Meet Dr Negin Shariati: AgTech problem solver and gender equity champion
Dr Negin Shariati is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Engineering and IT at UTS whose passion for nature and environmental conservation has led to the creation of environmentally sustainable sensing solutions for farmers which can operate autonomously. Dr Shariati is also the Director of Women in Engineering and IT, which is the longest-running gender equity and diversity program for women students in engineering and IT in Australia.
Dr Negin Shariati holding a meta material structure which can be used for energy harvesting, sensing and as a signal absorber in the RFCT Lab at UTS, which she founded in 2018. Credit: Diane Nazaroff
When did you first become interested in engineering and why?
My interest in engineering sparked during my high school years. I was always drawn to problem-solving and fascinated by how things work, particularly in the field of technology. This curiosity led me to explore various STEM subjects, and as I delved deeper into mathematics and science, I realised that engineering offered the perfect blend of creativity and analytical thinking. The prospect of designing and creating innovative solutions to real-world challenges excited me immensely. I was also inspired by the potential of engineering to make a meaningful impact on society, whether it be through developing sustainable technologies or improving people's quality of life. Since then, my passion for engineering has only grown stronger, driving me to pursue a career dedicated to innovation and making a difference in the world.
Dr Shariati’s passion for nature and environmental conservation has led to the creation of environmentally sustainable sensing solutions for farmers which can operate autonomously. Credit: AdobeStock
You were an electrical-electronics engineer before becoming a researcher/academic. What influenced you to become a researcher/academic?
In 2016, I transitioned to academia, joining the Faculty of Engineering and IT at UTS. This move allowed me to merge my passions for teaching, research, and industry engagements. I established the state-of-the-art RF and Communication Technologies (RFCT) research laboratory at UTS, where I currently serve as co-director, leading industry-driven research and development in RF (Radio Frequency) and Communications Technologies. My focus areas include RF Energy Harvesting, Self-Sustainable Sensors (S3), Low Power IoT Devices, Simultaneous Wireless Information and Power Transfer, Reconfigurable Circuits/Antennas/Metamaterials, Joint Communication and Sensing, Wearable/3D RF-Electronics Devices and AgTech.
I also led the Sensing Innovations Constellation at Food Agility CRC, enabling new innovations in agriculture technologies by focusing on three key interrelated streams that encompass the constraints in sensing technology: Sensing, Power and Connectivity.
My passion for nature and environmental conservation inspired my PhD research on energy harvesting and sustainability, aimed at extending sensor operating time and reducing environmental pollution using green energy sources. As a researcher/engineer, I've really leaned into creativity and thinking outside the box. It's been all about embracing the unexpected and trying new approaches, which has really paid off in making some big impacts in my field.
Photo shows last year’s launch of the 3.5-year R&D project which involves Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, UTS, and the Food Agility CRC. Dr Shariati is leading the project which has a goal of developing low-power, long-lasting, sustainable sensing technologies which operate autonomously. Credit: Supplied
What are some of your career highlights?
One of my current career highlights involves leading a 3.5-year R&D project in collaboration with NTT (Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation), UTS, and Food Agility CRC. The Sustainable Sensing, Enhanced Connectivity, and Data Analytics for Precision Urban and Rural Agriculture project focuses on advancing energy, sensing, and connectivity technologies.
Our efforts have been recognised by the CRC and NTT, resulting in a research funding of $1.6M. Partnering with NTT, a global industry leader, and Food Agility CRC, a pioneer in digital agriculture, presents an exciting opportunity to translate our research into practical applications.
Our goal is to develop low-power, long-lasting, sustainable sensing technologies that operate autonomously and integrate seamlessly into larger systems. By addressing these challenges, we aim to create environmentally sustainable sensing solutions for large-scale deployment.
Our work involves developing real-world prototypes to showcase the benefits of energy harvesting in environmentally sustainable sensors, with applications in large-scale farming and urban greening. We're also focusing on creating advanced autonomous agriculture sensors, remote sensing techniques, drone-based data collection, and communication technologies.
Additionally, we're exploring the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance sensor performance and system optimization. This R&D project encompasses the full stack of IoT, requiring multidimensional approaches spanning low-level circuit design to high-level wireless communication strategies.
You received the standout research award at the IoT awards in 2021- the Radio frequency energy harvesting award. Why is this research important for AgTech? What will it help farmers do?
Energy presents a significant challenge in achieving autonomy in precision sensing. My team research proposes an innovative approach to tackle this challenge by leveraging RF (Radio Frequency) energy to convert electromagnetic resources into electricity, thus developing environmentally sustainable sensors. RF Energy Harvesting offers a sustainable, cost-effective solution by providing an alternative energy source for portable IoT devices and sensors, particularly in precision farming applications.
Both RF Energy Harvesting (EH) and Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) are promising methods for powering ubiquitous IoT devices. This not only enables sensors to operate autonomously but also reduces their carbon footprint, paving the way for green and environmentally sustainable IoT devices in the future.
