Maria Parsa

Dr. Maria Parsa is a Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering at Northumbria University. She holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Hauts-de-France (France), with prior degrees from the University of Manchester and University of Nottingham. Her research focuses on experimental investigations of phase-change heat transfer and fluid flows of complex fluids, including nanofluids and biofluids, with applications in biomedical technologies, thermal management, and nanotechnologies. Key research themes include evaporation-driven self-assembly of colloidal droplets, antibacterial coating development, and phase-change heat transfer mechanisms.

Educational Background

• BSc in Mechanical Engineering (Heat & Fluids) – University of Hormozgan, Iran
• MSc in Thermal Power and Fluids Engineering (Distinction) – University of Manchester, UK
• MSc in Energy Conversion and Management (Distinction) – University of Nottingham, UK
• PhD in Mechanical Engineering – Polytechnic University of Hauts-de-France, France

Research Interests

Maria’s work spans interdisciplinary fields of engineering, materials science, and biology. Her experimental studies explore evaporation-driven pattern formation in colloidal droplets, phase-change phenomena in complex fluids, and antibacterial coating design. She investigates how environmental factors like substrate temperature and inclination influence droplet dynamics and microstructure formation.

Awards & Recognition

• Doctoral Prize Fellowship, Loughborough University (2018)

Teaching & Administration

Current teaching roles include leading modules such as Foundational Engineering Approaches and Investigative Project. She also serves as Year Tutor for Mechanical Engineering programs and contributes to the department’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives. Past roles include teaching Sustainable Energy Systems and supervising MSc research projects.