Jonghoek Kim | Environmental Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Prof. Jonghoek Kim | Environmental Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Professor | Sejong University | South Korea

Prof. Jonghoek Kim is an established researcher in robotics, autonomous systems, and intelligent sensing, with extensive contributions to robot path planning, target tracking, multi-agent systems, and optimal control. His research addresses complex environments such as underwater, aerial, and obstacle-rich domains, emphasizing robust localization, estimation, and cooperative control under uncertainty and non-line-of-sight conditions. A significant portion of his work focuses on sonar-based sensing, autonomous underwater vehicles, and distributed robotic networks, advancing both theoretical frameworks and practical algorithms. His publications span leading journals in robotics, control systems, signal processing, and marine engineering, reflecting sustained research productivity and interdisciplinary impact. Current research efforts include target tracking in challenging environments using sensor networks and maximum-range information. Through a combination of analytical modeling, algorithm development, and system-level validation, his work contributes to the advancement of resilient autonomous systems applicable to robotics, marine exploration, and intelligent transportation systems.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

1000

750

500

250

0

Citations
989

Documents 124

h-index
17


View Scopus Profile
 View Google Scholar Profile

Top 5 Featured Publications

Damao Xu | Environmental Science and Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Damao Xu | Environmental Science and Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Deputy director | China University of Mining and Technology | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Damao Xu is an active researcher in the field of environmental and earth sciences, with a strong emphasis on soil and groundwater pollution, contaminant migration, and sustainable remediation technologies. The research portfolio centers on understanding the geochemical behaviors, environmental availability, and health risks of potentially toxic elements in contaminated soils, sediments, and industrial solid wastes. A significant body of work investigates the coupled effects of environmental processes such as freeze–thaw cycles, acidification, dry–wet alternation, and mineral–organic matter interactions on pollutant mobility and fate. Research contributions demonstrate advanced integration of mineralogical, geochemical, and environmental chemistry approaches to elucidate the mechanisms governing heavy metal release, bioaccessibility, and stabilization in smelter-impacted soils and solid waste dumping sites. Particular attention is given to lead, zinc, cadmium, arsenic, and multi-metal systems, providing mechanistic insights that support risk assessment and remediation decision-making. The work also extends to soil interface chemistry, ecological toxicity, environmental health effects, and the development and evaluation of functional materials for pollution control.

Elhem Ghorbel | Genius civil | Sustainable Infrastructure Innovation Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Professor Elhem Ghorbel | Genius civil | Sustainable Infrastructure Innovation Award

University Professor | CY Cergy Paris University | France

Professor Elhem Ghorbel is a Full Professor in Civil Engineering at CY Cergy Paris University, France, and an internationally recognized expert in mechanics of materials, sustainable construction, and eco-materials. Her research focuses on the modeling and durability of cementitious and composite materials, recycling and valorization of construction, mining, and industrial wastes, and the development of low-carbon materials for civil engineering applications. She has authored over 100 peer-reviewed journal publications, with more than 94 indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, achieving an h-index of 33–34 across major databases. Ranked among the top 2% of scientists worldwide in Civil Engineering since 2020, she has led and contributed to major national and European projects (ANR, H2020, Horizon Europe, MSCA) and supervised 27 doctoral theses. Her extensive international collaborations across Europe, Africa, and South America translate research into practice, advancing circular economy principles, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable societal development

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

3200
2400
1600
800
0

Citations 3,173

Documents 104

h-index 33


View Scopus Profile
 View ORCID Profile
 View Google Scholar Profile

Top 5 Featured Publications

Jahanzeb Rahimi | Water Resources Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Mr. Jahanzeb Rahimi | Water Resources Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Engineer and Lecturer | Kandahar University | Afghanistan

Mr. Jahanzeb Rahimi’s research field reflects a strong focus on hydraulics, hydrotechnical structures, and water resource management, supported by extensive project and professional experience in both academic and applied engineering environments. His expertise spans the use of engineering design and simulation tools such as Geo-Studio, WaterCAD, and EPANET for modeling and optimizing hydraulic systems. As a lecturer and engineer, he has contributed to the development and implementation of hydrological and water infrastructure projects that enhance urban and rural water management. His professional work includes site supervision, project planning, and engineering design, where he has demonstrated proficiency in handling complex construction and water systems with an emphasis on sustainability and operational efficiency. His experience in procurement management at the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development further reflects his capability in resource coordination, infrastructure planning, and multi-disciplinary collaboration. Rahimi’s research interests are centered on hydraulic structure analysis, environmental water resource systems, and the integration of digital tools for efficient water network management. He is particularly interested in advancing water conservation technologies, flood control systems, and the sustainable utilization of natural resources. Through his engineering practice and teaching, he aims to bridge theoretical research with practical applications to develop innovative solutions that address modern challenges in water resource engineering and environmental protection. His professional journey illustrates a deep commitment to enhancing hydrotechnical infrastructure, promoting community-oriented engineering solutions, and contributing to the sustainable development of water systems in Afghanistan and beyond.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar
Publications

