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
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.
In a world increasingly reliant on…
Reference Department:Department of Electrical Engineering
In a world increasingly reliant on electricity, power outages can bring daily life to a grinding halt. However, an innovative research by Chaudhry Talha Hassan and Dr Tariq Muhammad Jadoon from the Department of Electrical Engineering significantly accelerated the restoration of electric power after a major blackout by improving the resilience of smart grids. These grids integrate many distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar panels, wind turbines and energy storage systems.
Shortly, after the study's publication in IEEE Xplore in August 2023, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Lahore experienced a power outage due to alleged mismanagement, forcing doctors to use torchlight to complete their procedures. A similar incident had occurred at Services Hospital Lahore less than a month earlier, impeding patient care. More recently, during the Sindh flash floods, the preservation of the Guddu power station played a crucial role in preventing a blackout that could have impacted 25% of Pakistan's population. These recurrent incidents underscore the timeliness of this research, where critical loads in a distribution feeder can be restored by harnessing power from neighboring DERs considering the power network as a cyber-physical power system.
When an entire city or neighborhood experiences an abrupt power loss, the urgency to restore electricity to critical facilities such as hospitals and emergency services is paramount. Bulk power distribution networks typically have a limited number of switchable lines and loads. This limitation can make it challenging to restore power, particularly in situations where many inductive loads are switched on simultaneously.
This is where the innovative concept of "microgrids" comes into play. The researchers have proposed the creation of these smaller, self-sustaining power networks that can swiftly bring power back to affected areas. Unlike the conventional top-to-bottom approach, the research emphasizes harnessing smart grids, using communication tech, reconfiguring networks, and integrating DERs. This ensures the rapid restoration of power to critical loads while addressing challenges like frequency control and practical factors such as switch types and communication constraints.
Inverter-dominated smart grids face unique challenges related to dynamic stability and lower inertia. The research introduces a multi-layered framework that integrates cyber-networks into the restoration process. It also emphasises the importance of monitoring the health of energy storage systems, ensuring safe charging and discharging strategies, and imposing constraints on frequency and voltage to maintain grid stability.
Moreover, the act of restoring power can sometimes introduce problems like system overload. To mitigate these potential issues, the study incorporates dynamic stability constraints into the restoration process, ensuring that the system remains stable even during the reconnection of numerous power sources.
To validate their concepts, the researchers employed computer simulations. These simulations create a virtual representation of the power system, allowing the team to experiment with different strategies without affecting the actual electricity supply.
The research sheds light on the crucial role of synchronous generators as black-start distributed generators (DGs) for service restoration. Unlike renewable energy sources, high-inertia diesel generators can provide reliable power during emergencies. By including backup generators (BUGs) as dispatchable DGs in microgrids, the research demonstrates an innovative approach to harnessing power from non-dispatchable sources, enhancing microgrid stability, and expanding coverage.
Talha's research promises a more efficient and resilient future for power restoration. By harnessing the power of microgrids and cyber-physical systems, this approach promises to revolutionise how we think about restoring electricity in the face of adversity. As our world increasingly relies on electricity, innovations like these are essential for ensuring that the lights stay on even when the grid faces its darkest hours.
“We sympathise with all the families who…
Reference Department:Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
“We sympathise with all the families who have suffered the loss of a child,” expressed a spokesperson from Sanofi Pasteur, the French multinational pharmaceutical company, upon the deaths of school-age children in the Philippines after being administered Sanofi’s dengue virus vaccine, Dengvaxia. Notably, no deaths had been reported during more than a decade-long clinical trials of the world’s first dengue vaccine. However, in November 2017, Sanofi disclosed that Dengvaxia “might increase the risk of severe disease in people who had never been exposed to the virus.
Despite extensive efforts, current dengue prevention strategies, including vaccinations, have significant limitations, leaving no specific treatment for dengue fever. This vector-borne disease, primarily affecting Asia, is transmitted by infected mosquitoes (vectors) that carry and transmit the dengue virus from person to person, causing severe fever.
Could undercounted infections explain the lack of attention to dengue’s severity?
