Headshot of Dr Muhammad Ali

 

Trinity College Dublin's School of Engineering is thrilled to celebrate Dr. Muhammad Ali, Assistant Professor of Environmental Microbiology, as he is named one of the prestigious American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES) "40 Under 40" honourees for 2024.

 

Dr. Ali joined Trinity’s School of Engineering in 2022 and has quickly established himself as a leading figure in environmental microbiology. His research group delves into the fascinating world of microbial interactions within natural and engineered systems, specifically focusing on water-related infrastructure. This focus is particularly relevant as we face growing global challenges in water management.

 

Dr. Ali's dedication and expertise are evident in his impressive research funding record. In 2023 alone, he secured over €1 million in grants from prestigious organisations, including Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), the Irish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and forward-thinking industrial partners like dCarbonX.

"This recognition by the AAEES is a tremendous honour," said Dr. Ali. "I am incredibly grateful to the Academy for acknowledging my work, and I am deeply appreciative of the support I have received from my colleagues here at Trinity."

 

His commitment extends beyond groundbreaking research. Dr. Ali actively contributes to the academic sphere, serving as a course director for the Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management programme at Trinity. Additionally, he spearheads the establishment of a Water Research Centre at Trinity, fostering collaboration and innovation in water-related research, education, and solutions.

 

Prior to Trinity, Dr. Ali's journey included prestigious positions. He worked as a research scientist at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), where his passion for innovation led him to co-found Mawardna (This successful spin-off company, born from Dr. Ali's research at KAUST, focuses on decentralised wastewater treatment solutions. Throughout his career, Dr. Ali has secured over US$5 million in funding as a Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator, a testament to his exceptional research vision. He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Hokkaido University in Japan.

 

The AAEES "40 Under 40" award recognises the brightest young minds in environmental science and engineering. Dr. Ali's well-deserved selection is a reflection of his remarkable achievements in research, funding acquisition, academic leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit. The School of Engineering at Trinity College Dublin congratulates Dr. Ali on this prestigious honor and celebrates his ongoing contributions to creating a more sustainable future.