Syed Babar Ali School of
Science and Engineering
Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering
Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering (SBASSE) at LUMS is the first private research school of science and engineering in Pakistan. In higher education, the term research school refers to a model of teaching and scholarship practised by some of the best institutions in the world where the primary function of the university is to create and disseminate new knowledge. SBASSE has consciously modelled itself along the lines of the world’s top research schools and has a highly qualified faculty to accomplish its mission. The hallmark of SBASSE is its no-boundaries philosophy, which encourages cross-disciplinary collaborations not only between various disciplines at SBASSE but also those offered by other Schools at LUMS.
A Different Kind of
Science and Engineering School
in Pakistan
300,000
Square feet of lab and
classroom learning space
70+
Dedicated labs for research,
teaching and support
Accredited by
PEC and NCEAC
Choose your path
Science for Pakistan
Contribution in Science and Technology by the researchers at SBASSE has an impact on the future development of Science in Pakistan.
Meet our Faculty
At SBASSE our faculty members share the boundaries of their life experiences and interests that foster a dynamic learning environment on campus.
Research and Impact
Dr. Nauman Zaffar Butt in the Electrical Engineering department leads…
Reference Department:Department of Electrical Engineering
Dr. Nauman Zaffar Butt in the Electrical Engineering department leads our efforts on photovoltaics which has now crossed over into the realm of agriculture, to produce the budding field of agrivoltaics. Powering agricultural farms through solar energy requires creative designs in both the solar cells as well as how solar cells will be integrated into a solar system that can power agri-farms.
Dr. Butt's PhD student Hassan Imran has now produced an amazing body of work that helps achieve both of these tasks. Novel materials, novel designs of the heterofacial structure of solar cells and employing two-dimensional layers of graphene or carbon nano-tubes can boost the performance of solar cells, achieving almost thermodynamically maximum efficiencies. Creative ways to interface silicon based and organic-inorganic solar cell technologies helps achieve the best of both worlds.
Finally, Hassan has mathematically modeled the role of soil and orientation of solar panels, in achieving high efficiency crop yield from solar enhanced farmlands. This work has immense implications for the country which calls for innovative solutions to address critical problems at the food-energy-water confluence.
The quality of his work is evidenced by the four articles published in the world's leading journal on this topic:
- The IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices [here, here, here and here],
- The IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics [here],
- Solar Energy [here] and
- Renewable Energy [here],
- along with several conference proceedings.
The Water-Food-Energy nexus remains one of the six forefront areas being pursued at the Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering.
In the hustle and bustle of Pakistan's…
Reference Department:Department of Life Sciences
In the hustle and bustle of Pakistan's healthcare landscape, a silent war is raging, and it's not against a visible foe but rather microscopic troublemakers – antibiotic-resistant microbes.
Antibiotic resistance poses a growing threat to health globally. According to a report by Fleming on Antimicrobial Consumption by 700,000 individuals each year lose their lives to resistant infections. In Pakistan, this issue is exacerbated by a lack of antimicrobial stewardship in hospitals, indiscriminate antibiotic prescriptions, and a surge in respiratory diseases due to polluted air.
Healthcare providers, lacking the much-needed antimicrobial stewardship, are caught in a loop of overreliance on intravenous and oral antimicrobials. It's a revelation that makes you wonder – are we unintentionally brewing a storm of resistance right under our noses?
There's a surprising twist in the narrative of antimicrobial resistance. The air we breathe carries pollutants and potentially acts as a highway for antibiotic-resistant genes. A study by Lancet, a reputed medical journal, reveals a compelling connection between PM 2.5 air pollution and antibiotic resistance. PM 2.5 refers to particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller. As these particles carry bacterial genomic material, inhaling them contributes to incorporating resistant genes into opportunistic pathogens, exacerbating antibiotic resistance.
Analyzing global data from 116 countries between 2000 and 2018, the study estimated that a 10% rise in annual PM 2.5 led to a 1.1% increase in aggregate antibiotic resistance, resulting in approximately 43,654 premature deaths. Regional variations highlighted potential significant increases in antibiotic resistance in Africa and Asia. Notably, for Pakistan, a 10% PM 2.5 elevation was predicted to increase antibiotic resistance by 2.6%.
