Educational Background

Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, The University of Alabama, 2015

M.Sc. Mechanical Engineering, The University of Alabama, 2012

B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering, Khaje Nasir Toosi University of Technology, 2010

Professional Experience

• Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Florida Institute of Technology, Aug 2021-Present

• Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Florida Institute of Technology, Aug 2015-Aug 2021

• Lead Engineer, Alabama Industrial Assessment Center, Jan 2011-Aug 2015

Additional Duties

• Director of Innovations In Sustainable Energy and Thermal Systems Lab (  I.S.E.T.S Lab )
• Director of the Heat Transfer Lab. (2015-Present)

• Journal Editorial Roles:
  • Associate Editor, ASME Journal of Eng. for Sustainable Buildings & Cities (Jan 2023-Present)
  • Guest Editor, ASME Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer (Aug 2023-Present)
  • Guest Editor, ASME Journal of Energy Resources Technology (2021-23)
  • Guest Editor, MDPI Sustainability Journal (2019- 2020)

• Technical Committees:
  • ASME Heat Transfer Div.-Computational Heat Transfer (K20): Vice-Chair 2024-2027; Committee Member (2019-present)
  • ASTFE: Member of Executive Committee (2024-Present) 
  • ASME Advanced Energy Systems Div.- Renewable Energy & Energy Conversion Committee (REEC): Chair: 2021-2022 ; Co-Chair 2020-2021  ;  Secretary 2019-2020 ;  Member: 2016-Present

• Leadership Roles in Organizing International Conferences:
  • ASTFE 10th Thermal and Fluids Engineering Conference
    • Technical Program Co-Chair (2024-2025) 
  • ASTFE 9th Thermal and Fluids Engineering Conference
    • Technical Program Chair (2023-2024) 
  • ASME International Conference on Energy Sustainability
    • General Conference Chair, 2023;
    • Technical Program Chair, 2021 and 2022;
    • Track Chair: 2019, 2020, 2023;
    • Session Chair: 2018-2023;
  • ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Expo
    • Topic Organizer/Co-Organizer and Session Chair:
      • Energy Track: Sustainable Buildings (2020-2023)
      • Heat Transfer Track: Computational Heat Transfer (2021-2023)
  • ASME Summer Heat Transfer Conference 
    
    • Track Chair, Computational Heat Transfer, 2024
    • Track Chair for James V. Beck Memorial Symposium: Inverse Problems, Parameter Estimation and Heat Conduction (2023)
    • Track Co-Chair, Computational Heat Transfer, 2021
    • Session Chair: Computational Heat Transfer, (2020 - 2024)

• ASHRAE Leadership:
  • Florida Tech. Students Branch Advisor (2015-present)
  • Vice-Chair, ASHRAE Extraterrestrial and Deep Space Environmental Control Systems Technical Committee (TC 9.SPACE) (2022-2024)
  • Student Activities Chair-Space Coast Chapter (2015-2020)

Current Courses

MEE 5210 - Conduction Heat Transfer

MEE 5220 - Convection Heat Transfer

MEE 4177/5177 - Energy Conversion

MEE 5240 - Solar Energy Analysis

MEE 4071 - Thermal Systems Design

MEE 4171 - Principles of Heat Transfer

MEE 4175 - HVAC

MEE 3192 - Engineering Thermodynamics 2

MEE 4074 - Heat Transfer Laboratory

Selected Publications

Book:

• K. A. Woodbury, H. Najafi, F. de Monte, J. V. Beck, Inverse Heat Conduction: Ill-Posed Problems, 2^nd Edition, John Wiley & Sons, to be published in March 2023

Book Chapter:

• A. Mathur and H. Najafi, Pressure Vessels and Heat Exchangers, Springer Handbook of Mechanical Engineering, Pages 753-776, 2nd Edition, Springer, 2021.  

Selected Journal Articles:

• D. Allard, H. Najafi, A systematic study of two machine learning-based approaches for solving non-linear inverse heat conduction problems in one-dimensional domains, International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, V. 155, 2024, 107494, http://doi.org/10.1016/j.icheatmasstransfer.2024.107494. 

