Abdulrhman M. Arishi Completes PhD with Successful Final Dissertation Defense

EARTH is proud to announce that Abdulrhman M. Arishi has successfully completed his doctoral dissertation defense, marking a significant milestone in his academic and research career.

Abdulrhman conducted his PhD research with the NSF‑funded Engineering Research Center for Environmentally Applied Refrigerant Technology Hub (EARTH), in collaboration with the Wonderful Institute for Sustainable Engineering. His work was advised by Dr. Mark B. Shiflett, who serves as Director of both centers, and focused on advancing innovative separation technologies for sustainable refrigerant systems.

His dissertation, “Azeotropic Refrigerant Mixtures: Separation using Ionic Liquid Entrainers,” addresses critical challenges in separating azeotropic refrigerant mixtures. The research explores the use of ionic liquid entrainers as an environmentally conscious and effective alternative to conventional separation methods, contributing valuable insight to the fields of separation science and refrigeration technology.

During the defense, Abdulrhman demonstrated strong technical expertise and a clear understanding of the broader impacts of his work. His research advances the mission of EARTH by supporting the development of energy‑efficient and environmentally responsible refrigerant solutions.

We are pleased to congratulate Dr. Arishi on this outstanding achievement and wish him continued success in his future academic and professional endeavors.

Environmentally Applied Refrigerant Technology Hub, EARTH

The Environmentally Applied Refrigerant Technology Hub (EARTH) led by the University of Kansas is a National Science Foundation–funded Engineering Research Center dedicated to advancing sustainable innovation in the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) industry. EARTH brings together a multidisciplinary network of academic institutions, industry partners, and cross-sector collaborators to develop a “sustainable refrigerant lifecycle” that addresses critical environmental and societal challenges. Its work focuses on reducing the atmospheric impact of current refrigerants, many of which have high GWP, by advancing safer, more efficient alternatives, improving recycling and reclamation processes, and designing next-generation cooling technologies. Through convergent research, workforce development, and industry collaboration, EARTH aims to enhance quality of life and position the United States as a leader in sustainable cooling technologies.

Wonderful Institute for Sustainable Engineering

The Wonderful Institute for Sustainable Engineering (WISE) at the University of Kansas is a multidisciplinary research institute focused on advancing global sustainability through engineering, science, and education. WISE brings together faculty, students, and industry partners to develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges related to energy, water, food, and climate. The institute emphasizes both research and education, aiming to equip students and researchers with the knowledge and skills needed to design sustainable technologies and processes. Through collaboration, hands-on programs, and applied research, WISE works to promote environmental, economic, and societal benefits while helping build a more sustainable future.