Qandeel Almas Almas

I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Pakistan, where I teach undergraduate chemical engineering courses and lead a research group working in heterogeneous catalysis and sustainable chemical processes. My academic journey has been driven by a passion for developing catalytic materials and processes that address global challenges in energy, environmental sustainability, and green chemical manufacturing.
I earned my PhD in Chemical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, USA, as a Fulbright Scholar, under the supervision of Prof. Christopher W. Jones and Prof. Carsten Sievers. My doctoral research focused on understanding the deactivation mechanisms of zeolite catalysts used in petroleum refining and biomass upgrading, combining advanced catalyst characterization with reaction engineering to improve catalyst performance and lifetime. Prior to my PhD, I completed both my bachelor's and master's degrees in Chemical Engineering at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore, graduating among the top students of my class and conducting research on membrane bioreactors for wastewater treatment.
Before joining LUMS in 2022, I served for more than a decade as a faculty member at UET Lahore, where I taught a wide range of undergraduate chemical engineering courses and contributed to curriculum development, accreditation activities, and student mentoring. At LUMS, I continue to teach core chemical engineering subjects, including Principles of Chemical Engineering, Chemical Process Design, Kinetics and Reactor Design, Separation Processes, Process Heat Transfer, and Chemical Process Control. I am committed to creating an engaging learning environment that emphasizes critical thinking, problem solving, and hands-on engineering design. My interest in engineering education has led me to complete the Faculty Certificate in Teaching and Learning (FCTL) at LUMS and the CIRTL Associate Certification from Georgia Tech, and I currently lead a scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) project focused on improving deep learning and reading habits among university students.
My research group focuses on the design and development of heterogeneous catalysts and functional materials for sustainable chemical manufacturing. Our current work spans biomass valorization, catalytic organic synthesis, wastewater treatment, CO₂ utilization, green hydrogen production, and catalyst deactivation mechanisms. We investigate both fundamental catalytic phenomena and practical reactor-scale applications, with the goal of translating laboratory discoveries into technologies that contribute to cleaner energy systems and environmental remediation. My group has experience in both batch and continuous-flow reactor systems and employs a wide range of characterization techniques, including XRD, electron microscopy, gas chromatography, nitrogen physisorption, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, XPS, and NMR spectroscopy.
Over the past few years, I have secured competitive research funding from LUMS, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, and international funding agencies. As Principal Investigator, I currently lead an HEC-funded National Research Program for Universities (NRPU) project on the development of heterogeneous catalysts for bio-oil valorization. I have also received funding for projects on thermoselective synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates, catalyst development for biomass conversion, and engineering education research.
My research has resulted in publications in leading international journals, including *Coordination Chemistry Reviews*, *Separation and Purification Technology*, *Applied Catalysis A: General*, *Catalysis Science & Technology*, *ChemCatChem*, and *AIChE Journal*. I regularly present my work at international conferences, including meetings of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), and actively collaborate with researchers from institutions in the United States, China, Switzerland, and Pakistan.
Beyond research and teaching, I am actively involved in academic leadership and service. I serve on several departmental and university committees at LUMS, including the Chemical Engineering Accreditation Committee, the Industrial Advisory Board, the Faculty Search Committee, and the Sexual Harassment Inquiry Committee. I also lead the Design and Innovation Challenge for Chemical Engineers (DICCE), a national competition that encourages final-year engineering students from across Pakistan to solve open-ended industrial design problems while developing creativity, teamwork, and professional engineering skills. Additionally, I participate in outreach initiatives aimed at increasing awareness of engineering education and research opportunities among prospective students.
Outside the university, I remain engaged with the broader scientific community through professional collaborations, conference organization, journal peer review, and mentoring activities. As a Fulbright alumna, I regularly volunteer with the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP), participating in applicant interviews, seminars, and orientation programs for future Fulbright scholars. I also contribute to professional development initiatives by mentoring undergraduate and graduate students interested in pursuing research careers and graduate studies abroad.
As a woman in engineering, I strongly believe that diversity and inclusion strengthen scientific innovation. Throughout my career, I have been committed to mentoring students, particularly young women, by creating supportive research environments that encourage curiosity, confidence, and independent thinking. I view scientific research not only as a means of advancing knowledge but also as a powerful tool for addressing societal challenges and inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Looking ahead, I aim to expand interdisciplinary collaborations, strengthen international research partnerships, and continue developing catalytic materials and sustainable chemical technologies that address global energy and environmental challenges. Through my research, teaching, and service, I hope to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of science while helping to build a more inclusive and collaborative scientific community.