Ali Bonakdar

Ali Bonakdar is an Associate Professor of Design and Manufacturing in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte), with a concurrent role at the Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC). He joined UNC Charlotte in August 2023 after a 25-year career in industry and academia, including a leadership role in advanced manufacturing research at Siemens Energy Canada's gas turbine engines division. Dr. Bonakdar also served as an Adjunct Professor at institutions like Concordia University, University of Waterloo, Western University, and École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS).

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Concordia University
• Postdoctoral Fellow, McGill University

His research focuses on advanced manufacturing, particularly additive manufacturing, and bridges industrial applications with academic innovation. He has contributed to patents and publications in these domains while collaborating across aerospace and energy sectors.