• D. Allard, and H. Najafi, "Genetic Algorithm as the Solution of Non-Linear Inverse Heat Conduction Problems: a Novel Sequential Approach." ASME. J. Heat Mass Transfer, May 6, 2024. doi: http://doi.org/10.1115/1.4065452

• F. de Monte, K. A. Woodbury, and H. Najafi, "Construction of Short-Time Heat Conduction Solutions in One-Dimensional Finite Rectangular Bodies." ASME. J. Heat Mass Transfer, May 6, 2024. doi: http://doi.org/10.1115/1.4065449

• K. A. Woodbury, G. Cutler, H. Najafi, and M. Kota, "Estimation of Multiple Contact Conductances in a Silicon-Indium-Silicon Stack." ASME. J. Heat Mass Transfer, May 6, 2024, May 6, 2024. doi: http://doi.org/10.1115/1.4065448

• M. Migliori and H. Najafi, Energy Forecasting in Buildings Using Deep Neural Networks, ASME Journal of Engineering for Sustainable Buildings and Cities, Aug 2023. http://doi.org/10.1115/1.4063213  

• B. Kubwimana; M. Seyednezhad, and, H. Najafi, Thermoelectric-Based Radiant Cooling Systems: An Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Thermal Comfort. Energies 2023, 16, 6981. http://doi.org/10.3390/en16196981 

• H. Najafi, H. Cho and B. Xu, Special Section: ASME 16th International Conference on Energy Sustainability (ES 2022), ASME Journal of Energy Resources Technology, 145(10): 100301, Oct 2023. http://doi.org/10.1115/1.4063128   
• H. Najafi, Estimation of Aerothermal Heating for Thermal Protection Systems of Space Vehicles Using An Inverse Approach, Thermopedia, July 2023. http://dx.doi.org/10.1615/thermopedia.010285 

• B. Kubwimana, H. Najafi, A Novel Approach for Optimizing Building Energy Models Using Machine Learning Algorithms. Energies. 2023; 16(3):1033. http://doi.org/10.3390/en16031033 

• M. Migliori, H. Najafi, A. Fabregas, and T. Nguyen, “Neural network-based building energy models for adapting to post-occupancy conditions: A case study for Florida,” ASME Journal of Engineering for Sustainable Buildings and Cities, vol. 3, no. 4, 2022. http://doi.org/10.1115/1.4056393 

• P. Yang, and H. Najafi, A Comparative Study of Multi-Stage Approaches for Wind Farm Layout Optimization, Journal of Energy Resources Technology, V 144, October 2022. http://doi.org/10.1115/1.4053869 
• H. Najafi, J. Constantinide, B. Lindsay, ASHRAE Building EQ Empowers Schools, Teaches Students, ASHRAE Journal, v. 64, No. 1, P 32-38, Jan 2022.
• O. Uyanna, H. Najafi, A novel solution for inverse heat conduction problem in one-dimensional medium with moving boundary and temperature-dependent material properties, International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, V. 182, 2022, 122023. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2021.122023 

• M. Seyednezhad, H. Najafi, B. Kubwimana, Numerical and Experimental Investigation of a Thermoelectric-Based Radiant Ceiling Panel with Phase Change Material for Building Cooling Applications. Sustainability 2021, 13, 11936. http://doi.org/10.3390/su132111936

• P. Yang, H. Najafi, The Effect of Using Different Wake Models on Wind Farm Layout Optimization: A Comparative Study, ASME Journal of Energy Resources Technololy, JERT-21-1707, Oct 2021. http://doi.org/10.1115/1.4052775

• M. Seyednezhad; H. Najafi. Solar-Powered Thermoelectric-Based Cooling and Heating System for Building Applications: A Parametric Study. Energies 2021, 14, 5573. http://doi.org/10.3390/en14175573 

