Fernando Garrido de Oliveira | Environmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Civil Engineering Awards

Dr. Fernando Garrido de Oliveira | Environmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | Federal University of Paraná | Brazil

Dr. Fernando Garrido de Oliveira’s research experience centers on environmental engineering, biotechnology, and ecology, with a strong focus on projects related to water quality monitoring, environmental risk assessment, and ecosystem sustainability. His professional journey demonstrates a clear trajectory toward the integration of applied research and environmental management. At the Federal University of Paraná, he has been engaged in projects emphasizing the monitoring and biomonitoring of freshwater resources, applying limnological and toxicological analyses to assess water quality and ecological impacts. His work combines laboratory experimentation and field analysis, contributing to improved methodologies in environmental monitoring. Previous roles at C.Vale Cooperativa Agroindustrial further strengthened his expertise in quality management systems, internal auditing, and environmental process control—skills that complement his scientific research by ensuring rigorous standards and compliance with environmental regulations. His collaborations with institutions such as ARDEFA and FAMAB provided hands-on experience in waste management, agrochemical packaging control, and the implementation of sustainability protocols in industrial and agricultural contexts. His research interests encompass environmental toxicology, bioprocess technology, sustainable water management, and the development of integrated environmental monitoring systems using biotechnology tools. He also exhibits a strong command of risk management, biosafety, and environmental auditing based on ISO 14001:2015 frameworks, as evidenced by his multiple certifications. With advanced skills in statistics, QGIS, and environmental modeling, Fernando effectively bridges theoretical knowledge with applied solutions for ecosystem conservation and industrial environmental performance. His multidisciplinary approach positions him to contribute meaningfully to innovative projects addressing global sustainability challenges through the synergy of ecological science, biotechnology, and environmental engineering.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID
Featured Publications:
  • Environmental assessment of three southern Brazilian rivers using an integrated biomarker response index in Hypostomus ancistroides applied to GIS. Environmental Research.

Saad A. Aljlil | Water and Wastewater Treatment | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Civil Engineering Awards

Prof. Saad A. Aljlil | Water and Wastewater Treatment | Best Researcher Award

Chief researcher | King Abdullaziz City for Science and Technology | Saudi Arabia

Prof. Saad A. Aljlil’s research is deeply rooted in sustainability and environmental innovation, focusing on advanced technologies for water treatment, desalination, and resource recovery. His extensive experience at the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) includes managing multidisciplinary projects in membrane technology, renewable energy integration, and environmental remediation. Dr. Aljlil has led and contributed to numerous funded projects on polymer and ceramic membrane development, hybrid ion exchange-nanofiltration systems, and adsorption technologies for removing heavy metals and dyes from wastewater. His work on solar desalination, greywater treatment, and lithium extraction from desalination brines demonstrates his commitment to addressing global water and energy challenges through green technologies. He has developed patented innovations in desalination and wastewater purification, particularly focusing on adsorbent synthesis from natural and waste materials to promote circular economy practices. His collaboration with national and international research centers has resulted in high-impact publications and novel applications such as smart water networks, ceramic membrane distillation, and AI-assisted sustainable filtration systems. As Editor-in-Chief of Applied Water Science and a board member in energy and water sustainability programs, he has contributed significantly to advancing environmental policy and technological foresight. His research interests also extend to nanotechnology applications, including the study of nanoplastics' environmental impacts and the integration of metal-organic frameworks in water purification. Through his visionary approach and applied research leadership, Dr. Aljlil has strengthened Saudi Arabia’s role in global sustainability initiatives like the Saudi Green Initiative, emphasizing eco-innovation, renewable resource utilization, and efficient water management systems. His work exemplifies the fusion of scientific excellence with environmental stewardship, creating pathways for sustainable water and energy solutions in future smart cities.

Profile: Scopus
Featured Publications:

  • Synthesis, cytotoxicity, molecular docking, DFT analysis and ADMET studies of imidazo[1,2-b][1,2,4]triazine based pyrimidine derivatives as PI3Kα selective inhibitors. Journal of Molecular Structure.

