My Story
As a first-generation school-going child growing up on a farm, I always looked up to the handful of educated people in our society on whom our small rural community relied – whether it was for medical emergencies, advice on agricultural practices, or planning the sewage system. My desire, therefore, was to get educated and become one of those people who could help their fellow beings through knowledge.
I went on to earn a Master’s degree in Physics from the University of Peshawar and later completed a PhD in Electroceramics at the University of Sheffield. Soon after, I joined the Department of Physics at Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan. During my tenure there, I thoroughly enjoyed teaching Physics at both undergraduate and graduate levels. I established a Functional Materials Laboratory and supervised the research of many postgraduate students.
Relevant Skills
Experienced Technical Project Manager with strong leadership skills, adept at multidisciplinary R&D, building relationships, and driving innovation in technology-focused projects.
A Bit About Me
Teaching Experience
I am an experienced academic with over a decade of teaching experience from working at various universities and colleges, including the University of Sheffield, Sheffield International College, and Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan (ranked first in Pakistan by Times Higher Education in 2021).
At the University of Sheffield, I worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Materials Science and Engineering Department. In this role, I collaborated closely with faculty members to facilitate laboratory sessions, provide guidance to students, and ensure a safe and productive learning environment. Additionally, I taught foundational courses in Mathematics and Applied Physics to students at Sheffield International College, where I developed my skills in conveying knowledge to a diverse group of students from around the world.
My key experience, however, is my tenure as an Assistant Professor at Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, where I taught for more than six years. I had the opportunity to teach both undergraduate and graduate students, covering courses such as Mathematics, Electromagnetic Theory, Waves and Oscillations, Thermodynamics, Mechanics, Introduction to Material Science, Microscopy, Dielectric Physics, and Introduction to Piezoelectricity. For all these courses, I developed my own lecture materials and delivered them to the students.
During my tenure, I also adapted to remote teaching for almost one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, gaining valuable experience in online learning and teaching. Additionally, I worked as a Lecturer in Physics for two years prior to my PhD, where I taught A-Level Physics and conducted laboratory sessions.
Research Experience
My recent role at the University of Sheffield predominantly involved research on an industrial project. I am an expert in processing ceramics and conducting comprehensive analyses spanning electrical, mechanical, thermal, structural, and microstructural domains employing advanced characterization techniques such as impedance spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, TG/DTA, SEM, and XRD.
My accomplishments as an academic researcher include establishing two materials research labs, completing a National Research Grant for Universities as Principal Investigator, and jointly inventing a novel ceramic material for high-temperature actuators. My published work has amassed more than 1,500 citations with an h-index of 22, reflecting my commitment to high-quality research.
My research has also given me the opportunity to present my work at various international conferences and symposiums. I have given talks at many universities in Pakistan, in addition to international conferences across Europe and China. This experience has been invaluable in building the confidence to address large technical audience.
Administrative Experience
I have extensive experience in leadership and project management, having served as a Principal Investigator (PI) for several research projects.
In addition to my research work, I also served as the Director of Admissions and Financial Aid for three years. In this role, I led a team of 15 individuals and was responsible for overseeing the entire admissions process, including designing and implementing admission strategies, ensuring compliance with university policies, and maintaining a fair and transparent evaluation system. I also managed financial aid programs, which involved allocating scholarships and funding to deserving students, streamlining financial aid processes, and providing guidance to students on funding opportunities.
This role required a combination of strategic planning, team leadership, and effective communication with various stakeholders, including prospective students, parents, faculty, and administrative staff.
What Can I Offer?
Based on my extensive teaching, research (both academic and industrial), and administrative experience, I can offer the following services:
Industrial Consultancy (Ceramics):
Leverage my expertise in ceramics and advanced material analysis.
Academic and Career Consultancy:
Provide guidance to students and early-career researchers on academic growth and career development
Online University Teaching
Deliver high-quality Physics or Material Science lectures remotely.
Freelance Research Writing
Edit and write research papers, grant proposals, or technical reports.
Peer Review and Editing Services
Offer expert peer review or editing for academic publications.
Data Analysis
Provide analytical insights and data interpretation in my field of interest.
High School Tutoring (Physics and Mathematics):
Help students excel in High school and A-Levels or equivalent courses.
Remote Research Project Management
Assist in coordinating and managing research projects from inception to completion.
Content
Creation
Develop curriculum materials, educational content, and course designs.
Beyond my professional pursuits, I have a deep fascination with traditions and cultures, particularly those of the Pukhtoon community. I enjoy exploring and understanding how religion and culture have evolved over time, shaping societies and identities. Having personally experienced and recovered from an Acoustic Neuroma, I am also passionate about raising awareness and engaging in discussions about brain tumors and the impact they have on individuals and their families. These interests, combined with my academic background as a university professor with a PhD in Material Sciences, reflect my curiosity about the world, both from a scientific and humanistic perspective.