Dr. Razieh Morad | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award
Dr. Razieh Morad, University of South Africa, South Africa
Dr. Razieh Morad is a multidisciplinary researcher at the University of South Africa with over 10 years of experience in nanoscience and theoretical physics. Her expertise spans computational modeling, density functional theory (DFT), molecular dynamics (MD), and machine learning for materials design. She has conducted postdoctoral research across Africa, Turkey, and Iran, contributing to advances in energy, health, and optoelectronic applications. With a strong foundation in high-energy physics and the AdS/CFT correspondence, Dr. Morad bridges theoretical insights with practical innovations. She is also an active member of international collaborations and advocates for scientific outreach across the African continent.
AUTHOR PROFILE
👩🔬 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS:
Dr. Razieh Morad began her academic journey with a strong foundation in physics, earning her B.Sc. from the University of Isfahan in Iran (2002–2006). She then pursued her M.Sc. (2006–2008) and Ph.D. (2008–2013) in Physics from the University of Mazandaran, focusing on nuclear physics. Her master’s thesis investigated nuclear interactions using the Double Folding method, while her doctoral research was an advanced theoretical study on AdS/CFT correspondence—a highly specialized area in string theory and high-energy physics. Her consistent academic excellence was reflected in the “Excellent” classification she received for both degrees.
🧪 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS:
Dr. Morad has held several prestigious postdoctoral positions at prominent institutions across South Africa, Turkey, and Iran. Since 2022, she has been serving as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the UNESCO UNISA ITL/NRF Africa Chair in Nanosciences & Nanotechnology (U2ACN2) at the University of South Africa and iThemba LABS. Her prior roles include postdoctoral appointments at the University of Cape Town and as a Visiting Researcher at Boğaziçi University, Turkey. Her work has spanned from nanoscience and quantum physics to high-energy particle physics, showcasing a highly adaptable and multidisciplinary research profile.
🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON MATERIALS SCIENCE:
Dr. Morad is a multidisciplinary researcher with a unique blend of theoretical physics, computational modeling, and materials science expertise. Her key areas of research include:
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Multiscale Modeling: Hybrid quantum/classical modeling, embedding techniques
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Computational Materials Science: Mastery in DFT and MD simulations
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Scientific Computing & Machine Learning: Algorithm development and AI-driven materials discovery
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Theory-Experiment Integration: Bridging theory and application for real-world technologies
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High-Energy and Nuclear Physics: Contributions via the AdS/CFT correspondence for QCD processes
Her work targets a broad range of application domains such as energy, health, and optoelectronics, making her a vital contributor to interdisciplinary innovation.
🌐 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE:
Dr. Morad’s research is recognized for its international reach and collaborative nature. She has actively worked with global networks, particularly within UNESCO’s African initiatives (U2ACN2, NANOAFNET). Her integration of first-principles simulations with material discovery pipelines is shaping the next generation of nanotechnology solutions. Moreover, she plays a role in scientific outreach and leadership, empowering women and underrepresented groups in STEM across Africa and beyond.
📊 ACADEMIC CITES AND PUBLICATIONS:
Dr. Morad has authored numerous high-impact publications in areas such as density functional theory, quantum materials, and theoretical particle physics. Her work is well-cited and referenced in international journals, contributing to both fundamental theory and applied research. Her scholarly output reflects rigor, originality, and relevance in today’s cutting-edge scientific landscape.
🧭 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS:
As a female leader in nanoscience and computational physics, Dr. Morad’s legacy is marked by her dedication to academic excellence, collaboration, and mentorship. She is expected to lead new research frontiers in AI-integrated simulations, smart nanomaterials, and quantum-driven healthcare applications. Her future contributions will likely further the mission of science for sustainable development, particularly within emerging African research ecosystems.
✨CONCLUSION:
Dr. Razieh Morad stands out as a visionary scientist whose multidisciplinary expertise bridges theoretical physics and applied nanotechnology. Her commitment to advancing computational modeling and material simulations has significantly contributed to cutting-edge innovations in energy, health, and electronics. Through international collaboration and leadership in African scientific networks, she continues to inspire and empower the next generation of researchers. With a strong foundation in DFT, MD, and high-performance computing, Dr. Morad is well-positioned to drive future breakthroughs in science and technology. Her legacy is one of passion, precision, and purpose.
TOP NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS
First principle simulation of coated hydroxychloroquine on Ag, Au and Pt nanoparticles
Authors: R Morad, M Akbari, P Rezaee, A Koochaki, M Maaza, Z Jamshidi
Journal: Scientific Reports
Year: 2021
Bio-synthesised black α-Cr2O3 nanoparticles; experimental analysis and density function theory calculations
Authors: J Sackey, R Morad, AKH Bashir, L Kotsedi, C Kaonga, M Maaza
Journal: Journal of Alloys and Compounds
Year: 2021
Strong-coupling jet energy loss from AdS/CFT
Authors: R Morad, WA Horowitz
Journal: Journal of High Energy Physics
Year: 2014
Molecular dynamics and bio-synthesis of phoenix dactylifera mediated Mn3O4 nanoparticles: Electrochemical application
Authors: J Sackey, M Akbari, R Morad, AKH Bashir, NM Ndiaye, N Matinise, …
Journal: Journal of Alloys and Compounds
Year: 2021
First principle study of silver nanoparticle interactions with antimalarial drugs extracted from Artemisia annua plant
Authors: M Akbari, R Morad, M Maaza
Journal: Journal of Nanoparticle Research
Year: 2020
Theoretical study of chemical reactivity descriptors of some repurposed drugs for COVID-19
Authors: R Morad, M Akbari, M Maaza
Journal: MRS Advances
Year: 2023
On the remarkable nonlinear optical properties of natural tomato lycopene
Authors: N Numan, S Jeyaram, K Kaviyarasu, P Neethling, J Sackey, CL Kotsedi, …
Journal: Scientific Reports
Year: 2022
Towards room temperature thermochromic coatings with controllable NIR-IR modulation for solar heat management & smart windows applications
Authors: BS Khanyile, N Numan, A Simo, M Nkosi, CB Mtshali, Z Khumalo, …
Journal: Scientific Reports
Year: 2024
Jets in a strongly coupled anisotropic plasma
Authors: KB Fadafan, R Morad
Journal: The European Physical Journal C
Year: 2018
Binding energy of a holographic deuteron and tritium in anti-de-Sitter space/conformal field theory (AdS/CFT)
Authors: MR Pahlavani, J Sadeghi, R Morad
Journal: Physical Review C—Nuclear Physics
Year: 2010
Publication Top Notes