Sofia Kyratzi is an Assistant Professor of Geometric Modeling and Computer-Aided Design at the University of the Aegean's Department of Product and Systems Design Engineering. She holds a PhD (2007) in Computer Graphics and Geometric Modeling from the same university, an MSc in Medical Informatics (2002) from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and a BSc in Mathematics (2000) from Aristotle University. Roles: Teaches courses like Computer Graphics, Computer-Aided Design, and related graduate topics. Research Focus: Parametric modeling, sketch-to-solid algorithms, design intent recognition, and Industry 4.0 integration in manufacturing. Her work includes developing algorithms for reconstructing 3D models from sketches, leveraging cloud computing for CAD applications, and optimizing footwear design via biomechanical modeling. Key contributions span over 15 peer-reviewed publications in journals like Computer-Aided Design and conferences addressing geometric modeling challenges. She collaborates on projects exploring Industry 4.0 technologies for SMEs, emphasizing cloud-based CAD tools and parallel computing optimizations. Her research bridges theoretical geometric principles with practical industrial applications.
Nikolaos A. Diangelakis is an Assistant Professor at the Technical University of Crete (TUC), affiliated with the School of Chemical Engineering (ChEnvEng) and the Division II: Process Development, Analysis and Design. His research focuses on system dynamics, process control, and integrated process design optimization. He holds a PhD from Imperial College London (2017), an M.Sc. from the same institution (2012), and a Diploma in Chemical Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens (2011). He has conducted a Visiting Ph.D. research at Texas A&M University (2017). Diangelakis specializes in multi-parametric optimization and control strategies, with applications in chemical, environmental, and energy systems. He has contributed to software tools like PAROC and POP, advancing explicit model predictive control (MPC) and robust optimization frameworks. His work integrates process design, scheduling, and control to enhance operational efficiency in industries such as pharmaceuticals and energy systems. He has secured research funding through projects like 'PAROC' (National Science Foundation) and 'U Psi Psi' (EPSRC), and has been recognized with awards including the 2017 Excellence Award for Outstanding PhD Thesis in Computer-Aided Process Engineering (CAPE). His academic contributions span over 30 peer-reviewed publications, emphasizing topics like microgrid optimization, rotary tablet press control, and energy-efficient industrial processes. Diangelakis teaches Linear Algebra at TUC and actively engages in academic conferences, delivering invited lectures and presenting innovative research on MPC strategies and process operability. His research group collaborates internationally, advancing the frontiers of model-based systems engineering.
Stamati Vasiliki serves as Laboratory Teaching Staff in the Department of Computer Engineering & Informatics at the University of Ioannina, holding the academic rank of Lecturer. He is currently teaching "MYY401 Principles of Programming Languages" for the 2024/25 academic year. His educational qualifications include: Ph.D. in Informatics, Department of Computer Engineering & Informatics, University of Ioannina (2008) M.Sc. in Informatics, Department of Computer Engineering & Informatics, University of Ioannina (2003) B.Sc. in Informatics, Department of Informatics, University of Ioannina (2001) His research focuses on advanced computational design and graphics disciplines, with emphasis on practical applications in digital manufacturing. Key areas include algorithm development for 3D printing, parametric modeling systems, computer-aided design methodologies, and reverse engineering techniques. Professional trajectory shows transition from Greek public education sectors (Secondary Education appointment in 2004, Primary Education transfer in 2013) to university academic staff via EDIP position transfer in 2017.
George Tsinarakis is a Lecturer at the School of Production Engineering and Management, Technical University of Crete. He holds a Diploma (2000), MSc (2002), and PhD (2007) from the same institution. His roles include teaching undergraduate courses (Simulation, Production Systems), co-supervising theses, and participating in research projects. He also serves as Adjunct Professor at Hellenic Open University (Engineering Project Management postgraduate program) and teaches Operations and Production Management at University of the Aegean. His research focuses on Production Systems, Petri Nets, Hybrid Systems, Renewable Energy, and Project Management. Education: Diploma in Production Engineering and Management (2000) MSc (2002) PhD (2007) Research emphasizes Petri Nets for process modeling, Hybrid Systems integration, and Renewable Energy applications. He contributes to digital twin frameworks for industrial systems and STEM education tools like HYDRA. His work spans simulation methodologies, supervisory control, and lifecycle analysis of energy systems. Teaching and advising includes undergraduate thesis co-supervision and involvement in European/Greek research projects. He evaluates EYDE-ETAK initiatives and reviews for international conferences/journals. Active in labs: Production Systems Laboratory and Computer Aided Manufacturing Laboratory.
