1. Introduction

Dr. Nikolaos Papadakis is an accomplished mechanical engineer with a strong educational background and extensive work experience. He embarked on his academic journey at the 2nd General Lyceum of Heraklion, Crete, from 1989 to 1992, where he cultivated a passion for science and engineering.

Driven by his interest in the field, Dr. Papadakis pursued a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at the Polytechnic School of Aristotle University in Thessaloniki from 1992 to 1997. Throughout his undergraduate studies, he specialized in Industrial Management and Production, showcasing his dedication and aptitude in these areas. Dr. Papadakis excelled academically, achieving an outstanding grade point average of 7.49. His diploma thesis, supervised by Professor G. Tagaras, focused on "Systems of Periodic Inspection Inventories with Emergency Orders." This research aimed to optimize inventory management processes by incorporating emergency orders, demonstrating Dr. Papadakis's analytical and problem-solving skills.

Eager to expand his knowledge and acquire a broader perspective in engineering, Dr. Papadakis pursued a Master of Science degree in Manufacturing Systems Engineering at the prestigious Warwick Manufacturing Group, School of Engineering, University of Warwick, UK. He successfully completed this program in 1998, delving into advanced manufacturing methodologies and techniques. For his master's thesis, Dr. Papadakis conducted research on the dynamic behavior and failure modes of discrete joint systems in the axial crushing of metallic members, utilizing the explicit Finite Element (FE) method. This work showcased his aptitude for computational modeling and analysis, as well as his ability to contribute to innovative research in the field.

Inspired by his master's studies, Dr. Papadakis decided to further deepen his understanding of engineering principles by pursuing a Ph.D. in Engineering at the Warwick Manufacturing Group, School of Engineering, University of Warwick, UK, from 1998 to 2002. During his doctoral research, he focused on the characterization of strain rate effects in a unidirectional thermoplastic composite material. By studying the material's behavior under varying loading rates, Dr. Papadakis contributed to the development of advanced composite structures, enhancing their mechanical performance and applicability. His Ph.D. research demonstrated his dedication to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in the field of mechanical engineering.

2. Further Development

Upon completing his doctoral studies, Dr. Papadakis embarked on a successful career that showcased his expertise and versatility in various industrial and research settings. From June 2011 to August 2013, he served as a Research and Development Project Manager at Mechatron ABEE, where he played a crucial role in the design and development of solar trackers for photovoltaic systems. In addition to his responsibilities in structural analysis and experimental setup creation, Dr. Papadakis contributed to software development and document translation, highlighting his multidisciplinary skill set.

From July 2017 to February 2019, Dr. Papadakis expanded his experience as an external collaborator at Revmotiv Technology Co. During this period, he engaged in dynamic simulation, algorithm design, microprocessor programming, and durability analysis. His contributions to the optimization of vehicle systems through his expertise in these areas proved instrumental to the company's success.

From September 2014 to December 2019, Dr. Papadakis worked as a Research Engineer at FORTH-IESL, focusing on research in attosecond physics. His responsibilities encompassed the development of measurement programs, the design of mechanical devices and chambers, and data analysis. Dr. Papadakis's work contributed to advancements in attosecond physics, a field at the forefront of ultrafast laser-matter interactions.

Since December 2019, Dr. Papadakis has held the position of Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at ELMΕΠΑ. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he conducts research in various fields of engineering. 

Dr. Nikolaos Papadakis's combination of academic achievements, research expertise, and industry experience has established him as a respected professional in the field of mechanical engineering. His work continues to inspire and advance the field, making valuable contributions to the understanding and application of complex mechanical systems, energy and materials. Driven by his passion for engineering, he remains committed to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and nurturing the next generation of engineers.