Rahimi, J., Karimi, B. A., & Qani, N. A. (2025). Evaluation of slope stability in earthen canal using GeoStudio simulation: A multi-parameter approach for the Khush Tepa Canal Project, Afghanistan

Sunkwon Yoon | Water Resources Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Dr. Sunkwon Yoon | Water Resources Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Research Fellow | The Seoul Institute | South Korea

Dr. Sunkwon Yoon’s research career demonstrates extensive contributions to hydrology, climate science, and urban water management, with a focus on developing adaptive technologies to mitigate the impacts of climate change. His research projects span smart water management systems, integrated flood risk assessment, and the design of resilient urban hydrologic infrastructures. As a principal investigator at the APEC Climate Center, he led international projects such as the development of smart water management solutions for the Kingdom of Tonga, integrating climate information to address water scarcity, and predictive systems for mud and debris flow considering urban characteristics. His work also includes advanced modeling techniques for flood forecasting, drought assessment, and inland-river systems management, emphasizing the application of stochastic and statistical hydrology to real-world problems. At the Seoul Institute of Technology and earlier at KAIST, his research explored risk-based water management, green growth initiatives, and climate-resilient urban development. His primary research interests include urban hydrology, smart water technology, flood and drought frequency analysis, and hydrometeorological variability linked to global climate phenomena such as ENSO and the Indian Ocean Dipole. Dr. Yoon’s studies have contributed significantly to improving prediction accuracy for extreme weather events, enhancing water security, and formulating sustainable water policies for urban resilience. Through collaborative efforts across government and international organizations, his experience bridges scientific modeling and policy-driven decision-making for disaster risk reduction. His ongoing focus on integrating hydrologic modeling with data-driven approaches reflects a commitment to advancing sustainable and adaptive water resource management under the evolving challenges of climate variability.

Profile: Google Scholar
Featured Publications:

  • Kim, J. P., Jung, I. W., Park, K. W., Yoon, S. K., & Lee, D. (2016). Hydrological utility and uncertainty of multi-satellite precipitation products in the mountainous region of South Korea. Remote Sensing, 8(7), 608.

  • Kim, J. S., Jain, S., & Yoon, S. K. (2012). Warm season streamflow variability in the Korean Han River Basin: Links with atmospheric teleconnections. International Journal of Climatology, 32(4), 635–640.

  • Moon, H., Yoon, S., & Moon, Y. (2023). Urban flood forecasting using a hybrid modeling approach based on a deep learning technique. Journal of Hydroinformatics, 25(2), 593–610.

  • Lee, T., Ouarda, T. B. M. J., & Yoon, S. (2017). KNN-based local linear regression for the analysis and simulation of low flow extremes under climatic influence. Climate Dynamics, 49(9), 3493–3511.

  • Yoon, S. K., Kim, J. S., & Moon, Y. I. (2014). Integrated flood risk analysis in a changing climate: A case study from the Korean Han River Basin. KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering, 18(5), 1563–1571.

Qiu Jun – Environmental Engineering – Outstanding Scientist Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Qiu Jun - Environmental Engineering - Outstanding Scientist Award

Beijing Normal University - China

AUTHOR PROFILE

GOOGLE SCHOLAR
ORCID

SUMMARY

Qiu Jun is a renowned expert in atmospheric water resource technology, microscale fluid-solid interaction mechanics, and engineering design. A consistent contributor to water sciences and hydrology, the research spans multiple domains, including energy-water systems and environmental sustainability. Roles in academia and national laboratories emphasize a dedication to scientific advancement, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The focus lies in solving practical water and environmental challenges using advanced simulation, modeling, and field experimentation. With a series of high-impact publications and international collaborations, Qiu Jun's contributions are pivotal in bridging aerospace engineering principles with water science to address global resource challenges.