Nikolaos Diaggelakis serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Process Development, Analysis & Design (II) at the School of Chemical Engineering, Technical University of Crete, where his work bridges theoretical optimization and industrial process applications. Education: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, 2017 M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, 2012 Diploma in Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 2011 Visiting Doctoral Researcher, Texas A&M Energy Institute, 2017 His research pioneers process systems engineering through mathematical optimization with moving time horizons, simultaneous design-control integration, and multi-parametric programming frameworks. Key applications span chemical process intensification, energy-efficient microgrids, and environmental systems, emphasizing worst-case and nonlinear optimization robustness. His theoretical contributions directly enable industrial implementations in energy systems and manufacturing. Publications from 2015-2022 reveal a concentrated evolution toward real-time optimization and decentralized control architectures , with increasing focus on data-driven surrogate models and robust explicit MPC strategies. The work consistently bridges fundamental algorithm development (e.g., multi-parametric quadratic programming solutions) with tangible industrial applications like air separation units and combined heat-power systems. Scientific Awards: Excellence Award for Outstanding PhD Thesis in Computer Aided Process Engineering (CAPE), Third Place, 2017 Invited Speaker, Distinguished Young Researchers Seminar Series, Northwestern University, 2016 Best Poster Award, CPSE Autumn Industrial Consortium Meeting, Imperial College London, 2014 Dr. Diaggelakis actively secures competitive funding, including U.S. Department of Energy grants (2018-2020) for smart manufacturing in chemical processing and National Science Foundation projects (2015-2016) on integrated process design-control frameworks. His leadership in the PAROC research group drives software development (POP toolbox) and industry collaborations through consortia like CPSE. Current projects emphasize uncertainty-aware scheduling for process industries and energy-efficient microgrid operation. He co-develops the industry-standard PAROC framework and POP toolbox, enabling multi-parametric optimization for complex process systems, and maintains active partnerships with Texas A&M and Imperial College London through ongoing research consortia.
Efstratios Ioannidis is an Associate Professor at the Department of Industrial Engineering, School of Industrial Engineering, Technical University of Crete. He holds a Diploma in Production and Management Engineering (1995), a Postgraduate Diploma (1997), and a PhD (2004) from the Technical University of Crete’s Department of Industrial Engineering. From 2004–2009, he held contract positions as a lecturer at multiple institutions, including the Technical University of Crete and Democritus University of Thrace. In 2005, he served as a Lecturer at the University of the Aegean’s Department of Mathematics. He was a Visiting Researcher at École Centrale Paris’s LGI lab (2009) and became an Assistant Professor at his current institution in 2010, advancing to Associate Professor thereafter. His research focuses on production networks analysis , AI applications in production systems , and stochastic systems . He leads the Production Systems Laboratory and collaborates with the Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Collaboration initiative. His work bridges theoretical optimization with practical industrial challenges.
Avraam Chatzopoulos serves as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Industrial Design and Production Engineering within the School of Engineering at the University of West Attica. With a robust academic background including a PhD from the same institution, he brings extensive industry experience to his academic role, having worked over 15 years as a freelancer in IT and automation projects. His educational qualifications include: BSc in Automation Engineering MSc in Telematics Management (Danube University of Krems - Austria) MSc in Information and Communication Technologies for Education (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens) Ph.D. from the University of West Attica He also holds adult educator certification from EOPPEP, GGEE, and EKEPIS of the Ministry of National Education and Religions. Chatzopoulos' research centers on embedded systems with emphasis on automation, mechatronics applications, and educational robotics. His work bridges theoretical knowledge with practical applications, particularly in developing accessible educational technology platforms. He has made significant contributions to STEM education through innovative robotics platforms that have been evaluated using the Technology Acceptance Model. His publication record over the past five years reveals a strong focus on educational robotics, IoT applications, and STEM education tools. The research shows a consistent trajectory toward developing low-cost, open-source educational platforms that make advanced technologies accessible to students at various educational levels. His work particularly emphasizes practical applications in agricultural education, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and sustainable engineering practices. Notable recognition includes: Patent on 'Self-propelled polymorphic test base for laboratory training in robotics and micro-controllers' from the Industrial Property Organization (2005) As an educator, Chatzopoulos has developed and taught numerous courses spanning microcontroller design, mechatronics, robotics, and UAV development. He founded the Robotics Academy of the A.E.I. Piraeus T.T. in 2017 for training and research in Educational Robotics and STEM Education. His commitment to educational innovation is evident in his long-term involvement with Mechatron, an educational robotics platform for university education that he has been developing since 2000. His laboratory work centers around the Electronic Automation, Telematics & Cyber-Physical Systems Research Laboratory within the Department of Industrial Design and Production Engineering, where he leads initiatives in educational robotics and mechatronics applications.
