Find Academic Supervisors

• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Fluid Dynamics
• Heat Transfer
• +4 more

David Fletcher is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Sydney's School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. He holds a BSc and PhD in Mathematics from the University of Exeter (UK) and a Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches (HDR) from the Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse (France). His expertise spans computational fluid dynamics (CFD), fluid-structure interaction (FSI), and multiphase flow modeling with applications in biomedical systems, pharmaceutical inhalers, and chemical engineering. Education: BSc Mathematics, University of Exeter (1979) PhD, University of Exeter (1982) HDR in Chemical Engineering, Université de Toulouse (2002) Research Interests: Coupled systems simulation (e.g., combustion, micro-flows, biomedical applications) CFD education and software development Bioinspired heart valve design for pediatric use PFAS degradation via CFD-optimized reactors Key Projects: Polymeric heart valve design collaboration with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital CFD modeling of pharmaceutical inhalers with Macquarie University Bubble column optimization for energy-efficient bioreactors Awards: Recognized among the Top 2% of global researchers in 2019, 2021, and 2023 (PLOS Biology ranking). International Collaborations: France (INP Toulouse), Malaysia (Universiti Malaysia Pahang), UK (University of Birmingham), USA (Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital). Students: Supervised PhD graduates now in academia (China, Saudi Arabia) and industry (Australia, India).

Hendrik VersteegView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Fluid Mechanics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Biomimetics
• +6 more

Dr. Hendrik Versteeg is a Senior Lecturer in Fluid Mechanics at the Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University. He has been affiliated with the institution since 1988, following prior research roles at BHRA Fluid Engineering and Cranfield Institute of Technology. His research focuses on biomimetic engineering, porous materials for biomedical applications, and pharmaceutical aerosol technology, particularly in pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs). He leads the Multifunctional Materials Manufacturing (MMM) Lab and collaborates with industry partners like EPSRC and the Wolfson Bursary Scheme. Key research areas include additive manufacturing for medical devices, osteoblastic maturation in titanium scaffolds, and the thermodynamic modeling of aerosol generation. Notable projects include the design of trabecular-like porous scaffolds for orthopedic implants and the study of bimodal pore size distributions for enhanced cellular growth. His work integrates computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and experimental methods to advance medical device innovation and tissue engineering. Dr. Versteeg advises students such as Mudassar Khalil and has mentored alumni Dr. Mattia Norrito and Dr. Fares Almushref. His research has been supported by grants from EPSRC and industry collaborations. He maintains ties with global institutions like McGill University’s Department of Bioengineering, where he explores biomimetic structures in natural materials.

• Discrete Element Method (DEM) Simulations
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
• Triboelectric Charging
• +4 more

Francesca Orsola Alfano is a Researcher at the Department of Computer Engineering, Modeling, Electronics and Systems at the University of Calabria (UNICAL). She holds a research grant and contributes to academic programs in Chemical Engineering through her teaching activities. Current role: Research Grant Holder Teaching: Instrumentations and Analysis of Data, Chemical Process Dynamics and Control Her research focuses on computational modeling of particulate systems, particularly through Discrete Element Method (DEM) and CFD-DEM simulations . Key areas include: Triboelectric charging in powder handling Electrostatic interactions in fluidized beds Deagglomeration mechanisms in dry powder inhalers (DPI) Swirl-based particle dispersion Carrier-wall collision dynamics Polydisperse systems Recent publications highlight trends in pharmaceutical engineering applications (e.g., DPI optimization) and electrostatic modeling for industrial particulate systems. Her work bridges chemical engineering and computational physics , with technical implementations in DEM algorithms and fluid-solid interactions .