To tackle this, Dr. Shaper Mirza has been at the forefront of addressing antibiotic resistance in Pakistan. She is actively engaged in projects addressing different facets of antibiotic resistance and stewardship. She participated in development of the first National Action Plan for Antimicrobial Resistance in Pakistan. The initiative involves identifying rates of antimicrobial resistance from a One-Health perspective in Pakistan. This was the first effort of its kind which furnished sufficient data suggesting resistance across all sectors which include human health, animal health and agriculture. The investigation and its outcome led to the development of National Action Plan for AMR in Pakistan. The National Action Plan was implemented in Pakistan in 2017 and currently there are 43 sentinel sites collecting and reporting data on antimicrobial resistance strains. The Situation analysis for National Action Plan was done in collaboration with Global Alliance for Antimicrobial Resistance Partnerships (GARP). The GARP consortium, comprising seven countries, collaborates to exchange knowledge, build capacity, and develop antimicrobial stewardship guidelines.
To improve on stewardship practices, Dr Mirza in collaboration with Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI) developed two courses on adult and pediatric antimicrobial stewardship. Both courses were very well attended both by physicians and basic science researchers working in the field of antimicrobial resistance.
Tips from the experts:
As Pakistan grapples with the dual challenges of smog and antibiotic resistance, practical steps can make a difference. When the air is thick with smog, consider preventive measures like wearing masks, frequent nasal cleaning to minimize pollutant exposure and emphasizing a high-protein diet to bolster immune systems.
While smog-induced respiratory symptoms might initially prompt concern, antibiotics are specifically designed to combat bacterial infections, not viral foes. Viruses, often the culprits behind seasonal respiratory ailments, don't respond to antibiotics. Therefore, before rushing to antibiotics, look for telltale signs of a bacterial infection – persistent high fever, green or discolored mucus, and specific radiological findings in chest X-rays. If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare professional who can guide you on the most effective and responsible course of action. By adopting these practices and following World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines for antibiotic usage, we protect ourselves from the smog's impact and contribute to the collective effort to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics for when they're truly needed.
After all, a breath of fresh air should be just that – fresh and invigorating!
Selenium is a vital trace element that plays…
Reference Department:Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Selenium is a vital trace element that plays a crucial role in our health, influencing various biochemical pathways due to its antioxidant properties. In nature, it often finds its way to our plates through foods like tuna, enriching our bodies with its antioxidant prowess.
The intricate relationship between Selenium and antioxidant properties has been extensively studied by researchers in the field, including Dr. Rahman Shah Zaib Saleem from the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at SBASSE, who is one of the contributors to a paper on Selenium derivatives. The paper was published after Dr. Rahman’s DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) scholarship visit to Germany in 2019 in collaboration with eleven international researchers, including Dr Rama Alhasan, Dr. Guilherme M. Martins, Dr. Pedro P. de Castro, Dr. Claus Jacob.
Selenium, acting as an antioxidant powerhouse, takes center stage in this study. Nature carries very few selenium containing organic compounds, Selenoneine being one of those. In this work, the team has worked on the preparation of novel organoselenium compounds. The research zeroes in on Selenohydantoin derivatives, synthetic compounds inspired by Selenoneine. These derivatives, with their fascinating range of pharmacological applications, hold the potential to serve not just as antioxidants but as versatile agents with capabilities spanning anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiplatelet realms. Through Selenocysteine enzymes like Glutathione Peroxidase, it acts as a powerful defender, effectively reducing peroxides to explore their potential in combating oxidative stress, a state where an imbalance occurs between the production of free radicals and the body's ability to neutralize them.
Using a unique synthetic method, the researchers synthesized Selenohydantoin molecules, paving the way for a comprehensive evaluation of their antioxidant capabilities. The study employed classical radical scavenging and metal-reducing techniques to unravel the true potential of these synthetic compounds. Cytocompatibility assays demonstrated that the Selenohydantoin derivatives were not only effective antioxidants but also non-toxic to primary human aortic smooth muscle cells. Cytocompatibility refers to the compatibility of a substance with living cells, ensuring that these compounds do not harm or disrupt normal cell function, a promising aspect for further biological evaluations.