  • Antibiotic removal from wastewater via ceramic membrane distillation: Toward clean water and antimicrobial resistance mitigation aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Indonesian Journal of Science and Technology.

  • Biomass-engineered rGO coupled with ytterbium doped cobalt pyrovanadate: A sustainable electrode material for supercapacitor and OER activity. Diamond and Related Materials.

  • Upcycling waste plastics into rGO-Yb@NiFe₂O₄ hybrid electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors and hydrogen evolution. Diamond and Related Materials.

Sunkwon Yoon | Water Resources Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Civil Engineering Awards

Dr. Sunkwon Yoon | Water Resources Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Research Fellow | The Seoul Institute | South Korea

Dr. Sunkwon Yoon’s research career demonstrates extensive contributions to hydrology, climate science, and urban water management, with a focus on developing adaptive technologies to mitigate the impacts of climate change. His research projects span smart water management systems, integrated flood risk assessment, and the design of resilient urban hydrologic infrastructures. As a principal investigator at the APEC Climate Center, he led international projects such as the development of smart water management solutions for the Kingdom of Tonga, integrating climate information to address water scarcity, and predictive systems for mud and debris flow considering urban characteristics. His work also includes advanced modeling techniques for flood forecasting, drought assessment, and inland-river systems management, emphasizing the application of stochastic and statistical hydrology to real-world problems. At the Seoul Institute of Technology and earlier at KAIST, his research explored risk-based water management, green growth initiatives, and climate-resilient urban development. His primary research interests include urban hydrology, smart water technology, flood and drought frequency analysis, and hydrometeorological variability linked to global climate phenomena such as ENSO and the Indian Ocean Dipole. Dr. Yoon’s studies have contributed significantly to improving prediction accuracy for extreme weather events, enhancing water security, and formulating sustainable water policies for urban resilience. Through collaborative efforts across government and international organizations, his experience bridges scientific modeling and policy-driven decision-making for disaster risk reduction. His ongoing focus on integrating hydrologic modeling with data-driven approaches reflects a commitment to advancing sustainable and adaptive water resource management under the evolving challenges of climate variability.

Profile: Google Scholar
Featured Publications:

  • Kim, J. P., Jung, I. W., Park, K. W., Yoon, S. K., & Lee, D. (2016). Hydrological utility and uncertainty of multi-satellite precipitation products in the mountainous region of South Korea. Remote Sensing, 8(7), 608.

  • Kim, J. S., Jain, S., & Yoon, S. K. (2012). Warm season streamflow variability in the Korean Han River Basin: Links with atmospheric teleconnections. International Journal of Climatology, 32(4), 635–640.

  • Moon, H., Yoon, S., & Moon, Y. (2023). Urban flood forecasting using a hybrid modeling approach based on a deep learning technique. Journal of Hydroinformatics, 25(2), 593–610.

  • Lee, T., Ouarda, T. B. M. J., & Yoon, S. (2017). KNN-based local linear regression for the analysis and simulation of low flow extremes under climatic influence. Climate Dynamics, 49(9), 3493–3511.

  • Yoon, S. K., Kim, J. S., & Moon, Y. I. (2014). Integrated flood risk analysis in a changing climate: A case study from the Korean Han River Basin. KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering, 18(5), 1563–1571.

Lutfar Rana | Building Materials | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Civil Engineering Awards

Mr. Lutfar Rana | Building Materials | Best Researcher Award

Asst.Prof | Bangladesh Army International University of science and Technology | Bangladesh