• L. Kahn and H. Najafi, An Investigation of the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Energy Consumption in the United States, ASME Journal of Engineering for Sustainable Buildings and Cities, JESBC-21-1022, http://doi.org/10.1115/1.4052188 

• O. Uyanna, H. Najafi and B. Rajendra, An inverse method for real-time estimation of aerothermal heating for thermal protection systems of space vehicles, International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Volume 177, 2021, 121482. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2021.121482 

• G. Doiphode, H. Najafi and M. Migliori, Energy Efficiency Improvement in K-12 Schools: A Case Study in Florida, Journal of Engineering for Sustainable Buildings and Cities,JESBC-20 1019, Oct 2020, doi: http://doi.org/10.1115/1.4048894 
• O. Uyanna and H. Najafi, Thermal protection systems for space vehicles: A review on technology development, current challenges and future prospects, Acta Astronautica, Volume 176, November 2020, Pages 341-356. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2020.06.047 
• J. Constantinide and H. Najafi, Present State and Future of Environmental Control Systems In Space, ASHRAE Journal, vol. 62, no. 7, July 2020. [Featured Article-Cover Page]
• K. Amoah, T. Nguyen and H. Najafi, A Multi-Facet Retrofit Approach to Improve Energy Efficiency of Existing Class of Single-Family Residential Buildings in Hot-Humid Climate Zones, Energies 2020, 13(5), 1178. http://doi.org/10.3390/en13051178
• D. Sykes and H. Najafi, Experimental and Computational Investigation of the Effects of Cavitation Regime on Spray Parameters of Stepped Plain Orifice Atomizers, Atomization and Sprays, 29(4):351–380 (2019).  DOI: 10.1615/AtomizSpr.2019029000  
• D. Rochelle, H. Najafi, A review of the effect of biodiesel on gas turbine emissions and performance, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Volume 105, 2019, Pages 129-137. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2019.01.056 
• K.A. Woodbury, H. Najafi, J.V. Beck, Exact analytical solution for 2-D transient heat conduction in a rectangle with partial heating on one edge, International Journal of Thermal Sciences, Volume 112, February 2017, Pages 252–262.  http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijthermalsci.2016.10.014 
• H. Najafi, K. A. Woodbury, James V. Beck, Real Time Solution for Inverse Heat Conduction Problems in a Two-Dimensional Plate with Multiple Heat Fluxes at the Surface, International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Volume 91 (2015), Pages 1148–1156. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2015.08.020 
• H. Najafi, K. A. Woodbury, Online Heat Flux Estimation Using Artificial Neural Networks as a Digital Filter Approach,  International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer 91 (2015) 808–817. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2015.08.010 
• H. Najafi, K. A. Woodbury, J. V. Beck, Ned R. Keltner, Real-time heat flux measurement using directional flame thermometer, Journal of Applied Thermal Engineering, Volume 86, 5 July 2015, Pages 229–237. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2015.04.053 
• H. Najafi, K. A. Woodbury, J. V. Beck, "A filter based solution for inverse heat conduction problems in multi-layer mediums", International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer 83 (2015) 710–720. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2014.12.055 
• K. A. Woodbury, J. V. Beck, H. Najafi, “Filter solution of inverse heat conduction problem using measured temperature history as remote boundary condition”, Int. J. of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 72, May 2014, P 139–147.  http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2013.12.073 
• H. Najafi, K. A. Woodbury, “Optimization of a Cooling System Based on Peltier Effect for Photovoltaic Cells”, Solar Energy, Volume 91, May 2013, Pages 152–160. Solar Energy, Volume 91, May 2013, Pages 152–160. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2013.01.026 
• H. Najafi, K. A. Woodbury, “Modeling and Analysis of Combined Photovoltaic- Thermoelectric Power Generation System”, ASME Journal of Solar Energy Engineering 135(3), 031013. http://doi.org/10.1115/1.4023594 
• H. Najafi, B. Najafi and P. Hoseinpoori, “Energy and Cost Optimization of a plate and Fin Heat Exchanger Using Genetic Algorithm”, Applied Thermal Eng., Vol. 31, Issue 10, July 2011, P. 1839-1847. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2011.02.031 
• B. Najafi, H. Najafi, M. D.Idalik, “A CFD Investigation and Multi-Objective Optimization of an Engine Air Cooling System using Genetic Algorithm”, Journal Mechanical Engineering Science, vol.225 no.6, June 2011, P 1389-1398. http://doi.org/10.1177/0954406210395877 
• H. Najafi, B. Najafi, “Multi-Objective Optimization of a Plate and Frame Heat Exchanger via Genetic Algorithm”, Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Springer, Vol. 46, No. 6, 639-647, May 2010. http://doi.org/10.1007/s00231-010-0612-8 