Among the synthesized compounds, those adorned with trifluoro-methyl (-CF3) and chlorine (-Cl) substituents emerged as molecules displaying noteworthy antioxidant activities. Dr. Rahman's work highlights these compounds as potential candidates for future biological studies, offering hope for innovative therapies against chronic diseases. This research focuses not only on synthetic compounds but also on the broader context of organoselenium compounds in living organisms. Looking into the future a larger picture emerges - synthesis of Selenium-based compounds could play a crucial role in developing novel and effective prevention and treatments for diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, cystic fibrosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Dr. Rahman has recently been honored with another DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) scholarship grant by the German Academic Exchange Service. Through the scholarship Dr. Rahman and his research team will delve into the study of various signaling proteins and kinases, with a particular focus on the innovative molecule known as Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs). To learn more about Dr. Saleem's cutting-edge research and the potential impact of PROTACs on cancer treatment, follow this link.
Picture a grand orchestra, with each…
Reference Department:Department of Life Sciences
Picture a grand orchestra, with each musician playing a crucial role in creating a harmonious symphony. In a similar vein, researchers at the Department of Biology at SBASSE, LUMS, have uncovered a key 'conductor' in the biological orchestra of gene regulation controlling cell fates – the Mask protein. Just like a conductor leads an orchestra, the Mask protein in fruit flies directs the activity of cell fate specific genes, ensuring they play their parts at the right times.
Research led by Ammad Shaukat and Mahnoor Hussain Bakhtiari, as the first authors under the supervision of Dr Muhammad Tariq, has been published in the prestigious journal Developmental Biology. Their study reveals that the Mask protein in fruit flies shares functional traits with the Trithorax group (trxG) proteins. Unlike the Polycomb group (PcG) proteins, which silence gene expression, trxG proteins play a pivotal role in sustaining the active state of genes, ensuring their continuous and proper expression.
The study essentially explores how Mask operates at the molecular level. In every cell, genes are constantly being turned on and off, a process critical for proper functioning. Mask plays a role similar to a switch, helping to keep certain genes in the 'on' position. This is especially important during an organism's development, where precise gene activity patterns are essential for normal growth and formation of different cell types.
The research team found that Mask binds to areas in chromosomes marked by H3K27ac, a chemical tag indicating active gene regions. When Mask levels were reduced, these active regions showed changes in H3K27ac, leading to alterations in gene expression that are crucial for the development and identity of cells. They have also discovered that Mask counteracts repression by the PcG to ensure activation of cell type specific genes which are linked to maintenance of cell fates.
By examining fruit flies, a common model organism in genetics, the researchers identified that Mask interacts with specific sites in chromosomes where other trxG proteins are also present. When the Mask is not present, or its levels are altered, the normal pattern of gene activity is disrupted, leading to developmental abnormalities. Since Mask belongs to a specific class of proteins known as cell signaling factors, the study by Tariq Lab opens a new avenue that may help link cell signaling and cell fate maintenance in future.
This discovery is akin to finding a new way to understand and potentially direct the biological orchestra in humans. It opens possibilities for new treatments for diseases, such as developmental disorders and cancers, where the genetic symphony goes awry. The conservation of this mechanism in flies and mammals suggests that the role of Mask may be a universal theme in the biological orchestras across species.
"For neither inherited genes nor…
Reference Department:Department of Life Sciences
"For neither inherited genes nor environmental factors alone can account for the full range of variations seen in human health and disease." - Randy Jirtle, Epigenetics Pioneer
For many years, inheritance was synonymous with DNA, the genetic blueprint passed down from generation to generation. However, emerging research in the field of epigenetics has revealed an additional layer of inheritance that goes beyond the DNA sequence itself. In his groundbreaking book, "Epigenetics: How the Environment Shapes Our Genes," Richard C. Francis writes, "Epigenetics offers a new perspective on the nature-versus-nurture debate, suggesting that it is not just our genes but how our genes are regulated that matters."
