Ahmad Nassef | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Civil Engineering Awards

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Nassef | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Associate professor | University of Buraimi | Oman

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Salah Edeen Nassef is an accomplished Associate Professor of Structural Engineering at Helwan University, Egypt, and the University of Buraimi, Oman, where he also served as Acting Dean and Assistant Dean of the College of Engineering. With over two decades of academic and professional experience, his expertise spans structural analysis, reinforced concrete and steel design, nonlinear structural behavior, and sustainability in construction materials. He earned his Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Structural Engineering from Cairo University and a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from Helwan University. Dr. Nassef has authored numerous publications in international journals and conferences, covering topics such as buckling of columns, nonlinear damage mechanics, composite structures, and eco-friendly concrete using palm tree and medical waste materials. His research contributions, reflected in a growing citation record, demonstrate his global engagement and innovation in sustainable structural systems. He has led and mentored multiple funded research projects supported by institutions such as the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation (MOHERI) of Oman and Najran University, addressing practical engineering challenges and advancing materials recycling and durability enhancement. Beyond research, Dr. Nassef has been deeply involved in academic leadership, serving as Chair of Research and Ethics Committees, ABET and OAAA accreditation coordinator, and quality assurance leader for civil engineering programs. His scholarly excellence has been recognized with multiple awards, including the University of Buraimi’s Scholarship and Teaching Excellence Awards (2022, 2023) and Best Student Research Paper Awards at national symposiums. His extensive collaborations and mentorship have significantly contributed to capacity building and research culture in the Middle East. Through his sustained efforts in integrating innovation, sustainability, and quality education, Dr. Nassef continues to make a notable global impact in civil and structural engineering research and higher education.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar
Publications:

Nassef, A. S. E. (2015). Fibonacci sequence and golden ratio in new formula of predicting cracks propagation in reinforced concrete tie. International Journal of Damage Mechanics, 24(8), 1214–1226. 
(Cited by: 5)

Nassef, A. S. E., & Dahim, M. A. (2016). New bi-modular material approach to buckling problem of reinforced concrete columns. [Journal name unavailable]. (Cited by: 6)

Nassef, A. S. E., Nassar, M. M., & El-Refaee, M. M. (2019). Dynamic response of Timoshenko beam resting on nonlinear Pasternak foundation carrying sprung masses. Iranian Journal of Science and Technology, Transactions of Mechanical Engineering. 
(Cited by: 9)

Nassef, A. S. E., Al-Maqbali, K. H., & Al Naqabi, S. M. (2021). Effects of replacing cement by date palm trees wastes on concrete performance. Proceedings of the International Structural Engineering and Construction, 8(1). 
(Cited by: 5)

Nassef, A. (2022). Non-prismatic model for laterally loaded pile in granular soil resisted by ultimate lateral reaction. International Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 16(4), 400–407. 
(Cited by: 4)

Xiao Jiayu | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Civil Engineering Awards

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.