About

I am a Lecturer and Researcher at the University of Derby, delivering undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and supervising industry-linked academic projects. I teach core engineering modules, including Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics and Life Cycle and Maintenance Management in the Nuclear Industry, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, industrial relevance, and real-world application of engineering principles.

I supervise MSc and final-year undergraduate projects, including collaborations with Rolls-Royce, providing academic and technical guidance on applied challenges in the energy and nuclear sectors. Alongside teaching, I am a research-active academic with expertise in sustainable energy systems, process engineering, and catalysis, supporting teaching-led research and student project development.

Teaching responsibilities

University of Derby – Lecturer & Researcher (Current)

• Deliver core undergraduate engineering modules: Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics (5EN518) and Life Cycle and Maintenance Management in the Nuclear Industry (5EN520).
• Design and deliver lectures, tutorials, and applied problem-solving sessions.
• Supervise MSc and final-year undergraduate projects, including industry-linked projects with Rolls-Royce.
• Support student learning through assessment design, formative feedback, and academic mentoring.
• Integrate research-led teaching using real-world industrial and energy-sector case studies.

Previous Teaching Experience – UK Universities

De Montfort University & Nottingham Trent University (2022–2024)

• Delivered MSc-level teaching across engineering and sustainability modules, including Sustainable Energy and Transportation, Resource Efficient Design & Manufacture, and Engineering and Academic Skills.
• Served as Temporary Module Leader at De Montfort University, responsible for curriculum design, assessment development, and coordination of large postgraduate cohorts.
• Delivered specialist teaching in RETScreen energy management software, supporting learning in thermodynamics, life-cycle assessment, and energy system optimisation.
• Supervised over 60 MSc research projects, guiding students through proposal development, methodology, data analysis, and dissertation writing.
• Delivered guest lectures at NTU and DMU on sustainable energy technologies and industrial innovation.

Professional interests

• Heterogeneous catalysis for sustainable chemical and energy applications, including biomass conversion, reforming processes, and esterification/transesterification.
• Renewable and sustainable energy systems, with expertise in biofuels, syngas production, waste-to-energy, and resource recovery.
• Biomass, wastewater, and waste-sludge valorisation into fuels, chemicals, and materials.
• Sustainable process design, reaction engineering, and life-cycle assessment for energy and industrial systems.
• Engineering management, maintenance strategies, and resource-efficient design in energy-intensive industries.
• Research-led teaching in chemical engineering, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and sustainable energy.
• Supervision and mentoring of undergraduate and postgraduate students on applied and industry-linked projects.
• Integration of digital and analytical tools in teaching and research, including RETScreen, Aspen/HYSYS, and process modelling software.
• Peer review, scholarly publishing, and academic–industrial collaboration to support innovation and real-world impact.

Research interests

• Heterogeneous catalysis for sustainable chemical and energy applications, including catalyst design, synthesis, characterisation, and structure–activity relationships.
• Waste-to-energy and waste-to-fuel technologies, converting biomass, wastewater, FOGs, and sewage sludge into biofuels, bioenergy, and value-added chemicals.
• Hydrothermal conversion processes (HTL, HTC, APR) for sustainable fuel, chemical, and nutrient recovery.
• Biofuels and bioenergy production, including biodiesel, syngas, and renewable fuels from biomass and waste streams.
• Thermochemical and catalytic reforming processes, such as dry reforming of methane, SMR, and WGS reactions.
• Sustainable process design and reaction engineering, integrating process optimisation, energy efficiency, and life-cycle assessment.
• Materials synthesis and characterisation using advanced analytical techniques (SEM/EDS, XRD, FTIR, NMR, GC, TGA/DSC, ICP-MS).
• Environmental and green chemistry approaches supporting circular-economy solutions and academic–industrial collaboration.

