Nadia Kouraytem

Dr. Nadia Kouraytem is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Utah State University, where she directs the METAL 3D Structures Lab. Her research focuses on characterizing process-structure-property relationships in laser-based metal additive manufacturing using advanced experimental techniques and in-situ measurements. She collaborates with national laboratories and industry partners to advance applications in aerospace, defense, and renewable energy sectors.

Education
PhD in Mechanical Engineering from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST, 2016), MS in Mechanical Engineering (KAUST, 2013), and BS in Mechanical Engineering from American University of Beirut (2011).

Research Interests
Her work encompasses metal additive manufacturing (3D printing), multi-scale material characterization, process optimization for structural applications, and the development of physics-driven and data-driven models to predict material behavior under extreme conditions. She employs techniques ranging from in-situ X-ray imaging to mechanical testing across temperature and strain-rate regimes.

Publication Focus
Her 15 most recent articles (2016–2025) predominantly explore additive manufacturing defects, process parameter optimization, material behavior under dynamic loading, and innovative characterization methods. Trends include laser powder bed fusion, multi-material systems, and computational modeling approaches bridging microstructural features to macroscopic properties.

Awards and Honors

• Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year, MAE Department, USU
• Recognition as a woman leader in Utah's advanced manufacturing industry (UAMMI)

Grants and Advising
She secured a $800,000 NEUP grant to study mechanical variability in additively manufactured metals and collaborates on a DOE-SETO project analyzing creep-fatigue interactions for renewable energy applications. Currently advises five graduate students on topics including functionally graded materials and recuperator design for concentrated solar power.

Laboratory Leadership
The METAL 3D Structures Lab utilizes in-situ process monitoring, microstructural characterization, and multi-scale mechanical testing to evaluate additive manufacturing outcomes. Current projects involve collaborations with Argonne National Laboratory and industry partners to qualify materials for high-temperature applications.