Prof. Dr. Bahaa Ibraheem Ansaf President of the University of Baghdad
Prof. Dr. Bahaa Ansaf possesses a self-driven motivation for learning and scientific research, honing his academic and scientific personality through over twenty years of experience in scientific research and teaching at prestigious Iraqi and international universities (the University of Baghdad, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University of Michigan, University of Missouri, and the University of Colorado).
Additionally, Dr. Ansaf holds administrative experience in the academic field, having served in various academic and ministerial positions (Head of Department, Assistant Dean, and General Director).
Furthermore, he has actively contributed to numerous projects and scientific programs aimed at the development of education in general, and engineering education in particular. This includes his role as an evaluator for engineering programs accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
Education
- Ph.D. Applied Mechanics, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq, 1999.
- M.Sc. Applied Mechanics, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq, 1996.
- B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq, 1992. Area of concentration: Aeronautics
Experiences
Administrative Experience
2021-2023 Head of the Academic Policies and Pathways Committee at the Colorado State University Pueblo, Colorado.
2020-2023 Member of the Faculty Council, Colorado State University Pueblo, Colorado.
2016-2023 Head of Mechatronics Engineering Program, Colorado State University Pueblo, Colorado.
2012-2014 Director-General –Scholarships and Cultural Affairs directorship –MHOESR, Iraq
2009-2014 Senior advisor for academic and scholarship affairs – the Higher Committee for Education Development in Iraq (HCED), Prime Minister Office, Baghdad, Iraq
2007-2012 Director of Development and Continuing Education Center – Baghdad University. Jan
2003-2007 Associate Dean for Scientific Affairs and Students– Al-Khwarizmi College of Engineering – University Of Baghdad, Iraq
2003-2004 Head of Mechatronics Engineering Department – Al-Khwarizmi College of Engineering – University of Baghdad –Iraq
2005-2007 Director for e-learning program – University of Baghdad
2005-2009 Technology Transfer Team Leader -MOSHE, The Iraqi Virtual Science Library (IVSL)
Academic Experience:
2020- Present Associate Professor, BSE- Mechatronics, Colorado State University-Pueblo, CO, USA.
2016-2020 Assistant Professor, BSE- Mechatronics, Colorado State University-Pueblo, CO, USA
2014-2016 Visiting Professor, graduate faculty, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, University of Missouri- Columbia, USA
2011-2010 Professor, Mechatronics Engineering, Baghdad University Visiting Scholar, Electrical and Computer Science Engineering, Michigan State University, USA
2008 (Jan-Jun) Visiting Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, MIT, USA
2005-2011 Assistant Professor Mechatronics Engineering Baghdad University, IQ
2001-2005 Lecturer, Mechatronics Engineering Baghdad University, IQ
Awards and Honors
- Award from ASME ENGINEERING EDUCATION, ASME Foundation Scholarship Evaluator 2021 and 2022.
- Faculty Excellence Award for Scholarship/Creative Activity, Colorado State University-Pueblo, 2018-2019.
- Faculty Excellence Award for Scholarship/Creative Activity, CEEPS, 2018-2019.
- Prime Ministers of Iraq appreciation and thank you letter for successful management of the HCED Scholarship program in Iraq, Baghdad, 2014.
- Minister of Higher Education in Iraq, six appreciations, and thank you letters for successful management of Scholarship program in Iraq, Baghdad, 2012-2014.
- Minister of Higher Education in Iraq and President of Baghdad University, five appreciation and thank you letters for scholarly scientific achievements, Baghdad, 2004-2014.
- President of Baghdad University, six appreciations, and thank you letter for excellent performance activities at Baghdad University, Baghdad, 2007-2014.
Summary of Academic and Professional Qualifications
- Over twenty years of experience in scientific teaching for undergraduate and postgraduate studies, both within and outside Iraq. Specialized in courses such as robotics, manufacturing processes, vibrations, control systems, materials, modelling, computer-aided design (CAD/CAM), and other foundational mechanical engineering programs. Expertise, in artificial intelligence/machine learning for engineering applications.
- Participation in many scientific articles, books, and patents, with a focus on smart materials, the Internet of Things, robotics systems, applications of artificial intelligence in engineering, and solar energy. Some research has been published in prestigious publications like ASME and IEEE. Additionally, collaborative research with faculty members and students from various engineering fields and other disciplines, including dentistry, education, biology, and chemistry.
- Securing financial funding for several research projects aiming to employ artificial intelligence techniques in reducing accidents on highways and enhancing road safety.
- Active member in various international professional organizations, including serving as an evaluator for an accredited engineering program by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE).
- Supervising many postgraduate students (Master's and Ph.D.) and university students from diverse educational backgrounds and specializations worldwide.
- Extensive experience working with governmental and non-governmental entities in both academic and non-academic positions. This includes serving as the General Director of the Scholarships and Cultural Relations Department at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, (overseeing the management of the largest scholarship program in the history of Iraq). Additionally, the head of the Mechatronics Engineering Department, and the Assistant Dean for the College of Engineering. served as a faculty member and Chair of the Academic Policies and Standards Board (APSB) at the University of Colorado.