Associate Lecturer Shadi Abdel-Gawad has returned to UCF, where he first began his career in academia, to help educate the next generation of engineering professionals.
As a new faculty member at the UCF Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, he is bringing his perspective as a professional engineer — and as a former Knight — to his role in the classroom.
Abdel-Gawad brings a unique blend of national and international experience as a faculty member thanks to his roles outside of academia: licensed professional engineer, industry leader and pioneering researcher. His background in industry includes roles as a mechanical engineer for Albian Sands, a research analyst for Mansour Engineering and CEO of Engineering Dr. Inc., a position he still holds today.
Over the years, Abdel-Gawad has worked on more than 250 engineering projects, funded nationally and internationally by agencies and companies that include NASA, Lockheed Martin, DARPA, Sysco, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and the National Science Foundation.
“My industry experience allows me to share knowledge, bridge the gap between industry and academia, and inspire future Knights to reach for the stars,” he says.
Abdel-Gawad also brings many years of experience as a faculty member. He began his career in academia at UCF in 1995, starting as a lecturer assistant and later promoted to principal instructor before leaving the role in 2007. Since then, he has held faculty positions at Digital College, the University of Prince Edward Island, and the University of Alberta, advancing to the rank of associate professor before returning to UCF as an associate lecturer in 2024.
He received his doctoral degree from the University of Alberta. He holds three master’s degrees, including two from UCF in both mechanical, materials and aerospace engineering, and in industrial engineering and management systems.
“I chose UCF for its outstanding reputation in cutting-edge research in mechanical and aerospace engineering, as well as its strong industry partnerships with major players like Lockheed Martin and NASA,” Abdel-Gawad says. “The proximity to these industry leaders provides exceptional research opportunities, and UCF’s highly regarded mechanical and aerospace graduate program further solidifies its appeal.”
Abdel-Gawad’s research interests include artificial intelligence (AI), biomedical engineering, manufacturing, micro electro-mechanical systems, robotic dynamics and solid mechanics.
“I design and build structures, and I also use AI to detect and identify damage in structures such as aircraft, buildings, bridges and machines,” he says.
Abdel-Gawad adds that he remains engaged in his research in addition to his associate lecturer role, as he is passionate about solving real-world issues. His current research focus aims to benefit those serving in the military.
“One of the projects I’m exploring is designing an exoskeleton — a wearable device that could enhance soldiers’ abilities,” he says. “Another project is designing robots to perform complex tasks. My goal is to turn these ideas into practical, buildable solutions.”
This year, Abdel-Gawad is teaching graduate and undergraduate courses: Finite Elements in Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering; Engineering Design Practice; Senior Design and Mechanical Systems Lab. He describes his teaching style as student-centered and experiential, and encourages his classes to offer continuous feedback to enhance his lessons.
“I try to utilize all the human senses, not only reading and hearing,” Abdel-Gawad says. “I also embrace artificial intelligence in teaching and support students to use it responsibly.”
Less than one year into his role, Abdel-Gawad is already planning to enhance students’ academic experience by capitalizing on his work in industry and incorporating his research expertise.
“I am proposing a new graduate course to teach advanced AI applications in mechanical, aerospace, biomedical and design engineering,” he says. “My aspiration is to turn my ideas into tangible, real-world solutions.”
Now that his career in academia has come full circle with his return to UCF, Abdel-Gawad is fully focused on AI-driven engineering and high-impact research. He is passionate about delivering a world-class education to future Knight engineers, striving to manifest UCF’s mission in his classroom.
“I eagerly aspired to return to UCF after earning my Ph.D. to contribute with new innovative research and teaching,” he says. “UCF embodies the concept of ‘genius loci,’ inspiring creativity, excellence and unleashing potential.”
- Written by Bel Huston