Membership of professional bodies

• ChemChart Member, Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), UK
• Affiliation Member, Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), UK
• Member, International Society of Engineering Science and Technology (ISEST), UK/International (June 2021–Present)
• Member, World Society of Sustainable Energy Technologies (WSSET), UK (June 2023–Present)
• Research Fellow / Member, Society of Chemical Industry (SCI), London, UK
• Member of the Materials Chemistry Committee
• Member of the Energy Group
• Member (Chemistry), Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), UK 

Qualifications

Teaching and Academic Development

• PGCert Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (In Progress) – Aston University, UK (2024–2025)
• Effective Learning and Teaching in Higher Education – De Montfort University, UK
• Introduction to Learning and Teaching (ILAT) – Nottingham Trent University, UK
• ChemChart Certificate, Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), UK

Doctoral and Postgraduate Qualifications

• PhD Chemical Engineering (Heterogeneous Catalysis & Sustainable Energy) – Teesside University, UK -2009-2013
• MSc Petroleum Technology (Distinction) – Teesside University, UK, 2008-2009

Undergraduate Qualification

• BSc Chemistry (Top 3 Graduate) – University of Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan/Iraq, 2000-2004

Additional Qualifications

• English for Academic Purposes – Doncaster College, UK
• GCSE Mathematics (Grade 7) & GCSE English (Grade 5) – UK

Recent conferences

1. Rawaz Ahmed, Katherine Huddersman, “Esterification/Transesterification FFAs and TGs with methanol using modifed acid and base PAN mesh solid catalyst”, SCI showcase Networking, 3rd July 2024, London.
2. Rawaz Ahmed, “Newly developed catalysts for environmentally friendly catalytic processes”, 4th International conference Biofuel and Bioenergy, 12-13 of October 2023, London, Coalesce Research Group.
3. Rawaz Ahmed, Katherine Huddersman, Short review of biodiesel production by the esterification/transesterification of wastewater containing Fats Oils and grease (FOGs), oral presentation at 3^rd international conference on energy and sustainable future (ICESF)”. 7-8 September 2022.
4. Rawaz Ahmed, Katherine Huddersman, “Esterification/Transesterification of stearic acid/glycerol monostearate (GMS) with methanol over functionalised PAN fibrous solid acid catalyst”, SCI early career materials annual conference 2022, Belgrave Square-London. 15 July 2022.   
5. Rawaz Ahmed, Rebaz A. Ahmed, Herdi R Ahmed, 3rd Sustainable Waste Management Conference, 4-6 August 2021, online video presentation. Abstract 633607: Health Risks Associated with Workers in Cement Factories was accepted for presentation at the 3rd Sustainable Waste Management Conference.
6. Rawaz A. Ahmed, Katherine Huddersman, Esterification Reaction of Stearic Acid with Methanol Over Surface Functionalised PAN Fibrous Solid Acid Catalyst, World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering Vol:16, No:05, 2022.
7. Rawaz Ahmed, Abdulsalam R. Karim, Sadonya M. Jamel, Vian S. Hamma-Saeed, Bayan Q.S. Hussein, 9th International Conference on Oil, Gas and Petrochemistry, EuroSciCon. “Identifying physical properties as indication of their chemical composition for petroleum fraction of Hassira and Khurmala Crude Oil” August 19, 2020 at London, UK online.
8. Ahmed, S. Tanasoi, A. Urda, I. Sandulescu, S. Hodgson, M. Olea (2011), Europacat2011 International Congress) , Glasgow University, United Kingdom.
9. Rawaz Ahmed, Shinjo Kudo, Kazuhiro Mae, Simon Hodgson, Maria Olea (17 May 2010), 1st IChemE Research Symposium, UK North Conference, Teesside University, Middlesbrough.
10. Ahmed, Y. Pang, M. Olea, and S.N. Hodgson, (2012), 1st International Conference 2012, Koya University/Kurdistan/Iraq.
11. Ahmed, M. Olea, S. Hodgson, (15th Sep.2011), Annual Research Conference, Teesside University, Middlesbrough. Computing Skills Awards Additional Skills References
12. Maria Olea, Rawaz Ahmed, Qarib Ullah, Shinjo Kudo, Kazuhiro Mae, Komang Ralebitso-Senior, Simon Hodgson, (2010), Bioten Congress held in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
13. Rawaz Ahmed, Maria Olea, Simon Hodgson. (23rd Mar. 2011) ‘Applied catalyst deactivation symposium, Royal Society of Chemistry, Johnson Matthey, Chilton Office, Billingham.
14. R. Ahmed, S. Tanasoi, A. Urda, I. Sandulescu, S. Hodgson, M. Olea, (2010), RomCat2010, Iasi, Romania

Experience in industry

Research Associate – Aston University, UK (2024–Present) 

• Collaborate with ICHEMA industrial partners on integrated process models for sewage sludge conversion to syngas using HTL, APR, SMR, and WGS.
• Contributed to a patented system translating academic research into industrial application.

