Hussain Madhaffar Al-Rizzo
Professor Building Through Real-Life Experience
In his seven years with UALR’s College of Information Science and Systems Engineering, Associate Professor Hussain Mudhaffar Al-Rizzo has worked to develop creative teaching methods in conjunction with his research on cutting-edge technology. By combining classroom debate and the development of problem-solving skills, he helps his students prepare for their own research or employment in their chosen field.
Dr. Al-Rizzo bases his teaching philosophy on the example set by earlier academic experiences. He found that he learned best when engineering was taught as part of a complete spectrum of information with real-world applications and results. When Dr. Al-Rizzo was allowed to be an independent learner, with both guidance and challenges from professors, he learned the most. It is this example that adds to his successful and dynamic work in the classroom.
In addition to his work in the classroom, Dr. Al-Rizzo incorporates students into his work with public and private entities. A group of students is currently working under his tutelage to help make the Little Rock Airport more efficient and customer friendly. Those students are performing research and design relevant to solving the problems of everyday air travelers while they are learning about the practical applications in their field.
“When we have the opportunity to work with students, we can gauge what they are learning in class and compare it to what is needed to work in the real world,” said Ron Mathieu, deputy executive director of the Little Rock Airport. “We can determine how their education is going to be useful to them and us, and we can help ensure that their time at UALR has a real-world bent to it.”
Dr. Al-Rizzo earned his bachelor’s degree in electronics and communications and his master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Mosul in Iraq. He was nominated by the University of New Brunswick, where he was awarded his doctorate, as the best doctoral candidate in science and engineering. He is a member of the International Council for Systems Engineering, the Materials Research Society and the International Microwave Power Institute.