Heba Abourahma

Heba Abourahma is a Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry at The College of New Jersey. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of South Florida (2004), an M.Sc. from the University of Ottawa (1999), and a B.Sc. from Saint Mary's University (1997). Her research specializes in Crystal Engineering, Solid State Organic Chemistry, and the development of supramolecular azopolymers for optical applications.

Her research focuses on:

• Designing pharmaceutical cocrystals and polymorphs for improved drug formulations
• Developing photoresponsive azopolymer materials for dynamic optical microstructures
• Advancing high-throughput crystallization screening methods
• Applying crystallographic databases in undergraduate education

Her publications demonstrate consistent focus on crystal engineering, photoresponsive materials, and analytical method development, with recent work emphasizing optical microfabrication techniques and educational applications of crystallographic databases.

Awards & Honors:

• SOSA Award (2023)
• NSERC Scholarships (1995-1997)
• American Crystallography Association Travel Award (2004)
• Multiple TCNJ Career Development Grants

She has secured significant research funding including a $315,000 NSF grant (2020-2023) for optical microstructure fabrication and instrumental grants exceeding $500,000 for NMR and X-ray equipment. She serves on multiple academic committees including Faculty Senate Executive Board (2018-2021) and Committee on Inclusive Excellence (2024-present).