Academic Staff

Nov. 16, 2025, 10:46 p.m.
Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi (PhD) The President of the University
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor in Civil and Structural Engineering

Civil Engineering
College of Engineering
University of Duhok

My academic journey began with a thirst for knowledge. I obtained my 1st M.Sc. and PhD in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), where I ventured deep into the fascinating world of concrete structures. But my curiosity didn't stop there. Recognizing the importance of effective teaching in shaping future engineers, I furthered my studies with a 2nd Master's degree in Higher Education Leadership from Kingston University, London.

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At the core of my teaching philosophy lies a commitment to fostering a deep understanding of civil engineering principles. I believe in nurturing critical thinking and problem-solving skills through an engaging and supportive learning environment.

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My goal is to:

  • Empower students to become independent learners
  • Equip them to be innovative engineers
  • Enable them to contribute meaningfully to society

Teaching History

University of Duhok (2004 - Present)

My journey as an educator began at the University of Duhok, where I've had the privilege of teaching and mentoring countless undergraduate and postgraduate students in civil engineering. My responsibilities encompass delivering lectures, conducting hands-on laboratory sessions, and supervising Master's theses. Over the years, I've actively refined and developed courses to align with industry standards and technological advancements.

Kurdistan University, Hewler (Spring 2019)

Contributing to the academic community at Kurdistan University, Hewler, broadened my teaching perspectives. I had the opportunity to instruct courses in the Department of Civil Engineering, further enriching my teaching methodologies.

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Beyond the Classroom: My Commitment to Community Engagement

My dedication to civil engineering and education extends far beyond the walls of academia. I firmly believe that universities have a vital responsibility to serve and uplift their communities. Throughout my career, I've actively sought opportunities to connect with the public, collaborate with local organizations, and contribute to the betterment of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Alignment with University Values:

The University of Duhok strives to be a leading institution that fosters social responsibility and active citizenship. My extracurricular activities directly align with these values by promoting collaboration, knowledge sharing, and community-driven solutions.

Serving Society through Strategic Planning:

As the former president of the University of Duhok, I played a key role in developing strategic plans that prioritize community engagement. These plans encourage collaboration with local municipalities, NGOs, and businesses to address critical regional challenges.

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Research

I am a dedicated scholar with an extensive background in civil engineering and higher education leadership. My academic journey includes a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering (awarded in 1992) and a PhD in Concrete Mechanics (awarded in 2003), both from NTNU, Norway. In addition, I earned a second Master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership from Kingston University, London, UK, in 2018. 

Doctoral Research and Beyond

My doctoral research, titled "Tensile and Compressive Creep of Young Concrete: Testing and Modelling," has significantly contributed to the understanding of early age tensile and compressive creep in concrete. This work has provided valuable insights and methodologies that are essential for stress simulation in early age concrete.

Exploring Diverse Areas

Beyond my focus on concrete mechanics, I have also delved into various aspects of higher education, particularly in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. My research on the quality of higher education in this region examines critical dimensions such as teaching, leadership, facilities, funding, and employability. This work aims to shed light on the challenges and opportunities within the higher education sector, fostering improvements and strategic developments.

  1. 2018 - "The Quality of Higher Education in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq", British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies , UK. - 2016 - “Economical and Structural Feasibility of Concrete Cellular and Solid Blocks in Kurdistan Region”. Paper, ARO - The Scientific Journal of Koya University. 
  2. 2012 - "Building International Faculty-Development Collaborations: The Evolving Role of American Teaching Centres", in collaboration with Michigan state University. Paper, the Magazine of Higher Learning; V44, Nr3, P24-33, USA. 
  3. 2011 - "Between Two Societies; Review of the Information, Return and Reintegration of Iraqi Nationals to Iraq (IRRINI) programme", Translated to Kurdish in 2012. CIM Report; R2011-4, Norway. 
  4. 2005 - “Comparison Between Creep in Tension and Compression at Early Age High Performance Concrete”, 7th International Conference on Concrete. Paper, France. 
  5. 2003 - ” Tensile and Compressive Creep at Early Age Concrete; Testing and Modelling”; PhD thesis; Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Norway. -
  6. 2003 - “Stress Development and Cracking Tendency in Hardening Concrete: Test Methods at NTNU”. SINTEF report STF22 A03607, Norway. 
  7. 2001 - ” Creep Deformations Due to Self-induced Stresses in Hardening Concrete, Effect of Temperature”, 6th International Conference on Concrete. Paper, MIT, Cambridge, USA. 
  8. 2000 - “Tensile Creep of Young High Performance Concrete”, International PhD Symposium. Paper, Austria.

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I am always open to collaborative research and welcome opportunities to work with scholars and professionals from around the world. My research interests span both technical and educational fields, and I am eager to engage in projects that address critical issues in higher education and concrete mechanics.

For a detailed view of my educational background, research interests, and a complete list of my publications, please refer to my Google Scholar profile.

This webpage is part of my Academic Digital Portfolio (ADP), providing information about my publications and ongoing research efforts. For more detailed information about my work or to discuss potential collaborations, please feel free to contact me.

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC)

KEYWORDS: Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC), Fiber-Reinforced Concrete, Geopolymer Concrete, Mechanical Properties of Concrete

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