Muhammad Usman Afzal

Muhammad Usman Afzal is a Research Fellow at the School of Electrical and Data Engineering, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), where he holds a Visiting Fellow position. He is a Senior IEEE member with extensive expertise in electromagnetics and antenna systems. Previously, he completed a post-doctorate at Macquarie University on an Australian Research Council Discovery grant project.

Dr. Afzal received his Bachelor's in Electronics Engineering and Master's in Computational Science and Engineering from the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, in 2009 and 2011, respectively. He earned his PhD in Electronics Engineering from Macquarie University, Australia, in 2017. His academic journey began as a Lab Engineer at NUST's Research Institute for Microwave & Millimetre-Wave Studies in 2010, followed by a Lecturer position from 2012 to early 2013.

Dr. Afzal's research focuses on breakthrough innovations in electromagnetics and antenna technology, particularly his development of near-field phase-correction methods and near-field meta-steering (NFMS) technology. His work enables low-profile high-gain antennas and superior beam-steering systems that outperform traditional electronically steered arrays and mechanically steered reflectors. His research has resulted in significant publications, with more than ten papers annually across top IEEE journals and conferences.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on dual-band metasurfaces, beam-steering technologies, and high-gain antenna systems for satellite communication, 5G/6G networks, and wireless applications. His work spans theoretical development, practical implementation, and commercial applications of advanced antenna systems.

Dr. Afzal has received notable recognition including a 'Highly Commended' certificate in the Five Future-Shaping Research Priorities category at Macquarie University's 2017 Academic Staff Awards for his innovative work on beam-steering technology.

As an active research supervisor, Dr. Afzal has co-supervised five PhD students, three Master's research students, and several undergraduate thesis students in the last five years. His funded research includes projects supported by the Australian Research Council through the Discovery grant scheme.

His laboratory work centers on electromagnetics, metasurfaces, phase-shifting surfaces, and advanced antenna systems, with applications spanning satellite communication, wireless networks, and next-generation connectivity solutions.