Ahmad Shah Idil Email & Phone Number

London, England, United Kingdom

I'm currently working with Innovate UK on the "Reconfigurable Semiconductor Technology for Advanced Neural Implants" project, in collaboration with industry partners MintNeuro and AmberTx. Our goal is to develop a specialized microelectronic architecture for neural interfaces, utilizing advanced semiconductor packaging to enable rapid customization of electronics for neural implants. My role involves conducting cutting-edge R&D in advanced semiconductor packaging, including 2D/2.5D/3D integration, heterogeneous integration, chiplets, system-in-package, system-on-package, and hermetic packaging. This entails reviewing current technologies, innovating packaging methods, developing new concepts, and overseeing the design, fabrication, assembly, and evaluation of prototype devices.

Bloomsbury, London

I worked on 2 major projects on my time at UCL: (1) CANDO; and (2) sVNS in humans.1. CANDOCANDO (Controlling Abnormal Network Dynamics using Optogenetics) was a world-class, multi-site, cross-disciplinary project to develop a cortical implant for optogenetic neural control. The goal is to create a first-in-human trial in patients with focal epilepsy. This seven year, £10M Innovative Engineering for Health Award, funded by the Wellcome Trust and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) involves a team of over 30 neuroscientists, engineers and clinicians based at Newcastle University, Imperial College London, University College London and The Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.My position as an implant engineer is to design and test the packaging and encapsulation of the optogenetic device; this includes the exploration of different bio-compatible materials and evaluating their performance in accelerated ageing tests. 2. Selective Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Humans (sVNS)I successfully designed and fabricated an expandible selective stimulation cuff for the human vagus nerve using laser cut metal foil & silicone rubber cleanroom fabrication techniques. I pioneered a technique of using 3D-printed resin moulds for moulding complex implant geometries as a quick prototyping method. My implants are currently being tested in humans in Queen’s Square Hospital.

Kensington, Australia

This role was a promotion from the position of Resident Fellow, which I earned after a 6-month period of demonstrating excellence in my managerial skills and dedication to work. As the Deputy Dean I am responsible for managing emergency situations and crises related to the health and safety of the 159 residents in the Hall; I fulfil the role of Fire Warden, First Aid Officer and security liaison.This role requires quick thinking in crisis situations, and risk minimisation in cases of critical risk to student life. I consistently display that I am able to perform well under strong stresses and pressure, with people from over 20 different countries and cultures.

Kensington, Australia

As a resident fellow I had responsibility over 30 UNSW students from many different faculties and walks of life; I served as the Engineering Tutor for the college, and coordinated the science and mathematics programs. I had 3 academic tutors under my management.I was involved with students from regional and rural Australia, indigenous students, international students from all over the world, as well as students with special physical and mental needs.

Sydney, Australia

Bionic Vision Australia is a research consortium aimed at developing a "bionic eye" to return sight to patients with degenerative eye disease. I currently work in the Mechanical Engineering Division as a production engineer in device encapsulation. The aim of the division is the utilisation of bio-compatible materials to hermetically contain the stimulating electronics during device implantation. The production of ceramic feedthroughs requires key proficiencies in operation of state-of-the-art technology and their associated design and control software. These proficiencies include: (i) AutoCAD software for the design of feedthrough tracks; (ii) safe and efficient operation of Nd:YAG lasers, and their associated laser control software (MagicMark); (iii) programming and operation of sintering, hot-press and inert gas furnaces; and (iv) the knowledge of the requirements of working in clean-room conditions for biomedical applications.

Sydney, Australia

The Biomedical Industry is bound by strong regulations regarding quality management. As part of the QMS team, I worked in the design, evaluation and implementation of a Quality Management System for biomedical implant production; I worked in document and record control.The team implemented ISOXpress software in order to ensure that the production line adhered to ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 for the design and manufacture of medical devices. I worked in the documentation and standardisation of each production step in the manufacturing process, and transitioned production processes from prototyping to standard Manufacturing Work Instructions.

Sydney, Australia

As an undergraduate engineering student, I interned as a Research Assistant on a project to determine novel materials to use to brazing metals onto ceramic substrates to create hermetic seals. As a result of my performance I was asked to continue on as an engineer.

Sydney, Australia

As a consultant to UNSW I worked on two separate projects: (1) a deregulated revenue enhancement project, and (2) a professional and technical staff survey. The data I presented in my work directly impacted the future directions of the university’s operations.For the revenue enhancement project, I analysed vast quantities of student enrolment data in Microsoft Excel and ported it into a database I created in Microsoft Access. I analysed the revenue and sales drivers in the business and presented how price-flexibility affects profits for all G08 universities. I operated within a professional environment; learnt to work within a team, and developed soft-skills of conflict resolution, report writing, out-putting presentations, and demonstrated strong autonomous learning skills.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering

Bachelor Of Engineering (Beng) (Hons 1), Mechatronic Engineering

Activities and Societies: UNSW Engineering Faculty Board Member, UNSW Engineering Programs Committee Member, Sitting Member.

Bachelor Of Arts (Ba), Linguistics

Activities and Societies: Executive Mentor of the UNSW Arts Society (2013)

Diploma Of Classical Arabic (Level 4), Arabic Language And Literature, High Distinction

Bachelor Of Commerce (B.Com.), Actuarial Studies & Finance

Higher School Certificate

Activities and Societies: Edmundson-Zone Grass Hockey Team (2002-2004), Edmundson-Zone Volleyball Team (2003-2004)