Active2026 – Present
Smart Surgical Tools & Feedback Systems
Development of intelligent surgical instruments with real-time tactile feedback for minimally invasive surgery.
PI Khalifa University
Academic Profile
Dr. Wael
Dr. Wael
Othman
Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering & Biotechnology
Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
2024
Forbes 30 Under 30
2023
MIT Innovators Under 35
Open to Collaborations
About
Biography
Dr. Wael Othman is an Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology at Khalifa University since January 2026. His research focuses on surgical innovation through the development of smart surgical tools and feedback systems aimed at improving precision, safety, and clinical outcomes.
He also works on computational physics for two-dimensional material–based biosensing and hydrogen storage applications, as well as dynamic mechanical approaches for biomechanical analysis of cell lines and bacterial biofilms. Dr. Othman received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from New York University in 2023.
His research and innovation efforts have been recognized internationally, including Forbes 30 Under 30 in Science and Technology (Middle East) and MIT Innovators Under 35 (MENA). He has published 16+ peer-reviewed articles with 350+ citations and an h-index of 8.
Focus Areas
Research Interests
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Tactile Sensors & Soft Electronics
Design and characterization of soft microfluidic sensors for minimally invasive surgery.
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Smart Surgical Systems
Development of intelligent surgical tools with real-time feedback for improved precision and safety.
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Computational Materials Science
Two-dimensional material-based biosensing and hydrogen storage applications using DFT simulations.
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Biofilm Biomechanics
Dynamic mechanical analysis of bacterial biofilms under combined mechanical and environmental stresses.
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Wearable Technologies
Innovative approaches to wearable sensing and biomedical device design.
16+
Publications
350+
Citations
8
h-index
Research
Projects
Active and completed research initiatives spanning surgical innovation, computational materials science, and biomedical device design.
Current Projects
Active2024 – Present
Biomechanics of Bacterial Biofilms
Investigating the biomechanics of bacterial biofilms under combined mechanical and environmental stresses using microfluidic devices.
PI NYUAD / KU
Active2023 – Present
Computational Physics for 2D Materials
First-principles computational studies on functionalized two-dimensional materials for biosensing and hydrogen storage applications.
Co-PI UAEU / International
LaparoSense: Tactile Sensing in Minimally Invasive Surgery
Developed systems and methods for restoring tactile sensation in laparoscopic surgery. PhD research at NYUAD.
PhD Researcher NYUAD Global Fellowship
Metal Micro-Manufacturing
Electrochemical Jet Processing for Metal Micro-Manufacturing: Investigation and Implementation. MSc research at Khalifa University.
MSc Researcher Khalifa University
Latest News
Mar 2025
Best Paper Award at MARSS 2025
Awarded Best Paper Award at 8th International Conference on Manipulation, Automation, & Robotics at Small Scales.
Feb 2025
MicroTAS Travel Grant Awarded
Awarded $1000 MicroTAS Travel Grant by Chemical and Biological Microsystems Society.
Jan 2025
Invited Senior Advisor Appointment
Appointed as Invited Senior Advisor (Engineering Department) at Syrian Professional Network.
Dec 2024
Alumni of the Month
Recognized as Alumni of the Month (Academic Month) by Khalifa University.
Get in Touch
Office
Khalifa University
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Office Hours
By appointment
(Email to schedule)