New faculty member brings nanoscience expertise to the classroom, lab
Mohammad Ghashami has joined the mechanical and industrial engineering department as an associate professor.
Ghashami will be teaching “Intermediate Thermodynamics,” and his goal is to positively impact students and society through teaching and the advancement of nanosciences.
“I am committed to inspiring and mentoring students, learning together, and fostering a thirst for knowledge. By working with talented individuals, I aim to equip students with the skills and insights needed to excel in their careers,” he said. “Additionally, I want to advance the field of nanosciences, translating cutting-edge research into practical applications that enhance everyday life. Through these efforts, I hope to contribute to a brighter and more innovative future.”
In addition to teaching, Ghashami plans to launch the Chicago Energy Engineering and Thermal Applications Lab, where he will conduct research related to the NSF CAREER Award he received in 2023. He will lead a team focused on investigating energy transport phenomena at the micro and nanoscales.
“My group studies near-field thermal radiation, thermionic electron emission, and sub-continuum gas conduction,” he said. “We aim to uncover the fundamental mechanisms governing these processes and leverage this understanding to develop innovative applications. These include thermal management of nanoelectronics and energy conversion technologies using thermophotovoltaics and thermionics.”
As a researcher, he is eager to inspire the next generation of engineers and collaborate with his peers in the department and across the College of Engineering.
“I value curiosity, collaboration, and the pursuit of knowledge, and I am always eager to work with talented individuals who share these values,” Ghashami said.
Before joining UIC, he was an assistant professor in mechanical & materials engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a graduate research assistant at the University of Utah. He earned his PhD in 2019 and his masters in 2018, both from the University of Utah. He earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Tehran in 2012.