Mushtak Al Atabi

Education

Mushtak attended Baghdad College from 1982 to 1988 and did his undergraduate studies in mechanical engineering at the University of Baghdad, Iraq from 1988 to 1992. He then went on to pursue a Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering which he completed in 1997. His Masters thesis was titled "Experimental Investigation of Wing Tip Sails using Vortex Scanning and Forces Measurement."

In 2002, Mushtak joined the University of Sheffield, UK to pursue his Ph.D in Mechanical Engineering. His Ph.D thesis was titled "Cystic Duct to Static Mixer: A Serendipitous Journey”.

Career

Mushtak Al-Atabi began his academic career at the University of Baghdad when he was pursuing his master's degree. He then moved to Malaysia in 1997 where he landed a job as a manufacturing manager at Lifelong Stainless Exhaust (M) Sdn Bhd, one of the main suppliers for OEM automotive exhaust systems in Malaysia.

In 1999, he joined Taylor's College School of Engineering as a senior lecturer for the University of Sheffield transfer programme, during which he taught a wide range of engineering and IT subject. It was also during this time when he initiated the Taylor's Research and Development Centre.

In 2004, Taylor's University College struck an agreement with the University of Birmingham to run their twinning programme. Mushtak served as the head of department of the programme. In 2007, Mushtak was appointed as programme director for the programme. During this period he initiated the school's Engineering Fairs.

In 2009, Mushtak was appointed the dean of Taylor's School of Engineering as they launched their homegrown programme. During this period of time he was also awarded associate professorship at the school. In 2011 he was awarded professorship by Taylor's University. During his time as dean, the school grew and flourished with project-based learning and CDIO; engineering undergraduate conference, EURECA; Grand Challenge Scholars Programme; and massive open online courses.

In 2014, Mushtak ventured into writing and published 2 books independently. Driving Performance: Empowering People and Unleashing Potential and Think like an Engineer: Use systemic thinking to solve everyday challenges and unlock inherent values in them.

February 2016 brought new challenges as he was appointed the Pro Vice Chancellor for Strategy of Taylor's University.

Mushtak is currently the Senior Deputy Vice-Principal of Heriot-Watt University, Malaysia, where he works with senior academics across Heriot-Watt’s five global campuses to help develop and lead innovative transnational teaching; student recruitment, particularly for international and postgraduate students

TEDx University Putra Malaysia: Engineering the Language of Success

In June 2016, Mushtak spoke at TEDx Universiti Putra Malaysia themed "Breaking Barriers". The talk, titled "Engineering the Language of Success" discusses the effects of positive thinking and the powerful implications it has on ones life.

Driving Performance: Empowering People and Unleashing Potential

This book was written to accompany the corporate training courses run by Mushtak.

High levels of performance in business, sport, school and life in general are synonymous with unleashing human potential. Driving Performance aims to introduce leaders, managers, teachers and parents to the art and science of motivating individuals and teams to reach their potential. It draws on the latest in brain research and human motivation. The journey to achieving full potential starts with reflection and self-discovery and leads to happiness, fulfilment as well as achieving the business targets. The book has very easy to follow practical exercises that can be practised in any life situation.

Think Like an Engineer: Use systemic thinking to solve everyday challenges and unlock inherent values in them

The book was written in mind for engineers, engineering student and ordinary people alike who would like to use engineering as a way of thinking to address challenges and identify opportunities. The book outlines each step of the CDIO process, innovation, ergonomics, teamwork and communication, project management and entrepreneurship, giving practical advice from experiences gain through implementing CDIO in project-based learning at the School of Engineering at Taylor’s University. The book also highlights the importance of emotional intelligence in everyday life. The book also touches on the return on failure, how to encourage failure and learn from it; as well as how to solve challenges either in engineering or everyday life. Think Like an Engineer also gives an insight into engineering education in the 21st century through massive open online courses. BFM, a Malaysian radio station did a series on Think Like an Engineer on its Raise Your Game section, this series was based on the contents of the book

Massive Open Online Course

In 2013, Mushtak ran the first ever massive open online course by a Malaysian institution, Entrepreneurship on Open Learning. Since then he has run numerous online courses taken by thousands all over the world, and MOOCs have since then became a part of Malaysia's national higher education agenda, with Open Learning as its content distributor. The higher education ministry of Malaysia is currently working on the framework to accredit MOOCs.

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is the art of creating value through making the world a better place for both yourself and those who get in touch with your business activities. The basics of entrepreneurship is covered in this course.

