I received my B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and a PhD in Electronics Engineering-Nanotechnology. I am a Lecturer at the School of Engineering, Ulster University, UK since January 2019. Before joining the Ulster University, I worked at the Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid - ICMM - CSIC from 2012 to 2015, Department of Physics at Durham University from 2016 to 2018 and Department of Engineering, University of Bristol from 2018 to 2019. My research interests include dynamic Atomic Force Microscopy, NEMS and MEMS, Surface Science, Sensors/Actuators, Electromechanical Systems and Applied Nonlinear Control.

My Main Research Fields

Developing new experimental techniques and theoretical understanding of how the micro/nano mechanical sensor (especially microcantilevers) interacts (nonlinear dynamics of vibrations) with the sample surface at nanoscale (micro/nano scale modeling, simulation and characterization). Study the interfacial dynamics of solid-liquid interfaces, viscoelastic and morphological dynamics of cells, membranes, proteins and molecules. In-situ observation of fatigue and corrosion evolution at nano/micro scale.

In the field of Mechatronics systems, I have focused on design, modeling and control of electromechanical systems by considering the scale effect from macro (such as electrical drives and machines) to micro (such as MEMS devices) and Nano (NEMS).

Prospective Students

Candidates interested in a PhD in the following topics may directly email their CV.

1-  Atomic Force Microscopy

2-  MEMS & NEMS

3-  Bio-Sensors/Actuators

4-  Nano & Biomechanics

5-  Surface Science & Materials Characterization

6- Modeling, Analysis and Control of Mechatronics system

Teaching

I am currently the unit director for the Mechatronics II and Electronics II modules. I am also supervising final year BEng & MEng research projects.

Honors

- Editor's Highlights:

1. C. Cafolla, A.F.Payam, K. Voïtchovsky, A non-destructive method to calibrate the torsional spring constant of atomic force microscope cantilevers in viscous environments, Journal of Applied Physics 124 (2018), 154502.

2. A. F. Payam,  D. M.  Jimenez,  R.  Garcia, Force reconstruction  from  tapping mode force microscopy experiments, Nanotechnology 26 (2015), 185706.

- Awarded for the best innovative idea of the second international R&D award of Iran (2012).

- Distinct graduate student of University of Tehran

- Scholarship for visiting study in the Instituto de Microelectronica de Madrid (2010).

- M.Sc. first class student among 15 students.