ACADEMIC PROFILE

An Outline Academic Biography

Empowering Innovation, Driving Excellence, Inspiring Change.

I am Dr. Faek Sido Diko, a Professor of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering and the Director of Institutional Research, Planning, and Effectiveness at the University of Duhok (UOD). My academic journey spans over three decades, combining engineering expertise with educational leadership to create meaningful change in both disciplines.

Academic Journey and Expertise

I earned my Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Dublin City University, Ireland, where I specialized in metal flow simulation and closed die forging design. This research equipped me with deep expertise in Finite Element Analysis (FEA), CAD/CAM integration, and manufacturing process optimization. My master's work, also completed at Dublin City University, focused on integrated computer-aided design, simulation, and manufacturing, providing a strong foundation for my research in engineering design.

Throughout my career, I have maintained a strong commitment to teaching, research, and academic leadership. I have taught a variety of courses across multiple institutions, including Finite Element Analysis, Design Optimization, CAD/CAM, and Engineering Management. These teaching experiences have allowed me to guide students at various academic levels, from undergraduate learners to doctoral researchers.

Institutional Leadership & Impact

As the Director of Institutional Research, Planning, and Effectiveness (DIRP) at UOD, I am dedicated to enhancing the university's strategic development and academic standards. My role focuses on:

Developing and implementing strategic plans that align with global higher education benchmarks.
Establishing quality assurance frameworks to improve educational outcomes and ensure compliance with accreditation standards.
Driving data-informed decision-making to support institutional growth, student success, and faculty development.
Leading initiatives that enhance institutional effectiveness through improved governance, assessment systems, and resource management.

Through this role, I have collaborated with university leadership to introduce policies that promote transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. I believe that effective academic governance requires aligning strategic objectives with actionable policies, and I am committed to creating frameworks that foster long-term institutional success.

Research & Scholarly Contributions

In addition to my administrative duties, I actively contribute to research in mechanical engineering and higher education policy. My research interests include:

Metal forming and forging process simulation
Customized CAD/CAM systems for manufacturing
Data-driven strategies for quality assurance in higher education
Strategic planning models for institutional growth

I have published numerous papers in reputable journals and presented my research at international conferences. My collaborations with leading academics such as Prof. Saleem Hashmi have strengthened my research portfolio and contributed to advancing knowledge in mechanical engineering and educational development.

Commitment to Collaboration

I believe that knowledge grows best through collaboration. I am always eager to connect with fellow researchers, educators, and policymakers to explore new ideas and partnerships. By engaging with the global academic community, I aim to contribute to research that addresses real-world challenges while supporting my students' growth as innovators and thought leaders.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Mentoring students has been a vital part of my academic journey. I take pride in guiding postgraduate students, empowering them to pursue meaningful research and professional growth. By fostering curiosity, encouraging independent thinking, and creating supportive learning environments, I aim to inspire the next generation of scholars and industry leaders.

I invite students, researchers, and academic professionals to engage with my work, collaborate on impactful projects, or explore ideas that contribute to advancing knowledge in engineering, institutional effectiveness, and educational policy. Please feel free to connect with me for discussions, research opportunities, or mentorship inquiries.