Success: Achieving Success with Emotional Intelligence

Success and happiness are what most of us chase for most of our lifetimes. Interestingly, however, little is taught in schools about how to achieve success beyond the academic measures. Increasingly what is needed to succeed in one’s life and career goes beyond the academic achievements. For example, beyond the entry threshold of the required skills and IQs for a given job, emotional intelligence is found to be responsible for 80% of the success of individuals. Employers are seeking individuals who are self-aware and able to manage themselves and their relationships with others. This is seldom taught at schools and individuals are not even aware of thisfact. This course offers an opportunity to work in a structured manner to define, discover and achieve success in a fun way working together with other students.

Global Entrepreneurship

This course is the second iteration of Entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is a way of thinking and a frame of mind that can be learnt and cultivated. It is not only about making money but more about making a difference and transforming the world. Global Entrepreneurship, is a collaborative course between Taylor's University, Open Learning and Pozible. The course aims at unleashing the potential of everyone participating. Students will be working on real entrepreneurial projects, in teams of students from other parts of the world. Students used crowd funding techniques to realise projects that will have a global positive impact.

Awards and Honours

Throughout his career, Mushtak has received numerous accolades and honours.

Group CEO Award for the Category of Distinguished Contributor. Taylor’s University. 2015.

Visiting Professor. University of Birmingham (UK). 2014–2017.

Bronze Medal. Malaysian Technology Expo 2012. 16–18 February. "Mind-Controlled Wheelchair".

Bronze Medal. Malaysian Technology Expo 2012. 16–18 February. "Invisible Screen".

Opal Award for Excellence in Engagement. For the organisation of IETEC Conference. Central Queensland University, Australia. 4 Nov 2011.

Gold Medal. Malaysian Technology Expo 2011. 17–19 February. "Inexpensive 3.5 liters Bioreactor".

Bronze Medal. Malaysian Technology Expo 2011. 17–19 February. "Indigenous Tobacco Mosaic Virus Flow Visualisation".

Best Paper Award. International Engineering and Technology Education Conference 2011. 16–19 January.

Honorary Research Fellow. Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Sheffield, UK. January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2011

Chairman’s Award for Excellence. Taylor’s University College, Malaysia. October 17, 2008

Honorary Research Fellow. Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Birmingham, UK. March 1, 2008 to February 28, 2011

Best Poster Award. 21st Symposium of Malaysian Chemical Engineers, Malaysia. December 14, 2007. “Flow Past A Square Cylinder”

Honorary Lecturer. College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK. September 1, 2005 – August 31, 2010

Winner of Support for Young Scientist Award. First Asian Pacific Conference on Biomechanics, Osaka, Japan. March 28, 2004. “An Experimental Study of the Flow in an Idealized Human Cystic Duct”

University of Sheffield PhD Scholarship. August 2002 to July 2008

Published Papers

Mushtak has published numerous papers in the area of engineering education, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and biomedical engineering.

