1. Early Academic Journey and Professional Achievements
Dr. Montassar Aidi Sharif is an accomplished academic and researcher specializing in Electrical Engineering and Mechatronics. He earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering/Mechatronics from Michigan State University, USA, in April 2019, building upon his Master's (2009) and Bachelor's (2006) degrees in Mechatronics Engineering from the University of Baghdad, Iraq. His academic excellence is reflected in his H-Index of 8 on both Google Scholar and Scopus, with over 221 citations, underscoring his significant contributions to the field. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Northern Technical University, Iraq, Dr. Sharif has held several leadership roles, including Head of the Medical Device Engineering Techniques Department and Director of the Cisco Academy at the Technical Engineering College in Kirkuk. His administrative acumen is further demonstrated through his involvement in quality assurance and accreditation committees, where he has played a pivotal role in institutional and programmatic accreditations for multiple technical colleges in Kirkuk.

2. Research Contributions and Technical Expertise

Dr. Sharif’s research spans smart materials, robotics, renewable energy, and bio-inspired sensors, with a strong emphasis on practical applications. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles in prestigious journals such as Bioinspiration & Biomimetics, Smart Materials and Structures, and IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics. His work on ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) sensors and artificial lateral line systems has garnered international recognition. Notably, he holds a patent for "Super-Coiled Artificial Muscles Activated by Hot Water" (2022), showcasing his innovative approach to mechatronics. Dr. Sharif is also skilled in simulation and design tools like MATLAB, ANSYS, COMSOL Multiphysics, and SolidWorks, and is proficient in programming languages such as Python, C/C++, and VHDL. His interdisciplinary research bridges engineering and biology, exemplified by projects like the development of pressure gradient sensors inspired by fish lateral lines.

3. Leadership, Teaching, and Community Engagement

Beyond research, Dr. Sharif is a dedicated educator, having taught diverse courses in FPGA design, robotics, AI, and control systems at both undergraduate and graduate levels. He has supervised over 25 graduation projects and four Master’s students, fostering the next generation of engineers. His leadership extends to professional societies, including memberships in IEEE, ASME, and SPIE, and active roles in organizing academic committees and conferences. Dr. Sharif is also committed to community service, founding the RoboGuys center for robotics and programming basics and managing cultural and social initiatives in Kirkuk. His accolades include the Iraqi Science Day Award (2022) for outstanding graduation projects, further highlighting his multifaceted impact on academia and society.