Kamel Ghali

I am an accomplished academic and professional leader with over25 years of experience in mechanical engineering, specializing in energy conservation, air quality, and thermal comfort in buildings. My work focuses on optimizing building energy efficiency, developing sustainable air conditioning systems, and enhancing human well-being through innovative environmental control technologies. I am skilled in using advanced modeling, CFD simulations, and experimental research to drive breakthroughs in sustainable design. I have published over300 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, and I am recognized as one of the top2% scholars globally in the field of mechanical engineering. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a proven track record in both academia and industry, making significant contributions to advancements in energy efficiency and human comfort. With more than10 years of academic leadership experience, I have supervised and co-supervised numerous undergraduate and graduate students, guiding them toward post-doctoral fellowships abroad or faculty positions at top-tier universities. My mentorship has had a lasting impact on the careers of many of my students, both in academia and industry, helping them achieve their professional goals and contribute meaningfully to their fields.

• American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
• International Association for Energy Economics (IAEE)
• Lebanese Order of Engineers and Architects (OEA)

• Published200+ peer-reviewed journal articles on energy efficiency, ventilation, and sustainable building technologies, with a focus on enhancing indoor environments and thermal comfort; below is a sample from the last5 years:
• 1. O. Allahham, K. Ghali, N. Ghaddar. Novel energy efficient integration of chimney ventilation, liquid desiccant dehumidification, and evaporative cooling for humid climates. Energy Conversion and Management: X,2024,24,100755. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecmx.2024.100755.
• 2. H.M. Badawe, J.P. Harrouz, P. Raad, K. Abu, A. Freije, K. Ghali, W. Abou-Kheir, M.L. Khraiche. Experimental and Computational Analysis of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Thermal Ablation in Breast Cancer Cells: Monolayers vs. Spheroids. Cancers,2024,16,1274. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16071274
• 3. J. Karam, K. Ghali, N. Ghaddar. Resilience of Personalized Ventilation in Maintaining Acceptable Breathable Air Quality When Combined with Mixing Ventilation Subject to External Shocks. Buildings,2024,14,654. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030654
• 4. M. Chen, J. Younes, A.V. Farahani, S. Kilpeläinen, R. Kosonen, N. Ghaddar, K. Ghali, A.K. Melikov. Evaluating thermal response when elderly people using local cooling devices: Correlation among overall and local thermal sensation with skin temperature. Building and Environment,2024,251,111217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2024.111217.
• 5. I.J. Al-Rikabi, J. Karam, H. Alsaad, K. Ghali, N. Ghaddar, C. Voelker. The impact of mechanical and natural ventilation modes on the spread of indoor airborne contaminants: A review. Journal of Building Engineering,2024,85,108715. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2024.108715.
• 6. S. Sleiman, J.P. Harrouz, K. Ghali, N. Ghaddar. Direct solar regenerated desiccant dehumidification system for sustainable ventilation in hot and humid climate. Energy Conversion and Management,2024,301,118039. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2023.118039.
• 7. J. Younes, M. Chen, K. Ghali, R. Kosonen, A.K. Melikov, S. Kilpeläinen, N. Ghaddar. A novel personal comfort system for older adults in hot conditions: Design, modelling, and performance. Building and Environment,2024,248,111082. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2023.111082.
• 8. S T Sleem, D. A. Salam, , N. Ghaddar, K. Ghali, G. Chehab, N. Daghir, Y. Doughan, N. Haddad. Solar-assisted poultry production in small-scale farms: a case study in the Bekaa semi-arid region, Lebanon. Energy, Sustainability and Society,2024,14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13705-023-00437-w
• 9. T. El Bobo, K. Ghali, J.P. Harrouz, N. Ghaddar. Solar-regenerated desiccant belt for direct indoor humidity pumping through active building façade. Energy and Buildings,2023,299,113643. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2023.113643.
