USU Engineering Professor Named Utah Pioneer of Progress

In celebration of Utah’s Pioneer Day, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Assistant Professor Nadia Kouraytem is being recognized as a Pioneer of Progress in science and technology.

As part of the annual celebration of Utah’s pioneer heritage, The Days of ’47 Board of Trustees honors deserving Utahns whose lives and achievements commemorate principles of pioneering, such as faith, courage, industry, integrity and sacrifice, as well as those whose work benefits present and future generations.

Kouraytem received her BE in Mechanical Engineering from the American University of Beirut, and her M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from KAUST working at the High-Speed Fluids Imaging Laboratory. She focuses on advancing additive manufacturing for structural applications in defense, energy and aerospace, all of which are booming industries in Utah.

"I am deeply honored to receive the Pioneer of Progress Award,” Kouraytem said. “This award is not just a celebration of individual achievement but a tribute to the collective spirit that drives us forward. I am inspired by the legacy of those who came before us and am committed to continuing their tradition of pioneering progress."

Kouraytem accepted her award at a Gala on July 18. Other awardees include Brent Beesley, President’s Award, Gene Moffitt, Business and Enterprise, Ben Lomu, Entertainment and Creative Arts, Natalie Gochnour, Education, and Jeanette Mitarai Misaka, Health and Humanitarian Assistance.

The Pioneers of Progress Awards are hosted by the Days of 47’ organization, which holds several events to celebrate and honor the arrival of pioneers in Salt Lake on July 24, 1847. For a full list of festivities, visit daysof47.com.

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Writer: Sydney Dahle, sydney.dahle@usu.edu, 435-797-7512

Contact: Nadia Kouraytem, nadia.kouraytem@usu.edu