Selected Recent Conference Papers:

• F. de Monte, KA. Woodbury, KA, H. Najafi,  "Construction of Short-Time Solutions in Heat Conduction." Proceedings of the ASME 2023 Heat Transfer Summer Conference collocated with the ASME 2023 17th International Conference on Energy Sustainability. ASME 2023 Heat Transfer Summer Conference. Washington, DC, USA. July 10–12, 2023. V001T15A001. ASME. http://doi.org/10.1115/HT2023-105505
• N. Madhusudhan, H. Najafi, "Energy Analysis of a Solar-Powered Heating System for a Greenhouse in the Martian Environment." Proceedings of the ASME 2023 17th International Conference on Energy Sustainability collocated with the ASME 2023 Heat Transfer Summer Conference. ASME 2023 17th International Conference on Energy Sustainability. Washington, DC, USA. July 10–12, 2023. V001T02A007. ASME. http://doi.org/10.1115/ES2023-107043
• D. Allard, H. Najafi, "A Novel Approach for Solving Inverse Heat Conduction Problems Using Genetic Algorithm." Proceedings of the ASME 2023 Heat Transfer Summer Conference collocated with the ASME 2023 17th International Conference on Energy Sustainability. ASME 2023 Heat Transfer Summer Conference. Washington, DC, USA. July 10–12, 2023. V001T15A007. ASME. http://doi.org/10.1115/HT2023-108259
• K. Woodbury, H. Najafi and F. de Monte, Optimization of Regularization in Inverse Heat Conduction Analysis, 8th Thermal and Fluids Engineering Conference, American Society of Thermal and Fluid Engineers, Mar 26-29 2023, College Park, MD, USA, DOI: 10.1615/TFEC2023.cmd.046142
• T. Mahendrakar, C. Millsap, D.Allard, S. Coutu, C. Cline, M. Wilde and H. Najafi. "Microgravity Test of Autonomous Multiple Cycle Farming System," AIAA 2023-0266. AIAA SCITECH 2023 Forum. January 2023.
• N. Madhusudhan and H. Najafi, Thermal Design and Parametric Study of a Sustainable Greenhouse for Microgravity Environments,IMECE2022-96211, ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Expo, Columbus, OH, Nov 2022. http://doi.org/10.1115/IMECE2022-96211 
• A. Callinan, H. Najafi, A. Fabregas and T. Nguyen, A Data Driven Analysis on the Energy Performance and Efficiency of Water Treatment Plants in the United States,IMECE2022-96040, ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Expo, Columbus, OH, Nov 2022. http://doi.org/10.1115/IMECE2022-96040 
• P. Yang and H. Najafi, Wind Farm Layout Optimization: A Multi-Stage Approach, ASME 2021 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition,  Paper No: IMECE2021-71892, V08BT08A035, DOI: 10.1115/IMECE2021-71892
• P. Yang and H. Najafi, A Comparative Study of the Influence of Different Wake Models on Wind Farm Layout Optimization, ES2021-63911, ASME Energy Sustainability Conference, June 2021. http://doi.org/10.1115/ES2021-63911 
• L. Kahn and H. Najafi, The Impact of COVID-19 on Energy Consumption in the United States: An Overview, ES2021-63903, ASME Energy Sustainability Conference, June 2021. http://doi.org/10.1115/ES2021-63903 
• M. Seyednezhad and H. Najafi, An Assessment of Thermal Comfort for Thermoelectric-Based Radiant Cooling Systems: A Numerical Investigation,ES2021-63980, ASME Energy Sustainability Conference 2021. http://doi.org/10.1115/ES2021-63980 
• M. Seyednezhad and H. Najafi, Numerical Analysis and Parametric Study of a Thermoelectric-Based Radiant Ceiling Panel for Building Cooling Applications, ASME IMECE, Nov 2020.   DOI:10.1115/IMECE2020-23911
• G. Doiphode and H. Najafi A Machine Learning Based Approach for Energy Consumption Forecasting in K-12 Schools, ASME IMECE, Nov 2020.  DOI: 10.1115/IMECE2020-24128
• H. Najafi, O. Uyanna and J. Zhang, Application of Artificial Neural Network as a Near-Real Time Technique for Solving Non-Linear Inverse Heat Conduction Problems in a One-Dimensional Medium With Moving Boundary, ASME Summer Heat Transfer Conference, Paper No. SHTC2020-9054, July 2020.
• G. Doiphode, H. Najafi and M. Migliori, Energy Efficiency in K-12 Schools: A Case Study in Florida, ASME Energy Sustainability Conference, Paper No. ES2020-1632, June 2020.
