Coming to Flinders University from Iran has provided Dr Emad Roshandel (PhD ’23) with opportunities to apply his highly adaptive electrical engineering skills in radical and innovative ways across several areas.
Dr Roshandel, currently the lead engineer at medical technology company Infusion Innovations, has led the development of advanced medical infusion pumps with improved accuracy and programmable functions, which will enable better standards of infusion care at a reduced cost. Dr Roshandel and Infusion Innovations are now preparing to deliver this new product to market, addressing the Australian healthcare system’s need for improved patient care and advanced, affordable medical technologies.
“I’m delighted that with this project I’ve been able to mesh innovative research and design ideas with a smart business plan, to ensure that this improved product will be competitive and attractive in the commercial marketplace,” he says. “There is no point creating a new, improved device if it is wildly expensive to produce. If it doesn’t make clear economic sense, it will never get to help the many people it has been designed to assist.”
Dr Roshandel points to his decision to undertake PhD studies at Flinders as being integral to feed his enquiring mind and explore fresh solutions for improvements. “Building on my engineering qualifications and experience by studying a PhD helped me control my thoughts and better organise my thinking. Coupled with my engineering skills, this has now given me a very broad skill set and has enabled me to deal with all concepts and ideas at a higher thought level, and this has led me to explore more radical solutions.”
In his home country of Iran, Dr Roshandel completed his Bachelor and Masters degrees in electrical engineering and worked on projects relating to power electronics and power systems, exhibiting unique skills in both low, medium and high voltage power conversion. However, he was searching for more, and is delighted that Flinders University proved to be the ideal environment to help him grow as a more creative thinker and researcher.
“I considered several places for immigration, but I felt that Australia offered the best environment for my personal and professional growth. The multi-cultural community, the quality of life, and the opportunities made it an ideal choice for me.”
Respected for the high-quality of his research that covers an extremely wide range of topics spanning electric machines, power electronics, and power systems, Dr Roshandel has been awarded two best paper awards, at the 2022 Australasian Universities Power Engineering Conference and the 2022 Flinders University Postgraduate Student Publication prize.
The timely application of such advanced research in electrical machines, power electronics, and power systems address Australia’s increasing needs in medical system advances, transportation electrification, and renewable energy integration – and Dr Roshandel is confident that many more advances are imminent.
“I’m very impressed by the strength of collaborations within industries, and the respectful work culture in South Australia, and I think this will provide fantastic advances for the future.”
Dr Emad Roshandel has been awarded a 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award for his significant research expertise in electrical and electronic engineering to support the development and commercialisation of new technologies and innovations.