Dr Nikhilkumar Shah is a Lecturer in Energy & Building Services at Ulster University. He has over 10 years of experience in the field of energy and holds a BEng in Mechanical Engineering from Gujarat University (India), an MSc in Energy Systems from FH-Aachen (Germany), and a PhD in Diesel engine-driven heat pump incorporated with waste heat recovery from Ulster University (UK). Nikhil is a Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) (from AEE), a PRINCE2 Certified project management practitioner, and holds F-Gas CAT1 certification.

Nikhil's research interests include industrial/domestic heat pumps, lubrication, energy storage, system integration, energy efficiency, and engine testing. He is inspired to implement his research in Waste reduction, waste to energy, circular economy, smart communities/cities and sustainability. He is currently focusing on nanomaterials/fluids and their application in renewable technologies such as PVT, heat pumps, energy storage and others. Nikhil has secured funding (as PI/CoI) from prestigious funding bodies such as EPSRC, Royal Society, UK India Education and Research Initiative, EU (Horizon 2020), and Invest Northern Ireland.

Nikhil has published his research in international journals, conferences, and seminars, and he is a reviewer for several international journals. He has participated in IEA annexes on heat pumps. Nikhil is a member of the Institute of Refrigeration and a fellow of the higher education academy. He is also passionate about using AI and other tools for student engagement, inclusion, assessments, and lifelong learning. Nikhil has acted as the course director of the MSc Energy Storage programme for a brief period and is an academic mentor for first-year students in the Energy and Architectural Engineering programmes.

Nikhil's passion lies in using renewable and efficient technology at low cost to provide end-point solutions that positively impact people's lives. He believes in incorporating real-life learning into teaching, making him an excellent mentor for students who aspire to make a difference.