• A. Pant, S. Dhole and H. Najafi, Peltier Cooling for Low Concentration Photovoltaic Cells: Numerical Modeling and Feasibility Study, ASME IMECE 2019, Paper No. 11656, Salt Lake City, UT, USA, Nov 2019.
• M. Seyednezhad and H. Najafi, Energy and Economic Analysis of a Novel Hybrid Photovoltaic-Thermoelectric System for Building Cooling Applications, ASME IMECE 2019, Paper No. 11644, Salt Lake City, UT, USA, Nov 2019.
• O. Uyanna, H. Najafi, A Near Real-Time Solution Approach for Surface Heat Flux Estimation in One Dimensional Inverse Heat Conduction Problems with Moving Boundary, ASME Summer Heat Transfer Conference, Paper No. HT2019-3458, Bellevue, WA, July 2019.
• G. Doiphode and H. Najafi, An Energetic and Exergoeconomic Analysis of a CCHP System with Micro Gas Turbine, Organic Rankine Cycle and Ammonia-Water Absorption Refrigeration Cycle, ASME 13th International Conference on Energy Sustainability, Paper No. ES2019- 3928, Bellevue, WA, July 2019.
• O. Betharte, H. Najafi, T. Nguyen, Towards Net-Zero Energy Buildings: A Case Study in Humid Subtropical Climate, ASME 2018 International Mechanical Eng. Congress and Expo., Paper No. IMECE 2018-88518, pp. V06AT08A054.
• O. Uyanna, H. Najafi, A Numerical Analysis on Cavitation Effects in Microchannels, Proc. ASME IMECE 2017, Tampa, FL, Nov 2017.
• D. Sangal, H. Najafi, Investigation of Thermal and Energy Performance of Green Roofs in Florida Climate, Proc. ASME IMECE 2017, Tampa, FL, Nov 2017.
• A. Bhargava, H. Najafi, Photovoltaic-Thermoelectric Systems for Building Cooling Applications: A Preliminary Study, Proc. ASME. 50596; Volume 6B: Energy, V06BT08A011, IMECE2016-67507.
• H. Najafi, K. A. Woodbury, J. V. Beck, Real time solution for inverse heat conduction problems in a two-dimensional plate with multiple heat fluxes at the surface, First Thermal and Fluids Engineering Summer Conference, New York, NY, Aug 2015.
• H. Najafi, K. A. Woodbury, J. V. Beck, Real Time solution for Inverse Heat Conduction Problems in a Two-Dimensional Medium, Inverse Problems Symposium, East Lansing Michigan, May 2015.
• H. Najafi, K. A. Woodbury, Application of Artificial Neural Network as Digital Filter for Online Heat Flux Estimation", Proceedings of ASME Int. Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition, IMECE2014, Montreal, Canada, Nov 2014.
• H. Najafi, K. A. Woodbury, " Developing An Inverse Heat Conduction Analysis Tool For Real Time Heat Flux Estimation In Directional Flame Thermometer Application", Proc. of ASME Energy Sustainability Conference, Boston, MA, July 2014.
• H. Najafi, K. A. Woodbury, James V. Beck, Ned R. Keltner, “Real Time Measurement of Heat Flux by Directional Flame Thermometers Using Filter Form IHCP Method ”, Proceedings of ASME 2013 International Mechanical Eng. Congress San Diego, CA, Nov 2013.
• H. Najafi, K. A. Woodbury, “Feasibility Study of Using Thermoelectric Cooling Modules for Active Cooling of Photovoltaic Panels”, Proc. of ASME 2012 Intl Mechanical Eng. Congress, IMECE2012, Houston, TX, Nov 2012.
• Hamidreza Najafi, Keith A. Woodbury, “Modeling and Analysis of Combined Photovoltaic- Thermoelectric Power Generation System”, Proceedings of ASME 2012 Energy Sustainability Conference, San Diego, USA, July 2012. (Received The Best Paper Award for The Outstanding Paper from The ASME Solar Energy Division)
• H. Najafi, K. A. Woodbury, “Performance Analysis of Photovoltaic Panels in Alabama Area Using Tracking, Concentration and Cooling”, Proc. of ASME 2012 Energy Sustainability Conference, San Diego, USA, July 2012.
• H. Najafi, B. Najafi, “Sensitivity Analysis of a Hybrid Photovoltaic Thermal Solar Collector”, Proceedings of IEEE Electrical Power and Energy Conference EPEC 2011, DOI: 10.1109/EPEC.2011.6070254.
• P. Hoseinpoori, H. Najafi and B. Najafi ” Optimal Design of a Gas Turbine-Solid Oxide Fuel cell Hybrid Plant” IEEE Electrical Power and Energy Conference EPEC 2011, DOI: 10.1109/EPEC.2011.6070215.
• H. Najafi & B. Najafi, “Multi-Objective optimization of a fire-tube heat recovery steam generator System”, IEEE 7th annual Electrical Power and Energy conference, EPEC 2009, DOI: 10.1109/EPEC.2009.5420902.

