Cheng Yan | Sustainable Development | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Prof. Dr. Cheng Yan | Sustainable Development | Best Researcher Award

Deputy Dean of the School of Artificial Intelligence | Jiangxi Normal University | China

Prof. Dr. Cheng Yan is a Professor and doctoral supervisor specializing in intelligent information processing, deep learning and affective computing, artificial intelligence and big data, and intelligent education. She earned her PhD from Tongji University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the university’s Computer Science and Technology Mobile Station. She has also undertaken academic visiting research at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), in the United States. Since 2012, she has held the rank of professor. Dr. Cheng currently serves as Vice Dean of the School of Artificial Intelligence at Jiangxi Normal University, overseeing research and graduate education. She is also Director of the Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Intelligent Information Processing and Affective Computing, as well as a recognized provincial academic and technical leader. She has been selected for the national “Western Light” Talent Program. She holds multiple professional roles, including committee member and Deputy Secretary-General of the Intelligent Education Committee of the Chinese Association of Automation, and Chair of the Intelligent Education Committee of the Jiangxi Digital Economy Society. She is an expert reviewer for the National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Social Science Fund projects, degree thesis evaluations of the Ministry of Education, and several provincial scientific and technological programs. She serves as reviewer and editorial board member for multiple leading domestic and international journals. Dr. Cheng has led four national-level research projects and over twenty major or key provincial projects, and has participated in national key research initiatives such as the “Tenth Five-Year” major project on network education. She has published over 70 SSCI, SCI, EI, and CSSCI-indexed papers, authored two monographs, and supervised students who have received national and provincial scholarships and academic honors. Her work has earned numerous awards, including Best Research Award, Young Scientist Award, provincial first prizes in teaching and scientific research, and multiple patents and software copyrights. Her research continues to contribute significantly to the advancement of intelligent education and artificial intelligence applications.

Profile: Scopus
Publications

An expensive multi-objective evolutionary algorithm based on grid and relation learning. Applied Soft Computing.

Study on interpretable shallow class activation mapping algorithm based on spatial weights and inter-layer correlation. Computer Science China.

Semantic injection and multi-scale cross-axis attention-based portrait segmentation model. Signal, Image and Video Processing.

Bahadur Ali Soomro | Green Infrastructure | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Dr. Bahadur Ali Soomro | Green Infrastructure | Best Researcher Award

Research Fellow | University of Sindh, Jamshoro | Pakistan

Dr. Bahadur Ali Soomro has built a strong research profile rooted in diverse technical projects, hands-on engineering experience, and well-defined research interests that span structural analysis, soil behavior, project development, safety assessment, and material performance, allowing him to integrate practical industry exposure with focused scientific inquiry. His work reflects significant involvement in structural evaluation, dynamic response assessment, and infrastructure development, particularly through participation in government-linked and field-oriented projects that strengthened his understanding of construction processes, quality control, and performance monitoring of civil engineering systems. His research interests include advanced structural modeling, geotechnical behavior under varying load conditions, sustainable construction materials, concrete performance enhancement, soil stabilization techniques, and the development of safe, efficient, and durable structural systems fit for both urban and rural applications. He has contributed to multiple research-driven activities such as analyzing structural elements, preparing project documentation, conducting materials inspection, and applying engineering standards within construction environments. His work experience further includes surveying tasks, site supervision, structural drawings, BOQ preparation, and assisting in multidisciplinary projects, all of which support his research direction by providing real-world data, practical constraints, and implementation challenges. He has explored topics such as structural capacity evaluation, performance of building components under environmental stresses, and the application of modern engineering tools for analysis and design. His research-related activities also extend to participating in technical events, contributing to seminars and workshops, and engaging with innovative engineering solutions linked to public infrastructure. With experience in project execution, safety implementation, field testing, and documentation, he continues to refine his investigative skills and aims to expand research on advanced materials, resilient infrastructures, modern construction technologies, and performance-based design methods that contribute to sustainable development and improved engineering practice.

