Khalil Moussi
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Ph.D., Electrical and Computer Engineering
With over 8 years of experience in academic research, corporate R&D, and innovation consulting, I operate at the intersection of biomedical device engineering and technology consulting. My core technical work is in miniaturized drug-delivery systems — microneedles, MEMS micropumps, and implantable/catheter-based devices. At KAUST, I'm currently working on two postdoctoral projects: a second-generation microneedle balloon catheter (a dual-channel conical design for circumferential endovascular drug delivery, building on my earlier single-channel version), and an ultra-flexible magneto-elastic diaphragm for low-power actuation applications. This work is protected under two patent families — first-named inventor on a granted US/WO microneedle balloon catheter patent, co-inventor on a separate granted US patent for a miniaturized drug-delivery system — and recognized with a Gold Medal and WIPO Prize at the 2024 Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions. I've authored 5 peer-reviewed journal papers (2 as cover articles) and 12 conference papers. On the applied side, I've also worked in innovation and digital-transformation consulting — for Orange Innovation Tunisia (Sofrecom Tunisia) and for Tunisian manufacturers through the Sfax Industry 4.0 Center.
Biography
Khalil Moussi holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), with a thesis on miniaturized drug-delivery systems. Most of his research since has focused on medical and biomedical devices — microneedles, MEMS-based micropumps, and implantable and catheter-based delivery systems. He is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow in KAUST's CEMSE Division, where his work includes a second-generation microneedle balloon catheter for circumferential endovascular drug delivery and an ultra-flexible magneto-elastic diaphragm for low-power actuation applications.
Khalil is a co-inventor on a granted US and WO patent for a microneedle balloon catheter. This work earned a Gold Medal and the WIPO Prize at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva (2024). Khalil is a co-inventor of a separate granted US patent for a miniaturized drug-delivery system. He has authored five peer-reviewed journal papers, two as cover articles, and twelve conference papers.
Beyond research, Khalil has worked in innovation and digital-transformation consulting, including roles at Orange Innovation Tunisia (Sofrecom) and the Sfax Industry 4.0 Center. He is fluent in Arabic, English, and French.
Expertise and Interests
Khalil's technical expertise spans the full development cycle of miniaturized medical devices: microneedle design and fabrication (transdermal, intradermal, and catheter-mounted), MEMS-based micropumps, and implantable and wearable drug-delivery systems, supported by hands-on skills in cleanroom microfabrication, 3D printing, and COMSOL/SolidWorks/MATLAB simulation. He also has practical experience translating early-stage device research into protected IP, having drafted and co-invented two granted patent families. Beyond the lab, his interests extend to digital transformation and Industry 4.0 consulting — helping manufacturers and organizations bridge emerging technology with practical implementation — and to mentoring early-career researchers and engineers, having supervised multiple graduate and undergraduate students through their thesis and research projects.
About
Selected Publications
K. Moussi, S. Ben Mbarek, S. Amara, and G. Setti, “Ultra-flexible magneto-elastic diaphragm for low-power actuation applications,” AIP Advances, February 2026. [Link]
A. Bukhamsin, K. Moussi, R. Tao, G. Lubineau, I. Blilou, K. N. Salama, and J. Kosel, “Robust, Long-term and Exceptionally Sensitive Microneedle-based Bioimpedance Sensor for Precision Farming,” Advanced Science, June 2021. [Link]
K. Moussi, A. A. Haneef, R. A. Alsiary, E. M. Diallo, M. A. Boone, H. Abu-Araki, O. O. Al-Radi, and J. Kosel, “A Microneedles Balloon Catheter for Endovascular Drug Delivery,” Advanced Materials Technologies, May 2021. [Link]
K. Moussi, A. Bukhamsin, T. Hidalgo, and J. Kosel, “Biocompatible 3D Printed Microneedles for Transdermal, Intradermal, and Percutaneous Applications,” Advanced Engineering Materials, November 2019. [Link]
K. Moussi and J. Kosel, “3-D Printed Biocompatible Micro-Bellows Membranes,” Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems, vol. 27, no. 3, pp. 472-478, June 2018. [Link]
Awards and Distinctions
2024 Gold Medal at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva (17-21 April 2024)
2024 PRIZE OF THE WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ORGANIZATION (WIPO) at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva (17-21 April 2024)
2021 1st Place at the Winter Enrichment Program (WEP)-Video Competition, KAUST
2020 Top Ten in the Emerging Talents Category, Falling Walls Lab Competition, Berlin, Germany
2020 1st Place Winner at the KAUST Falling Walls Lab Competition, Thuwal, KSA
2019 Finalist of Best Student Paper Award at the IEEE-NEMS Conference 2019
2013 Best Undergraduate Project Award, National Engineering School of Sfax (ENIS), Sfax, Tunisia
2013 Honor Student (B.S), National Engineering School of Sfax (ENIS), Sfax, Tunisia
Education Profile
- Ph.D. Electrical Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
- M.S. Robotics, National Engineering School of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia.
- B.S. Electromechanical Engineering, National Engineering School of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia.
Quote
Over time, tiny stones shaped giant mountains... I believe that the miniaturized drug delivery systems that we design and fabricate at KAUST will serve and contribute to the wellbeing of mankind!