Jehad Kharraz
Dr. jehad kharraz Research Scientist Chemical & Petroleum Engineering

Contact Information
jehad.kharraz@ku.ac.ae +971 2 312 3260

Biography

Dr. Jehad Kharraz is a dedicated researcher in the field of membrane-based water desalination and wastewater treatment, with a focus on advancing sustainable technologies. His research emphasizes emerging technologies like membrane distillation (MD), particularly through the development of advanced nano-enabled membranes and the design of novel modules and system enhancements. Dr. Kharraz is particularly known for his work on mitigating fouling, scaling, and wetting in MD processes, as well as the upscaling and pilot-testing of innovative membrane-based solutions.

Dr. Kharraz completed his Ph.D. in Energy and Environmental Engineering from the City University of Hong Kong, where he was awarded the prestigious Hong Kong Ph.D. Fellowship Scheme Award. He also holds a Master of Science in Water and Environmental Engineering and a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. His early career experience includes roles as a civil engineer, both in design consultancy and on-site contracting, and as a scientist at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, focusing on solar-powered water treatment systems for remote communities. Additionally, he served as a consultant on a USAID-funded project to develop a wastewater planning strategy for the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Dr. Kharraz has published over 40 peer-reviewed journal papers, book chapters, and conference proceedings, making significant contributions to the field of sustainable water treatment and management. He has been instrumental in securing multiple research grants, leading various research and industrial projects, and supervising both graduate and undergraduate students. A registered engineer with the Jordan Engineers Association, Dr. Kharraz is actively engaged in several professional organizations, including the European Membrane Society (EMS) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). His work has been recognized with several international fellowships, scholarships, and awards, underscoring his commitment to advancing water treatment technologies.

In addition to his research, Dr. Kharraz enjoys blending his scientific knowledge with artistic flair to create compelling scientific visuals, often accompanied by a good cup of coffee.


Education
  • Ph.D. Energy and Environmental Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  • M.Sc. Water and Environmental Engineering, Khalifa University - Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE
  • B.Sc. Civil Engineering, An-Najah National University, Palestine
  • Nanodegree. Data Analysis and Visualization – Power BI, UDACITY, USA

Teaching
  • Senior Design Project II (CHEG498)


Research
Research Interests
  • Membrane-based desalination and wastewater treatment
  • Interfacial transport phenomena and wetting dynamics in membrane systems
  • Intelligent membrane systems and AI-enabled process optimization
  • Control of fouling, scaling, and wetting in membrane distillation (MD)
  • Fabrication, characterization, and application of nano-enabled membranes
  • Photothermal and catalytic enhancements in membrane distillation

Research Projects

Demand Side Energy Efficiency. Thrust 5.3: Solar-Powered Seawater Desalination. Khalifa University of Science and Technology. Funding: ASPIRE Virtual Research Institute (VRI). Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Removal of Micro/Nano Plastic from Marine Environments Using Nanobubble. City University of Hong Kong. Funding: Marine Conservation Enhancement Fund (MCEF), Castle Peak Power Company Limited (Capco), The Hongkong Electric Company Limited (HK Electric), and Hong Kong LNG Terminal Limited (HKLTL). Hong Kong SAR.

Preventing Wetting in Membrane Distillation: Membrane Fabrication and Wetting Detection & Control System Development. City University of Hong Kong. Funding: General Research Fund (GRF), University Grants Committee. Hong Kong SAR.


Additional Info