Elham Okhovat, Ph.D.

PhD in Computer Science | AI, ML, IoT & Smart Cities Specialist | Proven Leader in Software Engineering & Web Development
Email: eokhovat[at] uwo [dot] ca LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/elhamokhovat/ Location: Ontario, Canada

Professional Summary

Seasoned technology leader with a proven track record of driving innovation through strategic vision and cross-functional collaboration. Expertise spans software engineering, web development, machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), and smart cities, with a focus on architecting scalable solutions that deliver measurable business impact.

Holding a PhD in Computer Science from Western University, I spearheaded the development of a policy-based autonomic management system for smart cities and IoT networks, managing vast real-time data streams to optimize urban performance. This work, presented at international conferences, has advanced industry standards in sustainable infrastructure and earned recognition for its forward-thinking approach.

In roles as a founder, CEO, and research mentor, I have orchestrated high-performing teams, mentored emerging talent in advanced courses on multimedia, databases, and web technologies, and executed strategic initiatives—from e-commerce platform launches to ERP customizations—that enhanced operational efficiency and stakeholder value. I excel in dynamic settings, fostering partnerships to translate complex challenges into transformative outcomes, while championing continuous growth and ethical innovation.

Work Experience

Business Systems Developer & Analyst (Programmer/Analyst)
Western University, Canada | Mar 2025 - Present
  • Modernize and customize sales and inventory systems by working closely with stakeholders to understand business needs and translate them into ERP functionalities.
  • Lead meetings to gather requirements, define specifications, and align ERP solutions with sales and inventory workflows.
  • Customize and extend ERP modules for sales, inventory, and order management using Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and XML.
  • Ensure system reliability through testing, debugging, and DevOps-oriented development with Docker and Linux.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow (AI & Machine Learning)
Mitacs, Remote | Feb 2025 - Jun 2025
  • Conducted advanced research in AI and machine learning applications for smart systems.
  • Developed models for data analysis and predictive urban management using Python and ML frameworks.
Research Fellow
Western University, Canada | Jan 2024 - Mar 2024
  • Authored research papers on smart city management and IoT systems, contributing to advancements in autonomic and policy-based frameworks.
  • Presented scientific findings at international conferences, fostering knowledge dissemination and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Graduate Research Assistant
Western University, Canada | Sep 2018 - Dec 2023
  • Developed software for autonomic management of smart city infrastructure and IoT networks.
  • Managed large-scale real-time data and optimized performance in urban environments.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Western University, Canada | Sep 2018 - Aug 2022
  • Guided students in Multimedia and Communications, Database Management, and Web Development courses.
  • Taught skills in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, MySQL, PHP, and tools like Photoshop, WordPress, and Bootstrap.
  • Mentored through programming challenges and fostered collaborative learning.
Founder, CEO, and Full Stack Developer
Aparatech E-Commerce Assistant, Iran | Feb 2009 - Oct 2018
  • Developed and executed strategic plans leading to revenue growth and market expansion.
  • Designed and developed custom websites, e-commerce platforms, and corporate sites.
  • Managed hosting, domains, maintenance, and stakeholder relations for high client satisfaction.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Computer Science
Western University, Canada | Sep 2018 – 2023 (Grade: A)
  • Thesis: "Enhancing Urban Life: A Policy-Based Autonomic Smart City Management System for Efficient, Sustainable, and Self-Adaptive Urban Environments."
  • Key Skills: Smart City Technologies, Internet of Things (IoT), Software Engineering, Policy Based Management, Autonomic Systems, Technical Writing, Distributed Systems.
Master’s Degree, Software Design and Development
Shiraz University, Iran | Sep 2012 – Jun 2015 (Grade: Top 10% of class | Research-Based)
  • Recognized as Elite Student in Master Degree.
  • Key Skills: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Crisis Management, Game Theory, Presentation Skills, Distributed Systems.

Technical Skills

Docker Python Artificial Intelligence(AI) Machine Learning(ML) Data Analysis Java JavaScript IT Consulting Linux HTML CSS PHP MySQL PostgreSQL SQLite AWS Microsoft Azure Machine Learning IoT Smart Cities RESTful APIs Research Git XML JSON Security Odoo ERP Agile Methodologies UI/UX Design Virtualization CCNA MCSA Online Marketing

Soft Skills

Leadership Strategic Planning Communication Problem Solving Project Management Decision Making Teamwork Adaptability Time Management Critical Thinking Creativity Attention to Detail

Projects

Financial Portfolio Management System
Jul 2024 – Aug 2024
  • Features: User authentication, real-time stock data, portfolio visualization, dashboard, mobile responsiveness, basic stock analysis.
  • Technologies: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, API integration.
Policy-Based Autonomic Smart City Management System
Aug 2023 – Dec 2023 (Associated with Western University)
  • A policy-driven system for autonomous monitoring and management of smart city IoT infrastructure.
  • Technologies: APIs, JSON, JavaScript, Network, Distributed systems.

Certifications

Publications

A Policy-Based Autonomic Management System for Smart Cities Leveraging Off-The-Shelf Platforms
Springer Nature, Nov 2024

Introduces a policy-based system for real-time management of urban IoT environments using MAPE-K framework.

Towards Enhanced Urban Management: Introducing A Model for Autonomic Smart City Management
IEEE Computer Society, Jun 2024

Proposes a model for autonomic management integrating IoT platforms for urban efficiency and sustainability.

Volunteering & Leadership

Languages