Dr. Suman Shah is a member of the UNSW Canberra Technical Team, where he supports students, staff, researchers and makers in prototyping, fabrication and the safe use of Makerspace facilities. With a background in mechanical engineering and a PhD focused on shock wave propagation in heterogeneous media, his work combines experimental research, advanced manufacturing, and hands-on engineering practice. His doctoral research involved the development of a novel diagnostic technique to measure shock waves in layered materials, contributing to experimental capabilities in high-strain-rate testing and impact dynamics research.
At the Makerspace, Dr. Shah assists users in translating ideas into practical prototypes by providing guidance on engineering design, manufacturing processes, and safe operation of specialised equipment. His technical interests include experimental mechanics, composite materials, impact and blast behaviour of materials, advanced manufacturing, and engineering system design. He is particularly passionate about creating environments where students and researchers can learn through hands-on experimentation and practical problem-solving.
In addition to technical support, Dr. Shah contributes to the development of training programs, competency-based equipment access systems, and Makerspace initiatives that align with the broader UNSW Making network, helping to build a collaborative and innovation-driven engineering community.