In other words, epigenetics shows that both our genetic makeup and the environmental factors that influence gene expression are equally important in shaping who we are and how we develop. It emphasizes the dynamic interplay between our genes and the environment, challenging the notion that genetics alone dictates our destiny.
Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, are crucial in regulating gene expression patterns without altering the DNA sequence. Recent studies have shown that these modifications can be transmitted from parents to offspring, potentially influencing phenotypic traits and disease susceptibility across multiple generations. In his seminal paper, Conrad Waddington, the father of epigenetics, described the epigenetic landscape as "the interplay of the environment and genes, a dance influenced by chance."
Epigenetic marks can be transmitted not only to the immediate offspring but also across several generations, resulting in transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. Research by Eric Miska and colleagues at the University of Cambridge demonstrated that small RNA molecules, called small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), can be inherited and affect gene expression in future generations.
As Dr. Michael Skinner, a pioneer in transgenerational epigenetic research, remarks, "Epigenetic inheritance challenges the traditional notion of Darwinian evolution."
Various environmental factors, such as diet, stress, and exposure to toxins can influence epigenetic modifications. Studies on the Dutch Hunger Winter, a period of famine during World War II, revealed transgenerational effects on the health of subsequent generations. According to Dr. Moshe Szyf, an epigenetics researcher, "Environmental influences can leave a lasting imprint on our genes, affecting not only our own health but also that of future generations."
Epigenetics and Evolution:
A Paradigm Shift
Imagine a world where diseases can be prevented, treated, or even reversed by targeting the intricate web of epigenetic modifications. Envision a future where we unravel the mysteries of transgenerational inheritance, unlocking the potential to create healthier generations through the optimization of environmental factors.
Epigenetic inheritance introduces a new perspective on the mechanisms of evolutionary change. Researchers have observed rapid phenotypic variation through epigenetic modifications in response to environmental stimuli. In their book "The Epigenetic Revolution," Nessa Carey and Randy Jirtle explain how epigenetic changes can facilitate adaptation and survival in fluctuating environments. Imagine a world where diseases can be prevented, treated, or even reversed by targeting the intricate web of epigenetic modifications. Envision a future where we unravel the mysteries of transgenerational inheritance, unlocking the potential to create healthier generations through the optimization of environmental factors. Epigenetic inheritance introduces a new perspective on the mechanisms of evolutionary change. Researchers have observed rapid phenotypic variation through epigenetic modifications in response to environmental stimuli. In their book "The Epigenetic Revolution," Nessa Carey and Randy Jirtle explain how epigenetic changes can facilitate adaptation and survival in fluctuating environments.
We are finally starting to unravel the missing link between nature and nuture; how our environment talks to us, sometimes forever. - Nessa Carey, The Epigenetics Revolution (2012)
With epigenetics as our guiding light, we embark on an extraordinary journey toward a future where we can rewrite the narrative of our genes and sculpt a healthier, brighter world for generations to come. It is a path that leads us to personalized medicine, disease prevention, and the realization of human potential. The study of epigenetics holds the promise of unlocking new avenues for improving human health and understanding the intricate interplay between genetics and the environment. As we delve deeper into the complexities of epigenetic inheritance and evolutionary dynamics, we move closer to harnessing the full potential of our genetic legacy.
Francis, R.C. (2011). Epigenetics: How the Environment Shapes Our Genes. W.W. Norton & Company.
Carey, N. (2012). The Epigenetic Revolution. Columbia University Press.
Waddington, C.H. (1942). The Epigenotype. Endeavour, 1(1), 18-20.
Miska, E.A. et al. (2008). Germ-line Inheritance of Uncapped Telomeres in Caenorhabditis elegans. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 105(19), 7103-7106.
Perlmutter, D. (2015). Brain Maker: The Power of Gut Microbes to Heal and Protect Your Brain – for Life. Little, Brown Spark.
Jablonka, E. and Lamb, M.J. (2014). Evolution in Four Dimensions: Genetic, Epigenetic, Behavioral, and Symbolic Variation in the History of Life. The MIT Press.
