Dr. Farzaneh Hafezi

My career aspirations lie at the intersection of academia and industry—a dynamic interface that I believe holds the transformative power to address real-world challenges. Academia, in particular, serves as a beacon of innovation, offering the technological insights and intellectual framework needed to propel industry forward. As a Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at the Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology, I am privileged to play a role in shaping this synergy. My contributions include co-leading the development and delivery of cutting-edge curricula for our new MEng programme, as well as leading the creation of an industry-aligned programme in Engineering Systems that focuses on professional development of Dyson employees. Every step of this journey allows me to nurture talented engineers who are equipped to reshape the world through innovation.

Prior to joining the Dyson Institute, I worked as an Industrial Lecturer at Swansea University, where my interdisciplinary expertise in research, teaching, and interpersonal engagement came to life through my work with Welsh SMEs. I was tasked with motivating their employees to elevate their academic knowledge—a responsibility I approached with a commitment to bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical application. My dedication to pedagogical development has evolved over 8 years of experience in higher education, specifically within engineering disciplines, and was recognised with the Fellowship of Higher Education Academy (FHEA) in 2020. Additionally, my completion of the PG-CertHE programme advanced my teaching practice, enabling me to reflect critically on innovative pedagogical approaches.

My journey into academia was strongly rooted in research. During my PhD, I undertook computational modelling of fluid-structure interactions at nanoscale boundaries using molecular dynamics for drug delivery applications. This milestone exposed me to the profound potential of engineering within the healthcare sector. Following my PhD, I worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Cross Flow Energy Ltd., where my expertise in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was instrumental in the design optimisation of wind turbines—a key contribution to sustainable energy solutions. Through hundreds of CFD simulations, harnessing supercomputer clusters for weeks on end, I played an integral role in developing and manufacturing a novel type of wind turbine that optimised its performance under turbulent conditions.

Looking ahead, I am committed to the transformative vision represented by the Dyson Institute’s degree programme. This unique initiative offers aspiring engineers an unparalleled opportunity: a paid-for degree complemented by industry experience. It exemplifies the synergy of theory and practice, empowering students with a profound understanding of engineering principles while enabling them to develop their practical skills through workplace rotations. The result? Engineers who stand ready to meet the evolving demands of industry with competence, creativity, and experience. It is both an honour and a privilege to contribute to this extraordinary journey, helping shape the future of engineering professionals who will undoubtedly lead the next wave of innovation.

Academic positions

• 2022-Present: Senior lecturer in Mechanical Engineering, Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology, UK
• 2018-2022: Industrial lecturer, Swansea University, UK
• 2014-2018: Postdoctoral Research, Swansea University in collaboration with Crossflow Energy Ltd, Swansea, UK
• 2010-2018: Teaching assistant, Swansea University, UK

Qualifications

• PG Cert 2017-2020: PG Cert Teaching in HE Programme - Teaching Fellow
• PhD 2010-2014: Mechanical Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK.
• MSc 2008-2009: Mechanical Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK.
• BSc 2003-2008: Mechanical Engineering, University of Mazandaran, Iran.