Research Fellow – De Montfort University, UK (2020–2023)

• Led collaborative research with Synthomer and European partners on converting wastewater FOGs into biodiesel via sustainable heterogeneous catalysis.
• Managed projects from laboratory experimentation to supervision, reporting, and international dissemination.

Senior Lecturer & Researcher – KISSR, Al-Sulaymania University (2014–2018)

• Collaborated with industry on crude oil refining and biomass conversion using advanced catalysis and materials characterisation.

Research Associate – Teesside University, UK (2013–2014)

• Worked with EU industry partners on hydrothermal carbonisation of poultry litter for biochar and nutrient recovery, focusing on scalable waste valorisation.

International experience

I am actively engaged in the international research community. I am a member of the International Society of Engineering Science and Technology (ISEST), where I collaborate on global projects, review research papers, and contribute to book chapters with leading experts. Since 2021, I have served as a registered reviewer for ISEST and Elsevier journals, providing critical peer review for high-impact publications including Journal of World Development Sustainability, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, and Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery.

Additionally, I am a member of the Energy Group and Chemical Group of the Society of Chemistry and Industry (SCI) and the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), participating in monthly meetings and international networking to advance research in sustainable energy, catalysis, and chemical engineering. These roles have strengthened my international collaborations, research leadership, and critical evaluation skills.

Additional interests and activities

• Voluntary and Community Engagement: Tutored GCSE Mathematics students privately and supported family/friends’ learning; engaged in office administration and educational support at Nottingham College (2018).
• Conference Participation & Presenting: Presented research at international conferences, including ICESF 2022, Advanced Biofuels 2022–2023, Euro Catalysis 2019, and others; received awards for best oral presentation.
• Professional Development in Teaching: Completed Effective Learning & Teaching course (DMU) and Introduction to Learning & Teaching (NTU, ILAT); applied active learning methods and innovative online teaching approaches during the pandemic.
• Technical Skills and Software Interests: Experienced with RETScreen, HYSYS, Design of Expert (RSM), HOMER Pro, Origin, Microsoft Office Suite, and Blackboard; passionate about applying software tools to sustainable energy and chemical engineering projects.
• International Research Engagement: Collaborates on global projects, peer reviews international journals, and contributes to book chapters with ISEST, SCI, and RSC.
• Student Mentorship and Supervision: Supervised MSc/BSc projects, facilitated practical sessions, and supported student skill development in sustainable energy, biofuels, and chemical engineering.
• Professional Networking and Societies: Active member of ISEST, SCI (Energy and Chemical Groups), and RSC; participates in monthly meetings and international knowledge exchange.

In the media

• Conference Presentations: Delivered oral presentations at international conferences, including ICESF (Key Speaker & Best Presenter Award), Advanced Biofuels, Biodiesel Engineering & Applications, London 2023, Euro Catalysis 2019, Frontier’s Journal 2020, and 3rd Sustainable Waste Management Conference 2021.
• Science Communication and Media Engagement: Participated in public-facing events and workshops, demonstrating sustainable energy, biofuel production, and chemical engineering concepts. Featured on television in Kurdistan (2016–2017) to discuss environmental pollution and climate change.
• Reviewer and Editorial Work: Registered reviewer for ISEST and Elsevier journals, providing expert peer review and dissemination of research.
• Professional Outreach: Active in RSC and SCI Energy & Chemical Groups, contributing to discussions, presentations, and networking at national and international levels; including participation in the annual SCI event every July.

