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’s 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.

“Mohammed is a talented and dedicated scholar who exemplifies the best of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the UT Tyler College of Engineering,” said Dr. Javier Kypuros, college dean. “We are all excited to see what he accomplishes as a graduate and alumnus of this college.”

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.

“My 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,” said Barakat. “We’re 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.”

Barakat serves as the UT Tyler student chapter president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He also is a student assistant in the college’s fabrication lab and machine shop.

“UT 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,” Barakat added. “The smaller class sizes have also helped me build strong relationships with my professors, which has made a huge difference.”

Barakat will graduate next spring with a UT 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, UT Tyler offers more than 90 undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 10,000 students.Through its alignment with UT Tyler Health Science Center and UT Health East Texas, UT 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, UT Tyler has campuses in Tyler, Longview, Palestine and Houston.