• Pulmonary Drug Delivery
• Nanotechnology
• Biodegradable Polymers
• +3 more

Associate Professor Nazrul Islam is affiliated with the School of Clinical Sciences, Pharmacy Department at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). His research focuses on pulmonary drug delivery systems, nanotechnology-driven drug formulations, and biodegradable polymer-based controlled-release micro/nanoparticles for respiratory applications. He holds editorial roles in journals like the International Journal of Biomacromolecules and has authored a book on lung-targeted drug delivery systems. His key research grants include King Khalid University funding (2020), Indonesian Government support (2017/19), and multiple IHBI grants (Australia). Teaching expertise spans pharmaceutics, drug formulation, and respiratory drug delivery. Recent work emphasizes inhalable antibiotic-loaded nanoparticles for combating antibiotic-resistant infections, with 2025 publications on biofilm-targeting therapies and ceftriaxone liposomal formulations. His 2024 studies highlight challenges in inhalable ciprofloxacin formulations and lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles for lung cancer treatment. Supervision includes PhD topics like DPI formulation development and chitosan nanoparticle lung delivery. Grant review experience spans Hong Kong, Canada, and NHMRC programs.

• Engineering Education
• Mechanical Engineering
• Microfluidics
• +5 more

Dr. Darson Li is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at UNSW Sydney. His research focuses on engineering education innovations, biomedical fluid mechanics, and advanced materials for drug delivery. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from UNSW and has held academic roles at UNSW and Macquarie University since 2013. Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering (UNSW, 2019) Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) with First Class Honours and University Medal (UNSW, 2015) Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Finance) (UNSW, 2015) Research interests include engineering pedagogy, nanoparticle-based therapies, microfluidics, and discrete element modeling. He has received awards such as the University Medal (2015), Australian Postgraduate Award (2015), and multiple UNSW Dean’s Awards. His articles address AI in engineering education, cardiovascular modeling, and nanofluidics. He leads grants like the 2024 Faculty of Engineering EFFECT Grant ($20,000) for 3D CAD plagiarism detection. Currently supervises PhD students in STEM diversity, biomechanics, and coronary artery modeling. Engagement roles include Co-chair of the UNSW Early Career Academics Network and member of the Australasian Association for Engineering Education. Teaches courses like MECH3110 Mechanical Design and MMAN1130 Design and Manufacturing. Labs/Teams: Active in UNSW’s Engineering Education Focused Communities and collaborates with industry on drug delivery systems and sustainable materials.

• Pharmaceutical Science
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Inhalation Therapy
• +3 more

Dr Waiting Tai is a Researcher at the Sydney Pharmacy School, part of the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney. His work focuses on advanced drug delivery systems, particularly inhalation therapies and pharmaceutical formulation innovations. Key areas include aerosol drug design, nanoparticle engineering for bioavailability improvement, and targeted therapies for neurological and infectious diseases. His research integrates analytical techniques like O-PTIR spectroscopy for particle characterization and explores novel approaches such as bacteriophage endolysin powders for pulmonary infections. Recent studies emphasize CBD delivery mechanisms, anti-biofilm agents in antibiotic formulations, and aerosolized treatments for conditions like tuberculosis and COVID-19. Dr Tai’s publications highlight interdisciplinary collaboration between pharmaceutical science and biomedical engineering, aiming to bridge gaps between formulation science and clinical application. His research interests span pharmaceutical aerosol technology, nanomedicine for CNS delivery, and the development of stable inhalable powders. Notable projects include high-loading CBD powders, spray-freeze-dried formulations with DPPC, and in vitro/in vivo correlations for aerosol performance. While no scientific awards are explicitly listed, his contributions reflect significant innovation in respiratory drug delivery systems.

Anna-Maria VoelskowView profile

Researcher

• Respiratory Drug Delivery
• Inhalation Therapy
• Biopharmaceutics
• +3 more

Anna-Maria Voelskow is a pharmacist and researcher affiliated with the Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology at FFQM-JGU. She serves as head of quality assurance in the GMP team, a research assistant, and teaches courses (AFL-1). Her work focuses on respiratory drug delivery, inhaler device performance, and patient-specific therapeutic applications. Respiratory Drug Delivery Inhalation Therapy Biopharmaceutics Pharmaceutical Technology Her research spans in vitro and in silico modeling of inhaler devices, including Respimat® Soft Mist™ Inhalers and dry powder inhalers (DPIs), with a focus on COPD treatment optimization. She integrates computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations with experimental studies to enhance drug deposition efficiency. Anna-Maria Voelskow has received the Ted Martonen Student Research Award and is an active member of the German Pharmaceutical Society (DPhG). Her contributions include peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and presentations at conferences like ISAM, RDD, and DGP, addressing inhaler usability and dose delivery innovations.

