Assist. Prof. Dr. Afshin Ashofteh | Coatings | Top Researcher Award 

Assist. Prof. Dr. Afshin Ashofteh, Mahallat institute of Higher Education, Iran

Dr. Afshin Ashofteh is an accomplished Mechanical Engineer specializing in Surface Coatings and Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBCs), with over a decade of combined experience in academia and industry. Holding a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tehran and an MBA, he has led more than 30 R&D projects focused on advanced ceramic materials and high-temperature protective coatings. His pioneering research on nano-structured YSZ coatings has resulted in significant improvements in thermal shock resistance, contributing to innovations in multilayer and functionally graded TBC systems. Currently, Dr. Ashofteh serves as an Assistant Professor at Mahallat Institute of Higher Education and leads digital transformation projects in industry, integrating AI and edge computing to enhance manufacturing efficiency. He is also experienced in project management and business consulting, bridging the gap between scientific research and practical industrial applications. Fluent in English and proficient in multiple digital tools, his work is widely published in top ceramic and materials science journal.

Professional Profile:

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

Summary of Suitability for Top Researcher Award: Afshin Ashofteh

Dr. Afshin Ashofteh is a highly qualified mechanical engineer with a Ph.D. specializing in Surface Coatings and Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBCs), complemented by an MBA and over a decade of cross-sector experience in both academia and industry. His unique combination of deep technical expertise, proven leadership in large-scale R&D projects, and strategic business acumen positions him as an outstanding candidate for the Top Researcher Award.

🎓 Education & Training

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (Thermal Barrier Coatings)
  University of Tehran (2012–2017)

• Postdoctoral Researcher – TBCs
  University of Tehran (2018–2019)

• MBA (General)
  University of Tehran (2015–2016)

• M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering
  University of Tehran (2010–2012)

• B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering
  University of Mazandaran (2006–2010)

• Certifications:

  • Agile Project Management – Google

  • Applying Project Management in the Real World – Google

💼 Work Experience

• Assistant Professor (Mechanical Engineering)
  Mahallat Institute of Higher Education (May 2021 – Present)

• Digital Transformation Project Manager
  Yazd Rubber Industries Complex (Jun 2023 – Present)

  • Led AI/ML and edge computing integration to boost production efficiency and cut costs

• Business Consultant
  BIDCIM (Jul 2021 – Dec 2022)

  • Improved project planning, saved $500K, and advised on $1.5M innovation programs

• Innovation Center Manager
  Barez Industrial Group (May 2016 – May 2021)

  • Managed 20+ projects with $1.4M budget; led startup partnerships and digital factory pilots

• Systems & Business Development Expert (Part-time)
  IIP (May 2017 – May 2018)

  • Created new department generating $450K in first year; secured $300K ERP contract

• Mechanical Designer (Part-time)
  Oj-Shimi-Felez (Sep 2012 – May 2016)

  • Developed 20+ molds worth $500K; reverse-engineered and managed production

🏆 Achievements & Awards

• Over 30 R&D projects led in advanced coatings and materials development

• 65% improvement in thermal shock resistance using nano-structured YSZ coatings

• Published 7+ research papers in high-impact journals on thermal barrier coatings

• Secured multi-million-dollar contracts in industry and research

• Successfully managed innovation projects with budgets exceeding $1.4 million

• Led digital transformation saving $500,000 annually in production

• Conducted workshops and mentored startups, bridging technical expertise and business strategy

Publication Top Notes:

Thermal shock behavior of multilayer and functionally graded micro-and nano-structured topcoat APS TBCs

CITED:27

Effect of layer thickness on thermal shock behavior in double-layer micro-and nano-structured ceramic top coat APS TBCs

CITED:22

Advances in thermal barrier coatings modeling, simulation, and analysis: A review

CITED:10

Role of nano‐zones in enhancing the performance of YSZ coatings under thermal shock conditions

CITED:7

Thermal shock behavior of mixed composite top coat APS TBCs

CITED:6

Design of integrated manufacturing information systems for reconfigurability and adaptability by modularizing the system architecture

CITED:5

Effect of nano-structuration and compounding of YSZ APS TBCs with different thickness on coating performance in thermal shock conditions

CITED:4