Biography:

UK-qualified engineer and academician with over three decades of industrial, teaching, research, and administrative experience in the higher education and Industrial sectors (National/International). Heading the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) at COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) since August 2020. Shoulder the additional responsibility as ‘Acting Rector’ of the University as and when required. Have held key academic and administrative positions during illustrious academic career - Professor, Dean, Campus Director. Well-versed in policy making and governance issues of large public sector universities. Prolific researcher, having published 105 research publications in international journals, conferences, and workshops/seminars, in addition to registration of one US Patent. Successfully supervised/mentored 07-PhD students and 24-MS students. Based on research productivity was awarded with XVTH STAR AWARD by South Asian Publications and research productivity awards by CUI. As Dean, Faculty of Engineering (12-years) and Director Campuses (4-years), was member of all statutory bodies of the University i.e., BoS, BoF, Selection Board, Academic Council, Deans’ Committee, BASAR, F&PC, CEC, and BoG, mandated by the University Charter/Act to devise and implement policies. Served as member of the Selection Board, Syndicate and Senate of Universities other than CUI, PEC, HEC curriculum development committee, GRE Asia advisory council, Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO). Established four new engineering departments (Electrical, Chemical, Civil and Mechanical) at different campuses of CUI. Launched 32-programs (UG/PG), with current student enrolment exceeding 8,000. Secured millions of rupees worth of funding from HEC, the Ministry of Planning, Development & Reforms and National Testing Services of Pakistan, to establish teaching and research laboratories, research centers and physical infrastructure at CUI. The salient ones being PKR.2,863 million under the project ‘Infrastructure Development of Islamabad Campus (IDIC) and PKR.651 million from the HEC and Ministry of Planning, Development & Reforms, under the project ‘Provision of Essential Facilities (PEF). Recently submitted project worth PKR 249.95 million to PSF to establish a specialized Incubator at CUI. During the growth and consolidation phase of CUI, was instrumental in establishing the university’s infrastructure, development of human resources, institutionalize its policy-making framework, establishing linkages with western and Chinese universities as well as industries and launching of innovative degree programs and departments for attaining financial stability and sustainability. Organized and participated in national and international conferences, workshops, seminars, and other such events i.e., VC Forum, Pak-China Business Forum, CPEC Universities Consortium, South-Asian University Network and Times Higher Education World University Rankings.