Syed Atif Iqrar

Dr Syed Atif Iqrar is a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Mechanical Engineering at the School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies (SCEDT), Teesside University, UK. He is an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA). He completed his PhD at the Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies, Aston University, specialising in mechanical engineering, photonics, and optofluidic systems, with research focused on optical spectroscopy for micro- and nano-plastic detection. He holds an MS in Mechanical Engineering from NUST, Pakistan, and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from International Islamic University Islamabad, graduating as a Gold Medallist.

Before joining Teesside University, Dr Atif held research and academic positions in the UK, South Korea, and Pakistan, including roles at Aston University and KAIST. He has broad teaching experience across multiple institutions, contributing to UK modules such as ME2502 Engineering for Industry, ME2501 Design and Engineering for Users, EE1PSC Computational Problem Solving, and ME2TF1 Thermal Fluid Science, as well as delivering full courses in Fluid Mechanics and the Finite Element Method internationally.

His research interests include mechanical design, finite element and multiphysics modelling, microfluidics and acoustofluidics, optical sensing, and sustainable thermal systems. He has published in peer-reviewed journals and conferences with support from European and Korean funding bodies, is active in professional engineering education, and welcomes collaboration with academic and industrial partners. He can be contacted at [email protected].

Research Areas

Dr Atif’s research focuses on the integration of mechanical engineering, multiphysics simulation, microfluidics, and optical systems, with strong emphasis on experimental validation and real-world engineering impact. His work spans fundamental modelling, device development, and applied technologies across environmental, biomedical, and energy-related applications.

Multiphysics Modelling and Finite Element Analysis

• Numerical modelling using COMSOL Multiphysics and ANSYS for coupled CFD, FSI, thermal, acoustic, and structural problems

• Finite element analysis of heat transfer, phase change materials, impact mechanics, and nonlinear materials

• Simulation-driven design optimisation with experimental and analytical validation

Microfluidics and Acoustofluidics

• Design and modelling of passive, droplet-based, and acoustofluidic microfluidic systems

• Surface acoustic wave (SAW)-based particle, droplet, and biological sample manipulation

• Lab-on-chip device development for separation, mixing, and point-of-care applications

• Cleanroom fabrication of PDMS-based microfluidic devices and IDT-integrated systems

Optical and Photonic Sensing Systems

• Optical spectroscopy for environmental and material characterisation

• Fluorescence excitation–emission mapping for micro- and nano-plastic detection

• Design and development of portable and integrated optical sensing platforms

• Multimodal characterisation using fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, and hyperspectral imaging

Thermal Systems and Sustainable Engineering

• Phase change material (PCM)-based thermal management and cold-chain systems

• Numerical and experimental analysis of transient conjugate heat transfer

• Design of low-cost, off-grid refrigeration solutions for food security and sustainability

Mechanical Design and Prototyping

• Design for manufacture using CNC machining, additive manufacturing, and rapid prototyping

• Integration of CAD, simulation, and experimental workflows for engineering systems

Dr Atif’s research is interdisciplinary by nature, combining advanced modelling, fabrication, and experimental techniques to develop practical engineering solutions for environmental monitoring, biomedical diagnostics, and sustainable thermal technologies.

• Multiscale Flow Control Laboratory, School of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, South Korea

• Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom

• Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”, University of Torino, Torino, Italy

• Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Polytechnic of Torino, Torino, Italy

• Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy

• Department of Anatomy, University of Opole, Opole, Poland

• Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies, Aston University, United Kingdom

We welcome motivated and creative researchers who are interested in developing high-quality research in mechanical engineering, multiphysics modelling, microfluidics, and optical sensing.

Interested candidates are invited to email their CV and a brief outline of their research interests directly to [email protected]

Postdoctoral opportunities: Researchers planning to apply for competitive fellowships such as Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships or similar schemes are encouraged to make contact well in advance to discuss project development and host support.

PhD opportunities: Prospective PhD candidates interested in funded routes such as Commonwealth or institutional scholarships, and those seeking a suitable host, are encouraged to get in touch early. Self-funded PhD applicants are also welcome to initiate discussions to arrange an interview.