Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zohreh Hamnabard , NSTRI , Iran
Dr. Zohreh Hamnabard is a distinguished Iranian materials scientist specializing in ceramics, glass-ceramics, and nuclear materials. With over two decades of experience in both academic and industrial research, she has significantly contributed to the advancement of materials science in Iran. Currently, she serves as a faculty member at the Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute (NSTRI) and has played pivotal roles in research, teaching, and scientific development across the country.
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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Hamnabard began her academic journey with a B.Sc. in Materials Engineering (Ceramics) from Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST) in 1995. She went on to complete her M.Sc. and Ph.D. with a deep focus on glass-ceramic systems. Her graduate theses explored acid-resistant glass coatings and the mechanical properties of SiO₂–Al₂O₃–MgO-based glass-ceramics, showcasing her early commitment to applied research and material development.
💼 Professional Endeavors
Over the years, Dr. Hamnabard has held several key academic and industrial positions, including Lab Manager at Concrete Chemistry Co., Research Expert at both RIPI and Power Research Institute, and Director of the Ceramic Research Group at NSTRI. She has also served as a university lecturer at major institutions such as Tehran University, Imam Khomeini International University, and Azad University, fostering the next generation of material engineers and scientists.
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
Her core research has spanned glass-ceramics, nuclear waste immobilization, metal matrix composites, and glass sealants for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Noteworthy projects include the preparation of high-density SiC for fusion reactors, fluoromica machinable glass-ceramics, and hydrothermal synthesis of Li₂TiO₃ ceramics. Dr. Hamnabard has also contributed to architectural conservation through the production of tiles for heritage structures like the Soltanieh dome.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Dr. Hamnabard’s impact is deeply rooted in multidisciplinary collaboration, blending materials science with energy, biomedicine, and heritage preservation. Her work has contributed to national strategic initiatives, especially in the nuclear energy sector, and she has played an essential role in translating research into industrial applications. Her involvement in ICTP Trieste’s international programs on vitrification for nuclear waste highlights her global scientific engagement.
📚 Academic Citations and Publications
With over a dozen peer-reviewed publications, including in international journals such as Materials Research Express, Solid State Ionics, and the Journal of Nuclear Research and Applications, Dr. Hamnabard has established a credible academic footprint. She is a co-author of pioneering studies on AZ91-B₄C composites, glass-ceramic interfaces, and porous silica glasses for nuclear waste immobilization. She also holds two patents, demonstrating her innovative capabilities.
🧪 Research Skills
Dr. Hamnabard exhibits a comprehensive range of research competencies, including material synthesis, hydrothermal processing, microstructure analysis, crystallization behavior, and nuclear material characterization. She has hands-on experience with techniques such as 3D printing of ceramics, LIBS analysis, and thermal treatments, making her a highly versatile researcher.
👩🏫 Teaching Experience
With nearly two decades of teaching, Dr. Hamnabard has mentored numerous M.Sc. and Ph.D. students on topics such as bioactive glasses, glass-ceramic composites, and advanced ceramics. Her dedication to student development is evident through her supervision of research projects that address both fundamental science and industrial challenges.
🏅 Awards and Honors
While the profile does not list specific awards, Dr. Hamnabard’s appointments—such as Director of the Ceramic Research Group, Research Fellow at IROST, and reviewer for top scientific journals—reflect a high degree of peer recognition. Her participation in international scientific schools further underscores her academic credibility and global reputation.
🧬 Legacy and Future Contributions
Dr. Hamnabard’s legacy lies in her contribution to the advancement of nuclear materials and glass-ceramics research in Iran. Her focus on sustainable material design, strategic energy applications, and scientific mentorship positions her as a leader in applied materials science. Looking ahead, her work in nuclear waste management and next-generation glass-ceramics is poised to play a critical role in energy sustainability and environmental safety.
Top Publications
Preparation and Characterization of Nanoporous Silica Glasses for Nuclear Waste Immobilization
- Authors: Z. Hamnabard, M. R. Taghavi Nik, M. M. Mohebi, A. Yadollahi
Journal: Journal of Nuclear Research and Applications
Year: 2023
The Statistical Analysis of Tensile & Compression Properties of the As-Cast AZ91-X%B₄C Composites
- Authors: H. Mohammadi, M. Emamy, Z. Hamnabard
Journal: International Journal of Metalcasting
Year: 2020
The Microstructure, Mechanical and Wear Properties osilica glassesf AZ91 metal matrix composites-x%B₄C Metal Matrix Composites in As-Cast and Extruded Conditions
- Authors: H. Mohammadi, M. Emamy, Z. Hamnabard
Journal: Materials Research Express
Year: 2019
Sintering Behavior of Lithium Meta-Titanate Nanocrystallites
- Authors: A. R. Abbasian, M. R. Rahimipour, Z. Hamnabard
Journal: Iranian Journal of Materials Science and Engineering
Year: 2019 (Accepted March 1, 2019)
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Monoclinic Cubic Li₂TiO₃ Hybrid Nanocomposite Microspheres
- Authors: A. R. Abbasian, M. R. Rahimipour, Z. Hamnabard
Journal: International Journal of New Chemistry
Year: 2019