Recognition & Awards

- Received Andrew W. Revay Jr. Award for Excellence in Service, Florida Institute of Technology (2024)     

- Received Faculty Excellence Award for Service, College of Engineering and Science, Florida Institute of Technology (2024)    

- Received Faculty Excellence Award for Service, Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Florida Institute of Technology (2024)    

- Received Faculty Excellence Award for Teaching, Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Florida Institute of Technology (2023)    

- Received the Florida Tech Academic Information Technology Committee (AITC) Professional Development Grant (2020)

- Recognized as Outstanding Reviewer for the International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer (Oct 2018) and Applied Energy (Nov 2018) 

- 2016-2017 ASME Student Chapter Top Young Professor Award

- Recognized as Outstanding Reviewer for Journal of Applied Thermal Engineering (by Elsevier), June 2015.

- Recognized for Exemplary Academic Record and Research in the Solar Energy by ASME Solar Energy Division, July 2013

- Received Industrial Assessment Center Award for Excellence in Applied Energy Engineering Research, Aug 2012.

- Received the Best Paper Award for Outstanding Paper from the ASME Solar Energy Division, Photovoltaic Committee, 6th ASME Energy Sustainability Conference, San Diego CA, July 2012

-  Certified as U.S. Department of Energy Qualified Specialist in Using SSAT (Steam Systems Assessment Tool, 2013), AirMaster (Compressed Air Systems Assessment tool, 2013), PHAST (Process Heat System Assessment Tool, 2012), FSAT (Fan System Assessment Tool, 2011) and PSAT (Pump System Assessment Tool, 2011).    http://www.energy.gov/eere/amo/downloads/qualified-specialists-industrial-assessment-tools

Research