Redwood, D. (2012). Epigenetics: The Potential for Chiropractic Care to Influence Gene Expression. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 35(6), 409-415.
Church, G. (2019). Regenesis: How Synthetic Biology Will Reinvent Nature and Ourselves. Basic Books.
Graduate Theses
Name: Qurat ul Ain
Supervisor: Dr. Ammar Ahmed Khan
Year: 2024
MS/PhD: PhD
Department: Physics
The Particle
The Particle
A Science magazine with research and science stories from SBASSE.
Please click here to read the magazine: Issue 22
Science Stories
Subtitle:
Posted Date:
SBASSE secures major funding for groundbreaking point-of-care TB diagnostics project
Story:
A multidisciplinary team from Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering at LUMS has secured international funding for an innovative project to transform tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis in Pakistan and beyond. This achievement results from a collaborative effort between SBASSE LUMS, Gulab Devi Hospital Lahore, and the University of Bergen, Norway.
This funding opportunity arose from a Norwegian Research Council call that required a partnership between a Norwegian organization and groups in low- and middle-income countries to tackle pressing health challenges. The project includes teams from LUMS, Gulab Devi Hospital in Lahore, and the University of Bergen, Norway. The LUMS team consists of Dr. Shaper Mirza from the Department of Life Sciences, Dr. Basit Yameen from the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and Dr. Imran Cheema (Pakistan side PI) from the Department of Electrical Engineering. The other team members include Dr. Atiqa Ambreen from Gulab Devi Hospital Lahore and Dr. Tehmina Mustafa (Norway side PI) from the University of Bergen, Norway.
TB continues to be a major health challenge, particularly in low- to middle-income countries like Pakistan, where diagnostic tools are often expensive, slow, and difficult to access. The project, titled "Advancing Tuberculosis Diagnosis in Children and Adults by Developing Point-of-Care Optical Devices," builds on innovative optical diagnostic platforms. These platforms utilize Raman spectroscopy and optical fiber cavity ring-down spectroscopy, providing a more accessible solution for diagnosing tuberculosis. Unlike existing tests, which rely on costly lab facilities, this device will be simple enough for non-specialists to use, making it ideal for deployment in resource-limited settings.
LUMS team will work closely with Gulab Devi Hospital to test the device on diverse biological samples, including sputum, breath condensate, urine, and fine needle aspirates. This approach is a first in TB diagnostics, with the potential to drastically improve early detection, particularly in children and patients with extra-pulmonary TB.
This interdisciplinary project unites electrical engineers, biologists, biochemists, data analysts, and medical specialists from Norway and Pakistan and represents a significant step forward in global health innovation. The goal is to develop a diagnostic tool that can be scaled for widespread use in low-income countries, dramatically reducing the burden of TB and contributing to its global eradication.
We look forward to sharing further developments as this exciting project progresses!
A multidisciplinary team from Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering at LUMS has secured international funding for an innovative project to transform…
Seminars and Conferences
Date:
Registration Link:
Speaker: Prof. Asghar Qadir
Vanue: 10-201 SBASSE Building LUMS
Reference Department:Department of Physics
The Importance of Basic Science
Abstract:Dr. Qadir will begin with a discussion of Science and Technology in a historical context and proceed to distinguish between applied and basic sciences. He will then briefly consider whether Mathematics qualifies as a Science.
It is essential to understand what went wrong in Pakistan vis-à-vis Education and why this occurred, which he will discuss from a historical perspective.
Dr. Abdus Salam had argued that Basic Science is crucial for development, and Dr. Qadir will explain the reasoning behind this. He will revisit the history of advancements in Science education and the challenges faced. Finally, he will summarize the significance of Basic Science.
It is essential to understand what went wrong in Pakistan vis-à-vis Education and why this occurred, which he will discuss from a historical perspective.
Dr. Abdus Salam had argued that Basic Science is crucial for development, and Dr. Qadir will explain the reasoning behind this. He will revisit the history of advancements in Science education and the challenges faced. Finally, he will summarize the significance of Basic Science.
