Middle East Technical University | Turkey
Muhammad Usama Haroon is a graduate researcher in Sustainable Environment and Energy Systems at Middle East Technical University (METU), where he also serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Department of Chemistry. A rising voice in sustainable geotechnics, Haroon’s research explores the reuse of sewage sludge and industrial waste for the eco-friendly stabilization of soft soils. His work integrates environmental analysis, material science, and civil engineering to reduce cement dependency and promote circular construction practices. With a strong foundation in chemical engineering and hands-on teaching experience, Haroon contributes to both academic instruction and applied sustainability research in soil improvement, solid waste reuse, and environmental durability assessment.
Author Profile
Education
Muhammad Usama Haroon earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering Technology from the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore. He is currently pursuing his Master of Science in Sustainable Environment and Energy Systems at Middle East Technical University, Turkey. His master’s thesis, titled Eco-Friendly Stabilization of Soft Clays: Utilizing Sewage Sludge as a Sustainable Alternative to Cement, investigates the mechanical and microstructural behavior of clay composites treated with sewage sludge and sewage sludge ash. His academic background combines theoretical engineering principles with practical experience in laboratory testing and environmental applications.
Professional Experience
Haroon currently serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at METU, contributing to undergraduate education in General Chemistry and Physical Chemistry. He supports laboratory instruction, prepares recitation materials, supervises student projects, and offers one-on-one tutoring and academic guidance. Prior to joining METU, he taught Chemistry and Mathematics at The City School (DHA Campus) in Pakistan, where he conducted labs, designed course materials, and mentored students in secondary and higher secondary education. Earlier, as Academic Coordinator at Allied School, he led academic planning, coordinated assessments, implemented curricula, and managed faculty schedules—developing leadership skills in both academic operations and instructional design.
Awards and Recognition
Haroon received a full graduate scholarship from Middle East Technical University in recognition of his academic excellence and research potential. In 2024, he was awarded a certificate for presenting his paper Sustainable Water Utilization and Wastewater Reuse in Pakistan’s Dairy Industry: A Review at the NISE Conference in Kyrenia, Cyprus. His work in sustainability and environmental engineering has been recognized by academic peers and institutions across research and education platforms.
Research Skills
Haroon’s research focuses on the stabilization of soft soils using sustainable materials such as sewage sludge and silkworm cocoon fibers. His expertise spans experimental geotechnics, unconfined compressive strength (UCS) testing, freeze–thaw durability assessment, pozzolanic reactivity, and advanced material characterization techniques such as SEM and XRD. He is proficient in data analysis using Statgraphics and environmental simulation tools, and has demonstrated interdisciplinary knowledge in waste valorization, sustainable construction, and environmental resource management. His work emphasizes the development of low-carbon materials for infrastructure, aligned with the principles of circular economy and environmental resilience.
Publications
Haroon, M. U., Ekinci, A., & Balkis, A. P. (2025). Sustainable strength enhancement of cement-clay composites through partial replacement with sewage sludge and sewage sludge ash. Construction and Building Materials, 489.
Al-Subari, L., Haroon, M. U., & Ekinci, A. (2024). Utilizing silkworm cocoon fibres for improving strength of clay: An experimental study. In Innovative Geo-Environmental Engineering.
Conclusion
Muhammad Usama Haroon is a promising environmental engineer and researcher whose work reflects a deep commitment to sustainable development and green innovation in geotechnical engineering. His leadership in research, dedication to academic teaching, and contributions to low-carbon construction practices make him an ideal candidate for recognition in sustainability-focused academic and professional circles. With a strong interdisciplinary foundation and a forward-looking research agenda, Haroon continues to advance eco-efficient solutions that integrate environmental responsibility with engineering performance.