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Biography
Biography
Ikhlas Ben Hmida is a PhD student in Mechanical Engineering at New York University Tandon School of Engineering, with research focused on the integration of soft robotics into medical prosthetics to enhance adaptability and accessibility. She is also a part of the Robot Learning and Control Lab at NYUAD.
Ikhlas holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Khalifa University, where she developed SoRoSim—a MATLAB toolbox for modeling and simulating soft robotic systems. With over 1,700 downloads and a feature in MathWorks technical newsletters, SoRoSim is now widely used in academia and research. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Khalifa University, graduating with distinction and multiple awards for technical excellence and leadership.
Before joining NYU, Ikhlas worked as a Research Associate at Khalifa University, where she contributed to projects in underwater soft robotics, cable-driven parallel robots, and model-free control of soft actuators. She has interned at distinguished institutions including the University of Tokyo and Hitachi Central Research Laboratory in Japan, as well as ADNOC, and has presented her work has been presented at international conferences such as RoboSoft and ICRA.
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
In Progress - Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from New York University
2019 - 2021 - M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Khalifa University
2014 - 2019 - B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Khalifa University
RESEARCH INTERESTS
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Ikhlas's research integrates control, modeling, and fabrication techniques to advance the field of human-robot interaction, with a focus on ethical, inclusive, and impactful innovation.
EXPERIENCE
EXPERIENCE
2024 - present Visiting Graduate Researcher NYU Abu Dhabi
2021 - 2024 Research Associate Khalifa University
2021 Research Assistant Khalifa University
2019 - 2020 Teaching Assistant Khalifa University
INTERNSHIPS
INTERNSHIPS
2018 Research Intern Hitachi Central Research Laboratory (日立製作所中央研究所)
2017 Engineering Intern ADNOC
2016 Research Intern University of Tokyo, Nakano-Tanemura Lab
2015 Student Exchange Colorado School of Mines
AWARDS
AWARDS
Best Technical Report Award, 2019 & 2018
Awarded as part of the Global Hybrid Electric Car (GHEC) Challenge, to the best written technical report that
documents the technical design, construction, and testing of a hybrid electric racing vehicle.
Awarded by: GlobalEEE
Best Presentation Award, 2019 & 2018
Awarded as part of the GHEC Challenge, to the team that gives the best presentation to the judges, describing
how the team was structured, the process for constructing the vehicle, the challenges faced in the project, and
lessons learned.
Awarded by: GlobalEEE
Best WiSE Female Engineer Award, 2018 & 2017
Awarded as part of GHEC Challenge, to one female engineering student that exhibits exceptional leadership
and technical skills. Received this award for 2 consecutive years.
Awarded by: GlobalEEE
Best Use of 3D Printing Award, 2018
Awarded as part of the GHEC Challenge for the most creative use of 3D printing and quality of execution.
Awarded by: GlobalEEE
Vehicle Workmanship Award, 2017
Awarded as part of the GHEC Challenge, to the car with the most attention shown to details and quality in
construction, in fit and finish as well as sturdiness and design execution.
Awarded by: GlobalEEE
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