Prof. Asghar Qadir is a Pakistani mathematician and a prominent cosmologist, specialized in mathematical physics and physical cosmology. Nowadays, he is widely considered one of the top mathematicians in Pakistan. Dr. Qadir has played a prominent role in promoting Relativity in Pakistan. To this day, he has made important and significant contributions to the fields of differential equations, theoretical cosmology and mathematical physics. He is noted for his work in mathematics and mathematical physics, in particular his contributions to general relativity and cosmology.
Dr. Asghar Qadir is Former Dean of Sciences at QAU Islamabad and DG School of Natural Sciences at NUST.
Prof. Asghar Qadir is a Pakistani mathematician and a prominent cosmologist, specialized in mathematical physics and physical cosmology. Nowadays, he is widely considered one of the top mathematicians in Pakistan. Dr. Qadir has played a prominent…
Date:
Registration Link:
Speaker: Dr. Muhammad Rizwan
Vanue: Dean’s Smart Lab, 4th floor SBASSE
Reference Department:Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Engineered Biomaterials to Improve Regeneration and Disease Modelling
Abstract:This presentation will highlight the development of advanced biomaterials and pioneering bioengineering techniques to grow engineered tissues for regeneration and disease modelling. By incorporating micro-nano features into biomaterial, the growth and functional markers of human corneal endothelial cell were enhanced, resulting in a functional and transplantable corneal endothelium graft to treat corneal blindness. In another application, using hydrogel biomaterial that enable light-triggered cell signaling, stem cells were differentiated spatio-temporally into bile duct cells. Moreover, a viscoelastic, tissue-mimicking hydrogel was developed for the 3D culture of liver bile duct organoids for disease modelling. Finally, I will discuss a range of novel hydrogels that are injectable, bio adhesive, and stimuli- responsive, improving graft-host integration and enabling controlled biotherapeutic delivery. These innovative biomaterials offer extensive tunability, and provide a versatile platform to manipulate cell behavior, modulate the immune response, and achieve regeneration.
Dr. Muhammad Rizwan is a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW) – a globally renowned institution of biomedical research and discoveries. Dr Rizwan received Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the National University of Singapore in 2017 and completed his postdoctoral training at the University of Toronto in 2021 with Dr Molly Shoichet. Rizwan research group is focused on engineering hydrogel-based biomaterials for tissue regeneration. The overarching goal of his research program is to leverage the adaptable nature of hydrogels to modulate cell functions and precisely control the delivery of cells and drugs for in-situ regeneration. Dr. Rizwan is a recipient of the prestigious Singapore International Graduate Award for doctoral research, the University of Toronto Research Excellence Award for postdoctoral research, and multiple NIH awards for current research projects in the lab. His research has been highlighted in leading biomaterial and tissue engineering journals.
Dr. Muhammad Rizwan is a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW) – a globally renowned institution of biomedical research…
Public Lecture Series
Date:
Registration Link:
Speaker: Dr. Sarah Qureshi, CEO/Founder Aero Engine Craft (Pvt.) Ltd.
Vanue: Auditorium 10-301, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, LUMS
Reference Department:Department of Electrical Engineering
Environment Friendly Aerospace Technologies for Pakistan
Abstract: Aero Engine Craft is developing contrail-free aero-engines for the reduction of global warming and to induce artificial rain during aircraft flight through on-board water recovery from fuel emissions; creating a vision of the future for the aviation industry whereby it can not only reduce aviation induced global warming but also adopt an approach to treat the fuel emissions as a resource. A revolutionary technology is employed that eliminates contrails at source and recovers water from fuel exhaust emissions as a net positive product. This is a true definition of a disruptive technology; a global first attempt to create water within the aero-engine from the exhaust plume during flight, carry it aboard and release it as rainfall prior to landing. Our product is a low cost alternative to aero-engine redesign, and offers revenue potential to the aviation industry while solving a crucial environmental challenge.
Biography:
Dr. Sarah Qureshi is working on contrail-free aero engines as the CEO and founding director of Aero Engine Craft (Pvt) Ltd. She is also a visiting fellow at the School of Aerospace at Cranfield University. Sarah has a PhD degree in Aerospace Engineering from Cranfield University, UK. Her area of specialization is Propulsion whereby she worked on the development of a contrail-free aero-engine that has been derived from a novel patented technology. Sarah was actively involved with the invented technical outcome of the engine. The innovated engine has a tremendous potential in bringing about an environmental revolution in the context of aviation.
