Fuat Aras | Structural Engineering | Research Excellence in Civil and Environmental Engineering Award

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Prof. Fuat Aras | Structural Engineering | Research Excellence in Civil and Environmental Engineering Award

Istanbul Medeniyet University | Turkey

Prof. Fuat Aras is a distinguished civil engineer whose academic and research trajectory demonstrates substantial contributions to structural dynamics, earthquake engineering, and the protection of historical and modern infrastructures. With extensive experience as Professor in the Civil Engineering Department at Istanbul Medeniyet University, he has built a strong research portfolio grounded in experimental and numerical analyses of reinforced concrete and masonry structures, dynamic characterization, structural health monitoring, and seismic retrofitting. His scholarly accomplishments include numerous SCI/SCIE-indexed journal publications, books, and international conference papers, reflecting a consistent commitment to advancing global knowledge in earthquake-resistant design and the preservation of cultural heritage structures. Prof. Aras has coordinated several national research projects funded by TUBITAK, focusing on innovative technologies for improving building performance, dynamic behavior evaluation, and damage assessment, while also contributing to major European Union–supported initiatives on seismic protection. He has supervised multiple graduate theses on structural monitoring, retrofitting strategies, and seismic performance, indicating strong mentorship and academic leadership. His long-standing collaborations with national and international institutions, including partnerships with researchers in Türkiye, Europe, and the United States, highlight his interdisciplinary and global impact. In addition to his research excellence, he has held key administrative roles such as department chair and vice dean, strengthening institutional development and academic governance. His body of work has supported safer community infrastructures by providing evidence-based insights into building behavior, seismic vulnerabilities, and preservation strategies, thereby contributing significantly to societal resilience. With extensive teaching experience in core structural engineering courses and expertise in advanced analytical tools, Prof. Aras continues to shape the next generation of engineers while expanding research frontiers in structural dynamics and earthquake engineering, positioning him as a highly influential figure with strong future potential for further impact in his field.

Profile: Google Scholar | ORCID
Publications

Aras, F., Krstevska, L., Altay, G., & Tashkov, L. (2011). Experimental and numerical modal analyses of a historical masonry palace. Construction and Building Materials, 25(1), 81–91.

Namli, M., & Aras, F. (2020). Investigation of effects of dynamic loads in metro tunnels during construction and operation on existing buildings. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 13(11), 424.

Aras, F., & Altay, G. (2015). Investigation of mechanical properties of masonry in historic buildings. Građevinar, 67(5),

Aras, F., & Altay, G. (2015). Seismic evaluation and structural control of the historical Beylerbeyi Palace. Structural Control and Health Monitoring, 22(2), 347–364.

Aras, F., & Düzci, E. (2018). Seismic performance of traditional stone masonry dwellings under Çanakkale seismic sequences. Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities, 32(4), 04018029.

Poloju Kiran Kumar | Structural Engineering | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Dr. Poloju Kiran Kumar | Structural Engineering | Best Academic Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer | Middle East College | Oman

Dr. Poloju Kiran Kumar is a distinguished researcher and academician in civil and environmental engineering, presently serving as Senior Lecturer at Middle East College, Muscat, Oman, and Committee Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Oman region. With over thirteen years of academic and research experience, his expertise encompasses structural engineering, sustainable construction materials, and advanced geopolymer concrete technology. Dr. Kiran has authored more than 80 research papers in Web of Science and Scopus-indexed journals and contributed eight book chapters published by Springer, Taylor & Francis, and Nova Publishers. His research achievements include five patents in India and Oman focusing on innovative sustainable concrete materials and artificial intelligence applications in structural performance analysis. He has successfully completed four externally funded research projects worth 16,000 OMR from The Research Council of Oman and leads collaborative projects with Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia. His scholarly influence is reflected through over 250 Google Scholar citations with an h-index of 12. Dr. Kiran’s academic leadership is evident in his role in program accreditation, quality assurance, and development of modern teaching pedagogies integrating digital tools. His commitment to sustainable construction and community engagement has earned multiple accolades, including four Best Academic Staff Awards, the INSO Young Scientist Award (2022), and recognition as ICE Oman’s Committee Member (2025). A Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK), Dr. Kiran has delivered numerous keynote lectures and workshops across Oman, India, and beyond on geopolymer concrete, sustainable infrastructure, and pedagogical innovation. His research contributes significantly to the advancement of low-carbon construction technologies, enhancing environmental resilience and promoting sustainable development in alignment with global engineering goals.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar
Publications:

