Muhammad Usama Haroon - Sustainability - Eco-friendly Construction Practices Award

Middle East Technical University Northern Cyprus Campus - Pakistan

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

🌱 SUMMARY

Muhammad Usama Haroon is a dedicated researcher in the field of environmental and sustainable engineering, currently pursuing his Master of Science in Sustainable Environment and Energy Systems at Middle East Technical University, Turkey. His academic background in chemical engineering and sustainability research highlights a commitment to addressing environmental challenges through innovation. His thesis explores the eco-friendly stabilization of soft clays using treated sewage sludge as a sustainable alternative to cement—an approach aimed at reducing environmental impact while enhancing construction materials. With a CGPA of 3.86/4.00, he has demonstrated academic excellence and a passion for impactful research. Usama’s work spans areas such as cementitious materials, solid waste reuse, durability assessments, and microstructural characterization. His publications and scholarly activities underscore a keen ability to bridge theory with practical environmental solutions. This summary reflects Usama’s journey as a young, promising researcher focused on blending sustainable development goals with scientific rigor.

📘 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Usama began his academic journey at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) in Lahore, Pakistan, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering with a strong academic performance. During his undergraduate years, he laid the foundation for his interdisciplinary research interests in materials science, sustainability, and environmental engineering. His exposure to chemical processes, thermodynamics, and environmental control systems equipped him with essential skills for tackling sustainability challenges. This foundational phase also ignited his curiosity about the reuse of industrial and municipal waste materials—eventually leading to his specialization in sustainable construction and environmental systems. Even at this early stage, Usama showed interest in improving environmental practices in real-world contexts, as evidenced by his later internships and review papers focused on water reuse and waste management. These academic beginnings highlight his progressive mindset and the formative experiences that propelled him toward a research-focused career in environmental sustainability.

👨‍🏫 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Professionally, Usama has excelled in both academic and educational roles, blending teaching with research. Currently a graduate teaching assistant at Middle East Technical University, he actively contributes to the Chemistry Department, facilitating lab work and tutoring in courses such as General Chemistry and Physical Chemistry. His prior teaching roles at The City School DHA Campus and Allied School as a chemistry and mathematics instructor and academic coordinator demonstrate strong pedagogical commitment. He designed lesson plans, led lab sessions, coordinated assessments, and guided students, showcasing leadership and communication skills vital to any academic career. These diverse teaching experiences, spanning from school to university level, not only reflect his versatility but also reinforce his dedication to spreading scientific knowledge. Moreover, his professional internship at FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan Limited allowed him to work hands-on in optimizing water resource strategies, further solidifying his expertise in industrial sustainability practices. His career path exemplifies a balanced approach to education, research, and real-world application.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Usama’s core research contributions center on environmental engineering, sustainable construction materials, and climate action. His most impactful work includes the development of eco-friendly stabilization techniques for soft clays using treated sewage sludge—a sustainable alternative to cement. By reducing reliance on cement, this work not only curbs CO₂ emissions but also promotes beneficial reuse of municipal waste. His contributions also extend to indoor air quality and occupant thermal comfort in hot and humid climates, particularly in urban regions of Pakistan. Usama has published research in notable journals such as Sustainability, with topics spanning from solid waste reuse to microstructural analysis of treated clay composites. His interdisciplinary expertise covers cementitious materials, durability testing, and environmental data analysis. The integration of microscopy, chemical analysis, and statistical tools in his research showcases a robust, data-driven approach. Usama’s work directly supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in climate action, clean water access, and sustainable industrial practices.

🏅 ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION

Usama’s academic journey has been distinguished by recognition at both national and international levels. He was awarded a full scholarship for his master's program at Middle East Technical University in recognition of his academic excellence and potential. Additionally, he earned a certificate of merit for presenting his research paper on sustainable water utilization and wastewater reuse in Pakistan’s dairy industry at the prestigious NISE Conference in Kyrenia, Cyprus. These honors affirm the scholarly quality and societal relevance of his research. His ability to present, publish, and apply complex environmental data in a meaningful way reflects a high level of intellectual maturity and innovation. Furthermore, his role as a teaching assistant comes with merit-based responsibilities, further validating his standing in the academic community. These accolades serve not only as personal achievements but as validation of his contributions to sustainability, environmental engineering, and academic leadership.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Usama’s work holds significant promise in transforming how societies approach construction, waste management, and environmental planning. His exploration of sewage sludge as a substitute for cement introduces a sustainable and scalable solution to two major issues: cement overuse and sludge disposal. This innovation, if adopted widely, could significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions from the construction industry. Furthermore, his research on climate change in Pakistan and his review of industrial water reuse provide vital policy insights aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As a multidisciplinary thinker, Usama bridges engineering, environmental science, and policy-making—offering holistic solutions to global challenges. His influence is growing within academic and applied research circles, particularly across Turkey and Pakistan. By focusing on developing-country contexts, Usama brings attention to localized sustainability needs and promotes equitable scientific progress. His impact goes beyond publications—it lies in his ability to generate actionable knowledge for environmental resilience and sustainability.

🔮 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Looking ahead, Usama aims to deepen his research in eco-friendly construction materials, particularly through advanced waste valorization techniques and circular economy frameworks. His vision includes contributing to low-carbon technologies, improving soil stabilization practices, and shaping environmental policy through scientific evidence. Usama’s legacy will likely be one of interdisciplinary innovation, especially in regions vulnerable to climate stress. He is poised to lead collaborative projects that merge academia with industry, and to mentor future sustainability scholars. His ability to communicate scientific findings in accessible ways makes him a potential advocate for sustainable practices at both grassroots and institutional levels. As global challenges intensify, Usama’s research offers scalable, eco-conscious solutions that could inform not only engineering practice but also sustainability education and policy frameworks. With a solid foundation in teaching, research, and applied science, his future contributions will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on environmental science and sustainable development worldwide.

PUBLICATION

• Title: Sustainable strength enhancement of cement-clay composites through partial replacement with sewage sludge and sewage sludge ash

• Authors: [Not specified in the input]

• Journal: Construction and Building Materials