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.

Ahmad Nassef | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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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)

Elias Wakshume – Industrial Design Engineering – Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Elias Wakshume | Industrial Design Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer | Ethiopian Defence University | Ethiopia

Mr. Elias Wakshume has established a strong research profile in the field of mechanical and industrial design, with particular emphasis on advanced composites, structural mechanics, and finite element simulations. His work focuses on applying engineering science to develop innovative protective solutions such as fibre-reinforced composites for ballistic body armour, addressing critical needs in defence and civil safety applications. Through peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, including Applications in Engineering Science and the Journal of Defence Technologies, Elias has contributed valuable insights into material optimization, lightweight structures, and safety engineering. His research integrates sustainability principles with structural optimization, ensuring that protective materials meet performance requirements while minimizing environmental impact. By leveraging tools like ANSYS, SolidWorks, MATLAB, and AutoCAD, he advances simulations that validate theoretical models and guide practical implementations in real-world contexts. His expertise extends to fatigue, thermal, and structural analysis, enabling comprehensive evaluations of composite materials under complex loading conditions. Elias has also gained recognition through paper acceptance at significant conferences such as the 3rd National Research Conference on Emerging Innovation of Science and Technology for Enhancing Defence Force Capabilities, highlighting his role in advancing engineering solutions with direct national and global relevance. His professional engagements with research communities demonstrate a commitment to collaboration and knowledge sharing, reinforcing the application of mechanical design and industrial engineering to contemporary challenges in defence and environmental sectors. By focusing on sustainable engineering and protective material innovation, Elias is building pathways for future technological progress where safety, resilience, and efficiency intersect. His research demonstrates a blend of theoretical rigor and practical application, strengthening the role of composites in modern engineering while contributing to scientific discourse in protective technologies. Elias Wakshume’s efforts mark him as a growing contributor to both defence technology advancement and sustainable engineering practice.

Profiel: ORCID
Publications:

  1. Experimental and analytical study on the flexural behavior a novel steel-NC-UHPC composite bridge deck system. (2025).

  2. Experimental study on negative bending resistance of steel-NC-UHPC composite bridge deck. (2025).

Jinsheng Wang – Civil Engineering – Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Professor Jinsheng Wang - Civil Engineering - Best Researcher Award

Beijing Normal University - China

AUTHOR PROFILE

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

🌊 SUMMARY

Professor Jinsheng Wang stands as a pioneering figure in hydrogeology, environmental science, and groundwater pollution control in China. He serves as Professor, Doctoral Supervisor, and Assistant Dean at the College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University. As the Head of two national research centers and an expert member of the Ministry of Environmental Protection, his career is marked by multidisciplinary excellence. His leadership in research, consultancy, and higher education has contributed significantly to shaping China’s groundwater management policies. With over two decades of dedicated scholarship and more than 30 landmark publications, Professor Wang's impact extends across academia, government policy, and environmental engineering practices.

🎓 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Professor Wang began his academic journey with a Master’s degree in Hydrogeology at Jilin University (1989–1991), later completing his Doctorate in the same field at the same university (1995–1998). His foundational years were shaped by a deep interest in groundwater dynamics, which evolved into a lifelong research commitment. The rigorous training at Jilin equipped him with advanced field knowledge in hydrogeological systems, groundwater modeling, and environmental assessments. His scholarly formation during this period laid the groundwork for his later expertise in numerical simulations, aquifer dynamics, and pollution remediation. He emerged from this phase with a strong academic identity, blending geoscience with environmental applications.

🏢 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Currently, Professor Wang holds multiple leadership roles at Beijing Normal University, including Assistant Dean of the College of Water Sciences and Head of two key research centers: the Engineering Research Center of Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation (Ministry of Education) and the Groundwater Science and Engineering Research Center. He has served as Principal Investigator for national and international research projects sponsored by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Natural Science Foundation of China, and other governmental agencies. His consultancy contributions span emergency environmental response, water conservation planning, and transboundary water studies. He is also a part-time professor at Jilin University, nurturing the next generation of hydrogeologists.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Professor Wang’s primary research focus revolves around groundwater renewability, pollution dynamics, and water resource modeling. His work integrates hydrochemical analysis, isotopic tracing, and numerical simulations to investigate groundwater systems in critical areas like the Beijing Plain and Yellow River Basin. He has contributed to the development of evaluation indicators for groundwater renewability, environmental impact modeling, and groundwater vulnerability assessment. His research supports sustainable water policy, enhances disaster management systems, and informs national groundwater legislation. Notably, his findings on aquifer recharge, pollutant migration, and water-rock interactions have advanced both academic literature and practical groundwater management strategies in China.

