Muhammad Usama

About Muhammad Usama

I am Muhammad Usama, a PhD student at Florida Institute of Technology, USA, where I am working as a Graduate Research Assistant in the field of electrochemistry and computational materials science. My research focuses on electrochemical nitrate reduction, catalyst design, and density functional theory (DFT) modeling to develop sustainable solutions for environmental and energy challenges.I hold a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from GIKI, and my academic foundation was built at UET Lahore (Faisalabad Campus), where I completed my bachelor’s degree. Before starting my PhD, I worked as a Junior Production Engineer at Ingredion Incorporated, where I gained hands-on experience in industrial operations, process optimization, and large-scale manufacturing. I also previously worked in the paints and coatings industry with Primax Paints, where I was involved in R&D, cost optimization, and quality-driven formulation development.My research journey has been centered on sustainability and advanced materials, including work on waste-derived adsorbents, electrochemical systems, and data-driven modeling. I have contributed to research on wastewater treatment, biochar-based materials, and electrochemical reaction pathways, and I am currently expanding this work through DFT simulations and mechanistic studies to better understand catalytic behavior at the atomic level.Beyond research, I have held leadership roles including Vice President of the Society of Chemical Engineers (SCE) and Indoor Gaming Head of the Campus Sports Committee (CSC), experiences that strengthened my teamwork, communication, and leadership skills.I am driven by the goal of combining electrochemistry, computational modeling, and sustainability to develop practical, scalable technologies for clean water and energy. I am always open to research discussions, collaborations, and opportunities to exchange ideas in catalysis, electrochemical systems, and materials modeling.

Experience

1. Graduate Research Assistant

   Florida Institute Of Technology

   Jan 2026 — Present · Melbourne, FL, US

Education

• University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore

  Bachelor's degree, Chemical Engineering

• Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology

  Master's degree, Chemical Engineering

• Florida Institute of Technology

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD