Meet our new Project Researchers

Kristian (left) and Mehdi (right) have joined as project researchers of the “Virtual Sea Trial” project at the Automation unit of Mechanical Engineering, University of Turku. This project is funded by Business Finland, which aims to develop an integrated and distributed virtual testing environment for ships.

Below is the short introduction of Kristian and Mehdi:

Tell us a few things about yourself.

Kristian: I recently completed my MSc. in Automation Technology (major: factory automation) from Tampere University, Finland, in January 2024. Also, I have been working as an automation project engineer, commissioning engineer, and automation engineer before joining UTU.

Mehdi: I have a master’s degree in electrical engineering (major: control) from Shiraz University of Technology, Iran, and a bachelor’s degree in telecommunication engineering (major: switch) from Shiraz University of Applied Science, Iran. Furthermore, I have worked in different companies as an electrical engineer as well as a tutor in some fields such as mathematics and signals processing. In my last job, I worked as a head of R&D in E-Galaxy, Iran, before joining UTU.

What made you choose the specific research program you are currently pursuing?

Kristian: I have always wanted to learn more about automation and the chance to pursue research in automation near my hometown, and it was a great opportunity to contribute to the development of automation and automation research. I am very interested in being able to research and develop automation commissioning with digital tools in an intriguing industrial sector like the marine industry.

Mehdi: I have about twenty years of work experience in electronics and control, so I am interested in doing practical work in the automation field. Also, my strength is mathematics which can be vital in this project.

Any fun facts about yourself that you would like to share?

Kristian: I have a one-year-old chocolate labrador named Elvi, who keeps me very busy. Also, I won the smiling boy statue in 6th grade.