Dr. Md. Zahurul Islam

Dr. Md. Zahurul Islam

Professor
Contact Information
Major Area

Education

PhD (2012), University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada

Research Interests
  • Electromagnetics and Advanced Computational Modeling
  • Nanophotonics-Plasmonics and Photonic Integrated Circuits
  • Biophotonics-Biosensors and Optical Diagnostics
  • Modular Nuclear Reactors and Advanced Energy Systems
  • Nuclear Reactor Control-Instrumentation and Safety
  • Nuclear-Renewable Hybrid Power Systems
  • Advanced Battery Technologies and Power System Stability
  • Electrical and Fire Safety Engineering
  • Machine Learning Applications in Engineering Systems
Dr. Md. Zahurul Islam
Education

  • Postdoctoral Fellow: November 2019 – October 2022, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), University of Alberta, Canada

  • PhD in Microsystems and Nanodevices, 2012, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), University of Alberta, Canada

  • MSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, 2005, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, BUET, Dhaka, Bangladesh

  • B.Sc. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, 2000, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, BUET, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Dr. Md Zahurul Islam is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka. His research and professional activities span electromagnetics, photonics, advanced computational modeling, nuclear energy systems, electrical safety, and emerging energy technologies.

He received his PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering (Microsystems and Nanodevices) from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at the University of Alberta, Canada, in 2012. His doctoral work focused on opto-microfluidic systems, microfluidic modeling, and optical characterization techniques for biological applications. He also holds MSc and BSc degrees in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from BUET.

Dr. Islam’s research covers electromagnetic and optical systems, including nanophotonics, plasmonics, photonic integrated circuits, metamaterials, biosensors, and advanced optical sensing techniques. His recent work includes computational and inverse-design approaches for nanophotonic and plasmonic devices, photonic integrated structures, and machine learning-assisted optical diagnostics. In parallel, his research activities have expanded toward nuclear energy systems, particularly in the areas of nuclear reactor control, instrumentation and safety, radiation measurement and protection, nuclear–renewable hybrid power system optimization, modular nuclear reactors, and grid integration of nuclear energy systems with stochastic renewable penetration.

His current research interests also include green hydrogen energy generation, advanced battery technologies, power system stability, machine learning applications in engineering systems, and radiation-related technologies.

He currently serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Alberta, Canada, where he collaborates on interdisciplinary research involving photonics, machine learning-assisted optical diagnostics, and advanced nuclear energy systems. His collaborative research integrates experimental and computational approaches and has resulted in multiple publications in leading international journals, including several contributions involving BUET students.

At BUET, Dr. Islam teaches undergraduate and graduate courses including Engineering Electromagnetics, Optical Waveguide Theory, Control Systems, Electrical Properties of Materials, Electronic Circuits and Measurement and Instrumentation. He has supervised multiple MSc and undergraduate theses in areas including nanophotonics, plasmonics, biosensing, renewable energy systems, metamaterials, nuclear–renewable hybrid power systems, and machine learning applications in engineering.

Beyond academic research, Dr. Islam has extensive professional involvement in electrical and fire safety engineering, electrical services design, technical evaluation, and national-level consultancy activities. He has contributed to projects related to electrical distribution systems, fire detection and alarm systems, power system planning, industrial safety, and national infrastructure development in Bangladesh. He is also involved in policy and standards-related activities, including the Electrical Services and Fire Protection Parts of the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC).

His broader academic vision focuses on integrating physics-based modeling, electromagnetic and photonic systems, advanced instrumentation, control, and data-driven approaches for applications in energy systems, safety engineering, and emerging sustainable technologies. Through research, teaching, and international collaboration, he aims to contribute to the advancement of scientific and technological capabilities relevant to both academia and industry.

Employment/Major Academic and Industry Positions

  • Professor, Department of EEE, BUET, Dhaka, Bangladesh (Jun 2018 – Present)

  • Electrical and Fire Safety Consultant, Bureau of Research, Testing and Consultation (BRTC), BUET, Dhaka, Bangladesh (2015 – Present)

  • Adjunct Professor, Department of ECE, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada (Jan 2026 – Present)

  • Associate Director, Institute of Information and Communication Technology (IICT), BUET, Dhaka, Bangladesh (Feb 2023 – Present)

  • Visiting Professor, Department of ECE, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada (Nov 2019 – Oct 2022)

  • Associate Professor, Department of EEE, BUET, Dhaka, Bangladesh (2015 – 2018)

  • Electrical Safety Engineer, Rotaflow Controls Inc., Edmonton, AB, Canada (Jan 2013 – Jul 2013)

  • Assistant Professor, Department of EEE, BUET, Dhaka, Bangladesh

  • Lecturer, Department of EEE, BUET, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Research Grants Received:

  • BUET Basic Research Grant (PI) – Fund: 3,00,000 BDT, Duration: October 2022 – October 2025.

