Teaching, Mentorship & Academic Leadership

Developing scientific talent, shaping academic programs, and advancing knowledge in materials science and interdisciplinary systems

University‑Level Teaching

Reims University, France — Master’s Course in Starch Biorefinery

Dr. Ayoub taught a graduate‑level course on starch biorefinery, covering:

  • Fundamental chemistry of starch

  • Structure–function relationships

  • Biorefinery pathways

  • Industrial applications

  • Sustainability and materials innovation

This course provided master’s students with a rigorous scientific foundation in carbohydrate chemistry and bioprocessing.

INSA de Lyon, France — Physical Chemistry for Chemical Engineers

At INSA de Lyon, one of France’s leading engineering schools, he taught physical chemistry to undergraduate chemical engineering students, integrating:

  • Thermodynamics

  • Polymer physics

  • Reaction engineering

  • Materials behavior

His instruction emphasized conceptual clarity and the connection between fundamental science and industrial practice.

Logo of the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, featuring a stylized golden emblem and the university's name in dark red and gold lettering.
Logo of INSA Lyon, the National Institute of Applied Sciences in Lyon, with large red letters 'INSA' followed by smaller gray text "Institut National des Sciences Appliquées Lyon" on a black background.

Industry‑Based Education & Workforce Development

Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)

Founder of the Carbohydrate Academy

At ADM, Dr. Ayoub created the Carbohydrate Academy, a comprehensive internal education program designed to elevate scientific literacy across the global carbohydrate platform.

The curriculum covered:

  • fundamentals of starch, fibers, and sweeteners

  • biorefinery concepts and industrial pathways

  • structure–function relationships

  • mechanisms of performance in food, materials, and industrial applications

  • translation of scientific data into business strategy

The audience ranged from laboratory technicians to senior business leaders, enabling cross‑functional teams to connect science, technology, and commercial decision‑making.

Green leaf icon above the word ADM in bold blue letters

Academic Leadership & Faculty Development

Adjunct Professor — Bridging Academia and Industry

As a Professor of Practice, Dr. Ayoub worked closely with tenure‑track faculty to:

  • Integrate industry‑relevant content into teaching

  • Align research programs with real‑world applications

  • Develop interdisciplinary curricula

  • Strengthen university–industry partnerships

His role helped faculty translate scientific discovery into practical impact.

Seal of the City of North Carolina, featuring a tower, trees, and clouds, with red text around the edge reading 'City of North Carolina, State University' and the founding date March 7, 1887.

Mentorship Across Academic and Industrial Contexts

Supervise Undergraduate, Graduate, Engineers and Professional Researchers

Dr. Ayoub has mentored dozens of students and early‑career scientists in:

  • Laboratory best practices

  • Chemical and process technologies

  • Experimental design

  • Data interpretation

  • Scientific writing

  • Professional development

His mentorship emphasizes scientific rigor, conceptual clarity, and industry relevance.

Business Leadership Training for Scientists

He developed a unique training approach that teaches engineers and researchers to:

  • Build business cases

  • Connect scientific data to market needs

  • Understand cost structures and value creation

  • Communicate science to non‑scientific stakeholders

This integration of science and strategy is a hallmark of his academic leadership.

Logo with a green stylized leaf and the text 'ADM' in bold navy blue letters.
Seal of the city of North Carolina, featuring a water tower, trees, and a building with a staircase, with text around it stating the city's name, motto, and founding date.
Logo of INSA Lyon, the National Institute of Applied Sciences in Lyon, with large red letters and smaller black and gray text.
Cornell University logo featuring a shield with two shields and an open book, surrounded by the text "Cornell University" and "Founded A.D. 1865" in red.

Scientific Community Leadership

Symposium Chair & Organizer — Global Chemical and Polymer Conferences

Dr. Ayoub has presided over and organized symposia at the world’s largest chemical and polymer conferences, leading sessions on:

  • Sustainable processing

  • Novel bio‑based materials

  • Agrifood and forestry‑derived innovations

  • The food–water–environment nexus

These symposia brought together researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to advance global sustainability agendas.

Seminar Series on Biorefinery & Bio‑Based Industrial Applications

He delivered a series of seminars on:

  • Biorefinery fundamentals

  • Bio‑based materials

  • Industrial biotechnology

  • Sustainable processing

  • Agrifood and forestry‑derived materials

These seminars strengthened scientific capability across ADM’s global workforce and supported strategic innovation initiatives.

A lecture hall with a large screen displaying a presentation. The hall has curved wooden seating and amply spaced row arrangements, with people seated and listening to a speaker at the front.

Editorial & Peer‑Review Leadership

He serves as:

  • A reviewer for multiple scientific journals

  • An editorial board member in fields related to biorefinery, materials science, and sustainable processing

This work supports the integrity and advancement of global scientific scholarship

A Global, Cross‑Sector Teaching Legacy

Across universities, corporations, laboratories, and scientific communities, Dr. Ayoub’s teaching and mentorship reflect:

  • A commitment to scientific excellence

  • A belief in interdisciplinary education

  • A focus on connecting science to societal needs

  • A dedication to developing the next generation of scientists and leaders

His academic leadership spans continents, disciplines, and institutional boundaries — forming a legacy of education, mentorship, and intellectual capacity‑building.