PhD Scholar at National University of Science and Technology NUST, Islamabad, Pakistan
Engr. Muhammad Zulfiqar is a passionate and driven mechanical engineer currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad. With a strong academic foundation, multiple published works, and extensive teaching experience, he has demonstrated consistent excellence in both technical and pedagogical domains. His career reflects a steadfast commitment to research, education, and innovation, positioning him as a rising contributor in Pakistan’s engineering landscape. A dynamic individual, he excels in both collaborative and independent environments, effectively combining academic rigor with practical applications across renewable energy, microfluidics, and sustainable development sectors.
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Education
Muhammad Zulfiqar has pursued a rigorous academic path beginning with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from HITEC University Taxila, followed by a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from NUST, Islamabad. Currently, he is enrolled in the Ph.D. program at NUST, maintaining a perfect 4.0 CGPA. His formal education is supplemented by his early scholastic achievements, consistently earning first division distinctions in intermediate and matriculation levels. Throughout his academic journey, he has shown a continuous thirst for knowledge and an ability to engage deeply with complex engineering concepts.
Experience
Zulfiqar’s academic career spans several respected institutions across Pakistan. He currently serves as a lecturer at Capital University of Science and Technology (CUST), Islamabad, a position he has held since March 2020. Prior to this, he contributed as a lecturer at the University of Lahore, University of Management and Technology (UMT) Sialkot, and the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Taxila. His earlier engagements include roles as a lab demonstrator and teaching assistant at NUST, where he provided course support in fluid mechanics and undertook responsibilities in grading and assessments. In addition to academia, he briefly worked as a mechanical engineer in the Provincial Maintenance Machinery Division in Rawalpindi, further diversifying his professional exposure.
Research Interest
Muhammad Zulfiqar’s primary research interests lie at the intersection of microfluidics, renewable energy, and heat transfer. His current doctoral research delves into the simulation and experimental validation of microfluidic devices for biological applications. He is equally invested in the advancement of sustainable energy technologies, particularly in the context of Pakistan’s evolving energy infrastructure. His passion for microfluidics bridges theoretical modeling with experimental applications, offering promising insights for innovations in biomedical and environmental engineering.
Awards
Muhammad Zulfiqar’s dedication and talent have been recognized in various academic and extracurricular platforms. He secured first place in an essay writing competition at UET Taxila and second position in a bridge structure competition at NUST Islamabad. Notably, he achieved an outstanding 98% student feedback score in his course evaluations and scored in the 95.08 percentile in the GAT Subject Test for Mechanical Engineering conducted in 2019. These accolades reflect both his academic proficiency and his ability to inspire and engage students effectively.
Publications
Muhammad Zulfiqar has contributed extensively to scholarly research, publishing multiple articles in reputable journals and conference proceedings. Selected publications include:
“Simulation and Experimental Validation of Microfluidic Device for Cell Focusing and Sorting Based on Inertial Microfluidics Technique”, Materials Proceedings MDPI, 2025 – cited in studies on microfluidic bio-sorting.
“Experimental Study on Multi-Cell Counting Using an Inertial Microfluidic Device”, Journal of Applied Science MDPI, 2025 – influencing biomedical engineering methods.
“Experimental Investigation of Particle Sorting in Y-Channels with Variable Bifurcation Angles for Microfluidic Applications”, Journal of Applied Science and Engineering, 2024 – referenced in micro-scale fluid dynamics research.
“Pakistan’s Transport Sector Modeling Using AIM/Enduse”, Engineering Proceedings MDPI, 2024 – cited in policy-oriented modeling.
“Women Empowerment through Clean Energy Transition in Pakistan”, Engineering Proceedings MDPI, 2024 – referenced in gender-energy policy studies.
“Pakistan’s Electric Vehicles Market: Challenges and Opportunities”, Engineering Proceedings MDPI, 2024 – cited in environmental technology papers.
“Accelerating Green Energy Transition Under CPEC 2.0”, Engineering Proceedings MDPI, 2024 – supporting literature in regional energy policy discourse.
Conclusion
Engr. Muhammad Zulfiqar exemplifies the qualities of a top-tier researcher—intellectually rigorous, prolific in publication, interdisciplinary in approach, and dedicated to educational excellence. His contributions to microfluidics and renewable energy, combined with impactful academic service and leadership, make him a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Recognizing his work would not only honor individual excellence but also highlight the importance of research-driven development in engineering and sustainability.