  • HEQEP, UGC Bangladesh (Co-PI) – “Research and Development of VLSI Circuits Intellectual Property Modules, Design and Fabrication of Integrated Circuits and Fostering the Growth of VLSI Design Industry in Bangladesh”, Fund: 6,10,00,000 BDT Duration: 2015 – 2018.

Selected Professional Work at National Level in Bangladesh

A. Consultancy and Policy Development

  • Team Leader, Design and Implementation of an Automated Gas Utility Meter Testing System for Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Public Limited Company (TGTDPLC), Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2024 – Present.

  • Member, Editorial Committee, Electrical Services and Fire Protection Parts of the Bangladesh National Building Code, Government of Bangladesh, 2025 – Present.

  • Member, BUET Consultancy Team for the project "Expansion and enhancement of power distribution system under Dhaka Power Distribution Company". The total project cost was about 2.0 billion USD. Project duration 2015 – 2016.

  • Member, BUET Consultancy Team for the "Investigation on Determining the Functioning Capabilities of Various Optical Fiber Network Equipment (including MUX, Switches and Optical Platform) imported by Summit Communications Ltd., Dhaka, Bangladesh", Aug 2016.

  • Member, BUET Expert Team for the project "Electrical Load Forecasting, Cost Estimation and Technical Specification Preparation for the G-to-G (Bangladesh-China) Mega Project of The Expansion and Strengthening of Power System Network Under Dhaka Power Distribution Company (DPDC) Area for the Year 2025", funded by DPDC, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2015.

  • Member, BUET Expert Team for the project “Investigation of the impact of the Loop-in-Loop- out (LILO) connections from national grid of Bangladesh”, funded by Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB), 2014.

  • Member, BUET Testing Team: as an active member of the Bureau of Research, Testing and Consultation (BRTC) of the Department of EEE, BUET, took part in many electrical testing works for purpose of determining regulatory compliance of the equipment and their installations.

B. Technical and Evaluation Committees

  • Member, Technical Evaluation Committee, BDFOM of 120-MW On-Grid Solar Power System in DESCO Area, Dhaka, DESCO, Government of Bangladesh, 2025 – Present.

  • Member, Committee for the determination of achievement and shortcomings against the objectives and targets of the project titled 'Telecommunication Network Development implemented by BTCL and funded by JAICA, Ministry of Post, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Government of Bangladesh, 2017.

  • Resource Person, Workshop on Fire Detection Systems and Electrical Safety for Ready-Made Garment Industries, Department of EEE, BUET (2014)

  • Member, Technical Sub-Committee (TSC) and Tender Evaluation Committee (TEC) to purchase "Electrical and Electronics equipment for operational use of Bangladesh police members working in the United Nations peacekeeping missions" by Equipment Department of Bangladesh Police Headquarters, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2016-2017.

    Selected Publications:

  1. S. Debnath, S. Saha, K. Zahin, Y. Y. Tsui, and M. Z. Islam, “Composition-Dependent Plasmon-Enhanced Emission in Lead-Free CsCuX Halides: A DFT--FDTD Study,” Mater. Adv. (accepted for publication on May 2026). Link: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2602.19780

  2. M. R. Khan, A. H. Khan, Y. Y. Tsui and M. Z. Islam, “Automatic generation control of a nuclear-renewable hybrid power system using optimal PID controller,” Annals of Nuclear Energy (Q1), 226, 111874, Feb 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.anucene.2025.111874

  3. S. Debnath, S. Saha, K. Zahin, Y. Y. Tsui, and M. Z. Islam, “An integrated DFT–FDTD design of plasmon-enhanced lead-free CsSn x Ge 1− x I 3 perovskite LEDs,” Mater. Adv. (Q1), 7, 4360-4377, 2026. DOI: 10.1039/D6MA00110F

  4. K. Zahin, A.K.M. Hoque, M. J. Karim, Y. Y. Tsui and M. Z. Islam, “Inverse Design Optimization of MIS Nanorod Array to Enhance Wavelength-Selective Light Extraction of OLED through Guided SPCE,” Nanoscale Adv. (Q1), 8, 635-645, 2026. DOI: https://doi. org/10.1039/D5NA00839E

  5. S. Debnath, S. Vhakta, Y. Y. Tsui, and M. Z. Islam, “Fault Detection of Three-Phase Controlled Rectifiers Using Supervised Machine Learning Algorithms,” IEEE Access (Q1), 13, Oct 2025. DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2025.3618193

  6. C. Biswas, J. Ferdous, Z. I. Zeal, A. K. M. H. Hoque, Y. Y. Tsui, and M. Z. Islam, “High-contrast and stable operation of a plasmonically-enhanced GSST-based phase-change memory cell using plasmonic chain modes for photonic memory applications,” Optics Express (Q1), 33 (20), 43393-43403, Oct 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.566981