We have developed a low-cost energy harvesting system that eliminates the need to return AgTech sensors to the base for recharging. These devices can be powered autonomously using ambient energy sources or wireless power transmission. This advancement is particularly critical for autonomous systems in remote areas where accessibility is limited, such as large-scale farms.
You established the state-of-the-art RF and Communication Technologies (RFCT) facility at UTS in 2018. Why is this facility important? How will it help AgTech/farmers? Can you give some examples of how it might help AgTech?
The RFCT facility, established in 2018 at UTS, plays a pivotal role in enabling collaborative multidisciplinary and industry-driven research and development within the Faculty of Engineering and IT. It stands out as one of the few university R&D facilities in Australia capable of guiding an idea from the conceptual phase to a working prototype under a single roof.
This facility significantly benefits AgTech companies and farmers by facilitating agile RF and embedded device modeling and prototyping. By reducing the lead time required for initial device development, RFCT empowers researchers, innovators, and industry partners to efficiently develop embedded RF and communication technologies.
For AgTech, this translates to accelerated innovation and deployment of cutting-edge solutions. Examples include the rapid prototyping of advanced autonomous agriculture sensors, drone-based data collection systems, and remote sensing technologies. Additionally, RFCT's infrastructure supports the development of communication technologies that enhance connectivity and data transfer in agricultural settings, ultimately leading to increased efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in farming practices.
I have worked closely with Dr Rasool Keshavarz, UTS Senior Research Fellow and Principal System Engineer, to develop custom antenna arrays and RF systems for vehicles, addressing inadequate rural connectivity for Australian primary producers. Our cost-effective solution aims to address social, economic, and safety challenges while facilitating research commercialization in digital agriculture technologies.
Through extensive research collaboration with Zetifi and Food Agility CRC, our projects have yielded commercial outcomes. The vehicular communication system we developed addresses real-world requirements, offering compact size, extended communication range, enhanced data performance, reduced energy requirements, and cost-effective production. These custom systems meet Australian standards, benefiting brand Australia.
Dr Shariati (right) with Senior Research Fellow and Principal System Engineer at UTS, Dr Rasool Keshavarz (left), and CEO of connectivity company Zetifi, Dan Wilson, in the RFCT Facility at UTS. The green panels are dual band antennas for vehicles to enhance connectivity in rural and remote farms. Credit: Supplied.
The United Nations says that despite a shortage of skills in most of the technological fields driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution, women still account for only 28% of engineering graduates. Why do you think it’s important for women to be engineers?
Engineering plays a crucial role in addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges, such as climate change, sustainable development, and healthcare. Having diverse teams of engineers, including women, ensures that these challenges are tackled from different perspectives, leading to more comprehensive and effective solutions. Women bring unique perspectives and approaches to problem-solving in engineering. Their inclusion ensures that a broader range of ideas and solutions are considered, leading to more innovative and effective outcomes.
By increasing the representation of women in engineering, we can address gender biases and stereotypes that may exist within the field. This helps create a more inclusive and equitable environment where everyone has equal opportunities to contribute and succeed.
STEM is so broad, and women have endless opportunities, but you can’t be what you can’t see! Increasing the visibility of women in engineering roles serves as inspiration for future generations of girls and young women. Seeing successful female engineers can encourage them to pursue STEM education and careers, ultimately leading to greater gender equality in the field.
Dr Shariati (right) with her team of researchers and students in the RFCT facility at UTS.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
There is not an endpoint for engineers, they’ll find a way, or they will build a new one.
You are also the Director of Women in Engineering and IT in the Faculty of Engineering and IT, driving positive change in gender equity and diversity in engineering and IT. Why is this role important to you?
I believe all women and girls should have full and equal access to participating in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). I’d like to inspire and encourage more young women to seek ambitiously a future in STEM career.
How does this program support women who are studying engineering?
Women in Engineering and IT (WiEIT) is the longest running university unit of its kind in Australia (since 1981).
WiEIT program at UTS-Faculty of Engineering and IT addresses core barriers to women and girls’ participation in engineering and IT studies and careers through five research-informed and impact-focused pillar programs – school outreach, leadership, scholarships, mentoring and community. Our aim is to help students to see a vision of a very bright future for themselves in engineering and we do this through actively engaging younger students.
We create and lead social change so that study and career journeys in Engineering and IT are not limited by gender. We achieve this through collaborating with academic and professional staff, undergraduate and postgraduate students, industry, schools, government and the community. This program develops our community to be role models, advocates, and authentic leaders across all our initiatives.
What advice would you give to women and girls seeking a career in STEM?
My advice is to see challenges as opportunities to grow and be resilient. I believe through difficulties you can achieve your full potential. There are number of elements which help to achieve success: hard work, dedication, motivation, passion, and being positive. When things don’t work out as you expect, don't give up, look on the bright side, believe in yourself and believe in what you are doing. Being passionate and having a positive can-do attitude will greatly help to overcome any challenges you experience during your journey in STEM.