Curriculum Vitae
Mohammad Houkan
Mechanical engineer & PhD researcher · Sydney, Australia
Mechanical engineer with academic and industry experience across 3D modelling, additive manufacturing, and programming. I'm building toward research and engineering work that combines Python-based ML with strong mechanical and materials-engineering foundations.
Experience
2024 — present
PhD Candidate, Mechanical Engineering
University of Sydney · Sydney, Australia
Soft nanomaterials for bioelectronic interfaces and organic photovoltaic devices; advanced microscopy for nanoscale structure-function studies.
- Designing donor–acceptor nanoparticle blends and probing how morphology shapes charge separation in OPV.
- Developing soft, low-voltage nanomaterials for artificial retina and neural-interface applications.
- Using Cryo-TEM, STEM-EDX, and synchrotron X-ray microscopy to connect nanoscale structure to device performance.
Sep 2022 — Jun 2024
Assistant Production Manager
Nabina Kitchen and Door Factory · Qatar
- Oversaw production, deliveries, and schedules across a multi-line factory.
- Automated repetitive design tasks using Ruby scripting on SketchUp.
- Digitised order tracking and instituted quality-control checkpoints.
Jun 2018 — Aug 2022
Research Assistant
Qatar University · Doha, Qatar
- Built prototypes and ran experiments on 3D printing, sensor technologies, and autonomous-driving robustness.
- Co-authored publications on cardiac health prediction, 3D/4D printing, and nanocellulose-based sensors.
- Designed and tested embedded CO₂ sensors for indoor air quality and atmospheric monitoring.
Jul 2017 — May 2018
MEP Engineer
Al Jaber Contracting · Qatar
- Supervised mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems installation on active construction sites.
- Produced and coordinated documentation in AutoCAD across trades.
Jun 2016 — Aug 2016
Mechanical Engineering Intern
Delta Corporation · Qatar
- Supported manufacturing of valves, pipe fittings, and oil-well equipment.
- Assisted installation, testing, and servicing of wellhead equipment onshore and offshore.
Education
2024 — present
PhD, Mechanical Engineering
University of Sydney · Sydney, Australia
2018 — 2020
MSc, Mechanical Engineering
Qatar University · Doha, Qatar
2012 — 2017
BSc, Mechanical Engineering
Qatar University · Doha, Qatar
Skills
Programming & ML
Python (Pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn) · C / C++ · Ruby, Java · Model development, preprocessing, feature engineering
Data & simulation
MATLAB · OpenFOAM · Pandas / NumPy · Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP)
CAD & engineering
SolidWorks · SketchUp · Rhino / Grasshopper · AutoCAD
Microscopy & characterisation
Cryo-TEM · STEM-EDX · Synchrotron X-ray microscopy · Optoelectronic measurements
Domains
Nanomaterials & bioelectronics · Organic photovoltaics (OPV) · 3D / 4D printing · Sensor systems, biometrics, CO₂ sensing
Languages
English (fluent) · Arabic (native) · Dutch (learning)
Selected publications
2022
Embedded 3D-Printed CO₂ Sensors for Indoor Monitoring
M. Houkan, O. Shehata, et al. · Sensors embedded in 3D-printed structures for indoor air quality monitoring
2021
Nanocellulose-Based Materials for Sensors
J. Ansari, S. Hegazy, M. T. Houkan, et al. · Nanocellulose-Based Composites for Electronics, Elsevier
2020
Introduction to 3D and 4D Printing Technology: State of the Art and Recent Trends
K. Deshmukh, M. T. Houkan, et al. · 3D and 4D Printing of Polymer Nanocomposite Materials, Elsevier
2018
Thermal, Electrical, and Sensing Properties of Composite Material from Environmental and Industrial Wastage
K. Kannan, M. Houkan, et al. · Composite materials based on waste, evaluated for thermal and sensing characteristics
2017
Anti-Spoofing Device for Biometric Fingerprint Scanners
K. K. Sadasivuni, M. T. Houkan, et al. · IEEE International Conference on Mechatronics and Automation (ICMA)