Umar Farooq | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Umar Farooq | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

National Formosa University | Taiwan

Mr. Umar Farooq, is a passionate and versatile Mechanical Engineer currently based at National Formosa University, Taiwan. With a dynamic portfolio spanning thermal analysis, CFD simulations, and innovative engineering design, he has rapidly gained recognition in both academic and industrial spheres. His multidimensional expertise and international exposure underscore his reputation as a forward-thinking researcher and technologist.

Author Profile👤

Google Scholar

ORCID

Strengths for the Awards✨

Umar Farooq exemplifies excellence in applied research, particularly in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Heat Transfer, and Smart Manufacturing. With multiple international gold medals and special awards (e.g., American Invention Innovation Expo and Warsaw Invention Show), his contributions have already earned international recognition. His research spans impactful areas such as drug delivery, nanofluid heat transfer, and machine tool precision, showcasing both interdisciplinary knowledge and innovation.

As a first and corresponding author, he has published high-impact journal articles in top-tier publications such as Physics of Fluids, ACS Omega, Journal of Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics, and Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers — collectively cited by dozens of peer-reviewed articles. These works, coupled with his active role in scientific conferences and collaborations with international faculty, reflect a strong global research presence.

Moreover, his hands-on experience with diverse simulation tools (ANSYS, COMSOL, ABAQUS, DIGIMAT), and his role as a Research Assistant in HEC-funded and international projects, demonstrate his technical mastery and practical impact.

🎓 Education

Umar completed his M.Sc. in Mechanical and Computer-Aided Engineering from National Formosa University, Taiwan, His thesis focused on Thermal Modal Analysis for Thermal Response Prediction, showcasing his aptitude for thermal systems engineering. Earlier, he earned his B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from HITEC University, Taxila, where he worked on a stair lift project using rack & pinion systems for enhanced mobility.

💼 Experience

Umar has accumulated rich research and industry experience, including roles as a Research Assistant at NUST under Dr. Adnan Munir, CFD/FEA Expert at CFD Lab, and English Editing Assistant at National Formosa University. He has interned at renowned organizations like Toyota Motors and PTCL, and contributed to innovative projects in FitTech Co., Ltd., Taiwan. His extensive hands-on involvement in simulation and design tools has fueled a variety of cutting-edge projects and research.

🔍 Research Interests On Engineering

Umar’s research interests span Smart Manufacturing, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and Heat Transfer. He demonstrates proficiency in simulation tools like ANSYS, COMSOL, ABAQUS, SolidWorks, and MATLAB/Simulink. His interdisciplinary research connects theory to practical industrial applications—especially in the domain of thermal management and fluid mechanics.

🏆 Awards

Umar has earned several prestigious accolades, including:
Gold Medal at the American Invention Innovation Expo (USA) for an Environment Monitoring System (2024).
Gold Medal at the International Warsaw Invention Show (Poland).
Special Award from TISIAS, Canada, for innovation in environmental monitoring (2024).
3rd Place – Taiwan Industrial Development Agency Talent Rooting Program (2024).
Best Paper Award – 2024 IEEE 6th Eurasia Conference on IoT, Communication & Engineering for a paper on Thermal Modal Analysis.

📚 Publications

  • CFD analysis of hybrid nanofluid-based microchannel heat sink for electronic chips cooling: applications in nano-energy thermal devices
    Authors: YM Chu, U Farooq, NK Mishra, Z Ahmad, F Zulfiqar, S Yasmin, SA Khan
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 38

  • Thermal transport analysis of six circular microchannel heat sink using nanofluid
    Authors: H Waqas, SA Khan, U Farooq, T Muhammad, A Alshehri, S Yasmin
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 26

  • Computational analysis of natural convection with water based nanofluid in a square cavity with partially active side walls: applications to thermal storage
    Authors: SA Khan, S Yasmin, M Imran, T Muhammad, A Alhushaybari, U Farooq, …
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 17

  • Parametric effects on the mixing efficiency of resonant acoustic mixing technology for high-viscosity mixture: A numerical study
    Authors: IU Khan, R Guo, U Farooq, S Adhikari, H Zhou
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 17