A 2013 study published in Nature estimated the true total of infections to be more than three times the estimate of the World Health Organisation.
The traditional approach of developing new drugs from scratch can be both time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, researchers at SBASSE (Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering) have pursued an alternative strategy known as drug repurposing. This approach involves identifying existing drugs that might be effective against diseases different from their original intended use. In this study, led by Hafiza Nosheen Saleem under the supervision of Dr Muhammad Saeed, a library of 1127 small molecules, initially designed as antivirus drugs, were screened to determine their potential efficacy against the dengue virus.
Nosheen and Dr Saeed, alongside their collaborators Summara Kousar, Ammar Hassan Jiskani, Iqra Sohail and Dr Amir Faisal, focused their efforts on a specific protein within the dengue virus known as DENV NS2B/NS3 protease. This protein plays a crucial role in the virus's life cycle, and inhibiting it could disrupt the virus's ability to replicate. Four molecules in the screen library, ABT263, ABT737, AT101 and TW37, demonstrated promise as inhibitors of the NS2B/NS3 protease. These molecules were initially developed as inhibitors for B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), a member of the protein family. Notoriously associated with the survival of certain types of cancer cells, Bcl-2 plays a key role in aiding cancer cells to withstand chemotherapy. For instance, ABT263 is currently being tested for the treatment of high-grade triple-negative breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
To assess the effectiveness of these molecules in inhibiting the NS2B/NS3 protease, the researchers employed a metric called IC50, representing the "half-maximal inhibitory concentration." This metric gauges how effectively a molecule can inhibit the protease. Further analysis of these molecules' inhibition mechanisms revealed that ABT263 and ABT737 competitively inhibited the protease by binding to the same site as the target substrate. In contrast, AT101 and TW37 were identified as non-competitive inhibitors, binding to a different site and inducing changes in the enzyme's structure or activity.
The study suggests that the identified inhibitors have the potential to be developed into specific anti-dengue therapeutics. This is a promising avenue for further research and development, as these molecules have already undergone testing for their safety and pharmacological properties as anticancer drugs. With the aim of preventing tragic incidents like the loss of school-age children to dengue in the Philippines, this research provides hope for improved treatments and enhanced protection against this mosquito-borne disease.
Graduate Theses
Name: Ali Raza Mirza
Supervisor: Dr. Adam Zaman
Year:
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 21
Science Stories
Subtitle:
Posted Date:
Dr. Muhammad Zaheer Promoted to Associate Professor with Tenure
Story:
We're thrilled to celebrate Dr. Muhammad Zaheer's incredible journey, culminating in his tenure as an Associate Professor at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, SBASSE, LUMS.
His groundbreaking work in catalytic materials and metal-organic frameworks research, focusing on sustainable energy solutions and innovative drug release strategies, marks a pivotal contribution to scientific advancement. His recent forte has been efficient, and innovative ways to engineer materials, structures and molecular frameworks for hydrogen production, programmed drug delivery, dehydrogenation and reductions. These are critical processes for a sustainable, climate-friendly and energy-harvesting-oriented ecosystem.
Dr. Zaheer's unwavering dedication to refining teaching methodologies has led to remarkable progress, recognized by both students and colleagues. His adeptness at aligning graduate-level courses with cutting-edge research exemplifies exceptional skills in connecting ideas with practice. He has recently become the torchbearer for leading a teaching concentration on environmental chemistry. Watch here.
Engaged across diverse university committees, Dr. Zaheer's impactful service contributions, highlighted by the recent accolade for the LUMS ACS chapter, signify his commitment to academic excellence. He has sparked student life in chemistry and chemical engineering through engaging exhibits, poster sessions, the Ahmed Zewail Lecture series.
Congratulations, Dr. Muhammad Zaheer, on this well-deserved achievement! I look forward to working with you in your fruitful and impactful years.