• 10. J.P. Harrouz, J. Karam, K. Ghali, N. Ghaddar. Personalized ventilation with embedded air treatment system for simultaneous cooling and sorption-based carbon and humidity capture. Energy Conversion and Management,2023,291,117290. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2023.117290
• 11. M. H. Hashem, M Wehbe, P. Damacet, R. El Habbal, N. Ghaddar, K. Ghali, M. N. Ahmad, P. Karam, M. Hmadeh. Electrospun Metal–Organic Framework-Fabric Nanocomposites as Efficient Bactericides. Langmuir,2023,39,9503–9513. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c01039
• 12. J.P. Harrouz, K. Ghali, K. Keniar, N. Ghaddar. Numerical and experimental investigation of thermosyphon-driven liquid desiccant loop performance for sustainable indoor humidity removal. Applied Energy,2023,343,121215. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2023.121215
• 13. J. Younes, M. Chen, K. Ghali, R. Kosonen, A.K. Melikov, A.V. Farahani, S. Kilpeläinen, N. Ghaddar. Enhancing sustainability and resilience of elderly dwellings: optimized refurbishing parameters and air conditioning operation. Energy and Buildings,2023,289,113065. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2023.113065
• 14. M. Chen, A.V. Farahani, S. Kilpeläinen, R. Kosonen, A.K. Melikov, N. Ghaddar, J. Younes, K. Ghali. Thermal comfort chamber study of Nordic elderly people with local cooling devices in warm conditions. Building and Environment,2023,235,110213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2023.110213
• 15. J. Karam, K. Ghali, N. Ghaddar. Pulsating jet ventilation add-ons performance for reducing the contaminant spread in classrooms: Portable air cleaners vs. upper room UVGI. Building and Environment,2023,229,109946. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109946
• 16. J. Younes, M. Chen, K. Ghali, R. Kosonen, A.K. Melikov, N. Ghaddar. A thermal sensation model for elderly under steady and transient uniform conditions. Building and Environment,2023,227,109797. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109797.
• 17. J. Karam, E. Katramiz, K. Ghali, N. Ghaddar. Downward piston ventilation assisted with a localized - Chair exhaust for mitigation of pathogen transport in educational spaces. Journal of Building Engineering,2022,58,105066. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2022.105066
• 18. J.P. Harrouz, E. Katramiz, K. Ghali, M. Hmadeh, R. Slim, N. Ghaddar. Design and control of MOFs-based indoor humidity pump integrated into the building’s ventilated façade in hot and humid climates. Energy Conversion and Management,2022,268,115983. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2022.115983
• 19. J. Karam, E. Katramiz, K. Ghali, N. Ghaddar. Effective mitigation of cross-contamination in classroom conditioned by intermittent air jet cooling with use of portable air cleaners. Building and Environment,2022,219,109220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109220
• 20. J. Younes, K. Ghali, N. Ghaddar. Diurnal Selective Radiative Cooling Impact in Mitigating Urban Heat Island Effect. Sustainable Cities and Society,2022,83,103932. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2022.103932.
• 21. J.P. Harrouz, E. Katramiz, K. Ghali, D. Ouahrani, N. Ghaddar. Life cycle assessment of desiccant – Dew point evaporative cooling systems with water reclamation for poultry houses in hot and humid climate. Applied Thermal Engineering,2022,210,118419. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2022.118419.
• 22. W. M. Chakroun, S. Alotaibi, J. Karam, E. Katramiz, K. Ghali, N. Ghaddar. Ventilation Increase Using Radiative Cooling and Phase Change Material at No Additional Energy Cost in High Ambient Temperature Countries. Science and Technology for the Built Environment,2022,28 (7),807–822. https://doi.org/10.1080/23744731.2022.2045134
• 23. N. Ghaddar and K. Ghali. Ten questions concerning the paradox of minimizing airborne transmission of infectious aerosols in densely-occupied spaces via sustainable ventilation and other strategies in hot and humid climates. Building and Environment,2022,214,108901. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.108901
• 24. E. Katramiz, N. Ghaddar, K. Ghali. Novel personalized chair-ventilation design with displacement ventilation for cross-contamination mitigation in classrooms. Building and Environment,2022,213,108885. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.108885.
