Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Gondal is Professor in the Department of Physics at King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. He graduated (B.Sc) in Physics and Mathematics in 1971 and did his Masters in Physics with Electronics from Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan in 1973. He then completed his M.Phil (Physics with Laser and Plasma) from Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan in 1977 and gained PhD Degree (Laser Physics / Spectroscopy) from Institute of Applied Physics, Rheinischen Friedrich Wilhelms University, Bonn, Germany in 1983.
Professor Gondal has developed excellent research leadership skills, which are evidenced through the number of publications, research proposals, seminars and science citations. From 1984 to 1991 he has been involved for planning and setting up of a Post Graduate Centre for Lasers and Electro-Optics.
Professor Gondal joined the Research Institute, KFUPM in November 1991. Since then he participated, with other members of the group in the enhancement of research activities at the Laser Research Section and have completed many projects in the field of basic and applied Sciences.
He has not only worked in his major field of laser physics but also contributed reasonably well to interdisciplinary fields such as chemistry, environmental science and mechanical engineering. He has submitted many research proposals, compiled many research reports, published papers and floated many original and innovative ideas for different research projects, which have been tested experimentally well and accepted for publication in journals.
Professor Gondal developed Laser Guard system, Photo-acoustic Set up Facility and the LIDAR (light detection and ranging) for remote sensing of environment, trace gas analysis and leak detection across the oil/gas pipelines. He also developed a facility for detection of toxic metals in soil and water samples using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy and the system was tested successfully also for rapid analysis of geological rocks collected from Al-Taif region.
Professor Gondal is working on the development of a set up for laser methane cracking and also participated in project on regeneration of coaked zeolite (catalyst) using discharge and laser excitation of oxygen. He is also working on a project on photo-catalysis of Methane for conversion into Methanol and acetone. He has also participated in the project on non-destructive testing of materials using laser-generated ultrasound.
His professional and community services covers different activities like teaching, co-ordination and participation in environmental projects, participation in many committees, delivering seminars of public interest, organizing exhibition and participation in short course on laser and their applications in agriculture, medicine, engineering and environment. He has been supervising senior projects and summer training. In addition He has reviewed many research papers and proposals for various international journals, regional conferences and KACST.
Professor Gondal has also worked on the development of many laboratories and there are several honours, distinctions and awards credited to his name.