1. Al-Atabi, M.T. and DeBoer, J. 2014 “Teaching Entrepreneurship using Massive Open Online Course (MOOC).” Technovation. Vol. 34, No. 4, pp. 261–264.
2. Applasamy, V., Gamboa, R.A., Al-Atabi, M.T. and Namasivayam, S. 2014. “Measuring Happiness in Academic Environment: A Case Study of the School of Engineering at Taylor's University (Malaysia)” Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, Vol. 123, pp. 106–112.
3. Aravind, C. V., Al-Atabi, M.T., Ravishankar, J., Malik, A., Arkar, and Ambikairajah, E. 2013. “Eco-tourism and Energy Demand Requirements: A Global Perspective.” Journal of Engineering Science and Technology. Vol. 8, No. 6, pp. 654 – 669.
4. Al-Atabi, M.T., Shamel, M.M., Chung, E.C.Y., Padmesh, T.N.P, and Al-Obaidi, A. 2013. “The Use of Industrial Visits to Enhance Learning At Engineering Courses.” Journal of Engineering Science and Technology. Vol. 8, Special issue on Engineering Education, pp. 1– 7.
5. Al-Atabi, M.T., Chung, E.C.Y., Namasivayam, S., Al-Obaidi, and A., Shamel, M.M. 2013. “A Blueprint For An Integrated Project Based Learning Framework In Engineering Education: A Case Study at Taylor’s University.” Journal of Engineering Science and Technology. Vol. 8, Special issue on Engineering Education, pp. 8– 18.
6. Al-Atabi, M.T., Namasivayam, S., Chong, C.H., Chong, Florence, and Hosseini, M. 2013. “A Holistic Approach To Develop Engineering Programme Outcomes: A Case Study Of Taylor’s University.” Journal of Engineering Science and Technology. Vol. 8, Special issue on Engineering Education, pp. 19– 30.
7. Namasivayam, S. Al-Atabi, M.T., Chong, C.H., Chong, Florence, Hosseini, M., Gamboa, R.A. and Sivakumar, S. 2013. “A Blueprint For Executing Continual Quality Improvement In An Engineering Undergraduates Programmes.” Journal of Engineering Science and Technology. Vol. 8, Special issue on Engineering Education, pp. 31– 37.
8. Al-Atabi, M.T., Lim X. Y., and Shamel, M. 2013. “A Blueprint For Research-Led Teaching Engineering At Schools: A Case Study of Taylor’s University.” Journal of Engineering Science and Technology. Vol. 8, Special issue on Engineering Education, pp. 38– 45.
9. Al-Atabi, M.T., Namasivayam, S. 2013. “Introducing research skill through the use of scientific method in engineering labs.” Journal of Engineering Science and Technology. Vol. 8, Special issue on Engineering Education, pp. 56– 61.
10. Al-Atabi, M.T., Namasivayam, S. 2013. “Success Framework For Teaching Ergonomics To Engineering Students.” Journal of Engineering Science and Technology. Vol. 8, Special issue on Engineering Education, pp. 62– 66.
11. Al-Atabi, M.T., Tong, K.T. 2013. “A Blueprint For Implementing Grand Challenge Scholars’ Programme: A Case Study of Taylor’s University.” Journal of Engineering Science and Technology. Vol. 8, Special issue on Engineering Education, pp. 80-86.
12. Shamel, M. and Al-Atabi, M.T. 2013. “Multidisciplinary Projects For Second Year Chemical And Mechanical Engineering Students.” Journal of Engineering Science and Technology. Vol. 8, Special issue on Engineering Education, pp. 87–92.
13. Chew, M.K., Ooi, F.L. Al-Atabi, M.T. and Namasivayam, S. 2013. “Innovative Teaching And Learning Tools For Foundation In Engineering Education.” Journal of Engineering Science and Technology. Vol. 8, Special issue on Engineering Education, pp. 93–104.
14. Al-Atabi, M.T., Ooi, R.C., Luo, X.Y., Bird, N. and Chin, S.B. 2012. “Computational Analysis of the Flow of Bile in Human Cystic Duct.” Journal of Medical Engineering Physics. Vol. 34, No. 8, pp. 1177–1183. DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2011.12.006.
15. Al-Atabi, M.T., Espino, D., Hukins, D. and Buchan, K. 2012. “Biomechanical Assessment of Surgical Repair of the Mitral Valve”. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part H, Journal of Engineering in Medicine. Vol. 226, No. 4, April 2012 pp. 275 – 287.
16. Al-Atabi, M.T., 2011. “Experimental Investigation of the Use of Synthetic Jets for Mixing in Vessels”. Journal of Fluids Engineering. Vol. 133, Issue 9, doi:10.1115/1.4004941.
17. Shah, Q.H., Mujahid, M., Al-Atabi, M.T., and Abakr, Y.A. 2011. “Load Carrying Capability of Liquid Filled Cylindrical Shell Structures under Axial Compression”. Journal of Engineering Science and Technology. Vol. 6, No. 4, pp. 516– 529.
18. Abakr, Y.A., Al-Atabi, M.T., and Baiman, Chen. 2011. “The Influence of Wave Patterns and Frequency on Thermo-Acoustic Cooling Effect” Journal of Engineering Science and Technology. Vol. 6, No. 3, pp. 392– 396.