Md. Lutfar Rahman Talukder Rana has established a growing research portfolio in Civil and Structural Engineering, focusing primarily on sustainable materials, structural resilience, and innovative concrete technologies. His professional journey as an Assistant Professor and former Head of Department reflects his expertise in managing academic and research initiatives while guiding engineering projects with real-world impact. His research projects revolve around recycled materials in construction, particularly examining the fresh and mechanical properties of concrete incorporating recycled waste glass and brick aggregates. He has contributed to high-impact Q1 journals such as Journal of Building Engineering and Construction & Building Materials, with notable studies addressing the behavior of recycled concrete, fire-damaged reinforced columns, and ferrocement strengthening techniques. Rana has also participated in international conferences, presenting work on sustainable development within civil engineering, demonstrating a consistent commitment to environmental consciousness in infrastructure development. His professional experience extends to organizing seminars like “Seismic Detailing of Reinforced Concrete Structures,” emphasizing his engagement in knowledge dissemination and technical skill development. His research interest lies in developing eco-friendly, high-performance building materials, structural retrofitting, and seismic design strategies that enhance durability and sustainability. His collaborative work with experts from BUET and MIST further supports his interdisciplinary approach and pursuit of innovation. With growing recognition, as indicated by his ResearchGate citation count (45) and continued publication in reputed outlets, Rana is contributing meaningfully to the advancement of structural and materials engineering. His future endeavors aim to optimize the integration of recycled components in concrete and explore advanced composite materials to meet global sustainability goals in the construction industry.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications:
Effect of waste glass on the flexural response of reinforced concrete beams containing recycled brick aggregate. Cleaner Materials.

Loannis Christodoulou | Materials Science and Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Civil Engineering Awards

Mr. Loannis Christodoulou | Materials Science and Engineering | Best Researcher Award

PhD Candidate | National Technical University of Athens | Greece

Mr. Ioannis Christodoulou’s research activities encompass advanced studies in manufacturing technologies, additive manufacturing, and the mechanical behavior of composite materials. His current work as a researcher in the national AMOS Project focuses on the development and experimental evaluation of auxetic lattice structures designed for biomedical implants, emphasizing mechanical adaptability and biocompatibility. He has significant project experience in the modeling and optimization of high-deposition-rate 3D printing processes for amorphous materials, supported by competitive research funding. His applied engineering expertise extends to projects such as digitalizing hospital operation rooms, developing smart urban infrastructure like automated VR benches, and designing precision mechanical systems such as fabric tape winding mechanisms. His research interests lie in additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping, finite element analysis, and mechanical design automation. Christodoulou has contributed to multiple peer-reviewed publications on Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), exploring surface roughness, geometrical accuracy, and mechanical properties of composite filaments like Nylon-Carbon Fiber and ABS-Kevlar. His investigations integrate experimental work with computational modeling, reflecting a strong commitment to improving the efficiency and performance of 3D printing systems. In parallel, his professional experience includes roles in mechanical design and optimization across industries such as interior engineering and elevator manufacturing, where he implemented CAD-based automation to enhance production workflows. He has presented his findings at numerous international conferences and has been recognized with distinctions including first place in the NASA Space Apps Challenge and the NTUA Student Innovative Paper Award. His continuing research aims to expand the practical capabilities of additive manufacturing for industrial and medical applications, promoting sustainable innovation and precision in material processing and design engineering.

Profile: Google Scholar
Featured Publications:

  • Alexopoulou, V. E., Christodoulou, I. T., & Markopoulos, A. P. (2022). Effect of printing speed and layer height on geometrical accuracy of FDM-printed resolution holes of PETG artifacts. Engineering Proceedings, 24(1), 11.

  • Christodoulou, I. T., Alexopoulou, V. E., Karkalos, N. E., Papazoglou, E. L., & Markopoulos, A. P. (2022). On the surface roughness of 3D printed parts with FDM by a low-budget commercial printer. Cutting & Tools in Technological System, 52–64.

  • Christodoulou, I. T., Alexopoulou, V. E., & Markopoulos, A. P. (2024). An experimental investigation of the mechanical properties of fused filament fabricated nylon-carbon fiber composites. Cutting & Tools in Technological System, 148–167.

  • Alexopoulou, V. E., Christodoulou, I. T., & Markopoulos, A. P. (2024). Investigation of printing speed impact on the printing accuracy of fused filament fabrication (FFF) ABS artefacts. Manufacturing Technology, 24, 333–337.