Richard DalbyView profile

Professor

• Pharmaceutical Aerosols
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Pulmonary Drug Delivery
• +12 more

Richard Dalby is a Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, where he leads the Aerosol Lab. His research is centered on optimizing drug delivery to the lung and nose, with a strong emphasis on inhalation devices and regulatory testing methods. Dr. Dalby earned his BPharm from the University of Nottingham and his PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Kentucky. His research interests include the formulation and evaluation of pressurized metered dose inhalers (MDIs), dry powder inhalers (DPIs), nebulizers, and nasal sprays. He focuses on developing and validating novel test methods with regulatory implications, studying patient-device interactions, and designing patient education tools. Since 2016, his lab has expanded into e-cigarette aerosol analysis, investigating harmful constituents and their public health impact, including potential interference with abuse-deterrent opioids. Recent work also addresses healthcare worker protection from SARS-CoV-2 aerosols. The publication trends reflect a deep commitment to inhalation product science, spanning device performance, bioequivalence, patient use, and emerging public health challenges like vaping. His work bridges formulation science, regulatory needs, and clinical application. Scientific honors include: Fellow of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain Dr. Dalby has over 25 years of experience as an independent consultant and expert witness in pharmaceutical litigation related to inhaled and nasal products. He has mentored numerous graduate and post-doctoral students, many of whom have completed significant research on inhaler performance, nasal delivery, and aerosol testing. His lab, located in Pharmacy Hall, fosters collaborative research in pulmonary and nasal drug delivery. He holds multiple patents in inhalation formulations and delivery technologies. The Aerosol Lab actively conducts research on automated testing systems, pediatric device use, and real-world performance of inhalers and spacers, contributing significantly to both academic knowledge and regulatory science.

• Drug Delivery
• Respiratory Drug Delivery
• Pharmaceutical Analysis
• +3 more

Dr. Khaled Assi is an Associate Professor at the School of Pharmacy & Medical Sciences, University of Bradford. He holds a PhD in Pharmaceutical Analysis from the same university (1999). His career includes postdoctoral research on inhaled therapies, extended by a GlaxoSmithKline grant, followed by a research fellowship and academic roles. He teaches MPharm students and leads the MSc Pharmaceutical Technology and Medicines Control program, covering respiratory drug delivery, pharmaceutical analysis, and quality assurance. Research Interests: Development of inhalation formulations (dry powder, nanosuspensions, nanoemulsions) for dry powder inhalers and nebulizers. Optimization of inhalation devices for targeted lung delivery (local/systemic therapies). In-vitro assessment of inhaler performance, including DPIs, MDIs, and nebulizers. Adhesion/cohesion energy effects on DPI formulations. Pharmaceutical and bioanalytical method development for drug quantification in biofluids. Awards/Grants: Postdoctoral grant extension from GlaxoSmithKline (1999–2001). Advising/Grants: Leads MSc programs and has conducted research supported by industry grants. No specific student/advising details listed.

Hasham ShafiView profile

Researcher

• Dry Powder Inhalation (DPI) Systems
• Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis
• Host-Directed Therapies
• +5 more

Dr. Hasham Shafi is a Postdoctoral Associate in the Mansour Lab at Florida International University (FIU). His research focuses on overcoming drug resistance in tuberculosis (TB) through targeted drug delivery systems and host-directed therapies. He holds a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics from the CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute and the University of Kashmir, India, with prior experience as a Research Fellow in nanotechnology and pharmaceutics. Dr. Shafi’s expertise includes formulation development (e.g., dry powder inhalations, fast-dissolving systems), analytical methods, and preclinical studies in biomedicine. His work spans drug delivery systems for antibiotics, nanofiber fabrication, and biomaterials engineering. He has contributed to studies on mycobacterial biofilms, phage therapy, and modulating host immune responses to combat drug resistance. His recent articles emphasize innovations in drug delivery mechanisms for TB treatment, biomaterials for tissue engineering, and preclinical pharmacokinetic studies. His research integrates interdisciplinary approaches to address unmet needs in antimicrobial therapies and targeted drug delivery.