Dr Umer Saleem

Teaching Associate

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Contact

Personal statement

Dr. Umer Saleem is a dedicated lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Heriot-Watt University (Edinburgh, UK), and both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. He has completed his postdoctoral research in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and carbon capture and storage (CCS), contributing significantly to the STEMM-CCS project funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme. Following his postdoc, he continued his research and teaching career at Newcastle University. Dr. Saleem's research focuses on computational fluid dynamics and carbon capture and storage. He has developed sophisticated numerical models for CO2 dispersion and dissolution in marine sediments, collaborating with leading institutions across Europe. His research findings have been published in prominent international journals such as the International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control. Additionally, Dr. Saleem has been involved in projects related to renewable energy and advanced mechanical systems, including concentrated solar power and steam turbine design. As an educator, Dr. Saleem has taught a wide range of subjects including Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Heat and Mass Transfer, and more. His dedication to teaching excellence is recognized through his attainment of Fellow (FHEA) status from the Higher Education Academy. Dr. Saleem is a member of professional organizations such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). His commitment to advancing both research and education in his field makes him a valuable asset to the academic community.

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Area of Expertise

I bring a strong interdisciplinary profile with expertise in both technical engineering domains and pedagogical innovation. My core capabilities include:

  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling using ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, and MATLAB, with application to multiphase flow, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and porous media

  • Strategic leadership in teaching operations, as seen in my work on centralised exam invigilation, programme advisory roles, and Graduate Apprenticeship coordination

  • Pedagogical research and scholarship, focused on AI-supported learning, inclusive assessment, and digital engagement tools

  • Project supervision across UG, PG, and GA levels, integrating academic rigour with real-world industrial challenges.

Prize And Awards

Charted Engineer (IMechE)
Recipient
5/12/2024
Fellow - FHEA UK
Recipient
5/3/2024
Associate Fellow - AFHEA UK
Recipient
30/11/2020
Registered Engineer - PEC
Recipient
15/8/2011

More prizes and awards

Qualifications

  • PGCert in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, University of Strathclyde (2025)
  • PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Heriot-Watt University, UK (2021)

  • MSc in Mechanical Engineering (Distinction), Glasgow Caledonian University, UK (2013)

  • BSc (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Pakistan (2011)

 

  • Chartered Engineer (CEng), Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), UK (2024)

  • Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), Advance HE, UK (2024)

  • Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA), Advance HE, UK (2019)

  • LEAD 1 and LEAD 2 Training Programmes, Heriot-Watt University (2019)