• 25. J.P. Harrouz, K. Ghali, M. Hmadeh, N. Ghaddar, S. Ghani. Feasibility of MOF-based carbon capture from indoor spaces as air revitalization system. Energy and Buildings,2022,255,111666. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2021.111666
• 26. C. Moussalem, F. Mneimneh, R. Sarieddine, S. Bsat, M. El-Housheimy, G. Minassian, N. Ghaddar, K. Ghali, I. Omeis. Effect of Phase Change Material Cooling Vests on Body Thermoregulation and Thermal Comfort of Patients with Paraplegia: A Human Subject Experimental Study. Global Spine Journal,2021,21925682211049167. https://doi.org/10.1177/21925682211049167
• 27. F. Mneimneh, , N. Ghaddar, K. Ghali, M. Itani. The effectiveness of evaporative cooling vest with ventilation fans on the thermal state of persons with paraplegia during excercise. Building and Environment,2021,206,108356. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2021.108356
• 28. J.P Harrouz M. Orabi, D. Al Assaad, K. Ghali, D. Ouahrani, N. Ghaddar. Modeling and optimization of poultry house passive cooling strategies in semiarid climates. International Journal of Energy Research,2021,45 (15),20795-20811. https://doi.org/10.1002/er.7139.
• 29. J.P. Harrouz, E. Katramiz, K. Ghali, D. Ouahrani, N. Ghaddar. Comparative analysis of sustainable desiccant – evaporative based ventilation systems for a typical Qatar poultry house. Energy Conversion and Management,2021,245,114556. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2021.114556
• 30. E. Katramiz, N. Ghaddar, K. Ghali, D. Al Assaad, S. A. Ghani. Effect of individually controlled personalized ventilation on cross contamination due to respiratory activities. Building and Environment,2021,194,107719. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2021.107719
• 31. J.P. Harrouz, K. Ghali, N. Ghaddar. Integrated solar - windcatcher with dew-point indirect evaporative cooler for classrooms. Applied Thermal Engineering,2021,188,116654. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2021.116654
• 32. D. Al Assaad, K. Ghali, N. Ghaddar, E. Katramiz, S. A. Ghani. Evaluation of different personalized ventilation air terminal devices: Inhalation vs. clothing-mediated exposures. Building and Environment,2021,192,107637. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2021.107637.
• 33. D. Al Assaad, M. Orabi, N. Ghaddar, K. Ghali, D. Salam, D. Ouahrani, M. Farran, R. R. Habib. A sustainable localised air distribution system for enhancing thermal environment and indoor air quality of poultry house for semiarid region. Journal of Biosystems Engineering,2021,203 (3),70-92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2021.01.002
• 34. M. El Loubani, N. Ghaddar, K. Ghali, M. Itani. Hybrid cooling system integrating PCM-desiccant dehumidification and personal evaporative cooling for hot and humid climates. Journal of Building Engineering,2021,33,101580. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2020.101580.
• 35. D. Ghaddar, M. Itani, N. Ghaddar, K. Ghali, J. Zeaiter. Model-based adaptive controller for personalized ventilation and thermal comfort in naturally ventilated spaces. Building Simulation,2021,14(6),1757-1771. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12273-021-0783-x
• 36. M. Itani, D. Ghaddar, N. Ghaddar, K. Ghali. Model-based multivariable regression model for thermal comfort in naturally ventilated spaces with personalized ventilation. Journal of Building performance Simulation,2021,14(1),78-93. https://doi.org/10.1080/19401493.2020.1850865
• 37. E. Katramiz, H. Al Jebaei, S. Al-Otaibi, W. Chakroun, N. Ghaddar, K. Ghali. Sustainable cooling system for Kuwait hot climate combining diurnal radiative cooling and indirect evaporative cooling system. Energy,2020,113,119045. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2020.119045
• 38. N. Bleibel, N. Ismail, N. Ghaddar, K. Ghali. Solar-assisted desiccant dehumidification system to improve performance of evaporatively cooled window in hot-humid climate. Applied Thermal Engineering,2020,179,115726. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2020.115726
• 39. M. Itani, N. Ghaddar, K. Ghali, A. Laouadi. Development of heat stress charts for older people under indoor environmental conditions. Energy and Buildings,2020,224,110274. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2020.110274
• 40. S. Khalil, K. Ghali, N. Ghaddar, M. Itani. Hybrid mixed ventilation system aided with personalized ventilation to attain comfort and save energy. International Journal of Sustainable Energy,2020,39 (10),964-981. https://doi.org/10.1080/14786451.2020.1781853
• 41. F. Mneimneh, C. Moussalem, N. Ghaddar, K. Ghali, I. Omeis. Experimental study on the effectiveness of the PCM cooling vest in persons with paraplegia of varying levels. Journal of Thermal Biology,2020,91,102634. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtherbio.2020.102634
• 42. D Al Assaad, K. Ghali, N. Ghaddar, E. Shammas. Modeling of indoor particulate matter deposition to occupant typical wrinkled shirt surface. Building and Environment,2020,179,106965. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2020.106965.
