Aashish

I am a PhD graduate from Bournemouth University, researching pulse electrodeposition nanocoating and its mechanical properties. The project is funded by ASM Assembly Limited, Weymouth. I am currently doing my thesis work, under the supervision of Prof. Zulfiqar Khan, which focuses on the development of novel nanocoating. The nanocoating developed is characterized by surface and mechanical properties, which are not limited to surface roughness, nanohardness, tribological, nanotribological properties and wettability. The coatings are further characterized with the help of Scanning Electron microscope, Electron Back Scatter Diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy and X-Ray Photon Spectroscopy. I am eager to delve more deeply into the material characterization techniques. I have published three journal article with the work, however, further journal articles are in the pipeline for publishing.

Tutoring Experience

I have also served as a Part-Time Hourly Paid Demonstrator and Lecturer for various subjects at Bournemouth University. I was the Unit Leader for Thermofluids & Energy Conversion, where I was responsible for designing lectures, numerical problems, question papers, marking, and demonstrating laboratory experiments. This role, along with my experience teaching Mechatronics and Fluids and Thermodynamics, has honed my ability to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively and to mentor and guide students in their academic pursuits. Additionally, I have assisted in marking scripts, providing student feedback, and ensuring a high standard of learning outcomes for these subjects.
Previously, I was employed as an Assistant Professor at Mar Baselios College of Engineering and Technology, India. During my tenure, I was teaching core mechanical engineering subjects including Materials and Metallurgy science, Fracture Mechanics, Computer Aided Designing, etc. Besides lecturing and marking scripts, I was mentoring more than 20 students of bachelor students. I was also fortunate in assisting in final year mechanical engineering projects, which included collaboration with external universities.

Tutoring Approach

1. Research-Integrated Learning What I Offer: Drawing from my PhD research on nanocoating development and my industry collaboration with ASM Assembly Limited, I integrate real-world examples and case studies into my lessons. Students will explore how concepts like tribology, nanohardness, and surface characterization are applied in advanced technologies. How It Works: For instance, in Materials and Metallurgy Science, I might use micrographs from my Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) studies to show material behavior, or discuss how nanocoatings enhance mechanical properties in industrial applications. Why It’s Unique: This bridges the gap between textbook theory and practical innovation, giving students a rare glimpse into current research and its relevance.
2. Interactive Tools and Simulations What I Offer: I incorporate visual aids, software tools, and virtual labs to make complex topics accessible and engaging. For example, I use simulations of fluid dynamics (e.g., ANSYS Fluent) for Thermofluids & Energy Conversion or virtual SEM/EBSD labs to demonstrate materials characterization. How It Works: Students can explore thermodynamic cycles through animations or analyze material properties virtually, even without access to physical labs. Why It’s Unique: These hands-on, tech-driven methods bring abstract concepts to life, making learning dynamic and memorable.
3. Personalized and Tiered Support What I Offer: I tailor my sessions to each student’s needs, offering two levels of tutoring: Basic Tier: Focused on mastering foundational concepts, solving numerical problems, and preparing for exams. Advanced Tier: For students eager to go beyond the curriculum, I introduce research insights, mini-projects (e.g., designing a simple mechatronic system), and discussions on recent advancements. How It Works: A student struggling with Fracture Mechanics might receive step-by-step problem-solving guidance, while an advanced learner could analyze fracture types using real data from my research. Why It’s Unique: This flexibility ensures every student—whether beginner or aspiring researcher—gets exactly what they need.
4. Project-Based Learning and Mentorship What I Offer: Inspired by my experience mentoring students and guiding final-year projects, I include mini-projects or challenges in my tutoring. I also provide mentorship on research skills, project development, and career planning in engineering. How It Works: A student studying Mechatronics might build a small Arduino-based system, while another interested in nanocoatings could explore a case study on wettability and present their findings. Why It’s Unique: This hands-on, mentorship-driven approach builds practical skills and prepares students for academic and professional success.
5. Engaging Techniques: Gamification and Storytelling What I Offer: To keep sessions lively, I use gamification (e.g., quizzes on identifying material fractures) and storytelling (e.g., narrating the development of nanocoatings or my research journey). How It Works: A quiz might challenge students to match SEM images to material properties, while a story about troubleshooting a tribology experiment could illustrate perseverance and problem-solving. Why It’s Unique: These methods make learning fun and relatable, fostering deeper retention and enthusiasm.