Mazen Hassan ’25 Named Summer 2025 Outstanding Islander Graduate for the College of Engineering and Computer Science

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – More than 14 hours of flight time — or about 7,200 miles — is how long it takes to get from Egypt to Corpus Christi, Texas. Mazen Hassan ’25 knows that journey all too well.

In August 2023, he touched down at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi with luggage, excitement, and the determination to make his dreams come true. Now, nearly two years later, he is ready for the next step in that journey — the graduation stage.

Hassan has been named the Summer 2025 Outstanding Islander Graduate for the College of Engineering and Computer Science. He will graduate with a Master of Science in Engineering with a concentration in Civil Engineering on Saturday, Aug. 9. He will be one of three students that are the first to graduate from the university’s Master of Science in Engineering program, which was established in 2023. While this moment comes with a lot of joy and a lot of sacrifice.     

“I had to leave my home country of Egypt — my wife, family, and lifelong friends — to pursue my education,” Hassan said. “The transition was emotionally and mentally demanding, especially while balancing full-time graduate studies, intensive research, and lab management responsibilities.”

Hassan chose to take that long voyage because he was intrigued by the work being done at the university’s Advanced Materials for Sustainable Infrastructure Laboratory, led by Dr. Nancy Soliman, Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering.

“I saw it as an opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research and gain hands-on experience in experimental work focused on advanced construction materials,” Hassan said. “Additionally, I’ve always been drawn to coastal cities, and Corpus Christi’s natural beauty and vibrant environment added to the appeal.”

Since childhood, Hassan has been fascinated by towering structures and iconic bridges, a passion that evolved into a deep interest in construction materials and technology.

“One of the most significant research projects I have participated in is my master’s thesis on developing an eco-friendly ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC),” Hassan said. “This work aims to reduce the environmental impact of conventional UHPC while maintaining superior mechanical performance.”    

Thanks to Hassan’s efforts, the project received funding from the National Science Foundation. He was also an active member in a multidisciplinary team that won $10,000 as a finalist in a national competition, designing an innovative circular cooling and water reuse system for underserved communities. He credits Soliman as a pivotal influence on his success.

“Mazen’s eagerness to learn, combined with a remarkable work ethic, made our interactions genuinely fulfilling,” Soliman said. “His curiosity and determination constantly inspired me. I have no doubt he will achieve remarkable success and positively impact those around him. I’m incredibly proud of him.”

Leadership, outreach, and a commitment to research have helped define Hassan’s time at the Island University. As a graduate research assistant, he contributed to TAMU-CC’s national profile by presenting his work at major conferences around the country. He also helped establish the TAMU-CC Student Chapter of the American Concrete Institute, creating new academic and networking opportunities for civil engineering students. All of this, while earning a perfect 4.0 GPA.

But perhaps Hassan’s biggest personal moment as Islander took place when he defended his master’s thesis.

“It was a powerful moment where I shared the culmination of two years of dedication, research, and hard work,” Hassan said. “What made it even more meaningful was having my family and my wife attend the defense virtually. They were with me throughout the journey, and their presence during that core milestone was deeply emotional.”

Now as Hassan’s journey continues, he has his eyes set on getting his Ph.D. He aspires to be a structural engineering professor who not only educates future engineers but also contributes to building safer, more resilient infrastructure.

“My experience at TAMU-CC has not only deepened my expertise in civil engineering but also prepared me to contribute meaningfully to global challenges in sustainable infrastructure,” Hassan said. “The university’s diverse and welcoming community also made it an ideal place for an international student like me to pursue both academic growth and cultural exchange.”