Israa Azzam, Ph.D.

I am an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). My teaching philosophy centers on creating an inclusive, learner-focused environment that emphasizes experiential learning, teamwork, and innovation. My goal is to integrate multiple teaching techniques and state-of-the-art methods to help students succeed. A major part of my approach is using advanced technologies such as Extended Reality (XR) in lectures and labs. I aim to bridge the gap between theory and practice, equipping students with essential STEM skills to thrive as innovators and future leaders. 

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I earned my Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Purdue University in 2025, where I specialized in digital technologies and control systems. My doctoral research focused on industrial teleoperations, XR technology, and engineering education, and has been recognized with multiple awards. 

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Before pursuing my Ph.D., I completed my B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at Beirut Arab University (2019) and my M.E. in Mechanical Engineering at the American University of Beirut (2021). My graduate work at AUB provided a strong theoretical foundation in control systems, which I expanded into applied research at Purdue, where I collaborated with industry partners on simulation-based and XR-integrated modules for engineering education.

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I have more than 20 peer-reviewed publications in national and international journals and conferences, and I actively engage in advancing engineering education by developing innovative instructional tools. ​​