Hatem Zurob

Dr. Hatem Zurob is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at McMaster University, Faculty of Engineering. He holds a PhD from McMaster University (2003) and postdoctoral fellowships at Grenoble Institute of Technology and Oxford University. His research focuses on microstructural evolution in engineering materials, particularly steel and aluminum alloys, with an emphasis on optimizing mechanical properties through thermomechanical processing, recrystallization modeling, and functionally graded materials. He has pioneered studies on austenite decomposition and interfacial conditions during phase transformations.

Dr. Zurob’s achievements include prestigious awards such as the Sawamura Award and Guimaraise Award (ISIJ) and the Best Young Researcher Award at the 5th Recrystallization & Grain Growth Conference. He is a dedicated educator, recognized with MSU Teaching Awards (2007 & 2008). Active in professional societies, he chairs the ASM Ontario Chapter and leads ASM Materials Camps-Canada, fostering community engagement in materials science.

His research spans advanced high-strength steels, microstructural control during manufacturing processes, and interfacial dynamics. Recent work includes investigations into liquid metal embrittlement susceptibility, bainitic transformation mechanisms, and novel architectured materials. His lab, located in JHE 349, collaborates internationally, as highlighted by recent workshops with the University of Tokyo and University of Toronto.