Dr. Sarah Qureshi , along with the inventor of technology Mr. Masood Latif Qureshi has now set up Aero Engine Craft (Private) Limited as Pakistan's first commercial engine and aircraft company to convert this patented technology into a full scale commercial application ready to be used by modern civil transport aircraft. During her PhD, Sarah supervised a number of MSc. students for their research projects on Jet Engine Technology. Prior to this, Sarah completed her master’s degree in the field of Aerospace Dynamics from Cranfield University, UK. Her research involved the design of a trajectory following controller inclusive of stability augmentation, attitude control system and outer loop autopilot for unmanned aircraft (UAVs) flying in close formation for the purpose of air to air refuelling. After graduating as a Mechanical Engineer from Pakistan, Sarah gained extensive experience of working in the local automotive and engineering industry.
Her bachelors' research project involved the development of a measurement and data logging system for the in-cylinder temperature and combustion of an internal combustion engine. Her prime technical interests are focused upon engine technology and aircraft design. Sarah holds a Private Pilot License (PPL) with 70 hours of Flying Experience. She has also learned acrobatic flying and several flight manoeuvres while at Cranfield.
Biography:
Dr. Sarah Qureshi is working on contrail-free aero engines as the CEO and founding director of Aero Engine Craft (Pvt) Ltd. She is also a visiting fellow at the School of Aerospace at Cranfield University. Sarah has a PhD degree in Aerospace Engineering from…
سائنس اور ٹیکنالوجی کی کہانیاں
ڈاکٹر عفان: LUMS سے FDA تک کامیابی کا سفر
علم و تحقیق کی دنیا میں، کچھ افراد اپنی شاندار کامیابیوں کی وجہ سے ہی نہیں بلکہ ان کے حصول کی تگ و دو میں درپیش سفر کی وجہ سے بھی نمایاں ہوتے ہیں۔ ڈاکٹر عفان رزاق، لاہور یونیورسٹی آف مینجمنٹ سائنسز (لمز )کے ایک شاندار سابقہ طالب علم ہیں، جن کی کہانی شوق، ثابت قدمی، اور اختراع کے جذبے کا عملی مظاہرہ کرتی ہے۔ اپنی نہایت سادہ شروعات سے لے کر فیڈرل ڈرگ ایجنسی (ایف ڈی اے) میں ملازمت تک ، ڈاکٹر عفان کا سفر قابل رشک اور تقلید ہے۔
ڈاکٹر عفان کا تعلیمی سفر لمز سے شروع ہوا، جہاں انہوں نے سید بابر علی اسکول آف سائنس اینڈ انجینئرنگ (ایس ایس ای) سے برقی انجینئرنگ میں ماسٹرز ڈگری حاصل کی۔یہیں ڈاکٹر عفان نے کنٹرول سسٹمز اور خاص طور پر بین المضامینی اطلاقات میں اپنی دلچسپی کو دریافت کیا۔ خاص طور پر لمز میں ان کی ہائیڈرولوجیکل سسٹمز پر مبنی تحقیق نے ان کے مستقبل کے ارادوں کی بنیاد رکھی ۔