Poloju, R. K. M. K., & Anil, V. (2017). Properties of concrete as influenced by shape and texture of fine aggregate. American Journal of Applied Scientific Research, 3(3), 28–36.
(Cited by: 22)

Poloju, K. K., & Srinivasu, K. (2021). Impact of GGBS and strength ratio on mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete under ambient curing and oven curing. Materials Today: Proceedings, 42, 962–968. 
(Cited by: 60)

Rollakanti, C. R., Prasad, C. V. S. R., Poloju, K. K., Al Muharbi, N. M. J., & Arun, Y. V. (2021). An experimental investigation on mechanical properties of concrete by partial replacement of cement with wood ash and fine sea shell powder. Materials Today: Proceedings, 43, 1325–1330. 
(Cited by: 56)

Poloju, V. R. K. K., & Naidu, [First initial unavailable]. (2022). New method of data collection using the Kobo Toolbox. Journal of Positive School Psychology, 1527–1535.
(Cited by: 39)

Al Abri, S. A. S., Rollakanti, C. R., Poloju, K. K., & Joe, A. (2022). Experimental study on mechanical properties of concrete by partial replacement of cement with eggshell powder for sustainable construction. Materials Today: Proceedings, 65, 1660–1665. 
(Cited by: 25)

Xiao Jiayu | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Xiao Jiayu | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Central South University of Forestry and Technology | China

Xiao Jiayu is an emerging researcher from Central South University of Forestry and Technology, specializing in the interdisciplinary fields of landscape architecture and civil and hydraulic engineering. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture in 2024, ranking within the top 30% of her cohort, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Civil and Hydraulic Engineering at the same institution, continuing her academic excellence with a strong research orientation. Her academic foundation integrates aesthetic, ecological, and structural design principles, reflected through outstanding performance in subjects such as landscape engineering, environmental psychology, urban green space planning, and advanced concrete and steel structure theories. Demonstrating exceptional analytical and technical abilities, she has developed a keen interest in sustainable design, structural safety, and green infrastructure systems that contribute to environmental resilience and urban livability. Her current research direction focuses on the integration of engineering precision with ecological sensitivity, aiming to advance innovative solutions for sustainable urban development and landscape restoration. Xiao Jiayu’s strong command of design software, numerical analysis, and experimental techniques enables her to bridge creative design with scientific rigor effectively. Throughout her academic journey, she has exhibited strong teamwork and leadership skills through university projects, collaborative design workshops, and interdisciplinary studies. Her academic pursuits reflect a deep commitment to fostering harmony between built environments and natural ecosystems, highlighting her potential to make significant contributions to sustainable construction and landscape innovation. With a growing academic profile and dedication to continuous learning, she represents the new generation of scholars poised to shape the future of civil engineering and environmental design through research-driven, socially responsible, and technologically informed approaches.

Profile: ORCID
Featured Publications:

Yuan, J., Xiao, J., & Huang, D. (2025, December). Experimental research on bond behavior of high-strength reinforcement in unconfined fly ash-based geopolymer concrete. Case Studies in Construction Materials.

Changbai Wang | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Changbai Wang | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Vice-Dean | Anhui University of Science and Technology | China

