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Mohammad Houkan

About

I’m a mechanical engineer and PhD researcher based in Sydney, Australia. My work sits at the intersection of mechanical design, nanomaterials, and intelligent systems—ranging from organic photovoltaics and bioelectronics to embedded sensors and data-driven engineering.

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During my bachelor’s and master’s studies at Qatar University, I worked on projects in 3D and 4D printing, nanocomposite materials, and sensor systems. I contributed to research on nanocellulose-based sensor materials, 3D/4D printing technologies, and embedded sensors for CO₂-to-fuel processes and environmental monitoring.

In the lab, I designed experiments, fabricated prototypes, and analysed data in Python and MATLAB. This led to joint publications on topics such as nanocellulose-based sensor composites, 3D/4D printing of polymer nanocomposites, and thermal and sensing properties of waste-derived composite materials.

Outside academia, I’ve worked as a research assistant, MEP engineer, and assistant production manager. These roles gave me hands-on experience with production planning, mechanical systems in real buildings, and the challenges of scaling prototypes into reliable products. I used tools like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, SketchUp, and Rhino to bridge design and manufacturing, and I implemented automation scripts and digital tracking to improve efficiency.

Today, my PhD research focuses on soft nanomaterials for bioelectronically relevant interfaces and organic photovoltaic devices, using Cryo-TEM, STEM-EDX, and synchrotron X-ray microscopy to connect nanoscale structure with device performance. I’m interested in collaborations at the overlap of materials science, AI, and hardware.

Skills

Programming & AI/ML

  • Python (Pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn)
  • C/C++, Ruby, Java
  • Model development, preprocessing, feature engineering

Data & simulation

  • Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP)
  • MATLAB, Python data stack
  • OpenFOAM

CAD & engineering

  • SolidWorks
  • SketchUp
  • Rhino/Grasshopper
  • AutoCAD

Domains

  • 3D/4D printing
  • Sensor systems, biometrics, CO2 sensing
  • Nanomaterials, bioelectronics, OPV

Languages

  • English
  • Arabic
  • Learning Dutch

Experience

Assistant Production Manager

Nabina Kitchen and Door Factory

Sep 2022 – Jun 2024
  • Oversaw production, deliveries, and schedules.
  • Automated design tasks using Ruby and SketchUp.
  • Digitised order tracking and supported quality control.

Research Assistant

Qatar University

Jun 2018 – Aug 2022
  • Built prototypes and experiments on 3D printing, sensors, and autonomous driving.
  • Co-authored publications on cardiac health prediction and 3D/4D printing.
  • Designed and tested embedded sensors for atmospheric CO₂ monitoring.

MEP Engineer

Al Jaber Contracting

Jul 2017 – May 2018
  • Supervised MEP systems installation and maintenance.
  • Produced coordinated documentation in AutoCAD.

Education

  • PhD, Mechanical Engineering – University of Sydney (2024– )
  • MSc, Mechanical Engineering – Qatar University (2018–2020)
  • BSc, Mechanical Engineering – Qatar University (2012–2017)