Profile: Google Scholar
Publications:

Soomro, B. A., & Shah, N. (2019). Determining the impact of entrepreneurial orientation and organizational culture on job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and employee’s performance. South Asian Journal of Business Studies, 8(3), 266–282.

Abdelwahed, N. A. A., Soomro, B. A., & Shah, N. (2023). Predicting employee performance through transactional leadership and entrepreneur's passion among the employees of Pakistan. Asia Pacific Management Review, 28(1), 60–68.

Shah, N., & Soomro, B. A. (2023). Effects of green human resource management practices on green innovation and behavior. Management Decision, 61(1), 290–312.

Soomro, B. A., & Shah, N. (2022). Entrepreneurship education, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, need for achievement and entrepreneurial intention among commerce students in Pakistan. Education + Training, 64(1), 107–125.

Soomro, B. A., & Shah, N. (2015). Developing attitudes and intentions among potential entrepreneurs. Journal of Enterprise Information Management, 28(2), 304–322.

Elijah Kusi | Green Building Design | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Dr. Elijah Kusi | Green Building Design | Best Researcher Award

lecturer | The Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development | Ghana

Dr. Elijah Kusi is an emerging academic and researcher specializing in Construction Technology, Architectural Engineering, and Sustainable Building Design, with strong expertise in energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and natural ventilation in buildings. He currently serves as a Lecturer at the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), Ghana, where he teaches a broad range of courses including Building Science, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Building Materials, and Sustainable Construction. His academic qualifications include a B.Sc. in Architecture from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, an M.Phil. in Construction Technology from the University of Education, Winneba, and a Ph.D. in Construction Technology (ongoing) at AAMUSTED. His ongoing doctoral research investigates indoor thermal comfort in naturally ventilated university classrooms, contributing valuable insights into climate-responsive and energy-efficient educational infrastructure. Dr. Kusi has authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications in reputable international journals, including the International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, Cogent Engineering, and the Journal of Construction Project Management and Innovation. His scholarly works explore diverse themes such as green building technologies, energy consumption modeling, project management, and e-procurement in construction. He has actively presented research at international conferences, earning Best Poster Presentation Awards at the CIB W123 and W099 Conference (2024) and the AAMUSTED Postgraduate Research Conference (2024). A member of professional and academic bodies such as the Institution of Engineering and Technology (Ghana), Ghana Science Association, and the Society of Building Science Educators (USA), Dr. Kusi’s collaborative and interdisciplinary research aims to advance sustainable construction practices in Ghana and globally. His work has significantly contributed to the promotion of green architecture, resource efficiency, and knowledge management within the construction industry, fostering innovation aligned with global sustainability goals.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID
Featured Publications

  • Energy consumption and carbon emission of conventional and green buildings using building information modelling (BIM). (2025). International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation. 16 Citations.

Ye Sun – Urban Planning – Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Ye Sun | Urban Planning | Best Researcher Award

Ph.D. candidate at Tongji University | China

Ye Sun is a dedicated urban planning researcher with a strong academic background and diverse project experience in urban and rural planning. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Tongji University, Ye demonstrates a consistent interest in spatial analysis, city competitiveness, and planning strategies. With active participation in multiple international collaborations, Ye has built expertise in integrating innovative methods and cross-cultural perspectives. The academic journey reflects a commitment to excellence, reinforced by an impressive list of publications and contributions to influential research. Ye is deeply invested in exploring sustainable urban development and innovative design solutions.

Professional Profile

Scopus | ORCID

Education

The academic foundation of Ye Sun spans prestigious universities and international exposure. Beginning with undergraduate studies in Urban and Rural Planning at Shandong University of Technology, Ye pursued advanced learning through a Master’s degree at Dalian University of Technology, emphasizing urban planning. Currently, Ye is a Ph.D. candidate at Tongji University, specializing in Urban and Rural Planning. International experience includes a semester as an exchange student at National Kaohsiung University, Taiwan, where Ye studied creative design and architecture, adding a global perspective to academic growth.

