Zahra Samadikhoshkho
Zahra Samadikhoshkho is a skilled researcher with expertise in Mechatronics, Robotics, Autonomous Systems, Dynamic Modeling, Trajectory Planning, Control Systems, Learning-based Intelligent Systems, Aerospace Systems, and Visual Servoing. After earning her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Toronto Metropolitan University in June 2021, she has been working as a postdoctoral fellow and later as a sessional instructor at the University of Alberta.
Zahra's Ph.D. study focused on the Modeling and Control of aerial manipulation systems, including conventional rigid and innovative continuum aerial manipulators. She developed novel hierarchical control methods, vision-based control algorithms, and control techniques tailored for aerial manipulation systems. Zahra made extended contributions to decoupled and coupled dynamic modeling, adaptive sliding mode control, and the design of learning-based and force controllers for these complex systems.
Zahra continued her multidisciplinary research as a postdoc by studying the development of dynamic models, trajectory planning, and control systems for aerial manipulation systems employed in vegetation sampling. She expanded her horizons by investigating the practical applications of robotics and automation in vertical farming, marine plastic pollution management, and coral reef monitoring.
In addition to being a devoted researcher, Zahra is also an active member of the academic community, providing advice and mentorship to students through associations and organizations like Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science, and Technology (WISEST) and AlbertaSat.
Zahra’s commitment to excellence has earned her numerous awards and honors, including the Ontario Trillium Scholarship and research excellence award during her Ph.D. studies as well as the Best MSc Thesis Award. Her contributions to robotics, and related areas continue to promote innovation and advancement.