لمز میں بیتائے گئے اپنے وقت کا ذکر کرتے ہوئے، ڈاکٹر عفان اس تبدیلی کے تجربے کو بڑے شوق سے یاد کرتے ہیں جس نے روایتی حدود سے ہٹ کر کنٹرول سسٹمز کے ممکنہ استعمال پر ان کے نقطہ نظر کو وسیع کیا۔ جرمنی کی یونیورسٹی، ٹی یو کائزرلاوٹرن، میں ایک مختصر مدت سمیت جدید تحقیق اور بحرانی تعاون کے منصوبوں نے ان کے تجسس کو بڑھایا اور انہیں علمی فضیلت کی راہ پر گامزن کیا۔
معاشرتی مسائل کو اپنے علم سے حل کرنے کے جذبے سےسرشار، ڈاکٹر عفان نے امریکن یونیورسٹی آف لوئی ویل ، امریکہ، میں علمی سفر شروع کیا۔ ڈاکٹر تامر انانک کی رہنمائی میں ان کا تحقیقی کام گردے کی دائمی بیماری کی خصوصیات اور دواؤں کی خوراک کی تشکیل پر مبنی تھا، جس نے ان کے مستقبل کے کام کو شکل دینے میں مدد کی۔
ان کے راستے میں کئی رکاوٹیں آئیں، جیسے کہ کووڈ-١٩ کے وبائی زمانے میں آن لائن تعلیم کے نظام اور مریض کے ڈیٹا کی کمی، لیکن اس کے باوجود ڈاکٹر عفان کی محنت اور استقامت برقرار رہی۔ مریضوں کے ورچوئل ماڈلز اور جدید تحقیقاتی طریقوں کا فائدہ اٹھاتے ہوئے، انہوں نے اپنی تحقیق میں نمایاں پیش رفت کی، جس کے نتیجے میں انہیں اشاعت کا ایک شاندار ریکارڈ اور اپنی اہم شراکت کے لیے باوقار ایوارڈ حاصل ہوئے۔
ڈاکٹر عفان کے موثر ترین تحقیقاتی منصوبوں میں سے ایک دواؤں کی انفرادی خوراک کے لیے ایک ماڈلنگ اور کنٹرول فریم ورک تیار کرنے پر مرکوز ہے، جو خاص طور پر گردے کی دائمی بیماری اور وارفارن کے انتظام سے منسلک ہے۔ ان کا کام نہ صرف ذاتی ڈوزنگ پمپس کے ذریعے صحت کی دیکھ بھال کی فراہمی میں انقلاب لانے کی حامی بھرتا ہے بلکہ انسانی زندگی کے معیار کو بڑھانے میں کنٹرول سسٹم کی صلاحیت کو بھی اجاگر کرتا ہے۔
اپنے تعلیمی سفر کی زینت بننے والی تعریفوں اور اعزازات کے ساتھ، ڈاکٹر عفان کی نئی ایف ڈی اے میں پوسٹ-ڈاکٹریٹ کی پوزیشن قبول کر کے ایک نیا موڑ لیا۔ دواؤں کے ردعمل کو سمجھنے کے لیے ریاضیاتی ماڈل تیار کرنے کی ان کی اولین ترجیح، ان کی سابقہ تحقیق سے نہ صرف ہم آہنگ بلکہ اصولی فیصلوں اور دواؤں کی منظوری کے عمل پر وسیع اثرات کی حامل بھی ہے۔
ڈاکٹر عفان اپنے سفر کو مد نظر رکھتے ہوئے، محققین اور انجینئرز کو ایک قیمتی مشورہ دیتے ہیں: اچھے استاد ڈھونڈیں، تجسس کو قبول کریں، اور سمجھ کے مشکلات کا حل نکالیں۔ ان کا منتر ”اچھا کریں، چاہے اثر ہو یا نہ ہو“ ان کی مہارت کو انسانیت کی بہتری کے لیے استعمال کرنے کا اظہار کرتا ہے۔
لمز کی تاریخ میں، ڈاکٹر عفان ایک روشن مثال ہیں، جو تعلیم، رہنمائی، اور کامیابی کی ایک عمدہ مثال ہیں۔ ایس ایس ای کے کمرہ جماعت سے لے کر ایف ڈی اے تک، ڈاکٹر عفان کا سفر ان لوگوں کی بے پناہ صلاحیتوں کی عکاسی کرتا ہے جو خواب دیکھنے کی ہمت کرتے ہیں اور دنیا کو بہتر بنانے کی کوشش میں مگن رہتے ہیں۔
علم و تحقیق کی دنیا میں، کچھ افراد اپنی شاندار کامیابیوں کی وجہ سے ہی نہیں بلکہ ان کے حصول کی تگ و دو میں درپیش سفر کی وجہ سے بھی نمایاں ہوتے ہیں۔ ڈاکٹر عفان رزاق، لاہور…