19. Al-Atabi, M.T., and Mahdi, A.S. 2011. “CDIO Curriculum for Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Course”. Journal of Engineering Science and Technology. Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 251– 259.
20. Lad, N., Aroussi, A., Adebayo, D. and Al-Atabi, M.T. 2011. “Characterisation of Multiphase Fluid-Structure Interaction Using Non-Intrusive Optical Techniques”. Journal of Engineering Science and Technology. Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 131– 145.
21. Al-Atabi, M.T. 2011. “Design and Assessment of a Novel Static Mixer”. Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering. Vol. 89, No. 3, pp. 550– 554. DOI: 10.1002/cjce.20412
22. Aroussi, A., Lad, N., Muhamad Said, M.F., Adebayo, D., and Al-Atabi, M.T. 2010. “Analysis of the Interactivity of A Cold Atomised Spray Flow with A Convex Obstacle”. Journal of Engineering Science and Technology. Vol. 5, No. 3, pp. 361– 372.
23. Al-Atabi, M.T., Chin, S.B., and Luo, X.Y. 2010. “Experimental Investigation of the Flow of Bile in Patient Specific Cystic Duct Models”. ASME Journal of Biomechanical Engineering. Vol. 132, No 4.
24. Al-Atabi, M.T., Espino, D. and Hukins, D. 2010. “Computer and Experimental Modelling of Blood Flow through the Mitral Valve of the Heart”. JSME Journal of Biomechanical Science and Engineering. Vol. 5, No 1, pp. 78–84.
25. Mahdi, A.S. and Al-Atabi, M.T. 2008. “Effect of Body Shape on the Aerodynamics of Projectiles at Supersonic Speeds”. Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (JESTEC). Vol. 3, No 3, pp. 278–292.
26. Al-Atabi, M.T., Chin, S.B., Luo, X.Y. and Beck, S.B.M. 2008. “Investigation of the Flow in a Compliant Idealised Human Cystic Duct”. Journal of Biomechanical Science and Engineering. Vol. 3, No. 3, pp. 411–418.
27. Al-Atabi, M.T. 2007. “Flow in Ducts of Polygonal Cross-Sections with Internal Corner Ribs”. International Journal of Heat Exchangers. Vol. 8, No. 2.
28. Al-Atabi, M.T. and Abakr, Y.A. 2007. “Laminar Mixing in SMX Static Mixers”. Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (JESTEC). Vol. 2, No 1, pp. 95–101.
29. Al-Atabi, M.T., Chin, S.B., Beck, S.B.M and Boucher, R.F. 2007. “From Cystic Duct to Static Mixer: A Serendipitous Journey via Flow Visualization”. Journal of Visualization (JOV). Vol. 10, No.2, pp. 141–144. (Invited paper).
30. Al-Atabi, M.T., Chin, S.B. and Luo, X.Y. 2006. “Flow in Non-Circular Ducts with Corner Ribs”. Journal of Flow Visualization and Image Processing (JFVIP). Vol. 13, No 3, pp 203– 216.
31. Al-Atabi, M.T., Chin, S.B. and Luo, X.Y. 2006. “Visualization Experiment of Flow Structures inside Two-Dimensional Human Biliary System Models”. Journal of Mechanics in Medicine and Biology (JMMB). Vol. 6, No. 3, pp 249–260.
32. Al-Atabi, M.T., Al-Zuhair, S.A., Chin, S.B. and Luo, X.Y. 2006. “Pressure Drop in Laminar and Turbulent Flows in Circular Pipe with Baffles – An Experimental and Analytical Study”. International Journal of Fluid Mechanics Research (IJFMR). Vol. 33, No. 4, pp 303–319.
33. Al-Atabi, M.T., Chin, S.B. and Luo, X.Y. 2006. “Cystic Duct Visual-Based Evaluation of Gallstones Formation Risk Factors”. Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (JESTEC). Vol. 1, No. 1, pp 1–9.
34. Al-Atabi, M.T. 2006. “Aerodynamics of Wing Tip Sails”. Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (JESTEC). Vol. 1, No.1, pp 89–98
35. Al-Atabi, M.T. 2006. “A Subsonic Jet Thrust Vector Control Using Fluidic Means”. Journal of Mechanical Engineering. Vol. 56, No. 6, pp 332– 338.
36. Al-Atabi, M.T., Chin, S.B. and Luo, X.Y. 2005. “Flow Structure in Circular Tubes with Segmental Baffles”. Journal of Flow Visualization and Image Processing (JFVIP). Vol. 12, No 3, pp 301–311.
37. Yusaf, T.F., Al-Zuhair, S.A. and Al-Atabi, M.T. 2005 “Performance of Diesel Engine Using an Emulsion of Biodiesel-Conventional Diesel Fuel”. Journal of Mechanical Engineering. Vol. 56, No. 3, pp 137–142.
38. Al-Atabi, M.T. and Asrar, W. 2005. “Fluidic Thrust Vectoring: Challenges and Opportunities”. Journal of Mechanical Engineering, Vol. 56, No. 1, pp 1–17.
39. Al-Atabi, M.T., Chin, S.B. and Luo, X.Y. 2005. “Visualization of Mixing of Flow in Circular Tubes with Segmental Baffles”. (Frontispieces). Journal of Visualization. Volume 8. No.2, pp 89.
40. Yusaf, T.F., Al-Atabi, M.T. and Buttsworth, D.R. 2003. “Small Scale Power Generation using a Dual Fuel System”. International Energy Journal. Vol. 4, No. 2, pp 129– 138.
41. Yusaf, T.F., Al-Atabi, M.T., Ali, Y. and Shamsuddin, A.H. 2001. “A Dual Fuel System (CNG-Diesel) for a Single-Cylinder, Stationary Engine Used in Power Generation”. Brunei Darussalam Journal of Technology and Commerce. Vol. 2, No.1.