• 43. L. Zaidouny, M. Abou Daher, A. Tehrani, K. Ghali, N. Ghaddar. Electrospun Nanofibrous Polyvinylidene Fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene Membranes for Oil-Water Separation. Journal of Applied Polymer Science,2020,137(34),49394. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.49394
• 44. E. Katramiz, D. Al Assaad, K. Ghali, N. Ghaddar. The effect of human breathing on the effectiveness of intermittent personalized ventilation coupled with mixing ventilation. Building and Environment,2020,174,106755. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2020.106755
• 45. M. Itani, N. Ghaddar, K. Ghali, A. Laouadi. Bioheat modeling of elderly and young for prediction of physiological and thermal responses in heat-stressful conditions. Journal of Thermal Biology,2020,88,102533. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtherbio.2020.102533
• 46. R. Mustapha, A. Zoughaib, N. Ghaddar, K. Ghali. Modified upright cup method for testing water vapor permeability in porous membranes. Energy,2020,195,117057. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2020.117057.
• 47. I. Jaffal, C, Inard, N. Ghaddar, K. Ghali. A metamodel for long-term thermal comfort in non-air-conditioned buildings. Architectural Engineering and Design Management,2020,16 (6),441-472. https://doi.org/10.1080/17452007.2020.1719813.
• 48. D. Al Assaad, K. Ghali, N. Ghaddar, C. Habchi. Coupled CFD and particle resuspension models under combined effect of mechanical and aerodynamic disturbances. Building and Environment,2020,169,106567. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2019.106567.
• 49. E. Katramiz, N. Ghaddar, K. Ghali. Daytime radiative cooling: To what extent it enhances office cooling system performance in comparison to night cooling in semi-arid climate? Journal of Building Engineering,2020,28,101020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2019.101020.
• 50. M. Younis, C. Habchi, M. N. Ahmad, K. Ghali. Optimization of the performance of a solar still assisted by a rotating drum with a rough surface. Solar Energy,2020,211,847-865. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2020.09.088.
• Authored6 refereed book chapters on thermal science, moisture transfer, and ventilation in textiles, focusing on innovative designs for improved comfort and energy efficiency in clothing and fabric systems
• Presented150+ papers at international conferences, focusing on innovative ventilation, energy efficiency, and sustainable building technologies to improve indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and environmental impact. Below is a sample of conference proceedings from the last few years:
• 1. J. Younes, K. Ghali
• N. Ghaddar. Incorporating Novel Desiccant Dehumidification Technologies into Conventional Air Conditioning Systems: Effects on Urban Microclimate and Energy Consumption. Accepted for Presentation and to appear in Proceedings of the Healthy Buildings2023 Europe Conference, Aachen, Germany, June11-14,2023.
• 2. J. Karam, K. Ghali
• N. Ghaddar. Effectiveness of a novel hybrid ventilation system in enhancing the air quality in highly occupied spaces. Accepted for Presentation and to appear in Proceedings of the Healthy Buildings2023 Europe Conference, Aachen, Germany, June11-14,2023.
• 3. J.P. Harrouz, K. Ghali
• N. Ghaddar. Optimal placement of heat exchangers in a carbon capture-based ventilation system. Accepted for presentation and proceedings the21st International Conference on Renewable Energy and Power Quality (ICREPQ'23, Madrid (Spain) from24 to26 of May,2023
• 4. J.P. Harrouz, K. Ghali
• N. Ghaddar. Use of building façade for active indoor humidity control. Accepted for presentation and proceedings in the21st International Conference on Renewable Energy and Power Quality (ICREPQ'23, Madrid (Spain) from24 to26 of May,2023.
