Introduction
I am Dr. Waheed Gul, an esteemed academic and researcher specializing in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering. With over a decade of professional experience spanning academia and industry, my research is centered on renewable energy systems, energy harvesting technologies, and the development of advanced materials such as Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF). I am deeply committed to driving sustainable engineering solutions through innovative research and interdisciplinary collaborations.
As an Assistant Professor at the National University of Technology, I mentor students, supervise research projects, and coordinate academic-industry linkage initiatives. My expertise lies in developing practical engineering applications, with a strong emphasis on addressing real-world challenges.
Experience
Assistant Professor
National University of Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan (Feb 2022–Present)
- Teaching undergraduate courses in Mechanical Vibrations, Mechanics of Machines, Engineering Mechanics (Dynamics), Measurement & Instrumentation and Heat and Mass Transfer.
- Supervising research in UAVs, energy harvesting and advanced material applications.
- Coordinating FYDP and internship programs for academic-industry integration.
Lecturer
Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan (2019–2022)
- Delivered courses on thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Engineering Drawing, Business & Entrepreneurship and engineering materials.
- Guided student research projects in mechanical design.
Lecturer
University of Technology , Nowshera, Pakistan (2016–2018)
- Delivered courses on Production Planning & Control, Business & Entrepreneurship and.
- Guided student research projects in mechanical design.
- Acting H.o.D
- Acting Controller of Examination
- Labs Development Manager
Lecturer
CECOS University of IT & Emerging Sciences, Peshawar, Pakistan (2015–2016)
- Delivered courses on Mechanical Vibration, Heat & Mass Transfer, Fluid Mechanics, Engineering Economics
- Internship Coordinator.
- Industrial Liaison Officer
Quality Control & Development Manager
CIEL Woodworks Pvt. Ltd., Peshawar, Pakistan (2011–2015)
- Oversaw product development and quality assurance in MDF manufacturing
- Purchasing
- Technical Expert
- Production Manager
- Lamination & Impregnation Incharge
Qualification
Academia
- Ph.D. in Mechatronics Engineering
University of Engineering & Technology (UET), Peshawar, Pakistan (2015–2021)
Research Focus: Nano-enhanced materials and energy harvesting systems.
- M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering
University of Engineering & Technology (UET), Peshawar, Pakistan (2011–2015)
- B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering
University of Engineering & Technology (UET), Peshawar, Pakistan (2005–2009)
Certifications
- Short Course in Development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Date: July 11–12, 2019
Organizer: Pakistan Planning and Management Institute, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Short Course in Introduction to Industrial Automation and PLC Programming
Date: August 5–9, 2019
Organizer: UET Peshawar, Pakistan
- Certificate in Energy Management System
Date: July 5–9, 2013
Organizer: SMEDA in collaboration with CIEL Woodworks Pvt. Ltd., Peshawar, Pakistan
Trainings
- Training for Installation, Commissioning, and Operation of Compact Steam Turbine Power Plant and Hydraulics Bench and Accessories
Date: February 5–6, 2018
Organizer: ESSOM Factory, Bangkok, Thailand
Taught Courses
I have taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate-level courses in the Mechanical Engineering Department. Below are the courses I have been involved in teaching:
- Mechanical Vibration
- Thermodynamics I & II
- Heat & Mass Transfer
- Measurement & Instrumentation
- Engineering Dynamics
- Mechanics of Machines
- Fluid Mechanics I & II
- Engineering Drawing
- Business & Entrepreneurship
- Engineering Economics
- Production Planning & Control
Research
My research focuses on the development and application of advanced materials, renewable energy systems, and sustainable engineering practices. Key areas include improving the physical and mechanical properties of Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF) through nanomaterial integration, energy harvesting for low-power wireless sensor networks, and hybrid energy systems for structural health monitoring.
- Ongoing Research Projects:
- Development and characterization of acoustic energy harvesters for low-power wireless sensor networks.
- Design, modeling, and fabrication of hybrid solar-powered UAVs for surveillance and environmental monitoring.
- Improvement of MDF performance through the integration of nanomaterials such as graphene oxide and iron oxide nanoparticles.
- Modeling and simulation of dual-beam hybrid energy harvesters for bridge health monitoring.
- Publications:
- Gul, W., et al. (2023). "Synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and their application as nano-fillers to improve the physical and mechanical properties of MDF." Frontiers in Materials, 10, 1206918.
- Gul, W., et al. (2023). "Impact of moisture content, closing speed, and pressurizing speed on the performance of MDF." Frontiers in Materials, 10, 1195789.
- Khan, A., Gul, W., et al. (2023). "Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger with Round and Hexagonal Tubes." Energies, 16(2), 880.
- Gul, W., et al. (2021). "Characterization of zinc oxide-urea formaldehyde nano resin and its impact on the physical performance of MDF." Polymers, 13(3), 371.
- Gul, W., Alrobei, H. (2021). "Effect of graphene oxide nanoparticles on the physical and mechanical properties of MDF." Polymers, 13(11), 1818.
- Gul, W., et al. (2020). "Effect of alumina nanoparticles on physical and mechanical properties of MDF." Materials, 13(18), 4207.
- Gul, W., et al. (2020). "Effect of iron oxide nanoparticles on the physical properties of MDF." Polymers, 12(12), 2911.
- Gul, W., et al. (2017). "Impact of hot pressing temperature on MDF performance." Advances in Materials Science and Engineering, 2017, 4056360.
Projects
- Development and Characterization of Acoustic Energy Harvesters (2020–2021):Designed and analyzed low-power acoustic energy harvesters for wireless sensor networks using piezoelectric, electromagnetic, and hybrid transduction techniques. The project demonstrated power outputs up to 0.0533W, showcasing the potential for sustainable energy solutions.
- Hybrid Solar-Powered UAV (2022–2023): Advanced solar-powered UAV technology by integrating solar panels for extended flight times. Conducted simulations and experimental testing, confirming the system's efficiency and reliability for surveillance and environmental monitoring.
- Dual-Beam Hybrid Energy Harvester for Bridge Health Monitoring (2020–2021): Modeled and simulated a hybrid energy harvester using electromagnetic and piezoelectric transduction for bridge structural health monitoring. Achieved a maximum output of 1.95V and 90.54µW at 0.2g acceleration.
- Remote-Controlled Rice Transplanter (2022–2023): Developed a remote-controlled device to automate the rice transplanting process, achieving 75% efficiency and consistent planting density. Utilized mathematical modeling and ANSYS simulations for design optimization.
- Design and Fabrication of a Torsion Bar Test Bench (2022–2024): Created modular test benches to evaluate torsion bars used in tanks, reducing reliance on imports and supporting the local defense industry. Enhanced self-reliance and cost efficiency in the sector.
- Pump as Turbine for Microhydro Applications (2008–2009): Designed and tested a Pump as Turbine (PAT) on a micro-hydro turbine testing rig to optimize energy recovery in low-flow scenarios.