  • Christodoulou, I., Alexopoulou, V., & Markopoulos, A. P. (2023). Study and development of a high-speed fused filament fabrication 3D printer. In 2023 8th South-East Europe Design Automation, Computer Engineering, Computer Applications Conference (SEE-Conference).

Su Li | Sustainable Development | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Civil Engineering Awards

Prof. Su Li | Sustainable Development | Best Researcher Award

Professor | Northeastern University | China

Prof. Su Li, an accomplished Associate Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at the Institute of Advanced Optoelectronic Functional Materials and Devices, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao, is recognized for her pioneering contributions to intelligent optoelectronic materials and self-powered sensing technologies. She earned her Ph.D. in Materials Physics and Chemistry from Sun Yat-sen University and her B.Sc. in Applied Chemistry from Guizhou University. Dr. Li’s research focuses on novel optoelectronic functional materials and devices, intelligent sensing and detection, and information fusion and system integration methods. Her innovative work in triboelectrification-induced electroluminescence has led to the development of high-performance, miniaturized, and energy-efficient optoelectronic systems with broad applications in artificial perception, human–machine interaction, and environmental monitoring. As first or corresponding author, she has published over 30 high-impact papers in top-tier international journals, including Science Advances, Advanced Functional Materials, Nano Energy, and ACS Nano, and her research is widely cited within the materials science and nanotechnology communities. She holds more than 20 patents and software copyrights, underscoring her commitment to technological innovation and societal impact. Dr. Li has delivered over 10 invited talks at domestic and international conferences and has successfully led multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) projects, including both general and youth programs, focusing on next-generation self-powered and visual sensing systems. Her interdisciplinary collaborations with leading scientists such as Zhong Lin Wang and Yunlong Zi have advanced global progress in mechanical–optical–electrical energy conversion and multimodal sensing integration. As a Senior Member of the Chinese Association of Automation and an active member of several national scientific societies, Dr. Su Li continues to bridge scientific excellence and real-world application, contributing to the advancement of sustainable, intelligent, and high-efficiency optoelectronic technologies.

Profile: Scopus
Featured Publications:

  • Spiral electrodes-enhanced triboelectrification-induced electroluminescence in nanocellulose composites for self-powered visualized acoustic sensing. Polymer Composites.

  • Photonic film based on triboelectrification-induced electroluminescence for self-powered visualization and handwriting recognition.

  • High-brightness and high-resolution triboelectrification-induced electroluminescence skin for photonic imaging and information interaction. Advanced Functional Materials.

Li Su pioneering research in triboelectrification-induced electroluminescence has advanced the development of self-powered photonic and sensing materials, enabling innovative applications in intelligent wearables, visualized sensing, and interactive technologies. Her work bridges materials science and sustainable energy, driving global innovation toward smarter, energy-efficient devices that enhance human–machine interaction and environmental monitoring.

Lai Feng | Materials Science and Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Civil Engineering Awards

Prof. Lai Feng | Materials Science and Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Soochow University | China

Prof. Lai Feng is a distinguished Professor at the Soochow Institute for Energy and Materials Innovations (SIEMIS), College of Energy, Soochow University, China. He obtained his Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from Peking University (2003) and both M.S. and B.S. degrees in Fine Chemical Engineering from Dalian University of Technology. His professional journey includes esteemed international research appointments, notably as a Senior Researcher at the University of Tsukuba, Japan (2008–2012), a Humboldt Fellow at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany (2006–2007), and a JSPS Fellow at Tsukuba University (2003–2005). Prof. Feng’s research spans across electrocatalytic synthesis of clean fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia, development of all-inorganic perovskite solar cells, and the design of fullerene-based carbon materials. His pioneering work has significantly advanced the understanding of catalytic mechanisms and energy conversion processes at the nanoscale, contributing to sustainable energy technologies. He has authored numerous high-impact publications in journals such as Nature Communications, Advanced Functional Materials, and Accounts of Chemical Research, with his research garnering substantial citations and global recognition. His recent studies on multifunctional nanostructured catalysts have opened new pathways for efficient hydrogen evolution and carbon-neutral energy applications. Prof. Feng actively collaborates with international research teams from Europe, Japan, and China, fostering cross-disciplinary innovation in materials chemistry and renewable energy. His contributions have had notable societal impact by promoting green chemical synthesis and sustainable energy systems, aligning with global efforts toward carbon neutrality. With his continuous commitment to excellence in scientific inquiry and international collaboration, Prof. Lai Feng stands as a leading figure in the field of energy materials and catalysis research, advancing both academic knowledge and technological progress for a sustainable future.

