I am a Senior Lecturer at University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK, and a researcher in Material Science and Engineering, Metallurgy. I hold a BSc (Hons) and MSc (Hons) in Materials Science and Engineering, MBA, Ph.D in Solid State Physics, and have a translational research experience (i.e., industry-academia) in the field. I have an extent international postdoctoral research experience. I am a Fellow of HEA (FHEA). I am registered as a Chartered Engineer by the Engineering Council, a Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (MIMechE), and a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (FIMMM). I am a member of council of the Scottish Association for Metals (SAM).

Fields: Severe Plastic Deformation (SPD); Cryogenic deformation; Abnormal grain growth; Electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD); Ultra fine-grained (UFG) materials; Nanomaterials; Deformation-induced boundaries (DIBs); Structure transformations in pure copper; Electrodeposition; Thin Films; Damascene Copper Wires; Additive manufacturing  

The main aim of the work: tendency to perfection  

The present research: microstructure analysis of cobalt based alloys; SPD of titanium alloys; cryogenic deformation of copper alloys; additive manufacturing.

Skills: Electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical metallography, mechanical testing, electrodeposition.  

Research experience

I have frequently been presenting my research at national and international conferences and exposed my research to the other researchers from across the world. My research is very well established and recognised among the scientists in this field. 

I have a number of papers (and a book) published in different journals that are well cited. My international experience and background allowed me to foster an interdisciplinary collaboration.

My Ph.D work was focused on grain structure/texture evolution during/after cryogenic deformation of copper. It encompassed various microstructural processes including formation of deformation-induced boundaries (during cryogenic strain) as well as primary recrystallisation and abnormal grain growth (during long-term static storage of deformed material at room temperature).

My work in Japan was based on microstructural observations of the electrodeposited nano-scale copper wires. Attempting to establish a better understanding of the annealing processes and grain growth mechanism in these interconnects, my work presented a detailed study of grain structure and texture evolution of electrodeposited nano-scale copper wires in a wide temperature range. The microstructural observations were primarily performed with high-resolution EBSD technique. The achieved results expanded my knowledge and lead to essential practical output, such as significant reduction in cost and improvement the properties of interconnects. This attracted an interest from industrial partners and funding for the future projects.

During my work in the AFRC, my research activity was spread out on three major themes within AFRC’s projects, including Core research programme, Catapult, as well as direct funded projects. Due to the difference in the nature of materials used in programmes, I have expanded my scientific and technical knowledge, established the basic strategy for microstructure analysis to provide better understanding of material behaviour. The idea of creating the connection between fundamental science and industrial application was successfully realised. In particular, deep microstructure analysis proposed an opportunity to correct the existing process parameters, resulting in saving costs and resources. 

Moreover, I was leading one of the largest Core project within the centre, and a new project supported by Catapult funding; both projects are based on my proposals.  

I was also carrying administrative tasks such as the responsibilities as a Materials Characterisation Theme Leader in the centre, as well as representing the AFRC on Cross Catapult centres Forum in Additive manufacturing.

The focus of the Senior Lecturer is on leading a research programme of national/international excellence; to lead the design, development and delivery of a range of teaching programmes and undertake student
assessment activities; to lead professional and knowledge exchange activities. I engage in individual and collaborative research which aligns with the strategic direction of the University. 

Teaching experience

My research interests include several aspects of Material Science, Physics and Solid State Physics. 

As a lecturer at Strathclyde, I am fully engaged in my teaching duties and proactive in improving the student learning experience. I am open to constructive feedback and demonstrate good teaching citizenship. I have experience with supervision of UG, PGT, PGR and PhD students. I successfully deliver several teaching modules to large classes on yearly basis. Enhancement in students learning was noticed due to a research-led teaching and innovative pedagogical methods adapted in the courses. Constant positive feedback was received through NSS students voice with rate averaged around the faculty mean and above.

I created material and developed an online CPD course for a distance learning in area of metrology.  

I have been heavily involved in marking process of Master, Undergraduate and Postgraduate students projects, viva of a few PhD students as an internal examiner and a convener, annual review of PGR students, marking of course works and assignments, personal support of the students, supervision of multiple individual and group projects, including industrial group projects, as well as, regular feedback sessions. I have experience with engaging with the teaching strategy of the Department by initiation of further improvement of the student experience. I organise visits from IMechE for the 1^st year students to provide an overview of existing opportunities and a chance to join the organisation. My activities are aligned with the personal career progression plan and development. I have responsibility of a Year Adviser on studies. I am Fellow of HEA.

With my background in Materials science and engineering, I can teach most of the undergraduate and postgraduate Materials science classes. For both graduate and undergraduate classes, my preference is to teach existing courses and develop new courses related to core topics such as: Physical Metallurgy, Materials Selection, Crystallography and Diffraction, Mechanical Behaviours, Thermodynamics and Phase Transformations, Material Processing, Advanced Microstructural Characterisation.

I come from a strong background of KE having spent a number of years in Japan and at the AFRC, University of Strathclyde, where I led a range of projects within and outside of the Core research programme. I am thus adept at presenting research outcomes in a variety of formats to industrial clients and have a strong background in project management and delivery involving working with multi-disciplinary teams. I have strong communication skills, developed from giving regular presentations, active dissemination of my research output through publications and participation in national and international conferences and seminars. I’m constantly in contact with leading specialists in my research area, and extending an opportunity to disseminate pre-existing knowledge and creating new areas of expertise.

Due to the participation in the projects with several industrial members, I have been very active in passing on research outcomes to these members. I have frequently been in contact with R&D departments of the industrial members, in particular the Materials application team at R-R to discuss the research data and explore further research opportunities. Such activities provided a good opportunity to be in touch with the stakeholders and exchange ideas and knowledge on industrial problems.

In order to explore the advantages of the additive manufacturing process and combine it with existing technologies in the University, I have been in contact with different research groups nationally and internationally. The result of these activities led to futher collaboration with these firms.

Participation in cross-Catapult forums provided an opportunity to be in touch with main research centres within UK, and in particular keeping the University of Strathclyde up to date on additive manufacturing, as well as to exchange the ideas for future collaborative projects.