🏅 ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION

Recognized nationally and internationally, Professor Wang has been entrusted with prestigious positions and major projects, reflecting his deep trust in scientific integrity and environmental stewardship. He was selected as a core member of the first Expert Group on Emergency Management under China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection. His scholarly outputs have been published in top-tier journals and government white papers, establishing him as a thought leader. His academic books, such as those co-authored on the Wenchuan Earthquake and groundwater in the Yellow River Basin, have become reference texts. His engineering insights are not only valued in academia but have become tools for policymakers and field engineers alike.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

The influence of Professor Wang extends beyond academic citations into real-world environmental and water policy reforms. His research has directly shaped groundwater protection action plans across China and improved early warning systems for environmental emergencies. He has enhanced technical understanding among stakeholders at the local and national levels, facilitating sustainable water use frameworks. Internationally, his collaborations have led to joint conferences, workshops, and peer-reviewed publications that bridge Chinese hydrogeology with global environmental concerns. Through mentorship, he has cultivated young scholars who now carry forward his mission in groundwater sustainability and environmental resilience.

🧬 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Looking ahead, Professor Wang is set to lead new frontiers in climate-resilient water management, groundwater recharge modeling, and integrated environmental systems. His vision includes refining vulnerability assessments using AI, promoting international knowledge exchange, and enhancing community-based water governance. His legacy is rooted in a deep understanding of natural systems and a commitment to advancing science for societal benefit. As an academic architect of China’s groundwater policies and a global contributor to environmental geosciences, Professor Wang’s future endeavors promise to leave a profound mark on the planet’s water future.

PUBLICATION

A level set method for structural topology optimization
Authors: MY Wang, X Wang, D Guo
Journal: Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering

Molecular determinants of the response of glioblastomas to EGFR kinase inhibitors
Authors: IK Mellinghoff, MY Wang, I Vivanco, DA Haas-Kogan, S Zhu, EQ Dia, ...
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine

Contamination features and health risk of soil heavy metals in China
Authors: H Chen, Y Teng, S Lu, Y Wang, J Wang
Journal: Science of the Total Environment

State of the climate in 2015
Authors: J Blunden, DS Arndt
Journal: Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society

Postoperative biomarkers predict acute kidney injury and poor outcomes after adult cardiac surgery
Authors: CR Parikh, SG Coca, H Thiessen-Philbrook, MG Shlipak, JL Koyner, ...
Journal: Journal of the American Society of Nephrology

High-resolution magnetostratigraphy of the Neogene Huaitoutala section in the eastern Qaidam Basin on the NE Tibetan Plateau, Qinghai Province, China and its implication on …
Authors: X Fang, W Zhang, Q Meng, J Gao, X Wang, J King, C Song, S Dai, Y Miao
Journal: Earth and Planetary Science Letters

A Multicentre Study of Shigella Diarrhoea in Six Asian Countries: Disease Burden, Clinical Manifestations, and Microbiology
Authors: L Von Seidlein, DR Kim, M Ali, H Lee, XY Wang, VD Thiem, DG Canh, ...
Journal: PLoS Medicine

Parity-forbidden transitions and their impact on the optical absorption properties of lead-free metal halide perovskites and double perovskites
Authors: W Meng, X Wang, Z Xiao, J Wang, DB Mitzi, Y Yan
Journal: The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters

“Color” level sets: a multi-phase method for structural topology optimization with multiple materials
Authors: MY Wang, X Wang
Journal: Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering

An inactivated enterovirus 71 vaccine in healthy children
Authors: R Li, L Liu, Z Mo, X Wang, J Xia, Z Liang, Y Zhang, Y Li, Q Mao, J Wang, ...
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine

Lewis John Gooch – Structural Engineering – Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Lewis John Gooch - Structural Engineering - Best Researcher Award

The University of Newcastle - Australia

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS
ORCID
GOOGLE SCHOLAR

SUMMARY

Lewis John Gooch is a dedicated civil engineer and postdoctoral research associate specializing in structural reliability and masonry design. With academic and professional experience in seismic performance analysis, numerical modelling, and experimental mechanics, Lewis contributes to advancing safer, more resilient infrastructure. His work intersects engineering theory, laboratory experimentation, and practical design, producing high-impact research publications and real-world engineering solutions. Recognized with numerous academic and industry awards, Lewis has established strong collaborative ties with research institutions and industry stakeholders. His career reflects a strong commitment to engineering excellence, scholarly advancement, and impactful industry engagement within the Australian civil and structural engineering landscape.

EDUCATION

Lewis completed his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at The University of Newcastle, focusing on stochastic assessment and structural reliability of unreinforced masonry walls under shear loading. Prior to this, he earned a Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) with University and Faculty Medals, demonstrating exceptional academic performance. He also pursued the Academic Career Preparation Pathway, gaining university teaching competencies. These educational milestones have equipped him with expertise in structural mechanics, probabilistic modelling, and engineering pedagogy, forming a strong foundation for his academic and professional career. His academic training continues to inform his research into innovative and reliable construction design methodologies.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Lewis currently serves as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Technology Sydney, leading efforts to calibrate masonry design standards under ARC Discovery Project DP220102758. Concurrently, at The University of Newcastle, he contributes to infrastructure performance through digital image correlation and laboratory test development. Formerly a structural engineer at Lindsay Dynan, he managed complex assessments of bridges, concrete structures, and scaffolding systems. These roles demonstrate a seamless transition from professional engineering to high-level research, with responsibilities including supervision of students, development of experimental methods, and national code contributions—showcasing a rare blend of academic insight and practical engineering skill.