EDUCATION

Education began with a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Aerospace, Tsinghua University, Beijing. This was followed by a Master’s and Ph.D. from the same institution, deepening expertise in engineering and applied sciences. Further academic enrichment came through a visiting scholar program at Columbia University in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. Postdoctoral research continued at Tsinghua University, focusing on applied hydrology and mechanics. The educational background combines aerospace, hydrology, and biomedical research, equipping Qiu Jun with a unique interdisciplinary foundation ideal for tackling modern challenges in water resource management and environmental engineering.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Professional trajectory includes roles from Postdoctoral Research Fellow to Assistant Professor at Tsinghua University. Later held research fellow positions in the Department of Hydraulic and Hydrology, culminating in appointment as Distinguished Research Fellow at Qinghai University’s State Key Laboratory. Currently serving as Professor at Beijing Normal University's College of Water Sciences. Experience reflects a steady progression through prestigious institutions, emphasizing innovation in water systems, experimental hydrology, and resource optimization. Work includes leadership in major national and institutional research programs, with responsibilities in academic mentorship, experimental platform development, and policy-informing environmental studies.

RESEARCH INTEREST

Core interests include atmospheric water harvesting, gravity energy storage systems, climate-influenced hydrological cycles, reservoir management, and fluid mechanics at the microscale. Research integrates physical experimentation with advanced modeling to enhance water resource reliability and sustainable energy applications. Special attention is given to ecological water demand, fog elimination, and climate-induced precipitation patterns. Studies frequently address the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, emphasizing regional hydrological behavior and its global implications. Optimization techniques, including particle swarm algorithms, are applied across image processing and water systems. This multidisciplinary approach enables the design of practical and theoretical frameworks to tackle pressing environmental and energy challenges.

AWARD AND HONOR

Recognition stems from significant publications, international collaborations, and national-level appointments. Invitations to contribute as corresponding author on numerous peer-reviewed journals highlight leadership within the field. Notable appointments at Tsinghua University and Beijing Normal University reflect academic and institutional recognition. Participation in interdisciplinary research projects across China and abroad demonstrates trust in scientific competence and leadership. Although formal awards are not listed, distinguished titles and appointments serve as evidence of professional acknowledgment. Positions in leading water science centers and engineering departments reinforce continued contributions to scientific excellence and environmental solutions in academia and applied science.

RESEARCH SKILL

Possesses advanced skills in experimental system design, atmospheric water collection techniques, hydrological modeling, MATLAB GUI programming, image inpainting using PSO algorithms, and climate variability analysis. Well-versed in integrating environmental data with simulation software and optimization tools to enhance decision-making in reservoir and water system management. Additional competencies include acoustic fog elimination, ecological forecasting, and data-driven zoning of precipitation regimes. Research frequently applies computational fluid dynamics, laboratory-scale validation, and long-term environmental monitoring. The integration of engineering methods with climate science underlines a systems-level research skillset suited for applied environmental and hydrological studies.

CONCLUSION

Work exemplifies the fusion of aerospace engineering, environmental science, and water resource management. With strong academic roots and wide-ranging applications, research addresses urgent global challenges such as water scarcity, climate variability, and energy sustainability. Contributions span foundational theory, applied experimentation, and policy-relevant insights. Engagement across major Chinese universities and global institutions underscores influence and reach. From designing fog elimination systems to optimizing reservoir operations, the approach remains comprehensive, forward-thinking, and multidisciplinary. Through high-level appointments, impactful publications, and continuous research, Qiu Jun emerges as a key figure in advancing scientific solutions for sustainable resource management.

Xin (Cissy) Ma – Water Resources Engineering – Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Xin (Cissy) Ma - Water Resources Engineering - Best Researcher Award

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - United States

AUTHOR PROFILE

ORCID
SCOPUS

SUMMARY

Xin (Cissy) Ma is a leading environmental engineer at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with a strong record in sustainable water systems, life cycle assessment, and resource recovery. With decades of experience in federal research, Ma has played a crucial role in developing tools and strategies to inform urban water reuse, address emerging contaminants, and enhance wastewater treatment. She is widely recognized for her contributions to systems analysis, policy engagement, and interagency collaboration, significantly advancing national efforts toward a net-zero water economy and climate resilience in environmental infrastructure.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Serving as a senior research environmental engineer at the EPA, Xin Ma has progressed through a distinguished federal career. Her work spans technical research, strategic program leadership, and stakeholder engagement. At the EPA's Cincinnati and Athens labs, she has led numerous research initiatives focused on decentralized water reuse, nutrient recovery, and emergy accounting. She has also served as a Contracting Officer’s Representative and Principal Investigator on major projects, advancing sustainability goals across multiple EPA programs. Her extensive involvement in grant reviews, technical writing, and expert panels further reflects a comprehensive and impactful professional journey.

