“It’s not all about grades; it’s about learning and having fun”, with these words, Dr. Mohamad Harb, a Mechanical Engineering professor at the Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture (MSFEA), sets the tone for a transformative approach to engineering education. In a world often focused on metrics and outcomes, Dr. Harb takes an approach that goes beyond conventional boundaries. Admittedly, entering an engineering classroom in 2024, the scene often echoes that of decades prior: a professor lecturing, students passively absorbing information, some doing homework and others daydreaming. However, Dr. Harb paints a different picture, one characterized by dynamic collaboration, impact-oriented projects, and a fundamental shift in focus from marks to a hands-on learning experience.

In his classes, this philosophy takes tangible form. Rather than passive lectures, students are encouraged to work together on projects, engage in productive discussions and even complete their assignments in class. This hands-on, collaborative style is something he is spreading throughout the faculty with initiatives such as the AUB Makerspace and the most recently established, Engineering Learning Lab. The AUB Makerspace, also known as The Red Room, is a creative hub that provides students and faculty with access to cutting-edge technology, including 3D printers, laser cutters, and virtual reality equipment. It is run entirely by students and they are referred to as the Jedis (Junior Engineers, Designers, Innovators). Their role is straightforward and that is to help you bring your creative ideas to life. During the summer, this spirit of making and creating will take over the 3D and 4D rooms of Bechtel Design Hall turning them into a giant space for students to explore and innovate. The tables and chairs will be removed to make room for more 3D printers, VR sets, high powered PCs, and even sewing machines and wood workshops. This all ties back to Harb’s vision of revolutionizing the way engineering is taught. By providing students with the tools and opportunities to work with their hands and apply theory into practice, he is cultivating a generation of innovative thinkers and problem-solvers.

All of Dr. Harb’s aspirations are a product of years of studying and working in the most esteemed institutions, including NASA. When asked how he reached such heights, he modestly replied: “It was one of those instances where everything fell into place”. While pursuing his Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering at the North Carolina State University in the U.S, his advisor who was also working at NASA, encouraged him to apply. Being mindful of this advice, Dr. Harb seized the opportunity, and it paid off in dividends. His courageous leap inspires us to take chances and to not shy away from opportunities that come our way. It also pushes us to connect with our professors and advisors because their knowledge, expertise, and often their connections can help us get to places we never thought were possible. Dr. Harb has never fallen short of providing guidance to his students, breaking the traditional barrier that is often present between instructors and their students. 

However, for Dr. Harb, success isn’t just about career achievements. Whether exploring the streets of Hamra, enjoying the view of the sea, or better yet, scuba diving in its depths, he has been finding joy in the smaller things. While he may be recognized primarily for his academic and professional pursuits, Dr. Harb is also an avid scuba diver. His love for the sea goes beyond mere enjoyment, he’s also actively involved in its preservation. A recent project of his involved finding ways to recycle fishing nets. Made of PA6 Nylon, they can take up to 300 years to dissolve in salty water. Hence, he found a way to properly recycle these nets and turn them into water filters and 3D printing resources. Dr. Harb is always finding ways to apply his knowledge and expertise on real-life projects that make a difference in his community. Echoing this approach, Dr. Harb is currently supervising a final-year project by Kamal Saad, Karim Wakim, Roy El Hajj, and Simon Hakim, named FeluccaReVOLT. Feluccas, traditional sailboats used by Lebanese fishermen, are a craft passed down through generations but never formally documented on paper. Through extensive research, the team was able to create a template for building these boats, but with a twist. While traditionally powered by diesel motors, they introduced an innovative propulsion system using renewable energy. Electrifying this traditional boat not only reduces operational costs but also benefits the environment. This project involved analysing various renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and prototyping with sustainable materials to determine the best approach to both documenting and electrifying this piece of heritage. Engineering programs have yet to push students to incorporate their interests in their learning journey, and this is an idea that Dr. Harb strongly addresses in his teaching philosophy.

Above all, and perhaps the most profound insight Dr. Harb shares with his students, is the importance of finding their true purpose and pursuing it in a way that creates a positive impact however big. “In everything you do, think, how can I benefit the people around me?” He believes that this spirit of purpose-driven service distinguishes engineering students, shaping them into leaders rather than basic technicians. Reflecting back on his journey, Dr. Harb reveals that he would not have left NASA and the United States if he didn’t have a North Star to follow, a vision to fulfill, and a community to serve emphasizing even further the need for ambition in everything we do.  Dr. Harb clearly envisions a bright future for MSFEA, one that puts it at the forefront of the most prestigious engineering faculties in the word due to its rapidly evolving educational approach. He entices us to soak up all aspects and enjoy every bit of our years in it, embracing both their challenges and pleasures. So let that be a testament, a reminder that our time at AUB should be a rich plot filled with experiences, learning, and memories that stick with us long after graduation.