• 5. Nesreen Ghaddar, Kamel Ghali
• Jean Paul Harrouz and Elvire Katramiz. Novel concept for developing portable personalized ventilator with embedded air treatment system to disinfect, dehumidify, cool, and capture carbon at low energy cost (A). Proceedings of the Applied Energy Symposium: MIT A+B. Paper No.: APEN-MIT-2022_5366, July5-8,2022, Cambridge, MA, USA. (Presented at the Conference)
• 6. Kamel Ghali
• Nesreen Ghaddar, Jean Paul Harrouz and Elvire Katramiz. Novel concept of hybrid solid-liquid desiccant-based system for sustainable indoor humidity pumping (A). Proceedings of the Applied Energy Symposium: MIT A+B. Paper No. APEN-MIT-2022_3701, July5-8,2022. Cambridge, MA, USA. (Presented at the conference)
• 7. J. Karam, K. Ghali
• N. Ghaddar. Numerical Study of the Efficiency of Intermittent Air Supply System in Providing Thermal Comfort in a Classroom with Low Energy Cost. Paper No.1113. Fifth International ASHRAE Beirut2022. Conference on Efficient Building Design, Beirut, Lebanon, October21-22,2022.
• 8. J.P. Harrouz, K. Ghali
• N. Ghaddar. Simultaneous cooling and fresh water production for classrooms in hot and humid climate. Paper No.1112. Fifth International ASHRAE Beirut2022. Conference on Efficient Building Design, Beirut, Lebanon, October21-22,2022.
• 9. Katramiz, E. Ghali, K
• . Ghaddar, N. Investigating the Effect of Individual Control of Personalized Ventilation Temperature On Cross-Contamination In An Office Space. Paper No.1111. Fifth International ASHRAE Beirut2022. Conference on Efficient Building Design, Beirut, Lebanon, October21-22,2022.
• 10. J.P. Harrouz, K. Ghali
• N. Ghaddar, M. Hmadeh. Carbon capture from indoor air as an alternative air treatment technique. CLIMA2022, Proceedings of the14th REHVA HVAC World Congress,15th –18th, May2022 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. (Accepted for presentation)

• Research
• Secured over $2.36 million in research funding from prestigious institutions such as the Qatar National Research Fund, European Union, and AUB University Research Board. These funds have supported innovative projects focused on sustainable cooling, indoor air quality, and energy-efficient systems. The grants span interdisciplinary collaborations and address pressing environmental and public health challenges, including improving classroom air quality, developing hybrid cooling technologies, and enhancing sustainability in agricultural environments. Key grants secured from include:
• €870,000 (2023-2024): Open educational platform to accelerate market adoption of sustainable energy research outcomes around the Mediterranean (SERMED) with eight partners (AUB share: €140,000). PI: Kamel Ghali, Co-PI: Nesreen Ghaddar.
• $577,920 (2020-2023): Sustainable air quality improvement in poultry houses in Qatar’s hot, humid climate (AUB share: $178,000), funded by the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF).
• $64,800 (2016-2019): Sustainable air conditioning using a desiccant membrane system, funded by the Lebanese National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS).
• €566,000 (2016-2019): Solar cooling and desiccant membrane system for indoor humidity control (AUB share: €60,000), funded by the ERANETMED_ENERG-11-138 European Union initiative.
• $776,000 (2015-2018): Body cooling methods for improving endurance in hot environments at minimal energy (AUB share: $179,000), funded by Qatar University.
• $150,000 (2014-2015): Assessment of hybrid solar technologies for air conditioning in the Sustainable City of Dubai (AUB subcontract: $15,000), funded by Regents of the University of California – Davis / Diamond Developers.

• Secured and managed over €1.7 million in educational grants for advanced renewable energy and green technology programs, with AUB receiving a total of €585,000 across multiple EU-funded TEMPUS initiatives:
• €113,000 for High-Level Renewable and Energy Efficiency Master Courses (2017-2020)
• €183,000 for Professional Development Diploma in Green Technologies (Pro-Green) (2012-2015)
• €289,000 for Innovative Curriculum on Sustainable Energy (2007-2010)

• Undergraduate Courses: Dynamics, Thermodynamics I, Heat Transfer, Thermodynamics II, Design of Thermal Systems, Internal Combustion Engines, Air Conditioning, Building Services
• Graduate Courses: Moisture and Control of Humidity Inside Buildings, Solar Energy, Heat Pumps