Sami Maalouf

Sami Maalouf’s research interests span environmental fluid mechanics and sustainable development. His work in environmental fluid mechanics encompasses water-quality modeling, turbulence, transport phenomena, stratified flows, surface-water and groundwater hydrology, and contaminant transport. His sustainable-development research focuses on heat disposal, alternative energy systems, hydroelectric power, and energy conservation.

His current research examines the fate and transport of contaminants in coastal zones and groundwater systems. Ongoing projects investigate the environmental effects of brine discharged from seawater reverse-osmosis desalination plants and the influence of dead-end pores on contaminant transport in groundwater.

Beyond coastal and environmental research, Maalouf is interested in engineering education. He explores ways to improve the teaching and learning experience while strengthening the connection between fundamental engineering disciplines and their practical applications in civil engineering. His current work in this area focuses on reversing the traditional hierarchy of engineering education.