Seven Questions with Dr Mohamad Salah Rahal

Tell us a little bit about your educational/research background? 

I was born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1972. I received the B.Eng. and Ph.D. degrees from the University College London, London, U.K., in 1996 and 2001, respectively. My research interests include bipolar and CMOS analogue circuit design, in particular the design of integrated circuits for flat-panel and liquid crystal displays, biomedical applications, in particular electroneurogram recording, electrical impedance tomography, and linear and angular RF position encoders. 

 
What’s the coolest thing you’re working on right now? 

I am working in developing instrumentation for Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) lung imaging for COVID-19 patients. Electrical Impedance Tomography is low-cost, non-invasive lung imaging tool that can be used bedside. This is one advantage compared to the traditional imaging techniques such as computerised tomography (CT), where patients are required to be transported to imaging departments with the associated risks of COVID transmission. Also, a large number of patients might require lung imaging at the same time. Therefore, the use of EIT has many benefits, particularly in COVID intensive care units. However, the challenge is to build robust EIT systems that can provide valuable clinical information.  Our goal at UCL is to build on the extensive experience we have in biomedical instrumentation and research to produce the required front-end instrumentation. We are closely working with partners from Middlesex University and NHS Glasgow where designed EIT medical devices will be tested in a clinical environment. 

What/ who inspires you? 

There is an old saying that inspires me: " Patience is the corner stone of faith".

Who would you most like to swap places with for a day? 

Bill Gates! I would like to see how he uses his wealth for important causes such as tackling poverty, combating disease and empowering disenfranchised communities. 

Tell us something interesting about yourself.

 I love travel and experiencing new places and cultures. As well as the UK, I have worked in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. I really enjoyed the different cultures, the food and meeting people from different backgrounds.    

What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of? 

I am especially proud of my time at the University of Hail, where I helped prepare the Engineering programme for the ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering & Technology) accreditation. 

If you could witness any historical event, what would it be? 

I would love to have witnessed the time and events of the great prophets in the Middle East (Judaism, Christianity and Islam).