RESEARCH INTEREST

Lewis's research explores the intersection of structural engineering, material behaviour, and probabilistic modelling. His primary focus is on the performance of unreinforced masonry (URM) structures under seismic and wind loads. He develops stochastic models to simulate spatial variability and uses finite element analysis to evaluate structural response. Additionally, he investigates material uncertainties, structural reliability, and safety factor calibration within Australian design codes. His interests extend to experimental validation using high-resolution testing methods. Lewis aims to reduce risk in civil infrastructure through improved understanding of material properties and modelling uncertainties—providing engineering solutions backed by scientific rigour and innovation.

AWARD AND HONOR

Lewis has earned multiple prestigious accolades for academic and industry excellence. These include the University Medal and Faculty Medal from The University of Newcastle, along with consistent recognition on the Dean’s Merit and Commendation Lists. He has received industry awards such as the Engineers Australia Prize, Douglas Partners Prize for Applied Geotechnics, and Steel Reinforcement Institute of Australia Award. These distinctions highlight his exceptional performance in both technical proficiency and academic scholarship. His awards reflect a career marked by excellence in geotechnics, water engineering, structural analysis, and masonry design, positioning him as a rising leader in civil engineering research.

RESEARCH SKILL

Lewis demonstrates expertise in high-resolution digital image correlation, finite element modelling, and stochastic analysis of masonry structures. He is proficient in developing and validating experimental testing methods, including shear and tensile strength characterization. He applies statistical models to quantify material variability and risk in structural performance, contributing to design standard calibration. His experience in software tools for structural simulation and data interpretation supports comprehensive model validation. Furthermore, he provides supervision and technical mentorship across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. His research skillset reflects a deep integration of theoretical understanding, practical experimentation, and computational engineering, essential for advancing structural reliability.

PUBLICATIONS TOP NOTED

Lewis has authored influential journal articles and conference papers in leading engineering venues. Noteworthy publications include studies on mortar friction coefficients, URM shear wall behaviour, and statistical assessment of clay brick masonry—appearing in journals like Construction and Building Materials, Journal of Structural Engineering, and Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering. His work is widely cited for advancing knowledge in masonry design, model uncertainty, and stochastic structural analysis. He has also presented internationally on life-cycle monitoring and structural safety. His contributions play a critical role in refining seismic design methods and improving structural resilience, bridging academic research with engineering practice.

Title: Accuracy of stochastic finite element analyses for the safety assessment of unreinforced masonry shear walls
Authors: Lewis J. Gooch, Mark G. Stewart, M. J. Masia
Journal: Civil Engineering and Environmental Systems

Title: Experimental characterisation of the friction coefficient of mortar bed joints in clay-brick masonry
Authors: Lewis J. Gooch, Mark J. Masia, Mark G. Stewart, Michele Spadari
Journal: Construction and Building Materials

Title: Experimental Testing of Unreinforced Masonry Shear Walls and Comparison with Nominal Capacity Predictions
Authors: Lewis J. Gooch, Mark J. Masia, Mark G. Stewart, Md. Akhtar Hossain
Journal: Journal of Structural Engineering

Title: Model accuracy for the prediction of unreinforced clay brick masonry shear wall resistance
Authors: Lewis J. Gooch, Mark G. Stewart, Mark J. Masia
Journal: Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering

Title: Spatial Correlation of Flexural Tensile Bond Strength in Unreinforced Masonry Walls
Authors: Lewis J. Gooch, M. J. Masia, Mark G. Stewart, C. Collard
Journal: Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering

Title: Statistical assessment of tensile and shear properties of unreinforced clay brick masonry
Authors: Lewis J. Gooch, Mark J. Masia, Mark G. Stewart, Chee Yin Lam
Journal: Construction and Building Materials

CONCLUSION

Lewis John Gooch exemplifies the qualities of a modern structural engineering researcher: analytically rigorous, experimentally adept, and industry-aware. His commitment to enhancing infrastructure resilience through advanced modelling and testing informs both academic discourse and practical design. Recognized for academic excellence and industry contribution, Lewis's career continues to evolve through impactful research, scholarly publications, and teaching. With his focus on masonry structures and structural reliability, he contributes meaningfully to national design standards and global understanding of risk-informed engineering. His trajectory highlights a promising future as a thought leader in civil engineering innovation and infrastructure safety assessment.