Ohio University awarded Presidential Medals and named fellowships to seven graduate students, including the Jordanian graduate student and research assistant, Yahya Al-Majali, who received a presidential medal for contributing to extensive analysis and research efforts.

The medal Majali received was for 'Excellent Analysis or Artistic Excellence Demonstrated,' specifically for his analysis and contributions to the Appalachian area and its people.

“Residing within the Appalachian area for the previous six years, I’ve realized the financial and environmental challenges the area faces," said Majali.

His expertise aimed to assist to create an environmentally friendly demand for coal in the Appalachian area while creating job alternatives, in light of the massive discount within the coal manufacturingindustry, and the closure of coal mines.

In statements, Majali described his honorable analysis, noting that it is “concentrated on creating sustainable composite supplies from mining waste supplies to yield constructing supplies with decreased embodied carbon."

He continued, "Preliminary life-cycle evaluation and techno-economic assessments of the expertise have proven our composite supplies to be extra environmentally pleasant while decreasing manufacturing power depth and emissions in comparison with commercially obtainable merchandise.”

Majali holds a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Mutah University, Jordan, and a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Ohio University. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in Mechanical and Programs Engineering from the Russ School of Engineering.