Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Aziza Atbir’s academic journey began in Morocco, where she showed an early aptitude for the sciences. She completed her secondary education at Tarik Ben Zayad high school in Azrou, earning a diploma in Experimental Sciences with a focus on Physical Sciences. This achievement was marked by high honors, paving the way for her entry into higher education. In 2013, she pursued a General University Degree in Chemistry Sciences from Moulay Smail University, followed by a Fundamental Undergraduate Degree in Chemistry Sciences at Mohamed I University in Nador in 2014. Continuing her upward trajectory, Aziza completed a Master’s degree in Materials Sciences at Ibn Tofail University, Kénitra, in 2017, where she graduated with honors. This extensive academic preparation laid a strong foundation for her future research pursuits. Currently, Aziza is completing her PhD at Mohammadia School of Engineering, focusing on Civil Engineering and Building Materials, at Mohammed V University, Rabat.

Professional Endeavors and Research Focus 🧪

Aziza’s professional experience reflects her dedication to the development of sustainable and innovative materials. Her work centers on bio-sourced materials for thermal insulation and energy efficiency in buildings, making her an important player in the fight against climate change. Her current research is focused on using sheep wool, a locally available and renewable material, as a bio-based composite for energy-efficient insulation. She has worked on optimizing the thermomechanical properties of these materials through innovative approaches such as multi-layer biomaterial designs that combine wool and clay, ensuring both thermal insulation and mechanical strength.

Her work is notable not just for its scientific merit but also for its strong environmental focus. Aziza’s research aligns with circular economy principles, as she emphasizes the importance of using locally sourced, sustainable materials to reduce the carbon footprint of the building industry. Her research projects have also explored natural anti-parasitic treatments for sheep wool, aiming to make this material more durable and resistant to moth damage, further enhancing its sustainability.

Contributions and Research Achievements 📚

Aziza has made significant contributions to the field of civil engineering and materials science through both her published works and her participation in national and international scientific events. Her research has resulted in over 10 articles published in indexed journals, including high-impact titles such as Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews and Scientific Reports. Her studies have ranged from the optimization of lightweight composite bricks incorporating clay, wool, and cork, to investigating the thermophysical properties of sheep wool in building insulation.

In addition to her published research, Aziza has engaged deeply with the academic community. She has served as a reviewer for multiple Scopus-indexed journals and participated in more than 322 hours of national scientific events, workshops, and conferences. These engagements not only reflect her commitment to advancing knowledge in her field but also demonstrate her role as a thought leader in sustainable material development.

Accolades and Recognition 🏅

Throughout her academic and professional journey, Aziza has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to both science and the broader community. As a student, she graduated with honors at multiple stages of her education, consistently demonstrating her academic excellence. In 2023, she was awarded the opportunity to conduct a prestigious research internship with the bioactive molecules and environment team at the Faculty of Science in Meknes, Morocco. Additionally, her research on sheep wool and energy efficiency has been published in reputable journals, garnering her recognition in the scientific community.

Aziza’s work is particularly notable for its practical applications, with her research findings contributing directly to the development of eco-friendly building materials. Her involvement in various research projects has positioned her as an emerging leader in sustainable construction, and she is a strong candidate for the Women Researcher Award, a testament to her groundbreaking work and dedication to environmental sustainability.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Aziza’s research is contributing to both the academic world and society at large by addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time—climate change and energy efficiency. Her innovations in bio-sourced building materials represent an essential step towards reducing the environmental impact of the construction industry, which is one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions. By focusing on renewable resources like sheep wool, Aziza’s work supports the transition to a circular economy, where materials are reused, and waste is minimized.

Moreover, Aziza’s focus on the thermomechanical properties of these bio-based materials ensures that they are not only environmentally friendly but also functional and effective. Her work bridges the gap between sustainability and practicality, ensuring that her innovations can be readily adopted by the construction industry. Through her research, Aziza has become an influential figure in the field of sustainable building materials, inspiring others to pursue similar paths in environmental engineering and material sciences.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🏛️

As she approaches the completion of her PhD, Aziza Atbir’s future is bright. Her work on bio-sourced materials has the potential to revolutionize the building industry, offering a sustainable solution to both thermal insulation and energy efficiency. She is actively seeking post-doctoral opportunities to continue her research and further explore the potential of bio-based composites in construction.

Looking ahead, Aziza’s work is likely to have a lasting impact not only in academia but also in the practical realm of sustainable development. Her contributions to the field will serve as a model for future researchers, and her commitment to using science to solve global challenges ensures that her legacy will continue to grow.

As a researcher, Aziza embodies the qualities of innovation, dedication, and leadership. She has already achieved significant milestones in her career, and her future endeavors will undoubtedly contribute to a more sustainable and energy-efficient world.