Layali Abusaleh

Layali Abusaleh is a chemical engineering student entering her junior year at Lamar University whose academic excellence, research accomplishments, and leadership have positioned her as an emerging professional in the energy, environmental, and manufacturing sectors. A member of the Reaud Honors College, she is launching her career in oil and gas waste management and environmental engineering through hands-on industry experience. Raised in Southeast Texas, a region with a strong concentration of energy and petrochemical operations, she developed an early interest in the industry that inspired her to pursue internships, research opportunities, and cooperative education experiences. She recently completed an Engineering Internship with Arcwood Environmental, gaining practical experience in environmental and waste management operations, and will continue her professional development as a Manufacturing Engineering Co-op with ExxonMobil's Beaumont facility.

Alongside her industry experience, Abusaleh has cultivated an impressive portfolio in engineering research, education, and student leadership. As an Undergraduate Research Grant Awardee and Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow at Lamar University, she conducted molecular petroleum analysis using Molecular Rotational Resonance (MRR) spectroscopy to investigate thermally energized petroleum mixtures, contributing to research focused on fuel quality, reaction dynamics, and environmental sustainability. She has also served as a Chemistry II Laboratory Teaching Assistant, Mathematics Tutor, Admissions Employee, and Engineering Ambassador, where she has strengthened her technical expertise while mentoring students, supporting faculty, and representing the College of Engineering in recruitment and outreach initiatives. Her leadership extends to serving as Vice President of the Lamar Undergraduate Research Association and holding officer positions with the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Muslim Student Association.

As the first member of her family to navigate corporate America, Abusaleh credits her success to ambition, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth. She independently learned to navigate higher education, career development, and the corporate environment, experiences that strengthened her confidence and determination. Deeply influenced by her Arab heritage, she embraces the belief that each generation should elevate its family's legacy and create greater opportunities for those who follow. Guided by that philosophy, she is committed to advancing environmentally responsible engineering practices, contributing to the energy industry's continued innovation, and creating a lasting positive impact on both her community and the environment.