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.

Azunna Sunday | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Civil Engineering Awards

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.