Recent publications

• Google Scholar profile

Book chapters

• Chapter 18 - Artificial intelligence for regulatory compliance in chemical engineering industries, OR Rayen Ben Aoun, Mariam Hameed, Madiah Binti Omar, Piyya Muhammad Rafi
• Artificial Intelligence in Chemical Engineering
• Chapter 16 - Hydrogen storage technologies for future energy systems, RAA Fatima Zafar, Temima Ajanovic, Tazien Rashid, Muhammad Kashif Khan
• Renewable Energy Technologies, 551-588

Patent

• Olea; M., Simon; H. And Ahmed; R. (2014), " Metal catalyst supported on mesoporous material" International Application Published under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT),WO2014125309A3, World Intellectual Property organization, International Bureau, Teesside University.

Paper Publications

• Rawaz A. Ahmed, Sanaa Rashid, Ketan Ruparelia and Katherine Huddersman, Transesterification Reaction of Tristearin (TS) & Glycerol Mono Stearate (GMS) Over Surface Basified PAN Fibrous Solid Catalyst, Energy Advance (RSC), under press.
• Rawaz Ahmed and Katherine Huddersman, Short Review of Biodiesel Production by the Esterification/Transesterification of Wastewater Containing Fats Oils and Grease (FOGs), chapter 27, pages 285-299. Book title: Energy and Sustainable future: proceeding ICESF,2022. Springer
• Rawaz A Ahmed, Sanna Rashid, Katherine Huddersman, “Esterification of stearic acid using novel protonated and crosslinked amidoximated polyacrylonitrile ion exchange fibres, Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, 119 (2023), 550-573. Esterification of stearic acid using novel protonated and crosslinked amidoximated polyacrylonitrile ion exchange fibres - ScienceDirect
• Rawaz Ahmed and Katherine Huddersman, “Review of biodiesel production by the esterification of wastewater containing fats oils, and greases (FOGs), Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, Vol. 110, 2022, 1-14.
• Review of biodiesel production by the esterification of wastewater containing fats oils and grease (FOGs) - ScienceDirect
• Rawaz Ahmed, Maria Olea and Takehiko Sasaki (2020), “Original Method to Predict and Monitor Carbon Deposition on Ni-based Catalysts During Dry Reforming of Methane”, frontier, Vol. 2, PP.1-13.
• Gheorghita Mitrana, Rawaz Ahmedb, 1, Emmanuel Irob, Saeed Hajimirzaeeb, Simon Hodgsonb, Adriana Urdăa, Maria Oleab, Ioan-Cezar Marcua, “Propane oxidative dehydrogenation over VOx/SBA-15 catalysts”, Catalysis Today (2016)
• Maria Olea1, Rawaz Ahmed1, Qarib Ullah, Shinjo Kudo, Kazuhiro Mae, Komang Ralebitso-Senior, Simon Hodgson, (2010)’ From Biomass to Valuable Chemicals and Fuels’, Bioten, pp.279-291.
• R. Ahmed, Y. Pang, M. Olea, and S.N. Hodgson ‘Preparation and structural characterization of SBA-15 supported nickel catalysts via sol-gel nickel oxide coatings’
• R. Ahmed*, S. Tanasoi , M. Olea , A. Urda , I. Sandulescu “Ni/SBA-15 catalysts for methane dry reforming” , Proc. of the Second Intl. Conf. on Advances In Bio-Informatics, Bio-Technology and Environmental Engineering- ABBE 2014. Copyright © Institute of Research Engineers and Doctors, USA. All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-63248-053-8 doi: 10.15224/ 978-1-63248-053-8-09.
• Rawaz Abdulrahman Ahmed, Binta Abubakar Adama and Samuel Shomefun, "Dry reforming of methane over Ni-La/SBA-15 based catalysts", the paper has been accepted for “International Journal of Chemical Engineering"”– IJCE, 2015” with paper ID “IJCE-15-915”
• Rawaz Abdulrahman Ahmed, (2016) “Temperature Programmed Reduction of Ni monometallic and Ni bimetallic catalysts supported on SBA-15”, Kurdistan Academics Journal (KAJ) part A, 12(1).