Shafaq Zia: “Using ultrasound in additive manufacturing”

In the field of signal processing at Luleå University of Technology, Shafaq Zia is a doctoral student, working on developing non-destructive methods for additive manufacturing using ultrasound.

Where do you come from? Where have you been?

I come from the bustling city of Lahore, Pakistan, where the rich cultural heritage, great food and vibrant atmosphere has been a part of my daily experiences. I completed both my undergraduate and graduate studies in Electrical Engineering at COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus. It provided me a strong foundation of engineering skills and research abilities. While I've enjoyed travelling within Pakistan, my desire to explore European countries has been a driving force. Sweden, being my first international experience in a professional environment has been proven great.

What brought you to Luleå University of Technology?

I always had a desire to pursue a PhD and gain in-depth research expertise in my field. The opportunity of a new challenge by studying abroad also greatly appealed to me. Luleå University of Technology stood out as an excellent choice, particularly because of its research excellence and innovative programs. Additionally, Luleå being situated in the northern part of Sweden added to the intrigue, offering a unique blend of academic opportunities and interesting surroundings.

What is your research contribution to Creaternity?

My research focuses on developing non-destructive methods for quality assessment and process control of additive manufacturing (AM) components using ultrasound technology. By maximizing control over process and material properties in AM, we aim to reduce material waste, increase recycling potential, ensure component quality, enable custom manufacturing, and ultimately, contribute to lowering the carbon footprint of AM components' life cycles.

Why is Creaternity important?

Creaternity’s interdisciplinary approach brings together people from multiple academic and research disciplines to work together and address pressing environmental and economic challenges, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Where are you going?

In the future, I envision myself working at the intersection of industry and applied research, where I can contribute to the development of practical solutions. I'm excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.

• Contact: Shafaq Zia