Research Lead: Dr. Aamir Younis Raja
Dr. Aamir Raja is an accomplished academic and researcher with over a decade of expertise in medical imaging physics and radiation physics. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Khalifa University and an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Otago Christchurch, he has made remarkable contributions to the fields of photon-counting spectral CT and advanced imaging systems. Prior to his role at Khalifa University, Dr. Raja was a Senior Lecturer at the University of Otago, where he led significant advancements in medical imaging research and interdisciplinary collaborations. With 57 peer-reviewed publications, over $2.5 million in competitive research funding, and leadership in developing a state-of-the-art imaging lab, Dr. Raja’s work bridges cutting-edge research and clinical translation. He has supervised 21 graduate students and co-founded the M.Sc. Medical Physics program at Khalifa University, and actively contributed to UAE’s national radiation protection initiatives.
For more information, contact Dr. Aamir at: aamir.raja@ku.ac.ae
Research Lead: Dr. Arjen van Vliet
My research is in the field of astroparticle physics. I mainly specialize in phenomenology, theory, and code development related to ultra-high-energy cosmic rays, astrophysical neutrinos, and cosmogenic photons. I investigate the propagation and origin of these cosmic messengers by modeling the Galactic and extragalactic environment and connecting numerical simulations to current measurements. I am one of the core developers of CRPropa (crpropa.desy.de), which is currently worldwide the most used and most complete public astrophysical simulation framework for the propagation of ultra-high-energy cosmic particles. I am also part of the KM3NeT Collaboration, a research infrastructure that hosts the next-generation neutrino telescopes.
Research Lead: Dr. Charalampos Pitsalidis
Dr. Charalampos Pitsalidis is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE. His research focuses on bioelectronics, energy harvesters, and wearable sensors. He has made significant contributions to developing in vitro bioelectronic devices and conducting polymer scaffolds for biosensing and tissue engineering applications. His notable publications include studies on three-dimensional bioelectronics for real-time cellular monitoring and biomimetic electronic devices. Dr. Pitsalidis actively explores novel approaches to integrating electronics with biological systems to advance diagnostic technologies. His research on energy harvesters, particularly triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), has gained substantial external funding, supporting the development of biomechanical sensors for monitoring human motion.
For more information, contact Dr. Charalampos at: charalampos.pitsalidis@ku.ac.ae
Research Lead: Dr. Dalaver Anjum
Dalaver H. Anjum received his PhD in Physics from the University at Albany-State University of New York, Albany, New York, USA, in 2002. Dr. Anjum has experience working in both industry and academia. His main research interests include characterizing the structure and properties of materials at nanoscales using microscopy and computational physics-based techniques. Dr. Anjum has published over three hundred peer-reviewed conference articles in various fields of science & engineering, including membranes, water desalination, electronics & photonics, metals, catalysis, energy, solar cells, and 2D materials. Currently, Dr. Anjum’s group is developing new energy storage materials, reducing CO₂ to CO, improving the mechanical properties of metal, and wireless communication in the terahertz range of frequencies.
For more information, contact Dr. Dalaver at: dalaver.anjum@ku.ac.ae
Dalaver Research Lead: Dr. Dirar HomouzÌý
Predicting disease-related genes using text mining and machine learning algorithms.
DNA pol beta phosphorylation-induced activation is induced by disruption of an important H-bond and the formation of new salt bridge
Research Lead: Dr. Gobind Das
My research area spans from spectroscopy characterization to nanofabrication techniques for biomedical applications. The research goal is to develop an efficient and high specificity biosensor for early detection of cancer and infectious diseases. The group is involved in design and fabrication of nanoplasmonic optical biosensors to facilitate the point of care (POC) and to provide the cost-effective clinical analysis. In addition, the group is involved in spectroscopy (micro/nano) analysis for all kind of samples including biomaterials utilizing the home-built nanoprobes.
Research Lead: Dr. Moh’d Rezeq
Developing low power nano devices based on nanoSchottky interfaces and nanoparticles. Fabricating and characterizing nanoprobes using field ion microscope.
Research Lead: Dr. Issam Qattan
Theoretical and Experimental Nuclear and Particle Physics: Probing the Electromagnetic Structure of the Proton Utilizing Electron-Proton Scattering
Theoretical and Computational Condensed Matter Physics: First Principles ab initio Density Functional Theory Investigation of Structural, Electronic, Optical, and Mechanical Properties of Sputtered Alimunium Nitride Thin Films.
Research Lead: Dr. Jamal Hassan
Applied Quantum Materials Laboratory (AQML): The research goal of AQML is to find technological solutions of the challenges associated with the modern society, concomitant with the UAE interest. AQML research focuses on the development of cutting edge quantum materials required for the transformative changes in transportation, healthcare, energy, water and telecommunications sectors. AQML expertise of modifying quantum materials at atomic level and on an industrial scale enables AQML to transform possibilities into reality.