  7. M. Atiqullah, S. I. Latif, M. Z. Islam, A. Inteha, M. Z. Rahman, and M. S. Islam, “Comparison of Simulated and Measured Results of an SPWM-Adopted 24V DC-240 AC VSI Based on PSD and Ideal-Nonideal Traits,” SouthEastCon 2024, 492-497. DOI: 10.1109/SoutheastCon52093.2024.10500253

  8. L. Liu, M. Z. Islam, X. Liu, M. Gupta, W. Rozmus, M. Mandal, and Y. Y. Tsui, “Multi‐wavelength multi‐direction laser light scattering for cell characterization using machine learning‐based methods,” Cytometry Part A (Q1), 103(10), 796-806, Oct 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/cyto.a.24771

  9. M. A. Haque, M. Al-Hasib, A. Jawad, and M. Z. Islam, “Investigation of Frequency and Voltage Stability of High Renewable Penetrated Grid,” 2023 IEEE 11th Region 10 Humanitarian Technology Conference (R10-HTC), Delhi, 132-137. DOI: 10.1109/R10-HTC57504.2023.10461760

  10. D. Nandi, M. Z. Islam, and M. Gupta, “Optimization of a leaky plasmonic metal–insulator–metal nanopillar array for low concentration biosensing applications,” Journal of the Optical Society of America B (Q2), 39 (10), 2705-2713, Sept 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1364/JOSAB.468244

  11. W. Y. Wan, L. Liu, X. Liu, W. Wang, M. Z. Islam, C. Dong, C. R. Garen, X. Liu, M. Gupta, M. Mandal, W. Rozmus, and Y. Tsui, “Integration of light scattering with machine learning for label free cell detection,” Biomedical Optics Express (Q1), 12(6), June 2021. https://doi.org/10.1364/BOE.424357

  12. A. H. Hoque, M. Z. Islam, M. A. Sakib, and Y. Tsui, “Using High-k VPP Modes in Grating- Coupled Graphene-Based Hyperbolic Metamaterial for Tunable Sensor Design,” IEEE Sensors Journal (Q1), 21(16), Aug 2021. DOI: 10.1109/JSEN.2021.3085711

  13. M, Q. Ahsan, A. H. Chowdhury, S. Subrina, M. F. Uddin, A. Roy and M. Z. Islam, "Reliability models of LILO connection and impact on transmission corridor," Wiley International Transactions on Electrical Energy Systems (Q2), 30(2), June 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/2050-7038.12482

  14. M. J. Al mahmod, R. Hyder and M. Z. Islam, "A Highly Sensitive Metal-Insulator-Metal Ring Resonator-Based Nanophotonic Structure for Biosensing Applications," IEEE Sensors Journal (Q1), 18(16) June 2019. DOI: 10.1109/JSEN.2018.2849825

  15. M. A. Sakib, S. M. E. H. Yousuf and M. Z. Islam, "A high-performance plasmonic nanosensor based on an elliptical nanorod in an MIM configuration," IEEE Sensors Journal (Q1), 18(15), June 2018. DOI: 10.1109/JSEN.2018.2847760

  16. M. A. Sakib, S. M. E. H. Yousuf, S. D. Gupta and M. Z. Islam, "Proposition and Numerical Analysis of a Plasmonic Sensing Structure of Metallo-Dielectric Grating and Silver Nano-slabs in a Metal-Insulator-Metal Configuration," Journal Plasmonics (Springer), 13(34), Apr 2018. Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11468-018-0739-x

  17. M. J. Al-mahmod, R. Hyder and M. Z. Islam, "Numerical studies on a plasmonic temperature nanosensor based on a metal-insulator-metal ring resonator structure for optical integrated circuit applications," Photonics and Nanostructures - Fundamentals and applications (Q2), 25, pp. 52-57, Jul 2017. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.photonics.2017.05.001

  18. M. Z. Islam and Y. Y. Tsui, "Quasi-3d modeling and efficient simulation of laminar flows in microfluidic devices," Journal Sensors (Q1), 16(10), 1639(1-13), 2016.

  19. M. Z. Islam, J. N. McMullin, and Y. Y. Tsui, "Rapid and cheap prototyping of a microfluidic cell sorter," Journal Cytometry Part A (Q1 in SJR), 79A(5), pp. 361-367, May 2011.

  20. M. Z. Islam, M. Alam, S. M. Mominuzzaman, M. Rusop, T. Soga, T. Jimbo, and M. Umeno, "Study of pulsed laser deposited phosphorusdoped carbon/p-silicon photovoltaic cell," Journal of Crystal Growth (ELSEVIER) Vol. 288, Issue 1, pp. 195-199, 2006.

  21. M. Z. Islam, F. Snigdha and M. S. Hasan, "Plasmonically-enhanced absorption in organic solar cells with metal nanostructures," (IREC 2018), Hammamet, Tunisia, Mar 20-22, 2018.

  22. R. R. Khan and M. Z. Islam, "Numerical investigation of a hybrid plasmonic waveguide for subwavelength confinement of light," Proc. the 2nd IEEE International Conference on Telecommunications and Photonics (ICTP 2017), Dhaka, pp. 217-221, Dec 26-28, 2017.

  23. Z. Islam and M. Z. Islam, "Plasmonic solar cell with annular apertures and Ag grating supporting fabry perot modes," Proc. the 2nd IEEE International Conference on Telecommunications and Photonics (ICTP 2017), Dhaka, pp. 259-262, Dec 26-28, 2017.

  24. F. Hossain, M. L. Ali, M. Z. Islam and H. Mustafa, "A Direction-Sensitive Fall Detection System Using Single 3D Accelerometer and Learning Classifier," Proc. International Conference on Medical Engineering, Health Informatics and Technology (MediTec 2016), Dhaka, Dec 17-18, 2016.

  25. S. L. Ahad, A. H. Sifat and M. Z. Islam, "Performance analysis, optimization and structural modification of nanoscale grating for SPP-based sensing," Proc. IEEE International Conference on Telecommunications and Photonics (ICTP 2015), Dhaka, Dec 26-28, 2015.

  26. T. Debnath, S. Hoque and M. Z. Islam, "Tuning of transmission characteristics of epsilon-near- zero metamaterials by controlling permittivity of embedded defects," Proc. IEEE International Conference on Telecommunications and Photonics (ICTP 2015), Dhaka, Dec 26-28, 2015.

  27. A. H. Sifat, S. L. Ahad and M. Z. Islam, "Optimization of an optical waveguide biosensor based on hybrid coupler with short-range surface plasmon polariton," Proc. IEEE International WIE Conference on Electrical and Computer Engineering (WIECON-ECE 2015), Dhaka, pp. 471-474, Dec 19-20, 2015.

  28. S. L. Ahad, A. H. Sifat and M. Z. Islam, "Performance analysis and optimization of surface plasmon polariton based sensing using Kretschmann-Raether configuration with gold layer," Proc. IEEE India International Conference (INDICON 2015), New Delhi, pp. 1570190225(1-4), Dec 17-20, 2015.

  29. A. Rahman, N. Ansari, N. Ahmed, K. M. Rahman and M. Z. Islam, "Development of a microcontroller based AC voltage controller with soft start capability," Proc. the 8th IEEE Conference on Electrical and Computer Engineering (ICECE 2014), Dhaka, pp. 611-614, Dec. 20-22, 2014.

  30. M. Z. Islam, X. Su, S. E. Kirkwood, K. Singh, J. N. McMullin, W. Rozmus, A. J. Wieczorek, and Y. Y. Tsui, "Development of an optomicrofluidic flow cytometer for the sorting of stem cells from blood samples," Proc. of SPIE, Photonics North, Quebec City, Canada, vol. 7386, pp. 73860C (1-8), 2009.

  31. X. Su, S. E. Kirkwood, H. Gul, K. Singh, M. Z. Islam, A. J. Wieczorek, W. Rozmus, and Y. Y. Tsui, "Light scattering characterization of single biological cells in a microfluidic cytometer," Proc. of SPIE, Photonic North, Quebec City, Canada, vol. 7386, pp. 738602 (1-8), 2009.

  32. M. Z. Islam and S. M. Mominuzzaman, "Effects of phosphorus doping on J-V and C-V characteristics of pulsed laser deposited camphoric carbon/P-silicon heterojunction device," Proc. the 5th IEEE International Conference on Electrical & Computer Engineering (ICECE 2008), Dhaka, pp. 949-952, Dec 20-22, 2008.

  33. M. Z. Islam and S. M. Mominuzzaman, "Estimation of Device parameters and C-V modeling of pulsed laser deposited phosphorus doped carbon/p-silicon heterostructure," Proc. the IEEE conference on Emerging Technologies-Nanoelectronics, Singapore, pp. 311-315, Jan 10-13, 2006.

  34. M. Z. Islam, S. M. Mominuzzaman, T. Soga and T. Jimbo, "Current Density-Voltage and Capacitance Voltage Characteristics of Pulsed Laser Deposited Nitrogen-Doped n-Carbon/p- Silicon Diode," Proc. the 4th IEEE International Conference on Electrical & Computer Engineering (ICECE 2006), Dhaka, pp. 253-256, Dec 19-21, 2006.

Full list of publications available on Google Scholar

https://scholar.google.ca/citations?hl=en&user=4eLJKjUAAAAJ

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