Muhammad Sabieh Anwar
Professor of Physics, Ahmed Dawood Chair and Dean
Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, LUMS
We're thrilled to celebrate Dr. Muhammad Zaheer's incredible journey, culminating in his tenure as an Associate Professor at the Department of Chemistry and…
Seminars and Conferences
Date:
Registration Link: People who are not affiliated with LUMS are required to register here
Speaker: Dr. Amir Faisal, Associate Professor Department of Life Sciences
Vanue: Deans Smart Lab, 4th Floor SBASSE Building LUMS
Reference Department:Department of Life Sciences
Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine 2023 – Enabling mRNA therapeutics.
Abstract:Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a critical macromolecule that contains DNA-coded information for protein synthesis, thus acting as an intermediary in the flow of genetic information from DNA to Proteins. The use of mRNA to express proteins for therapeutic purposes, although long envisioned, has not been successful due to the activation of innate immune response. The 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman, who discovered mRNA modifications that render it non-immunogenic, thereby enabling the development of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19. This talk for the general audience will introduce them to the basic science behind this impactful discovery and its broader applications beyond COVID-19.
Dr. Amir Faisal received his PhD in Cell Biology from Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research/University of Basel, Switzerland in 2004. During his PhD he identified novel roles for Shc protein, an important adaptor downstream of tyrosine kinases, in insulin signaling and cytoskeletal reorganization. He received his first postdoctoral training (2004-2008) in Protein Phosphorylation Laboratory at London Research Institute where he discovered that another adaptor protein, MyD88, couples Protein Kinase C epsilon to Toll like receptors during innate immunity. From 2008 to 2014, he worked at Cancer Therapeutics Unit of Institute of Cancer Research in Sutton first as postdoctoral fellow and later as senior scientist. He played an important role in progression of several drug discovery projects, one of which resulted in discovery of a pre-clinical development candidate that will undergo phase I clinical trials in 2016. After joining LUMS in August 2014, he has been establishing a cancer therapeutics lab at SBASSE.
Learn more at: http://biolabs.lums.edu.pk/cancer
Dr. Amir Faisal received his PhD in Cell Biology from Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research/University of Basel, Switzerland in 2004. During his PhD he identified novel roles for Shc protein, an important…
Date:
Registration Link:
Speaker: Muhammad Atif Zaheer, Supervisors: Professor Emanuel Carneiro and Professor Shaheen Nazir
Vanue: Dean’s Smart Lab (SSE Building; 4th Floor)
Reference Department:Department of Mathematics
The Pair Correlation of the Zeros of the Riemann Zeta Function
Abstract:
In 1972, Hugh Montgomery proposed a conjecture regarding the asymptotic behavior of the distribution of spacing between the zeros of the Riemann zeta function. A serendipitous encounter with Freeman Dyson at the Institute of Advanced Study resulted in an unexpected discovery about the profound connection between the pair correlation functions of the zeros of the Riemann zeta function and the eigenvalues of random matrices. This connection sparked extensive research at the crossroads of number theory and mathematical physics. In this talk, we will explore Montgomery's conjecture and its consequences.