Professional Experience

Ye Sun has gained professional expertise through practical roles and contributions to planning institutes and local bureaus. Experience includes participation in planning projects for Jiaxing Bureau of Agriculture in Zhejiang Province, as well as the Land and Space Planning Institute in Liaoning Province. Earlier, Ye collaborated with the Shanghai Tongji Urban Planning and Design Institute, contributing to large-scale projects and technical planning efforts. These experiences have honed analytical skills, technical design expertise, and a comprehensive understanding of urban development processes and strategies.

Research Interest

Research interests for Ye Sun lie in urban and rural spatial planning, multifunctional rural area evolution, and city competitiveness assessment. Ye focuses on applying quantitative analysis and spatial modeling to study pedestrian districts, planning strategies, and rural transformation mechanisms. Interests extend to cross-cultural urban studies and the integration of smart planning technologies for sustainable city development. With growing expertise in urban analytics, Ye emphasizes creating practical solutions for innovative city management and enhancing resilience in tourism, rural spaces, and urban hubs.

Award And Honor

Ye Sun’s achievements are marked by recognition from international research collaborations and key national projects. Involvement in the High-End Foreign Expert Introduction Projects demonstrates excellence in cross-border academic contributions and leadership roles. These initiatives focus on rural governance, multifunctional evolution, and planning strategies between Chinese and European metropolitan regions. Participation in National Natural Science Foundation of China-funded studies further highlights dedication to impactful research. These honors reflect Ye’s potential for influencing planning practices, fostering global collaboration, and contributing valuable knowledge to the field of urban planning.

Research Skill

Ye Sun possesses strong technical expertise in data analysis, spatial modeling, and urban planning software. Skills include proficiency in GIS, AutoCAD, Photoshop, SketchUp, SPSS, and Depthmap, supporting advanced spatial studies. Ye is experienced in research project management, from conceptualization to reporting, and has a strong foundation in statistical analysis and visualization. The ability to work with multidisciplinary teams and international experts enhances versatility in addressing complex urban planning challenges. This skill set demonstrates a balance of technical precision, innovative thinking, and strategic planning capabilities.

Publications

Ye Sun has authored impactful publications on topics ranging from spatial form analysis to city competitiveness evaluation. Research articles have been published in high-impact journals such as the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health and Environment and Planning B. Contributions also include studies on pedestrian block structures, urban analytics, and rural tourism resilience. Several conference papers presented at AESOP highlight Ye’s commitment to global academic engagement. These publications reflect deep expertise in data-driven planning, urban form analysis, and practical solutions for evolving metropolitan and rural areas.

Title: Exploring the spatial patterns of rural multifunctionality in China's metropolitan hinterland and its driving forces: The case of Shanghai-Suzhou-Jiaxing-Huzhou region
Authors: Ye Sun, Chen Chen, Haohan Yang
Journal: Habitat International, 2025

Title: Analysis of spatial form and structure of commercial pedestrian blocks based on Isovist and big data
Authors: Ye Sun, Wei Lu, Zongchao Gu
Journal: Environment and Planning B: Urban Analytics and City Science, 2022

Title: Application of Isovist in Urban Design: Research on Urban Street Space Based on Visual Domain Analysis
Authors: Ye Sun
Journal: AESOP 2021 Online Conference, 2021

Title: Evaluation of Cities Competitiveness in China's Coastal Areas: Taking Qingdao as an Example
Authors: Ye Sun
Journal: AESOP 2021 Online Conference, 2021

Title: Optimization of Walk Score Based on Street Greening—A Case Study of Zhongshan Road in Qingdao
Authors: Ye Sun
Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021

Conclusion

Ye Sun is a highly skilled urban planning researcher and practitioner with a comprehensive academic background and extensive project involvement. A passion for innovative design, sustainable strategies, and international collaboration defines Ye’s work. By combining advanced analytical tools, cross-cultural knowledge, and professional experiences, Ye brings a unique perspective to urban and rural development. Continuous contributions to publications, research projects, and planning initiatives emphasize a strong vision for future-oriented city planning. Ye’s achievements and dedication position them as a valuable contributor to academia and practice.