Ahmad Nassef | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published 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)

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

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

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.