Dr. Changbai Wang, affiliated with Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China, is a distinguished researcher recognized for his significant contributions to the field of construction materials and sustainable concrete technologies. With a robust publication record of 20 scholarly documents, his research has achieved over 343 citations across 326 documents, reflecting a notable h-index of 10, underscoring the consistent quality and influence of his academic work. Dr. Wang’s research primarily focuses on high-performance concrete (HPC), internal curing mechanisms, and the innovative utilization of industrial by-products, particularly coal gangue aggregates, to enhance the sustainability and performance of civil engineering materials. His recent works, such as studies on pore-regulated coal aggregates and self-compacting tunnel concrete, demonstrate his commitment to advancing environmentally responsible construction practices. Collaborating with over 40 co-authors, he has fostered interdisciplinary partnerships that bridge material science, civil engineering, and environmental sustainability. Through his extensive research collaborations, Dr. Wang contributes to the global discourse on low-carbon construction, emphasizing circular economy principles and resource optimization in infrastructure development. His scholarly influence extends beyond academia, as his findings have practical implications for industries aiming to reduce ecological footprints while maintaining material performance. The societal impact of his work lies in promoting sustainable material innovation aligned with modern infrastructure needs. With ongoing projects and emerging studies in high-performance concrete applications, Dr. Wang demonstrates strong potential for further breakthroughs in green construction materials and structural durability research. His academic trajectory and commitment to addressing global environmental challenges position him as a key contributor to the future of sustainable construction and materials engineering.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID
Featured Publications:

  • Updated internal curing for HPC using pore-regulated coal aggregates. Case Studies in Construction Materials.

  • Internal curing for tunnel self-compacting concrete using pre-soaked coal gangue: A promising way for spot utilization of coal gangue. Iranian Journal of Science and Technology Transactions of Civil Engineering.

Azunna Sunday | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Azunna Sunday | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Doctoral Researcher | Housing research centre | Malaysia

Mr. Azunna Sunday Ugochukwu has established a strong professional and research background in civil and structural engineering, with notable expertise in sustainable construction materials, structural analysis, and project management. His career includes extensive work in both academic and industrial settings, where he contributed to the design and execution of major infrastructure projects such as residential complexes, university facilities, religious centers, and extensive road networks across Nigeria. At Universiti Putra Malaysia, his research has focused on innovative materials for civil engineering applications, including coconut shell, palm kernel shell, recycled bricks, granite powder, and rubberized geopolymer concrete, leading to multiple publications in reputable international journals. His scholarly contributions span experimental and review studies, addressing compressive strength, stress-strain behavior, and dynamic response of advanced concrete materials, demonstrating his capacity to integrate environmental sustainability with engineering performance. Beyond research, Azunna has engaged in professional workshops on structural modeling, design, and detailing, sharing expertise with institutions such as Federal Polytechnic Bauchi and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University. His memberships with COREN, the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers, and the Nigerian Society of Engineers affirm his commitment to professional standards and development within the engineering community. With experience as an assistant structural engineer, assistant project manager, and doctoral researcher, he has consistently demonstrated versatility in applying theoretical knowledge to practical engineering challenges. His skill set includes advanced structural design software, AutoCAD, drone operation, and engineering instrumentation, underscoring his technological adaptability. The scope of his executed projects—from institutional buildings to healthcare facilities and leisure parks—highlights his versatility and capacity to manage diverse engineering assignments effectively. His growing academic output, combined with practical project delivery, positions him as a significant contributor to advancing civil engineering knowledge and practice. Engr. Azunna Sunday Ugochukwu has achieved 120 Citations, 8 Documents, and 5 h-index.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID
Featured Publications:

Azunna, S. U. (2019). Compressive strength of concrete with palm kernel shell as a partial replacement for coarse aggregate. SN Applied Sciences, 1(4), 342.

Azunna, S. U., Aziz, F. N. A. A., Rashid, R. S. M., & Bakar, N. B. A. (2024). Review on the characteristic properties of crumb rubber concrete. Cleaner Materials, 12, 100237.

Azunna, S. U., Aziz, F. N. A. A., Cun, P. M., & Elhibir, M. M. O. (2019). Characterization of lightweight cement concrete with partial replacement of coconut shell fine aggregate. SN Applied Sciences, 1(6), 649.

Azunna, S. U., Aziz, F. N. A. A., Bakar, N. A., & Nasir, N. A. M. (2018). Mechanical properties of concrete with coconut shell as partial replacement of aggregates. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 431(3), 032001.

Azunna, S. U., Aziz, F. N. A. B. A., Al-Ghazali, N. A., Rashid, R. S. M., & Bakar, N. A. (2024). Review on the mechanical properties of rubberized geopolymer concrete. Cleaner Materials, 11, 100225.

