Case Study: Wakil Shazad
Position: Professor of Advanced Energy and Sustainability at Northumbria University
Key Attributes: creative, passionate, self-motivated
Qualifications: Diploma, Degree, PhD
“I love that my job allows me to turn ideas into real technologies that make a positive difference in the world.”
At a glance
Wakil designs and tests technology that produces clean water from air. He is creative and develops ways to solve problems that traditional methods cannot fix. Wakil is passionate about solving global challenges like providing clean water and creating new cooling equipment that uses less energy. He is open-minded and willing to explore unexpected directions in his research to find the new solutions.
From college student to professor
“My path into engineering started with a diploma in college, which gave me strong practical and technical skills.”
Wakil then completed his undergraduate degree and went on to do a PhD, where he specialised in sustainable cooling and water technologies.
Over time, Wakil has worked across different universities and industries, gained research experience, and developed new ideas that led to patents, projects, and his own spin-out company. Hard work, curiosity, and continuous learning shaped his career.
Today, Wakil is a Professor of Advanced Energy and Sustainability at Northumbria University, and founded a business, EcoTechX, where he develops innovative cooling and clean water technologies to tackle global climate challenges.
Turning air into water
One of Wakil’s most exciting projects is Solar2Water, a technology that produces drinking water from air. This invention could help millions of people around the world who don’t have reliable access to clean water.
The technology works by capturing moisture from the air and turning it into safe drinking water. It’s powered by renewable energy, which means it limits harm to the environment. Wakil is creative in how he approaches these challenges, thinking beyond traditional methods to develop solutions that can truly make a difference.
“Be curious, be brave, and believe in your ideas. Science and engineering are about solving problems, and every big invention started as a small thought.”
Cooling the planet
Wakil also works on S2Cool, an ultra efficient cooling system that uses far less energy than traditional air conditioners. This is incredibly important because cooling buildings uses huge amounts of electricity around the world, and this contributes to climate change. His cooling equipment is now being used internationally, helping to reduce energy use and carbon emissions.
Being passionate drives Wakil’s work:
“Solving global challenges like clean water, sustainability, and climate-friendly cooling is more than my job.”
Leading research and building innovation
As a professor and engineering innovator, Wakil’s job involves designing and testing new sustainable technologies. He collaborates with engineers, scientists, and industry partners to turn research ideas into real products that can help people around the world.
Being open-minded is crucial in research because projects often take unexpected directions. Wakil is willing to explore new approaches when his research leads to surprising discoveries.
He also mentors students and works with industry to solve climate and energy challenges. Wakil enjoys working with diverse teams, discovering new science, and seeing innovations being used in real places.
Making a real difference
The most rewarding part of Wakil’s job is knowing that his work can help communities, reduce carbon emissions and inspire the next generation of engineers. He’s also a proud STEM Ambassador for the North East, regularly visiting schools to inspire young people about engineering, sustainability, and problem solving.
Outside work, Wakil enjoys travelling, cooking, and spending time with his family. He also loves exploring new technologies and reading about innovation. Visiting schools to deliver workshops and talks is something he truly enjoys because inspiring young people gives him great energy.
His advice to young people is clear and encouraging:
“Be curious, be brave, and believe in your ideas. Science and engineering are about solving problems, and every big invention started as a small thought. Don’t worry if you don’t understand everything at first, keep learning, keep trying, and ask questions. Surround yourself with positive people, and never underestimate what you can achieve. Most importantly, choose a path that excites you and makes you proud.”
