemical engineering at Qatar University in Doha and former graduate student of the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University, has been honored with the Qatar University 2008 Research Award.
The award, which is bestowed upon only one faculty member from Qatar University, was presented to Atilhan during the university’s convocation ceremonies this month.
While at Texas A&M, Atilhan was a graduate research assistant who studied under Professor Kenneth R. Hall before earning his doctorate in 2007. His research at Qatar University focuses on applied thermodynamics, thermophysical fluid properties, including natural gas and hydrates.
“I am not surprised that Dr. Atilhan has won this prestigious award,” Hall said. “He was an excellent and creative student while here, and he combined that talent with a desire to work hard.
“He has been remarkably successful at attracting research funding since joining Qatar University. Now he has the reputation of being a ‘do-er,’ and the Qatari industry has begun to approach him with projects in addition to those he develops himself.”
Atilhan has continued to work closely with Hall and Professor Mahmoud El-Halwagi, who also instructed him at Texas A&M and served on his Ph.D. committee. Together, the three faculty members are working on a joint project funded by the Qatar National Research Foundation.
“When Mert was a graduate student here, he distinguished himself as an outstanding researcher and very talented chemical engineer,” said El-Halwagi. “At present, Dr. Atilhan is leading major research efforts on the complex thermodynamic aspects of natural gas. His research is original, fundamental and applicable and will provide a significant impact on the design, operation, troubleshooting and optimization of natural gas processing facilities.
“In addition to being an excellent researcher, Dr. Atilhan also has proven himself to be a terrific teacher. Based on input that I have received from Qatar University faculty and students, Dr. Atilhan is lauded as a caring, dedicated and effective instructor.”
Established in 1973, Qatar University is comprised of seven colleges: the College of Education, the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Sharia & Islamic Studies, the College of Engineering, the College of Law, the College of Business & Economics and the College of Pharmacy. With more than 27,000 graduates and a faculty community of almost 700 members, the university is also an active member in several prestigious regional and international associations, including the Union of Arab Universities, the league of Islamic Universities, and the International Association of Universities.