Lead: Dr.ÌýNabil Maalej
Dr. Nabil Maalej’s research interests are in medical physics and biomedical instrumentation in general and, in particular, the development and optimization of spectral imaging systems, the development of nanoparticles for X-ray and MRI imaging, the development of new parametric imaging techniques, and the application of AI to medical imaging. Recently, he has been the principal investigator in a project titled “Developing a benchtop high resolution and high contrast spectral imaging system for tissue characterization”. Dr. Maalej has been collaborating with a multidisciplinary team for the developing and testing of new nanomaterials for cancer cell targeting and image contrast enhancement. He supervised and co-supervised more than forty MS and Ph.D. students. He published more than sixty-five Journal papers and more than eighty-five conference papers. He earned three US patents in X-ray imaging development.
For more information, contact Dr. Nabil Maalej at: nabil.maalej@ku.ac.ae
Research Lead: Dr. Nayla El-Kork
Dr. Nayla El-Kork’s research activities focus on computational molecular sciences, more specifically, the investigation of the electronic structure and the optical properties of diatomic molecules and their applications in laser cooling and space /atmospheric sciences. Her work consists of using different modeling tools to understand the quantum levels and transition properties of several investigated species. To accomplish her work, she partners with different research teams within institutions in the Middle East, Europe, and the U.S.A., including the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center, Beirut Arab University, the ExoMol team at University College London, and the Emirates Mars Mission science team. Dr. Nayla has been the recipient of several consecutive research grants, which led to several high-impact works in the scientific literature and the successful graduation of several MSc and PhD students. She currently has PhD vacancies in the context of a recently acquired research grant and is open to collaboration opportunities.
For more information, contact Dr. Nayla ElkorkÌýat: nayla.elkork@ku.ac.ae
Research Lead: Dr. Nirpendra Singh
Computational Discovery of Materials: The first-principles calculations (carried out without any information from the experiments) are used in high-throughput computations to analyze a wide range of potential materials. The convex hull analysis is employed to check the stability of materials. 2D Valleytronics:ÌýAnalouges to electronics, valleytronicsÌýconstitutes the binary states and offers a tremendous advantage in data processing speeds over the electrical charge. Valleytronics, where electrons carry a pseudospin with a distinct crystal momentum and quantum valley number, has recently attracted much attention. Heat To Energy (H2E): Thermoelectric generators contribute to sustainable energy by converting waste heat to electricity and have great potential to solve the energy crisis. The development of efficient devices, however, requires materials with a robust thermoelectric response. The thermoelectric figure of the merit of the material can be optimized by regulating electrical and thermal properties.
For more information, contact Dr. Nirpendra Singh at: Nirpendra.Singh@ku.ac.ae
Research Lead: Dr. Marko Gacesa
I am an atomic and molecular physicist researching the fundamental processes that shape planetary atmospheres and astrophysical environments. My work focuses on atomic and molecular interactions in dense astrophysical media and cold plasmas, as well as the impact of non-thermal processes on atmospheric evolution and past planetary climates. On these topics, collaborate externally with NASA’s MAVEN mission science team, UC Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory, and NASA Goddard scientists. Additionally, I develop novel scientific and technological approaches for converting greenhouse gases into rocket fuel and breathable oxygen, supporting in situ resource utilization (ISRU) for future space missions. This research also has potential applications in climate change mitigation on Earth through decarbonization strategies. Beyond these areas, I am interested in disruptive technologies, particularly the applications of machine learning and artificial intelligence (ML/AI) in cybersecurity, cryptocurrencies, and strategic consulting.
For more information, contact Dr. Marko Gacesa at: marko.gacesa@ku.ac.aeÌý
Research Lead: Prof. Mauro Fernandes Pereira
This project involves the control of GHz-THz nonlinearities in semiconductor superlattices. It combines the development of new theory and numerical methods, with the possibility of creating new devices for sensitive gas detection with potential for medical physics diagnostics and environmental control. The color maps show the dependence of the harmonic emission as a function of input field amplitude and current asymmetry. We are currently designing structures to enhance the asymmetry and optimize even order harmonic emission.Ìý
Research Lead: Dr. Mohammad Khaled Shakfa
My research focuses on Terahertz (THz) technology, spectroscopy, and their applications. Key areas include: (1) THz spectroscopy for agricultural applications, particularly for probing plant water content and chemical composition; (2) THz imaging for pharmaceutical and quality control applications, integrated with machine learning techniques for enhanced image analysis; (3) the design and experimental testing of THz optical components, such as waveguides, for next-generation 6G communication systems; and (4) non-contact conductivity measurements using THz waves for material characterization.
For more information, contact Dr. Mohammad Khaled Shakfa at: mohammadkhaled.shakfa@ku.ac.aeÌý
Research Lead: Dr. Satyendra Thoudam