Kundan Yadav – Construction Materials – Innovative Solutions for Environmental Challenges Award

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Mr. Kundan Yadav | Construction Materials | Innovative Solutions for Environmental Challenges Award

Research Scholar | Lovely Professional University | Nepal

Mr. Kundan Yadav has established a strong research and professional profile in the field of civil engineering and construction management with a focus on sustainable practices, low-carbon materials, and resilient infrastructure solutions. His work integrates both academic research and practical implementation, spanning hydropower, bridges, urban water supply, sanitation systems, and building construction. A key area of his research revolves around eco-friendly materials, particularly the use of supplementary cementitious materials, plastic bricks, and biochar as innovative alternatives to reduce carbon emissions and promote circular construction. Publications in peer-reviewed journals highlight his exploration of carbon quantification methods and best practices for emission reduction, reflecting a commitment to advancing sustainability in construction. Professionally, Kundan Yadav has taken progressive roles from Site Engineer to Project Manager, contributing to projects funded by organizations like the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, ensuring quality control, safety compliance, and project efficiency. His leadership in managing hydropower retrofitting, bridge construction, trauma center building, and large-scale infrastructure projects demonstrates expertise in structural stability, resilience, and sustainable project delivery. By combining technical knowledge in AutoCAD, Staad Pro, MS Project, MATLAB, and sustainability assessment with practical construction management skills, he bridges the gap between theory and practice. His work emphasizes transforming waste into valuable construction resources, reducing environmental impact, and promoting innovation in materials science. The consistent focus on resilience and carbon reduction showcases his vision of sustainable infrastructure development tailored to the needs of South Asia, where rapid urbanization demands eco-conscious solutions. Through both research and professional practice, Kundan Yadav contributes to advancing civil engineering toward a future that prioritizes environmental sustainability, efficient resource utilization, and long-term durability of infrastructure systems, marking him as a significant contributor to sustainable construction research and practice.

Profile: Google Scholar
Featured Publications:

  1. Sustainable development by carbon emission reduction and its quantification: An overview of current methods and best practices. (2023). Cited by 21.

  2. Transforming waste into innovation: A review of plastic bricks as sustainable construction materials. (2024). Cited by 13.

  3. Sustainable solutions: Exploring supplementary cementitious materials in construction. (2025). Cited by 7.

  4. Comparative study of biochar and charcoal and their application in the construction industry. (2024). Cited by 5.

  5. Waste water characteristics and its management in and around HSTU campus of Bangladesh. (2021).

Fatma Zehra Çakıcı – Architecture – Best Researcher Award

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Fatma Zehra Çakıcı - Architecture - Best Researcher Award

Atatürk University - Turkey

AUTHOR PROFILE

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

SUMMARY

Prof. Dr. Fatma Zehra Çakıcı is a leading academic in architectural sciences at Atatürk University, specializing in building technologies, heritage preservation, and energy-efficient design. Her work spans teaching, research, and practice, with over two decades of contributions in architectural education, building energy performance, and cultural heritage conservation. She combines scientific rigor with design innovation, reflected in her national and international publications, patents, and funded projects. As a faculty leader, researcher, and practitioner, Prof. Çakıcı bridges historical context with modern architecture, offering sustainable, accessible, and inclusive solutions for contemporary design and urban challenges.

EDUCATION

Prof. Dr. Çakıcı earned her Ph.D. in Building Sciences from Middle East Technical University, where she developed a performance evaluation program for energy-efficient buildings. She previously completed her master's in deconstruction processes and sustainability in architecture. Her educational foundation includes an undergraduate degree in architecture from Selçuk University. This academic journey allowed her to combine theoretical, technical, and historical approaches to architecture. Her focus on environmental responsiveness, cultural continuity, and user-centered design deeply influences her scholarly and professional work, enabling her to contribute to various aspects of sustainable architecture and adaptive reuse of historic structures.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Prof. Çakıcı has held academic roles at Atatürk University since 2013, rising through positions from Assistant to Full Professor. Her career also includes research assistantships at METU and a visiting scholar appointment at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany. She leads projects on building conservation, energy-efficient systems, and cultural heritage. She also directs administrative units, serves on academic boards, and engages in national architecture competitions. Outside academia, she has worked as an architect in private practice and founded FZC Architecture and Design Consultancy. Her professional portfolio reflects a balance between education, research, and practical design implementation.

