Meet Mostafa Yakout, assistant professor, Mechanical Engineering

Mostafa Yakout, assistant professor, Mechanical Engineering

Meet Mostafa Yakout, assistant professor, Mechanical Engineering 

Fascinated by the complexities of advanced manufacturing and design, Mostafa uses his commanding voice “for good” — inspiring his students to develop and find creative solutions that will lead Canadian industry towards a low-carbon future. 

Welcome Mostafa!

Tell us about your research

My research focuses on 3-D printing of metals and ceramics. I explore 3-D printing of high-performance alloys to produce intricate structures for several applications in the automotive, aerospace, and biomedical industries. This new technology can be used to produce interesting parts, such as energy storage units, solid-state batteries, high-performance heat exchangers, jet engines, hip implants, etc. 

What inspired you to enter this field?

Mechanical engineering is about creating machines and mechanical devices, and to do so, we need to develop advanced manufacturing technologies. One of the most inspiring things about manufacturing is that we can see the real-life applications of parts and structures we design and manufacture. I am always keen to understand how complex products are made, and my research indulges my curiosity quite nicely.   

Tell us about your teaching

I was born with strong vocals, and I decided to use this power for good … I guarantee nobody can fall asleep in my class!

I teach design and manufacturing courses. One of the most rewarding moments of my life is when I see my students succeed, developing creative solutions for industry. Manufacturing classes are very interesting to me because together, we learn about the latest technologies that can lead our Canadian industry towards a low-carbon future. 

What are your impressions of Edmonton/the University of Alberta so far?

I love the trails in Edmonton, and I enjoy the dry weather here. My first visit to U of A made me feel strongly that this is the community I would like to grow with. Everybody in the department has been very welcoming and helpful, and I look forward to working with my new colleagues. 

What are your hobbies, or things you like to do outside of work?

There was a time when I used to enjoy running and reading books. With a newborn son in the house, I have no option but to entertain him. Besides, coming from Ontario, my wife jokes about how much training I need to be able to run when it is -45°C outside … I guess we will know soon!