Professor at Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Pakistan
Dr. Nasir M. Mirza, a distinguished professor and rector at the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), boasts over 30 years of experience in Nuclear Engineering and Computational Physics. He earned his Ph.D. from Purdue University and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Georgia. Dr. Mirza has significantly advanced PIEAS’s global standing, achieving top 400 QS world rankings and securing substantial funding for research and infrastructure projects. His leadership has led to the initiation of new programs and the establishment of key research centers. Recognized with prestigious awards such as the Presidential Medal (Tamgha-e-Imtiaz) and the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission Gold Medal, his contributions include numerous influential publications. Dr. Mirza’s extensive expertise and impactful research make him a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award, reflecting his substantial impact on both academia and institutional development.
Profile
Education
Dr. Nasir M. Mirza’s educational background is marked by distinguished achievements across multiple institutions. He completed his Postdoctoral research in Computational Physics at the Center for Simulation Physics, University of Georgia, USA, from 2001 to 2002. Prior to this, he earned his Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from Purdue University, West Lafayette, USA, between 1986 and 1989. His foundational studies include an M.S. in Nuclear Engineering from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan (1980-1983), following his M.Sc. in Physics from the same institution (1978-1980). Dr. Mirza began his academic journey with a B.Sc. in Physics and Mathematics from Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan (1976-1978). His educational trajectory reflects a strong focus on nuclear engineering, physics, and computational techniques, underpinning his extensive career in research and academia.
Professional Experience
Dr. Nasir M. Mirza boasts over 30 years of distinguished professional experience in the fields of Nuclear Engineering and Computational Physics. He has served as Professor and Chief Scientist at the Pakistan Institute of Engineering & Applied Sciences (PIEAS) since 2010, and previously held roles as Deputy Chief Scientist, Associate Professor, and Principal Scientific Officer at the same institution. Dr. Mirza’s leadership as Rector of PIEAS (2016–present) has significantly enhanced the university’s global ranking and research capabilities. His tenure includes pivotal roles such as Pro-Rector, Dean of Applied Sciences, and Dean of Research. Under his guidance, PIEAS secured major funding for infrastructure and research projects, initiated new academic programs, and established international collaborations. His extensive experience includes roles in academic administration, curriculum development, and research leadership, demonstrating his profound impact on both educational and scientific advancements.
Research Skills
Dr. Nasir M. Mirza exhibits a diverse and advanced skill set in research, prominently in Nuclear Engineering and Computational Physics. His expertise encompasses large-scale mathematical modeling and simulation, particularly using Monte Carlo methods and genetic algorithms for nuclear reactor safety and radiation physics. In experimental research, he excels in radiation detection and shielding, demonstrating significant contributions to environmental physics. Dr. Mirza’s proficiency extends to theoretical aspects, where his work involves complex modeling and simulation techniques. His role in leading various research projects and securing substantial funding reflects his strong capabilities in research management and strategic planning. Furthermore, his extensive publication record, including international books and book chapters, highlights his ability to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively. Dr. Mirza’s skills are complemented by his extensive experience in teaching advanced courses related to his research fields, showcasing a well-rounded and impactful research profile.
Award and Recognition
Dr. Nasir M. Mirza has received numerous prestigious awards and recognitions for his exceptional contributions to the field of nuclear engineering and academia. Notably, he was honored with the Presidential Medal and Award (Tamgha-e-Imtiaz) by the President of Pakistan in 2022 for his valuable services in education. His research excellence has earned him the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission Gold Medal for outstanding research in 1999 and multiple Research Productivity Awards from the Pakistan Council for Science and Technology. Additionally, Dr. Mirza has been listed as one of the top productive scientists in Pakistan across several years. His leadership in enhancing PIEAS’s global standing, including achieving QS world rankings and securing substantial funding for significant projects, further underscores his esteemed position in the academic and research community.
Conclusion
Dr. Nasir M. Mirza is highly suitable for the Research for Best Researcher Award due to his extensive experience, significant contributions to the field, and impactful leadership at PIEAS. His achievements in improving institutional rankings, securing substantial funding, and advancing research in nuclear engineering and related fields demonstrate his exceptional qualifications. Addressing the areas for improvement could further enhance his profile and broaden his impact on the global research community.
Publications Top Notes
- Natural radioactivity from the building materials used in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan
- Authors: M Tufail, N Ahmad, SM Mirza, NM Mirza, HA Khan
- Journal: Science of the Total Environment
- Year: 1992
- Citations: 98
- Core loading pattern optimization of a typical two-loop 300 MWe PWR using Simulated Annealing (SA), novel crossover Genetic Algorithms (GA) and hybrid GA (SA) schemes
- Authors: A Zameer, SM Mirza, NM Mirza
- Journal: Annals of Nuclear Energy
- Year: 2014
- Citations: 92
- Cartesian path generation of robot manipulators using continuous genetic algorithms
- Authors: S Za’er, NM Mirza, SM Mirza, M Arif
- Journal: Robotics and Autonomous Systems
- Year: 2002
- Citations: 67
- A shape and mesh adaptive computational methodology for gamma ray dose from volumetric sources
- Authors: NM Mirza, B Ali, SM Mirza, M Tufail, N Ahmad
- Journal: Radiation Protection Dosimetry
- Year: 1991
- Citations: 49
- Bio-inspired heuristics for layer thickness optimization in multilayer piezoelectric transducer for broadband structures
- Authors: A Zameer, M Majeed, SM Mirza, MAZ Raja, A Khan, NM Mirza
- Journal: Soft Computing
- Year: 2019
- Citations: 40
- Simulation of reactivity transients in current MTRs
- Authors: AM Mirza, S Khanam, NM Mirza
- Journal: Annals of Nuclear Energy
- Year: 1998
- Citations: 39
- Sensitivity of reactivity insertion limits with respect to safety parameters in a typical MTR
- Authors: R Nasir, NM Mirza, SM Mirza
- Journal: Annals of Nuclear Energy
- Year: 1999
- Citations: 38
- Numerical solution of second-order, two-point boundary value problems using continuous genetic algorithms
- Authors: ZS Abo-Hammour, M Yusuf, NM Mirza, SM Mirza, M Arif, J Khurshid
- Journal: International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering
- Year: 2004
- Citations: 35
- Source term evaluation for the upgraded LEU Pakistan Research Reactor-1 under severe accidents
- Authors: S Ullah, SE Awan, NM Mirza, SM Mirza
- Journal: Nuclear Engineering and Design
- Year: 2010
- Citations: 28
- Review of computer codes for modeling corrosion product transport and activity build-up in light water reactors
- Authors: M Rafique, NM Mirza, SM Mirza, MJ Iqbal
- Journal: Nukleonika
- Year: 2010
- Citations: 27