RESEARCH INTEREST

Ma's research focuses on sustainable urban water systems, water reuse, life cycle and cost assessment, and nutrient recovery. Her investigations aim to optimize the environmental and economic performance of water and wastewater treatment technologies. With a multidisciplinary systems approach, she explores how emerging contaminants, climate variability, and circular resource flows impact water infrastructure. A significant emphasis is placed on integrating ecological accounting metrics like emergy into life cycle thinking. Her work supports resilient infrastructure development, particularly in decentralized and fit-for-purpose water reuse strategies, promoting equity, efficiency, and sustainability in environmental decision-making.

AWARD AND HONOR

Xin Ma has received numerous accolades, including the 2025 AWWA ACE Water 2050 MVP for Net Zero Water Economy and multiple U.S. EPA Scientific and Technological Achievement Awards. Her service has been recognized with honors from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy for contributions to IPCC reviews. A consistent recipient of superior performance awards across various EPA divisions, her recognition spans over a decade. These honors reflect the national and international impact of her technical leadership, scientific excellence, and commitment to environmental innovation and sustainable development.

RESEARCH SKILL

Ma possesses expert-level skills in life cycle assessment, cost-benefit analysis, emergy accounting, and sustainability metrics. Her capabilities include modeling water reuse systems, evaluating environmental tradeoffs, and using integrated decision-support tools. She has led interdisciplinary teams in developing EPA-endorsed software such as the NEWR Calculator and the UEV Library. Her research integrates quantitative and qualitative metrics, blending environmental science, policy, and engineering. With a solid foundation in experimental design, data interpretation, and regulatory alignment, Ma excels in translating complex data into practical solutions for federal policy and sustainable infrastructure planning.

PUBLICATIONS

Title: Environmental Impacts and Cost of a Water Quality Trading Approach for NPDES Nutrient Permit Compliance in a Rural Watershed
Authors: Sam Arden; Ben Morelli; Joe Miller; Sagarika Rath; Jennifer Ferrando; George Azevedo; Smiti Nepal; Bayou Demeke; Xin (Cissy) Ma
Journal: Water Research X, 2025

Title: Onsite Non-potable Reuse for Large Buildings: Environmental and Economic Suitability as a Function of Building Characteristics and Location
Authors: Sam Arden; Ben Morelli; Sarah Cashman; Xin (Cissy) Ma; Michael Jahne; Jay Garland
Journal: Water Research, 2021

Title: Human Health, Economic and Environmental Assessment of Onsite Non-Potable Water Reuse Systems for a Large, Mixed-Use Urban Building
Authors: Sam Arden; Ben Morelli; Mary Schoen; Sarah Cashman; Michael Jahne; Xin (Cissy) Ma; Jay Garland
Journal: Sustainability, 2020

Title: Holistic Analysis of Urban Water Systems in the Greater Cincinnati Region: (1) Life Cycle Assessment and Cost Implications
Authors: Xiaobo Xue; Sarah Cashman; Anthony Gaglione; Janet Mosley; Lori Weiss; Xin Cissy Ma; Jennifer Cashdollar; Jay Garland
Journal: Water Research X, 2019

Title: Holistic Analysis of Urban Water Systems in the Greater Cincinnati Region: (2) Resource Use Profiles by Emergy Accounting Approach
Authors: Sam Arden; Xin (Cissy) Ma; Mark Brown
Journal: Water Research X, 2019

 

CONCLUSION

Through a career grounded in research excellence and public service, Xin Ma exemplifies leadership in sustainable water infrastructure and environmental systems thinking. Her contributions have driven forward national priorities in climate adaptation, water reuse, and resource efficiency. By integrating science, engineering, and policy, she delivers solutions that support resilient communities and ecological health. From tool development to global collaboration on climate reports, her influence spans local, national, and international levels. Xin Ma continues to shape the future of environmental engineering through rigorous analysis, stakeholder engagement, and innovation in sustainability practices.