In 1972, Hugh Montgomery proposed a conjecture regarding the asymptotic behavior of the distribution of spacing between the zeros of the Riemann zeta function. A serendipitous encounter with Freeman Dyson at the…
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 محمد طارق سید بابر علی اسکول آف سائنس اینڈ انجینئرنگ کے فل پروفیسر بن گئے
ڈاکٹر محمد طارق فیصل آباد، سوئٹزر لینڈ اور جرمنی سے تربیت یافتہ ماہر جینیات ہیں۔ جب جولائی 2009ءمیں انھوں نے لمز سکول برائے سائنس اور انجینئرنگ میں ایک نوجوان محقق اور مُدَرِّس کے طور پرکام کاآغاز کیا تو نہ جانے انھیں ہمارے سکول کے خالی دَر و دیوار میں کیا نظر آیا کہ انھوں نے مغرِب کی بہترین تجربہ گاہوں کو خیر باد کہہ کے اِس خالی بیابان میں اپنا مستقبل آزمانے کی ٹھان لی۔ کِسے معلوم تھا کہ یہ شخص نہ صرف کیمیائی حیات، جینیات، بالائی جینیات (epigenetics)اور حیوانی نشوونُما (developmental biology)کےرُمُوز سے ہی آشنا نہیں، بلکہ جذبے اور عملِ پیہم سے سرشاُر ملک میں موجود اگلی نسلوں کی فکری رہنمائی میں اپنی جان لگا دینے سے بھی پیچھے نہیں ہٹے گا۔
ڈاکٹر محمد طارق نے سکول کے خالی آشیانے میں مکّھیوں کا ایک کاشانہ بنایا اور اس مشاہدہ گاہ میں جدید ترین کیمیائی اورجینیاتی تکنیکوں کا سہارا لے کے حیوانی جسم میں نشوونما کے مختلف مظاہر پہ تحقیق کا کام بڑی سربلندی اور جانفشانی کے ساتھ کیا۔ اس عمل میں نہ صرف انھوں نے مکھی کےنمونے کو استعمال کرتے ہوئے پاکستان میں اپنی نوع کی اولین تجربہ گاہ قائم کی، بلکہ اپنی ولولہ انگیز اور حکمت بھری تدریس کے ذریعے ہزاروں طلبہ اورطالبات کو مستقبل میں اونچی سوچ رکھنے اور خود اعتمادی سے، دنیا کے شانہ بشانہ، عالمی پائے کی تحقیق اور جستجو کے قابل بنا دیا۔ آج آپ کے شاگرد دنیا کے کونے کونوں کی بہترین یونیورسٹیوں میں تحقیق اور تعلیم کے شعبوں سے منسلک ہیں اور ہماری ملی اور قومی اُمّید کو ٹوٹنے سے بچائے رکھتے ہیں۔
بالائی جینیات اور حیوانی نشوونما کے عالمی ماہروں نے ڈاکٹر محمد طارق کے کام کو سراہا۔موصوف نے ایک دُور اندیش مُر بّی کی طرح سکول میں کئی نئے منصوبوں کا آغاز کیا خواہ ان کا تعلق ہماری تعلیم سے ہو یا تحقیق سے، شعبہ حیاتیات کےصدر کی حیثیت سے کئی سال تک اس شعبے کو ترقی کی راہ پر گامزن رکھا اور سب سے بڑھ کر کمال محبّت سے بہت سے دیگر اساتذہ کی رہنمائی بھی کی، جن میں سے بیشتر اِنھی ڈاکٹر طارق کی ترغیب پہ ہمارےسکول کی علمی تحریک سے وابستہ ہوئے۔ ڈاکٹر طارق کو دیکھ کے مجھے لگتا ہے کہ "اُستاد ایسا ہی ہونا چاہیے"۔ درد مند، مُفَکّر، سائنس کا بہترین مُبَلّغ اور سماجی سوچ کا پرچارک۔ اپنے طلبہ اور ساتھیوں کے لیے" رول ماڈل"۔
واقعی یہ ہمارے لیے بہترین مثال ہیں۔ ہمارے پروفیسر ہمارے ادارے اور ملک کا اثاثہ ہونے چاہییں۔ یہی خیال ہمیں اس جانب لے آیا کہ آج مجھے ڈاکٹر محمد طارق کو لمز سکول برائے سائنس اور انجینئرنگ میں بطور پروفیسر تعینات کرنے کا اعلان کرنے میں اعزاز اور خوشی محسوس ہو رہی ہے۔ اُمید ہے کہ پروفیسر ڈاکٹر محمد طارق آنے والے سالوں میں ہمارے ادارے اور ہمارے ملک میں حیاتیاتی علوم پر تحقیقات کے میرِ کارواں بنے رہیں گے اور ہمارے ذہنوں کو منوّر اور دلوں کو بھی گر ماتے رہیں گے۔
محمد صبیح انور ، پروفیسر طبیعیات
ڈاکٹر محمد طارق فیصل آباد، سوئٹزر لینڈ اور جرمنی سے تربیت یافتہ ماہر جینیات ہیں۔ جب جولائی 2009ءمیں انھوں نے لمز سکول برائے سائنس اور انجینئرنگ میں ایک نوجوان محقق اور…