Stratos Ioannidis is an Associate Professor at the Technical University of Crete, affiliated with the School of Production Engineering and Management and the Department of Production Systems. His research focuses on production networks, AI applications in manufacturing, and stochastic systems. He holds a PhD in Production and Management Engineering from the same institution. Education: Diploma (1995), MSc (1997), and PhD (2004) in Production and Management Engineering, Technical University of Crete Research Interests: Professor Ioannidis explores advanced control mechanisms for production networks, integrates AI technologies into manufacturing processes, and analyzes stochastic behaviors in production systems. His work emphasizes optimizing production efficiency while addressing real-world uncertainties and market dynamics. Recent publications highlight trends in quality-driven production strategies, inventory control policies, and adaptive scheduling algorithms. Key themes include linking product quality to market performance, managing perishable inventories under customer impatience, and optimizing CONWIP systems for revenue enhancement. He leads the Computer Aided Manufacturing Laboratory, focusing on intelligent control solutions for manufacturing systems. No notable awards or funded grants are explicitly listed in the provided information.
Vassilis Kouikoglou is a Professor at the School of Production Engineering and Management, Technical University of Crete, where he directs the Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) laboratory and previously served as chairman. His academic journey includes a PhD in Production Engineering (1989) and a diploma in Electrical Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens (1985). He specializes in modeling and optimizing production networks and environmental systems, with a focus on sustainability assessment frameworks. Education: PhD in Production Engineering and Management, Technical University of Crete (1989) Diploma in Electrical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (1985) Research interests revolve around production networks, environmental systems, and sustainability assessment , leveraging fuzzy logic and mathematical models to address complex systems. Recent work emphasizes sustainability rankings of nations, energy policies, and climate security. His lab, CAM, focuses on advanced manufacturing and systems engineering. Key contributions include the SAFE framework for sustainability evaluation, climate action urgency studies, and optimization of healthcare and production systems. Though no awards are listed, his extensive publications reflect significant academic impact. His advising and grants history is not explicitly detailed, but his work spans interdisciplinary collaborations in manufacturing, environmental science, and public health. The CAM Laboratory serves as a hub for applied research in sustainable systems and advanced production technologies.
Nikolaos Sapidis is a Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, Greece, leading the 'Division of Constructions and Materials'. His career spans over three decades with previous roles at the University of the Aegean and multiple academic/research institutions including the National Technical University of Athens and Technical University of Catalonia. He earned a Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Sciences from the University of Rochester, USA, and holds degrees in Applied Mathematics (University of Utah) and Naval Architecture (National Technical University of Athens). His research focuses on Computational Design and Analysis , including CAD/CAE integration, geometric modeling of curves/surfaces, virtual engineering, and finite-element methodologies. Notable areas include solid modeling, point-cloud-based CAD, reverse engineering, and virtual reality applications in mechanical systems. He has authored over 80 publications and actively contributes to editorial boards of journals like Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Design and Applications . His work emphasizes practical industrial applications, with research implemented in systems by companies like General Motors and Mercedes-Benz. Key contributions include algorithms for shape preservation in curves/surfaces, automated assembly design frameworks, and finite-element model optimization for large-scale systems. He directs the Laboratory of Mechanical Systems , advancing interdisciplinary research in mechanical design and virtual engineering.
Emmanouil Varitis is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Western Macedonia, within the Polytechnic School. Born in Thessaloniki in 1980, he holds a PhD in Reverse Engineering and Rapid Prototyping (2009) and a Mechanical Engineering degree (2004). He joined the University of Western Macedonia in 2010 as a Research Assistant and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2017. His research focuses on CAD/CAM, design automation, additive manufacturing, and reverse engineering, with applications in biomedical engineering and archaeological 3D reconstruction. Education: 2009: PhD in Reverse Engineering and Rapid Prototyping 2004: Mechanical Engineer Research interests span computational mechanics, biomaterials, and manufacturing processes. Notable work includes finite element modeling of lumbar stability, laser scanning of archaeological artifacts (e.g., Parthenon friezes), and optimization of industrial productivity through model-based definition systems. He has authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications and contributed to more than 10 research projects. Laboratory: Laboratory for Biomaterials and Computational Mechanics . Courses taught include Machine Elements I and II.
Aristomenis Antoniadis is a Professor in the Department of Production Engineering and Management at the Technical University of Crete. His academic journey includes a Mechanical Engineering Diploma from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (1984) and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the same institution (1989). He has held roles such as Lecturer at the University of Thessaly (1991–1994) and Professor at Technical Educational Institutes of Serres & Crete (1994–2008). His research focuses on Manufacturing Technologies, Reverse Engineering, CAD/CAM/CAE, and Bioengineering. He has authored 7 books and over 90 publications across international journals and conferences. Key research areas include laser engraving processes, finite element modeling, 3D printing, and simulation tools for machining operations. His work on gear manufacturing, tool wear prediction, and augmented reality training interfaces demonstrates interdisciplinary innovation. He has contributed to over 30 research projects as a participant or scientific manager. His laboratory, Production Systems, explores cutting-edge technologies in manufacturing systems and sustainable production methods. Antoniadis is affiliated with the Technical University of Crete’s School of Production Engineering and Management. He has advised numerous students and collaborates extensively on industrial applications, including photovoltaic system optimization and cultural heritage digitization projects. His work bridges academic research with practical industrial solutions, emphasizing both innovation and educational outreach through serious games and virtual training environments.
Pavlos Koulouridakis is a researcher at the Technical University of Crete (TUC), serving as head of the 'Computer Aided Design (CAD)' and 'Product Design and Development' laboratories under the Production Systems sector. He holds a PhD from TUC (2008) following a Physics degree (1998, University of Crete) and a Master's in Environmental Engineering (2005, TUC). Research Focus: 3D scanning using laser/X-ray technologies, material analysis via EDXRF systems, recycling methodologies for end-of-life products. Professional Experience: Since 2008, leads R&D in product lifecycle management, contributing to programs like Heraclitus, Pythagoras, Greek-Slovenian collaborations, and photovoltaic recycling initiatives. His work integrates advanced imaging techniques with sustainable manufacturing practices, emphasizing quality control and environmental management. Currently active in academic research without noted awards or formal teaching roles listed.
Benardos Panorios is an Associate Professor at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), affiliated with the School of Mechanical Engineering and the Section of Manufacturing Technology . Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering from NTUA (2009) Diploma of Mechanical Engineering from NTUA (2001) Research Interests: His work focuses on Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) , Design of Experiments (DoE) , Modelling and Optimisation of Manufacturing Processes and Systems , and Robotic applications in Manufacturing Processes and Systems . He also explores intersections with Artificial Intelligence , Machine Learning , Machine Vision , Data Analytics , and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) . Scientific Awards: Thomaideio Award for the progress of science and arts (2002) Thomaideio Award for the progress of science and arts (2003) Thomaideio Award for the progress of science and arts (2004) Thomaideio Award for the progress of science and arts (2006) Professional Memberships: Member of the Technical Chamber of Greece Member of the Greek Mechanical and Electrical Engineers Society Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Current Teaching Duties: He teaches undergraduate courses such as Machine Tools , Manufacturing Processes A & C , and Manufacturing Systems I & II . At the postgraduate level, he leads the course CAM and Applications and serves as the Erasmus International Students Coordinator.
Maria Drakaki is Professor of Humanistic Engineering and Dean of the School of Science and Technology at the International Hellenic University. She also serves as Director of the Institute for Refugee Flows and Crisis Management of the University of Macedonia, and leads multiple postgraduate programs including the MSc in Environmental Management and Sustainability and the MSc in Humanitarian Logistics and Crisis Management. Dr. Drakaki earned her Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Texas at Austin (1992), an M.Sc. in VLSI System Design from the University of Westminster (2004), and a B.A. in Physics from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (1986). Her academic career progressed from research positions at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki to faculty roles at various Greek institutions before her current position. Her research focuses on humanitarian engineering, AI methods for disaster management, humanitarian logistics, decision support systems, and supply chain management. She has pioneered approaches that combine advanced computational techniques with humanitarian applications, particularly in crisis response and management. Her work bridges the gap between traditional engineering disciplines and humanitarian practice. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trend toward applying artificial intelligence, particularly machine learning and natural language processing techniques, to humanitarian challenges. Her research spans disaster response, migration management, supply chain resilience during crises, and community-based partnerships for resilience building. She has increasingly focused on social media analysis for disaster management and the application of transformer models for consequence identification from accident narratives. Fulbright Scholar Best paper award at the International Conference on Information Systems Architecture and Technology (2017) Humanitarian Engineering Lectureship award from UT Austin (2024) Dr. Drakaki supervises 4 PhD candidates and has participated in numerous European research projects including the European Qualifications – Refugees and Recognition 4 (EQUAL), Transforming Graduate Education for Green and Sustainable Future (T-Green), and the Humanitarian Engineering project with UT Austin. She serves on editorial boards including as Associate Editor for the Data Analytics for Social Impact Section of Frontiers in Big Data. She directs the Institute for Refugee Flows and Crisis Management and has established strong research collaborations across Europe.
