Dr. Umesh Persad obtained his Ph.D. in Engineering Design from The University of Cambridge (Cambridge Engineering Design Centre), with a special focus on Inclusive and Healthcare Design. His areas of interest include Engineering Design and Product Development, Applied Artificial Intelligence, Educational Innovation and Technology, and Academic Strategy and Leadership. Dr. Persad previously held the position of Associate Professor and Head of Department of the Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing and Entrepreneurship (MME) Department at The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), West Indies. He was also the co-director of the UTT Centre for Applied Artificial Intelligence Research (CAAIR).

Dr. Persad consults for companies across a range of industries in carrying out design and innovation audits, and in developing methods and tools that support product and process innovation. He is driven by the desire to develop creative young engineers, and to develop solutions that could help people and make technology available to those who need it the most. Dr. Persad’s greatest satisfaction comes from seeing students’ confidence grow in their own problem-solving abilities while developing the right attitudes to be successful lifelong learners and contributors to society.

Education

Ph.D. (2012), Engineering Design, University of Cambridge
B.Sc. (2000), Mechanical Engineering (First Class Honours), University of the West Indies

Professional Memberships and Fellowships

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Member

Teaching Interests

Engineering Design and Product Development
Creativity and Innovation
Design for People

Research Interests

Artificial Intelligence in Design
Computational Design Synthesis for Biomedical Applications
Inclusive/Universal Design
Design Management and Process Improvement
Engineering Design Education – Artificial Intelligence Applications

Selected Publications

ResearchGate