Interview With Dr. Amin Malek Mohammadi
What name would you like us to use for the interview?
(Dr) Amin
Can you give us a little background about yourself?
I am a fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy and a member of the Engineering Council (CEng), I received my M.Sc. in Electronic Engineering from Indian Institute of Science (IISc.), Bangalore, India in 2006 and a Ph.D. degree in Computer System Engineering (Optical Fiber Communications) at University Putra Malaysia, 2009. Currently, I am working at the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Nottingham as an associate professor. I have authored and co-authored 50 technical papers which include journal articles and conference proceedings. I have filed 4 patents for my inventions and scientific works.
Out of many fields of expertise to choose from, why Engineering?
An engineering career will develop your ability to think logically as well as creatively. I always wanted to work in a professional environment where I have the opportunity to think creatively, learn, and grow through both on-the-job training and formal training.
What are you currently working on?
I am working on two projects funded by the Ministry of Science and Innovation.
1- A novel low-cost multiplexing technique for optical communication systems in order to bridge the digital divide
2- Next generation of Radio over Fiber network.
5Do you have any noteworthy engineering experiences?
Yes, I designed and developed my first CTI board in 2006. This was a great experience as an electronic designer. Also after my Ph.D., I have worked with very experienced people in the industry. That was a very enjoyable experience and I learned a lot from it.
Aside from engineering books, what else do you read?
Biographies (e.g. Steve Jobs) and good non-fiction stories
Can you please tell us a little background about the “Absolute Polar Duty Cycle Division Multiplexing for optical communication” research?
We have developed a new multiplexing technique, namely Absolute Polar Duty Cycle Division Multiplexing (AP-DCDM) for high-speed optical fiber communication systems.
Using this electrical multiplexing/demultiplexing technique, more than two channels can be carried over the same WDM channel. Consequently, the capacity utilization of the WDM channels can be increased tremendously at a tolerable penalty. The researcher’s motivation for developing new multiplexing is to overcome existing obstacles, resolve problems and disadvantages of the existing techniques. As the result, the new AP-DCDM multiplexing led to many design configurations such as a new multiplexer, demultiplexer, and new regeneration rules.
You have profusely of publications, which among these publications are your favorites?
All of them! The following two received the most citations.
1) Realization of high capacity transmission in fiber optic communication systems using Absolute Polar Duty Cycle Division Multiplexing (AP-DCDM) technique
2) Absolute polar duty cycle division multiplexing over wavelength division multiplexing system
How do you spend your free time?
Hang out with friends, sports e.g. swimming, I also like to travel and experience different cultures.
What direction do you see yourself heading in the next few years?
I will continuously work with postgraduate students in the field of optical communication systems especially in Radio Over Fiber (RoF) systems
As a professor, what words of encouragement you give to your students?
It is now more than ever that the engineering profession needs creative people who can adapt to changes and question, explore, and invent new alternatives to better benefit the world we live in.
Is there anything you’d like to say to young people to encourage them to pursue Engineering?
Engineers play a primary role in maintaining our standard of living and keeping us internationally competitive. You might be in full-time employment for the next 30 or 40 years so it is important that you choose a career that gives you plenty of enjoyment and satisfaction.