Rate My Professor Ola Rashwan

Ola Rashwan is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the School of Science, Engineering, and Technology at Penn State Harrisburg. She earned her Ph.D. in Engineering Materials from the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada, with research centered on micro-surface texturing to enhance tribological properties. Prior to her academic career at Penn State, Rashwan held various engineering positions at IKEA and AGC Glass North America. Her professional journey reflects a commitment to advancing materials engineering through practical and research applications.

Rashwan's research specializes in optimizing micro and nano surface features to improve the performance of materials in contact, utilizing both numerical and experimental methodologies. Key applications encompass metal forming dies, MEMS devices, photovoltaic thin-film solar cells for enhanced light trapping, and additive manufacturing of biomaterials. Recent investigations include first-principles studies of lead-free trigonal CsGeI3-xBrx mixed-halide perovskites for optoelectronic applications, optical simulations of all-inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite quantum dot intermediate band solar cells, and the extrusion and characterization of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) filaments compounded with chain extenders and impact modifiers for material-extrusion additive manufacturing. Other notable works examine surface texture and thermo-mechanical properties of material-extruded and ironed polylactic acid. Rashwan has authored or co-authored 21 research outputs, including six journal articles and 13 conference contributions, contributing to sustainable energy goals such as UN SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. She is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers, and serves as an Affiliate Researcher at Penn State's Institute of Energy and the Environment. Rashwan received the Thomas Eberlein Excellence in Teaching Award in 2022 and a seed grant from Penn State Harrisburg's Office of Global Engagement for international research collaboration in 2026.