  • Computational analysis of MHD MgO− water nanofluid flow inside hexagonal enclosure fitted with fins
    Authors: S Yasmin, SA Khan, N Fatima, M Imran, M Tahir, H Waqas, U Farooq, …
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 16

  • Breathing in danger: mapping microplastic migration in the human respiratory system
    Authors: HH Riaz, AH Lodhi, A Munir, M Zhao, U Farooq, M Qadri, MS Islam
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 13

  • Integrating numerical techniques and predictive diagnosis for precision enhancement in roller cam rotary table
    Authors: TC Chan, SC Wu, A Ullah, U Farooq, IH Wang, SL Chang
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 11

  • Recent progress in melting phenomenon for magnetized hybrid nanofluid flow over a stretching surface with temperature dependent viscosity: a comparative study
    Authors: SA Khan, H Waqas, T Muhammad, U Farooq, M Alghamdi
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 11

  • Application of heliox for optimized drug delivery through respiratory tract
    Authors: U Farooq, HH Riaz, A Munir, M Zhao, A Tariq, MS Islam
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 10

  • Improving machining accuracy of complex precision turning-milling machine tools
    Authors: TC Chan, JD Li, U Farooq, A Ullah
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 7

  • Estimation of heat transfer coefficient and friction factor with showering of aluminum nitride and alumina water based hybrid nanofluid in a tube with twisted tape insert
    Authors: W Chammam, U Farooq, M Sediqmal, H Waqas, S Yasmin, F Zulfiqar, …
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 7

🧾 Conclusion

Umar Farooq stands as a rising star in mechanical and thermal sciences, blending simulation mastery with a creative approach to complex engineering challenges. His record of international awards, high-impact publications, and collaborative research establishes him as an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With a futuristic mindset, cross-cultural experience, and unwavering dedication, Umar continues to contribute to the global scientific community.

 

Rao Arsalan Khushnood | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rao Arsalan Khushnood | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof | Tunneling Institute of Pakistan | Pakistan

Dr. Rao Arsalan Khushnood is a Professor and Deputy Director at the Tunneling Institute of Pakistan. With a career spanning over a decade, he has made substantial contributions to structural engineering, focusing on sustainable materials, decarbonization, and advanced material characterization. His research combines AI, machine learning, and data science to enhance infrastructure resilience. As an educator, he fosters hands-on learning and international collaborations, striving for sustainability-driven solutions in global infrastructure development.

Profile

Google Scholar

Strenghts for the Awards

  • Research Excellence and Impact:
    • Over 81% of Dr. Khushnood’s research is published in Q1 journals, with an impressive h-index of 32 and over 3,370 citations, showcasing his significant contributions to civil and structural engineering.
    • His focus areas include sustainable materials, advanced material characterization, and innovative technologies like AI and machine learning in construction, addressing critical global challenges.
  • Academic and Professional Recognition:
    • He has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Silver Medal in World Scientist Rankings (Civil Engineering) in 2024 and the Best School Researcher award in 2018, reflecting consistent recognition of his work.
    • His selection as a Belt & Road Young Scientist and Best University Innovator further highlights his international and entrepreneurial contributions.
  • Securing Research Funding:
    • Secured a cumulative research grant worth $196,500 for academic projects and an additional $91,500 through industry collaborations, showcasing his ability to attract significant funding for innovative and practical solutions.
  • Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Approach:
    • His research spans diverse fields, including green construction materials, nanotechnology, and machine learning, demonstrating interdisciplinary expertise.
    • Collaboration with industries like NESPAK, Aga Khan Agency, and global research initiatives indicates the real-world impact and application of his research.
  • Entrepreneurial Impact:
    • Founder and advisor of startups like Structax Consultants and Bendcrete Pvt Ltd, contributing to knowledge translation and commercialization of research.
  • Educational Contributions:
    • Extensive academic leadership experience, including roles as Head of Department, Deputy Director, and Professor, highlights his influence on shaping future engineers and researchers.

