Dr./Prof. Mohamad Zineddin is a distinguished figure in the field of nuclear security and structural engineering, renowned for his expertise in designing, implementing, and managing comprehensive security programs. With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Zineddin has made significant contributions to both academia and industry, shaping the landscape of nuclear security and critical infrastructure protection.
In August 2023, Dr. Zineddin joined the Nuclear Security Sciences Directorate (NSSD) as a Distinguished R&D Staff member, bringing with him a wealth of experience garnered over 15 years at the forefront of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program. During his tenure at the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), Dr. Zineddin played a pivotal role in various capacities, including as the founding manager of the Nuclear Security Education and Training, and the Physical Protection Security departments at ENEC/Nawah.
At the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Dr. Zineddin spearheaded the establishment and supervision of numerous critical training programs, covering areas such as Physical Security, Personnel Security, Security Operations, Cyber Security, Information Security, and Emergency Preparedness. His dedication to fostering a culture of nuclear security excellence earned him the prestigious Barakah Nuclear Power Plant Excellence Award in 2019, recognizing his outstanding contributions in the Managerial Category.
Prior to his esteemed role at ENEC, Dr. Zineddin served as the Director of joint programs and a professor in practice at Khalifa University, UAE. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Institute for International and Civil Security and the department of Civil Infrastructures and Environmental Engineering, where he contributed to the development of pioneering educational programs in nuclear security and civil infrastructure engineering.
Dr. Zineddin’s academic journey began at the renowned Pennsylvania State University (Penn State), where he earned his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Civil/Structural Engineering. His academic pursuits were complemented by extensive R&D endeavors, including his tenure as a research associate professor at the Protective Technology Center, Penn State University, sponsored by the US Army Corps of Engineers-Engineering Research and Development Center (USACE-ERDC).
Before his relocation to the UAE, Dr. Zineddin held esteemed positions at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), where he served as a professor of structural engineering and director of R&D. His expertise in safety and security engineering, protective structures, and antiterrorism design made him a sought-after advisor for the Abu Dhabi government, where he played a pivotal role in enhancing security measures across various critical infrastructure projects.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Zineddin has been a driving force in advancing the fields of nuclear security and structural engineering, embodying a commitment to excellence, innovation, and the safeguarding of personnel and facilities against emerging threats.
