Malika Khodja

Academic Head of Future Manufacturing Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Strategy: Spearheaded the development and execution of the Future Manufacturing (FM) academic strategy, ensuring alignment with industry trends and technological advancements.
• Oversee the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies into academic programs, bridging the gap between business education and technological innovation.
• Manage and develop the technological sandbox (Industry 4.0 lab setup) to provide hands-on learning experiences for students and industry partners.
• Teaching & Program Delivery: Lead and lecture on Future Manufacturing as part of the GIBS MBA elective and executive education programs.
• Design and deliver executive short courses on Industry 4.0 technologies in manufacturing, equipping business leaders with the knowledge to navigate digital transformation.
• Research & Supervision: Supervise MBA students conducting research in future manufacturing, guiding them on practical and theoretical aspects.
• Promote interdisciplinary research initiatives, fostering collaboration between business, engineering, and technology disciplines.
• Industry Engagement & Innovation: Establish partnerships with industry stakeholders to align academic content with real-world manufacturing challenges.
• Support innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives within the Future Manufacturing Group by mentoring students and professionals in emerging manufacturing trends.
• Relevant event management ( webinars (face-to-face and online), tour visits and demonstrations to the management sandbox to industry participants and manufacturing companies.

• Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating real-life examples and case studies into lectures.
• Delivered higher-level graduate courses via classroom, online and hybrid methodologies to satisfy course curricula and meet student needs.
• Established partnerships with local businesses, providing internship opportunities for students to gain practical experience.
• Engaged in continuous professional development through attending workshops, webinars, and conferences to stay current with industry trends and best practices in higher education.
• Mentored junior faculty members, contributing to their professional growth and development.
• Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary courses, fostering a comprehensive learning experience.
• Conducted research in relevant fields, integrating findings into course content and enriching student understanding of subject matter.
• Advised students on career paths and graduate school options based on their individual goals and interests.
• Increased course enrollment by promoting department offerings at university events and open houses by leading the marketing activities of the department, including social media presence and content writing.
• Delivered engaging presentations at academic conferences, raising the profile of the institution within the broader academic community.
• Initiated collaborative projects between students from different majors, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and problem-solving skills.
• Contributed to program accreditation efforts by compiling documentation and participating in site visits with external evaluators.
• Participated in the hiring process for the staff department with part-time faculty and qualified instructors. (admin and marketing team)
• Organized guest lectures featuring experts from academia and industry, exposing students to diverse perspectives.
• Conducted additive manufacturing and materials development research with in-person and remote collaborators and presented results in scholarly publications to further enhance knowledge.
• Oversaw graduate student projects and advised on focus, methodology and report generation to meet preset standards.
• Participated in conferences and professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the field.
• Utilized distance learning technology to instruct students remotely.
• Conducted individual research projects to actively contribute to the institution's research work.
• Mentored and advised students to explore career pathways based on and amplify knowledge, skills and strengths.
• Reviewed program materials and coordinated updates to keep department materials relevant and accurate for undergraduate programs.
• Met with students to dispense study and career advice and provide guidance and potential opportunities within their chosen field.
• Assessed students' progress and provided feedback to enhance learning.
• Supervision/co-supervision of PhD Master's, Final year students.
• Grant writing for research funding in the field of additive manufacturing and laser shock peening.

• Facilitated regular meetings with team members to discuss progress updates, address challenges, and brainstorm solutions for ongoing success.
• Established strategic partnerships with external organizations, expanding program reach and impact.
• Maintained detailed records of program activities and participant data, ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
• Led training sessions for staff, fostering a knowledgeable and cohesive team environment.
• Organized events and workshops to engage participants, enhancing their learning experience within the program framework.
• Provided exceptional customer service to program participants through prompt response times and attentive assistance with inquiries or concerns.
• Developed marketing materials to promote program offerings, increasing awareness and participation rates among target audiences.
• Developed effective communication strategies for improved collaboration among team members, resulting in increased productivity.

• Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility. Served as a subject matter expert for advanced manufacturing technologiea such additive mnufacturing.
• Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
• Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
• Gained valuable experience working within a specific industry, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.
• Sorted and organized files, spreadsheets, and reports.
• Developed organizational skills through managing multiple tasks simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines.
• Participated in workshops and presentations related to projects sales and technology awerness.
• Utilized strong communication abilities during presentations which led to increased understanding among clients regarding product and the industry.
• Provided exceptional customer service by promptly addressing inquiries, ensuring a high level of satisfaction among clientele.
• Conducted comprehensive market research to inform strategic planning.
• Collaborated on marketing campaign that significantly increased brand awareness.
• Boosted social media engagement through creative content creation.
• Evaluated customer needs and feedback to drive product and service improvements.
• Created and managed project plans, timelines and budgets.

As a Visiting Researcher at the African Laser Centre, my role focuses on advancing research in Laser Shock Peening (LSP) through simulation-based studies under the African Laser Centre Grants program. This research contributes to the broader field of laser-material interactions, enhancing surface engineering techniques for industrial applications.

• Research & Simulation Work: Conduct high-fidelity simulations of Laser Shock Peening to analyze material behavior under laser-induced shock waves.
• Utilize computational tools and models to assess the effects of LSP on material strength, fatigue life, and residual stress distribution.
• Interpret and validate simulation results through comparison with experimental data.
• Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing: Work alongside research teams, industry partners, and academic institutions to enhance the understanding and application of LSP technology.
• Engage in cross-disciplinary collaboration, integrating concepts from physics, materials science, and laser engineering.
• Grant-Funded Research & Reporting:
• Conduct research under the African Laser Centre Grants, ensuring alignment with project objectives and deliverables.
• Prepare research reports, presentations, and publications to disseminate findings within the scientific and industrial community.
• Skill Development & Academic Contribution:
• Stay updated on advancements in laser processing technologies, contributing to knowledge development in the field.
• Mentor students and junior researchers in simulation techniques and LSP applications.
• Self-motivated, with a proactive approach to research and problem-solving.
• Able to work independently while collaborating effectively in multidisciplinary environments.
• Strong analytical and computational skills, with the ability to adapt to new simulation methodologies and technologies.
• Committed to delivering high-quality research outputs with real-world industrial relevance.

This role is integral to advancing the application of laser technologies in manufacturing and materials processing, contributing to both academic research and industrial innovation in Africa.

Key Responsibilities: This role played a crucial part in advancing knowledge in composite patch repair techniques, contributing to safer and more durable lightweight metal structures in engineering applications.

As a Visiting Student Intern, my role was to conduct PhD experimental research on the behavior of cracks repaired with composite patches in 7075-T6 aluminum structures. This research, supported by the Exceptional Program Grant for PhD Students from Algeria, contributed to advancing structural integrity and repair techniques for aerospace and automotive applications.

• Experimental Research & Material Testing:
• Conducted experimental investigations on crack propagation and repair performance in 7075-T6 aluminum alloys.
• Designed and executed mechanical testing to evaluate the effectiveness of composite patch repairs in extending the fatigue life of damaged structures.
• Utilized fracture mechanics principles to assess stress distribution and adhesion strength of composite repairs.
• Data Analysis & Simulation:
• Collected and analyzed test data using numerical and statistical methods to validate repair efficiency.
• Employed finite element analysis (FEA) tools to simulate the mechanical behavior of repaired structures under various loading conditions.
• Collaboration & Knowledge Exchange:
• Worked within the Light Metals Competency Area (LM), collaborating with researchers and industry professionals on advanced material applications.
• Shared findings through technical reports, presentations, and academic discussions, contributing to the research objectives of the Materials Science and Manufacturing Unit (MSM).
• Grant-Funded Research & Academic Contribution:
• Conducted research under the Exceptional Program Grant, meeting key deliverables aligned with PhD research objectives.
• Contributed to the development of repair methodologies for lightweight metal structures in aerospace and engineering applications.
• Followed school and classroom policies, regulations, dress codes, and schedules.