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Publications

Assuring the integrity of offshore carbon dioxide storage
Connelly D P, Bull J M, Flohr A, Schaap A, Koopmans D, Blackford J C, White P R, James R H, Pearce C, Lichtschlag A, Achterberg E P, de Beer D, Roche B, Li J, Saw K, Alendal G, Avlesen H, Brown R, Borisov S M, Böttner C, Cazenave P W, Chen B, Dale A W, Dean M, Dewar M, Esposito M, Gros J, Hanz R, Haeckel M, Hosking B, Huvenne V, Karstens J, Le Bas T, Leighton T G, Linke P, Loucaides S, Matter J M, Monk S, Mowlem M C, Oleynik A, Omar A M, Peel K, Provenzano G, Saleem U, Schmidt M, Schramm B, Sommer S, Strong J, Falcon Suarez I, Ungerboeck B, Widdicombe S, Wright H, Yakushev E
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews Vol 166 (2022)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2022.112670
Analysis of the physicochemical detectability and impacts of offshore CO2 leakage through multi-scale modelling of in-situ experimental data using the PLUME model
Dewar Marius, Saleem Umer, Flohr Anita, Schaap Allison, Strong James, Li Jianghui, Roche Ben, Bull Jonathan M, Chen Baixin, Blackford Jerry
International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control Vol 110 (2021)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijggc.2021.103441
Numerical modelling of CO2 migration in heterogeneous sediments and leakage scenario for STEMM-CCS field experiments
Saleem Umer, Dewar Marius, Chaudhary Tariq Nawaz, Sana Mehroz, Lichtschlag Anna, Alendal Guttorm, Chen Baixin
International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control Vol 109 (2021)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijggc.2021.103339
Multiscale characterisation of chimneys/pipes : fluid escape structures within sedimentary basins
Robinson Adam H, Callow Ben, Böttner Christoph, Yilo Naima, Provenzano Giuseppe, Falcon-Suarez Ismael H, Marín-Moreno Héctor, Lichtschlag Anna, Bayrakci Gaye, Gehrmann Romina, Parkes Lou, Roche Ben, Saleem Umer, Schramm Bettina, Waage Malin, Lavayssière Aude, Li Jianghui, Jedari-Eyvazi Farid, Sahoo Sourav, Deusner Christian, Kossel Elke, Minshull Timothy A, Berndt Christian, Bull Jonathan M, Dean Marcella, James Rachael H, Chapman Mark, Best Angus I, Bünz Stefan, Chen Baixin, Connelly Douglas P, Elger Judith, Haeckel Matthias, Henstock Timothy J, Karstens Jens, Macdonald Calum, Matter Juerg M, North Laurence, Reinardy Benedict
International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control Vol 106 (2021)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijggc.2020.103245
Towards improved monitoring of offshore carbon storage : a real-world field experiment detecting a controlled sub-seafloor CO2 release
Flohr Anita, Schaap Allison, Achterberg Eric P, Alendal Guttorm, Arundell Martin, Berndt Christian, Blackford Jerry, Böttner Christoph, Borisov Sergey M, Brown Robin, Bull Jonathan M, Carter Liam, Chen Baixin, Dale Andrew W, de Beer Dirk, Dean Marcella, Deusner Christian, Dewar Marius, Durden Jennifer M, Elsen Saskia, Esposito Mario, Faggetter Michael, Fischer Jan P, Gana Amine, Gros Jonas, Haeckel Matthias, Hanz Rudolf, Holtappels Moritz, Hosking Brett, Huvenne Veerle AI, James Rachael H, Koopmans Dirk, Kossel Elke, Leighton Timothy G, Li Jianghui, Lichtschlag Anna, Linke Peter, Loucaides Socratis, Martínez-Cabanas María, Matter Juerg M, Mesher Thomas, Monk Samuel, Mowlem Matthew, Oleynik Anna, Papadimitriou Stathys, Paxton David, Pearce Christopher R, Peel Kate, Roche Ben, Ruhl Henry A, Saleem Umer, Sands Carla, Saw Kevin, Schmidt Mark, Sommer Stefan, Strong James A, Triest Jack, Ungerböck Birgit, Walk John, White Paul, Widdicombe Steve, Wilson Robert Euan, Wright Hannah, Wyatt James, Connelly Douglas
International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control Vol 106 (2021)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijggc.2020.103237
Modeling of thermal impacts in a single direct methane steam reforming solid oxide fuel cell
Chaudhary Tariq Nawaz, Mehmood Mubbashar, Saleem Umer, Abbasi Muhammad Salman, Chen Baixin
Journal of Power Sources Vol 472 (2020)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2020.228605

More publications

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Teaching

My teaching interests are shaped by over 12 years of academic experience and are closely aligned with my technical and pedagogical background. I am particularly passionate about designing engaging, inclusive, and industry-relevant learning experiences for engineering students.

Key teaching interests include:

  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and numerical methods, with a focus on practical simulation using ANSYS Fluent and OpenFOAM

  • Fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and multiphase flow dynamics, delivered through lectures, tutorials, and labs across UG and PG levels

  • Inclusive and authentic assessment design, using feedback from SSLC, module evaluations, and student focus groups to improve clarity and fairness

  • Digital pedagogy and the integration of tools like Slido and AI-supported visual simulations to enhance student interaction and conceptual understanding

  • Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) supervision, where academic learning is aligned with real-world industrial practice through project-based learning

  • Promoting interdisciplinary learning and problem-solving skills through collaborative curriculum enhancements and support for curriculum review initiatives

These teaching interests underpin my commitment to delivering a student-centred, evidence-informed, and professionally relevant education that prepares students for both academic and industrial success.

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Research Interests

My research interests stem from my doctoral and postdoctoral work in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). I have a strong background in modelling multiphase flows, CO₂ migration, and dispersion in porous and marine environments, particularly through my contribution to the EU Horizon 2020 STEMM-CCS project.

Key areas include:

  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for multiphase flow analysis in porous and marine systems

  • Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), with emphasis on numerical modelling of CO₂ transport, leakage scenarios, and environmental impact assessment

  • Simulation of subsurface phenomena and fluid-structure interaction in energy and environmental applications

  • Recently, I have extended my interest to engineering pedagogy, particularly in inclusive assessment, AI-supported simulation tools, and student engagement in CFD education

Professional Activities

MAE Egg Drop Activity - Young Weir Wise
Contributor
22/1/2024

More professional activities

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Contact

Dr Umer Saleem
Teaching Associate
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Email: umer.saleem@strath.ac.uk
Tel: 548 2041