🎓 Education

  • Ph.D. in Structural Engineering (2012-2015)
    Politecnico di Torino, Italy
  • M.E. in Structural Engineering (2009-2011)
    National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Pakistan
    CGPA: 3.65/4.00
  • B.E. in Civil Engineering (2005-2009)
    National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Pakistan
    CGPA: 3.78/4.00

💼 Experience

  • Professor & Deputy Director Operations
    Tunneling Institute of Pakistan (2023-Present)
  • Technical Expert
    Pakistan Engineering Council (2023-Present)
  • CEO
    Structax Consultants Pvt Ltd (2023-Present)
  • Former roles at NUST: Head of Department (Research, 2021–2023), Director (Quality Enhancement Cell, 2016–2021), and Assistant Professor (2015–2021).

Dr. Khushnood has also served as a research and teaching assistant at Politecnico di Torino and a lecturer and lab engineer at NUST.

🔬 Research Interests

  • Sustainable Cements and Green Construction Materials
  • Wood and Timber Structures
  • Smart Construction Technologies and Nanotechnology
  • Machine Learning in Concrete Science
  • Infrastructure Durability and Resilience
  • Bio-Immune Sensible and Living Concrete

🏆 Awards

  • Silver Medal in World Scientists Ranking in Civil Engineering (AD Scientific Index, 2024)
  • People’s Choice Award in the fib International YMG Competition (2023)
  • Best University Innovator by NUST (2021)
  • Belt & Road Young Scientist Award by Shanghai Science and Technology Commission (2020)
  • Numerous teaching, research, and merit-based awards from NUST.

📚 Publications

  • Utilization of Pakistani bentonite as partial replacement of cement in concrete
    • Authors: SA Memon, R Arsalan, S Khan, TY Lo
    • Year: 2012
    • Citations: 166
  • Comparative performance of different bacteria immobilized in natural fibers for self-healing in concrete
    • Authors: M Rauf, W Khaliq, RA Khushnood, I Ahmed
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 151
  • Durability of sustainable concrete subjected to elevated temperature–A review
    • Authors: SA Memon, SFA Shah, RA Khushnood, WL Baloch
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 139
  • Bio-mineralized self-healing recycled aggregate concrete for sustainable infrastructure
    • Authors: RA Khushnood, ZA Qureshi, N Shaheen, S Ali
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 131
  • Improvement in electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness of cement composites using carbonaceous nano/micro inerts
    • Authors: RA Khushnood, S Ahmad, P Savi, JM Tulliani, M Giorcelli, GA Ferro
    • Year: 2015
    • Citations: 131
  • High performance self-consolidating cementitious composites by using micro carbonized bamboo particles
    • Authors: S Ahmad, RA Khushnood, P Jagdale, JM Tulliani, GA Ferro
    • Year: 2015
    • Citations: 130
  • Influence of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on the residual performance of concrete exposed to high temperatures
    • Authors: WL Baloch, RA Khushnood, W Khaliq
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 124
  • Carbonized nano/microparticles for enhanced mechanical properties and electromagnetic interference shielding of cementitious materials
    • Authors: RA Khushnood, S Ahmad, L Restuccia, C Spoto, P Jagdale, JM Tulliani
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 122
  • Effective use of sawdust for the production of eco-friendly and thermal-energy efficient normal weight and lightweight concretes with tailored fracture properties
    • Authors: W Ahmed, RA Khushnood, SA Memon, S Ahmad, WL Baloch, M Usman
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 103
  • Synthesis and characterization of bio-immobilized nano/micro inert and reactive additives for feasibility investigation in self-healing concrete
    • Authors: N Shaheen, RA Khushnood, W Khaliq, H Murtaza, R Iqbal, MH Khan
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 101

🔗 Research Contributions

  • Secured $196,500 in research grants for projects like smart nano-coatings and sustainable cementitious composites.
  • Collaborated with industries, obtaining $91,500 in partnership grants for innovative solutions in structural health and retrofitting.

📜 Conclusion

Dr. Rao Arsalan Khushnood is a visionary leader in structural engineering. His dedication to sustainability, resilience, and advanced technologies is evident in his research, teaching, and industry collaborations. He remains a prominent figure in promoting eco-friendly innovations for a sustainable future.