Profile: ORCID
Featured Publications:

Elijah Kusi | Green Building Design | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Civil Engineering Awards

Dr. Elijah Kusi | Green Building Design | Best Researcher Award

lecturer | The Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development | Ghana

Dr. Elijah Kusi is an emerging academic and researcher specializing in Construction Technology, Architectural Engineering, and Sustainable Building Design, with strong expertise in energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and natural ventilation in buildings. He currently serves as a Lecturer at the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), Ghana, where he teaches a broad range of courses including Building Science, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Building Materials, and Sustainable Construction. His academic qualifications include a B.Sc. in Architecture from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, an M.Phil. in Construction Technology from the University of Education, Winneba, and a Ph.D. in Construction Technology (ongoing) at AAMUSTED. His ongoing doctoral research investigates indoor thermal comfort in naturally ventilated university classrooms, contributing valuable insights into climate-responsive and energy-efficient educational infrastructure. Dr. Kusi has authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications in reputable international journals, including the International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, Cogent Engineering, and the Journal of Construction Project Management and Innovation. His scholarly works explore diverse themes such as green building technologies, energy consumption modeling, project management, and e-procurement in construction. He has actively presented research at international conferences, earning Best Poster Presentation Awards at the CIB W123 and W099 Conference (2024) and the AAMUSTED Postgraduate Research Conference (2024). A member of professional and academic bodies such as the Institution of Engineering and Technology (Ghana), Ghana Science Association, and the Society of Building Science Educators (USA), Dr. Kusi’s collaborative and interdisciplinary research aims to advance sustainable construction practices in Ghana and globally. His work has significantly contributed to the promotion of green architecture, resource efficiency, and knowledge management within the construction industry, fostering innovation aligned with global sustainability goals.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID
Featured Publications

  • Energy consumption and carbon emission of conventional and green buildings using building information modelling (BIM). (2025). International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation. 16 Citations.

Yunus Gündüz | Biocomposite Materials | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Civil Engineering Awards

Yunus Gündüz | Biocomposite Materials | Best Researcher Award

Research Assistant | Yozgat Bozok University | Turkey

Yunus Gündüz is an emerging researcher whose academic contributions reflect a focused engagement in contemporary scientific domains, emphasizing innovation, applied research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. His research activity demonstrates a growing influence within his specialized field, contributing to the advancement of both theoretical understanding and practical applications. The publication record attributed to him includes several peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers that collectively showcase his analytical capability and commitment to addressing real-world challenges through rigorous methodologies. His work has been cited 37 times in total, with 35 citations received since 2020, indicating a consistent and upward trend in scholarly recognition. According to citation metrics, Yunus Gündüz holds an h-index of 4 (3 since 2020) and an i10-index of 1 (1 since 2020), highlighting the academic impact and visibility of his contributions in the research community. His collaborations with diverse academic and professional partners have enriched the cross-disciplinary relevance of his studies, leading to outcomes with notable societal and technological implications. Through his sustained research efforts, Yunus Gündüz continues to strengthen the connection between scientific inquiry and societal benefit, contributing to the global pursuit of knowledge and innovation.

Profile: Google Scholar
Featured Publications:

  • Gündüz, Y., Taşkan, E., & Şahin, Y. (2016). Using hooked-end fibres on high performance steel fibre reinforced concrete. High Perform. Optim. Des. Struct. Mater. II, 1, 265–276.

  • Şahin, Y., & Gündüz, Y. (2024). PCMs with perlite aggregate for snow melting applications. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, 62, 103617.

  • Gündüz, Y. (2015). Çelik tel donatılı betonlarda kırılma parametrelerinin yapay sinir ağları ile modellenmesi. Yüksek lisans tezi, Yozgat Bozok Üniversitesi.

  • Gündüz, Y., & Şahin, Y. (2021). Relation of the thermal conductivity and the electrical resistivity to the unit weight of hemp based composites. International Journal of Thermophysics, 42(7), 103.

  • Ozel, B. F., Sakallı, Ş., Gündüz, Y., & Şahin, Y. (2025). Freeze–thaw resistance of pervious concrete produced with different aggregates and fibres. Road Materials and Pavement Design, 26(8), 1951–1973.

Rehab F. Abdel-Kader | Smart Transportation Systems | Women Researcher Award

Posted on by Civil Engineering Awards

Prof. Rehab F. Abdel-Kader | Smart Transportation Systems | Women Researcher Award

Chair of Graduate Studies and Research | ElSewedy university of technology | Egypt

Prof. Rehab F. Abdel-Kader is a distinguished Professor of Computer Engineering and Chair of Graduate Studies and Research at ElSewedy University of Technology, Cairo, Egypt. Her academic journey spans Auburn University, Tuskegee University, and Suez-Canal University, culminating in a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering (2003). With more than two decades of research and teaching experience, her expertise encompasses artificial intelligence, image processing, computer vision, big data analytics, and intelligent optimization algorithms. Prof. Abdel-Kader has authored and co-authored over 70 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact international journals and conferences, contributing significantly to areas such as deep learning-based image analysis, optimization for IoT and cloud-fog systems, and AI-driven smart infrastructure. Her scholarly impact is reflected in Cited by: All 1077, Since 2020 524, h-index 18 (12 since 2020), and i10-index 22 (15 since 2020). She has served as Principal Investigator for major funded projects, including the Science and Technology Development Fund (STDF) grant for “AI End-to-End Multi-Sensor Pavement Distress Detection” and collaborative initiatives with Microsoft and Nile University on intelligent systems for real-time environmental and urban management. Her academic influence extends globally through editorial roles in engineering journals, Springer book editorships, and conference leadership such as the International Conference on Advanced Machine Learning and Technologies and Applications (AMLTA) and Engineering Solutions Toward Sustainable Development (ESSD). Prof. Abdel-Kader’s mentorship of numerous Ph.D. and M.Sc. students has advanced applied AI research in Egypt and beyond. Her work bridges academia, industry, and policy, fostering sustainable technological innovation and contributing to the digital transformation of engineering education and infrastructure systems.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID
Featured Publications:

  • Ramadan, R. M., & Abdel-Kader, R. F. (2009). Face recognition using particle swarm optimization-based selected features. International Journal of Signal Processing, Image Processing and Pattern Recognition.

  • Abdel-Kader, R. F. (2010). Genetically improved PSO algorithm for efficient data clustering. 2010 Second International Conference on Machine Learning and Computing, 71–75.

  • Abdel-Kader, R. F. (2011). Hybrid discrete PSO with GA operators for efficient QoS-multicast routing. Ain Shams Engineering Journal, 2(1), 21–31.

  • Magdy, A., Hussein, H., Abdel-Kader, R. F., & Abd El Salam, K. (2023). Performance enhancement of skin cancer classification using computer vision. IEEE Access, 11, 72120–72133.

  • Moussa, A. M., & Abdel-Kader, R. F. (2011). Qasyo: A question answering system for YAGO ontology. International Journal of Database Theory and Application, 4(2), 99–112.

  • Hedeya, M. A., Eid, A. H., & Abdel-Kader, R. F. (2020). A super-learner ensemble of deep networks for vehicle-type classification. IEEE Access, 8, 98266–98280.

Rehab Abdel-Kader’s research advances artificial intelligence and computational intelligence through innovative applications of particle swarm optimization, machine learning, and deep learning. Her work has significantly contributed to enhancing pattern recognition, medical image analysis, and intelligent data processing, driving scientific progress and fostering technological innovation across healthcare, transportation, and information systems worldwide.