RESEARCH INTEREST

Prof. Çakıcı’s research interests include building energy performance, historic preservation, architectural sustainability, and digital documentation of cultural heritage. She has pioneered work on energy-efficient design in cold climates, building envelope thermography, and material analysis in heritage structures. Her studies also address accessibility in public buildings, sustainable urban planning, and smart architectural systems. She integrates theory with field applications, using simulation tools and hands-on restoration work. Her research supports adaptive reuse, climate-sensitive architecture, and policy development. Prof. Çakıcı’s interdisciplinary work influences environmental sustainability and conservation practices in both architectural education and professional design.

AWARD AND HONOR

Prof. Çakıcı has received several honors including first and third-place awards for community-based research at Atatürk University and national recognition for accessibility in university design. She earned the Presidential Special Award in Architecture and has received awards in national design competitions. These accolades reflect her scholarly impact and her commitment to integrating innovation with cultural sensitivity. Her project leadership in EU-funded and national scientific initiatives highlights her research excellence and international collaboration. Through her sustained contributions, she has established a respected academic and professional presence in the fields of architecture, heritage, and sustainable design.

RESEARCH SKILL

Prof. Çakıcı possesses advanced skills in architectural design, energy simulation, historic material analysis, and digital documentation. She utilizes infrared thermography, simulation software, and typological analysis for evaluating existing buildings. Her methodological expertise includes graph theory for spatial analysis, data-driven design decision-making, and IoT integration for environmental systems. She has extensive experience leading multidisciplinary teams on funded projects and coordinating architectural conservation efforts. Prof. Çakıcı also contributes to patent development and design-based innovation in heritage restoration and sustainability. Her research capabilities support high-level problem-solving in architecture through scientific, contextual, and user-responsive methodologies.

RECENT PUBLICATIONS 

  • Title: Net Positive Energy Buildings in Architectural Context
    Authors: Ç. Takva, B. Çalışkan, F. Çakıcı
    Journal: Journal of Asian Scientific Research, 12 (3), 2022

  • Title: Accessibility analysis of public buildings with graph theory and the space syntax method: government houses
    Authors: B.N. Keleş, Ç. Takva, F.Z. Çakıcı
    Journal: Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering, 24 (1), 199–213, 2025

  • Title: Restoration in the discipline of architecture: a bibliometric analysis of research trends since 2000
    Authors: M. Kasapoğlu, F.Z. Çakıcı
    Journal: Gazi University Journal of Science Part B: Art Humanities Design and Planning, 2023

  • Title: Climate-sensitive Design in Traditional Residential Architecture: Kars Karakurt Houses
    Authors: F. Çakıcı, Ç. Takva
    Journal: International Journal of Built Environment and Sustainability, 10 (3), 2023

  • Title: Thermal Analysis of the Building Envelope with Infrared Thermography and Simulation in Educational Buildings in the Cold Climate Region
    Authors: Ç. Takva, F.G. Takva, F.Z. Çakıcı
    Journal: Buildings, 15 (11), Article 1759, 2025

  • Title: Erzurum Ulu Cami Üzerine Kronolojik Bir Değerlendirme
    Authors: M. Kasapoğlu, F.Z. Çakıcı
    Journal: Modular Journal, 7 (1–2), 95–118, 2024

CONCLUSION

Prof. Dr. Fatma Zehra Çakıcı is a multifaceted scholar and architect whose work merges sustainability, technology, and cultural heritage in architecture. Through academic leadership, research innovation, and practical design, she has significantly advanced knowledge in energy-efficient design, conservation methods, and architectural education. Her diverse roles in administration, project coordination, and publishing demonstrate her dedication to both academic excellence and social impact. With a vision rooted in scientific rigor and cultural sensitivity, Prof. Çakıcı continues to shape the future of architecture by integrating traditional values with cutting-edge design practices and sustainability principles.