Dr. Muhammad Shafi | Spectroscopy- Assistant Professor at Southern University of Science and Technology, China
Dr. Muhammad Shafi is an accomplished researcher in the field of condensed matter physics, with a focus on surface plasmonic nanostructures and hyperbolic metamaterials. With a strong background in material science and photonic applications, he has made significant contributions to surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for biosensing and food safety. His research blends experimental and theoretical approaches, leading to impactful discoveries that enhance the sensitivity and recyclability of SERS platforms. Throughout his academic journey, Dr. Shafi has demonstrated excellence in research, securing prestigious fellowships, publishing high-impact studies, and receiving recognition for his outstanding work. His dedication to advancing photonic materials and their applications underscores his commitment to scientific innovation and technological progress.
Profile:
Education:
Dr. Shafi obtained his Ph.D. in Physics from Shandong Normal University, China, where he specialized in photocatalysis, surface plasmon resonance, and SERS applications. His doctoral research focused on composite nanostructures based on low-dimensional materials and hyperbolic metamaterials, leading to innovative developments in spectroscopy techniques. Prior to his Ph.D., he earned an M.Phil. in Physics from Islamia College University, Peshawar, where he explored carbon nanomaterials and material characterization techniques. His academic foundation began with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from the same institution, where he excelled with top honors. His academic journey reflects a continuous pursuit of excellence, equipping him with expertise in nanomaterials and optoelectronic applications.
Experience:
Currently, Dr. Shafi is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), Shenzhen, China, under the prestigious Postdoctoral Talent Support Program. His research focuses on designing surface plasmonic nanostructures for SERS sensing in food safety, medicine, and biosensing. Prior to this, he served as a Lecturer in Physics at the Muslim Educational Complex, Peshawar, where he taught undergraduate courses and guided research projects. He also worked as a Junior Researcher at the National Centre for Physics, Islamabad, during his M.Phil. studies. His diverse academic and research experience has shaped his ability to solve interdisciplinary scientific challenges through experimental and computational methodologies.
Research Interests:
Dr. Shafi’s research revolves around surface plasmon resonance, SERS, and metamaterials for biosensing and photocatalytic applications. He is particularly interested in developing recyclable and highly sensitive SERS substrates to enhance molecular detection in environmental and biomedical fields. His expertise spans nanomaterials synthesis, optical spectroscopy, and device fabrication. By integrating hyperbolic metamaterials with low-dimensional nanostructures, he aims to revolutionize sensing platforms for real-world applications. His research bridges fundamental physics with applied material science, paving the way for advancements in nano-optics and spectroscopic detection techniques.
Awards and Recognitions:
Dr. Shafi has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, highlighting his contributions to research and academia. He received the Overseas Postdoctoral Talent Support Program award from SUSTech, China, in recognition of his exceptional research potential. His Ph.D. thesis was honored with the Excellent Doctoral Thesis Award from Shandong Normal University, acknowledging the originality and impact of his work. He was also the sole recipient of the Outstanding International Student Award by Shandong Province, further solidifying his academic excellence. In addition, he secured the International Doctoral Fellowship under the Chief Minister’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Scholarship Program for his Ph.D. studies. His earlier academic achievements include receiving the HEC Merit-Based Scholarship and a Prime Minister’s National Laptop Scheme award for his outstanding performance.
Publications:
Dr. Shafi has authored several high-impact research papers in prestigious journals, contributing significantly to the field of nanophotonics and SERS applications. His notable publications include:
📄 “Recyclable Surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) Platform Fabricated with Ag-decorated ZnSe Nanowires and Metamaterial” – Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical (2023), Citations: 13 🔗
📄 “Highly sensitive and recyclable surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates based on photocatalytic activity of ZnSe nanowires” – Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical (2022), Citations: 30 🔗
📄 “Highly efficient SERS substrates with different Ag interparticle nanogaps based on hyperbolic metamaterials” – Applied Surface Science (2021), Citations: 37 🔗
📄 “SERS Sensing using Graphene-Covered Silver Nanoparticles and Metamaterials for detection of Thiram in soil” – Langmuir (2022), Citations: 6 🔗
📄 “A 3D composite nanostructure of SPR-SERS dual-mode sensor based on gold nanoparticles and a thin graphene membrane” – Applied Surface Science (Under Review)
Conclusion:
Dr. Muhammad Shafi’s research excellence, combined with his commitment to advancing photonic and nanomaterial-based sensing technologies, makes him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His groundbreaking contributions to surface plasmon resonance and SERS-based biosensing have the potential to transform applications in medicine, food safety, and environmental monitoring. With numerous accolades, high-impact publications, and an innovative research portfolio, Dr. Shafi has proven himself as a leading researcher in his field. His dedication to scientific discovery, interdisciplinary expertise, and outstanding achievements make him a deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition.