Student Feature Friday with Julfikar Ali
Friday, January 19, 2024
Meet Julfikar Ali, currently in his first year, and set to graduate in Fall 2025. Despite being new to CIBS, his enthusiasm and commitment to his field are evident, especially in his unique blend of academic interests. He has a passion for working with embedded systems, with a proclivity toward microcontrollers and microprocessors, as he feels like it is a perfect blend of electronics expertise coupled with mechanical engineering.
Apart from his academic pursuits, Julfikar finds inspiration in the timeless and the intellectually stimulating. His diverse range of hobbies showcase his multifaceted personality and include things from playing table tennis to indulging in classic literature by favorite authors such as Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay and Tarasankar Bandyopadhyay.
Currently, Julfikar is working on a cutting-edge project - the Next Generation Defrosting Sequence for AAON's Variable Speed Air-Source Heat Pump RTUs. He is currently assisting fellow students with a project focused on enhancing the winter performance of air-source heat pumps. The main challenge they are addressing is the negative impact of frost buildup on the coils of heat pumps, which can significantly decrease their efficiency. His involvement in this project reflects a promising trajectory in contributing to technological advancements in the industry. These contributions are aimed toward optimizing equipment for extreme circumstances, providing solutions for the general public. Julfikar envisions contributing to the betterment of humanity and industry as a whole in his future. Beyond his current work on this project, he hopes to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of building systems.
Julfikar's journey into the world of integrated building systems began with his experience at a multinational corporation, where he worked as a Mechanical design engineer designing refrigerator components and systems. This early exposure ignited his interest in refrigeration systems and their potential for improvement.
Post-graduation, Julfikar remains open to exciting opportunities that come his way. With aspirations for a Ph.D., he envisions a long-term career in academia, where he can continue to contribute to the industry's growth through research and education.
Julfikar Ali shows a promising talent in the realm of integrated building systems, blending academic excellence, diverse interests, and a commitment to innovation. This rising talent will be one to watch as he continues to make strides in shaping the future of the industry.