Taofiq Mohammed | Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Environmental Scientists

Mr. Taofiq Mohammed | Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Taofiq Mohammed | Engineering | Graduate Researcher at Georgia Institute of Technology | United States

Mr. Taofiq Mohammed is a dedicated Ph.D. student at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), specializing in science and engineering research with a strong focus on sustainable construction materials and advanced concrete technologies. Mr. Taofiq Mohammed holds a solid educational background that has prepared him for high-impact interdisciplinary research in civil and materials engineering, with advanced doctoral training emphasizing geopolymer concrete, fiber-reinforced composites, and environmentally responsible construction solutions.

Citation Metrics (Google Scholar)

5

4

3

2

1

0

.

–

Citations
1
i10index
0

h-index
1

🟦 Citations    🟥   Documents    🟩 h-index

View Google Scholar Profile

Featured Publications:

Effect of Oil Palm Broom Fiber on the Mechanical Properties of Rice Husk Ash–Blended Concrete
– Recent Progress in Materials, 2025
Recent Advances in Fly Ash- and Slag-Based Geopolymer Cements

– Sustainability, 2025
Calcium Carbide Residue as a Supplementary Precursor in Geopolymer Binders

– Frontiers in Materials, 2025
Transportation Infrastructure Health Monitoring

– IntechOpen, 2025

 

Shaokun Yang | Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Environmental Scientists

Dr. Shaokun Yang | Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Shaokun Yang | Engineering | Lecturer at Army Engineering University of PLA | China

Dr. Shaokun Yang is an emerging researcher in the field of geotechnical and civil engineering, with a growing scholarly profile focused on advanced soil mechanics, foundation engineering, and the application of innovative materials and theoretical models to complex ground conditions. Dr. Shaokun Yang’s academic education has been grounded in engineering sciences related to geotechnical engineering and infrastructure development, providing a strong theoretical and analytical foundation for research in soil behavior, stress–strain relationships, and ground improvement technologies. Professionally, Dr. Shaokun Yang has contributed to peer-reviewed international journals through collaborative research that addresses practical and theoretical challenges in civil and marine engineering, demonstrating an ability to integrate experimental investigation with analytical interpretation. Dr. Shaokun Yang’s professional experience is reflected in published journal articles that examine the consolidation theory and application of double-layered foundations for fiber-reinforced solidified lightweight soil, as well as the dynamic properties of dredger fill under coupled effects of initial stress and principal stress rotation, indicating expertise in both static and dynamic soil behavior. The research interests of Dr. Shaokun Yang center on soil consolidation mechanisms, reinforced soil systems, lightweight soil technologies, dredger fill behavior, stress coupling effects, and the performance of foundations under complex loading conditions, with particular relevance to building foundations and marine geotechnical engineering.

Academic Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications:

 

 

Min-Woo Kim | Engineering | Research Excellence

Published on by Environmental Scientists

Prof. Min-Woo Kim | Engineering | Research Excellence

Prof. Min-Woo Kim | Engineering | Assistant Professor at Myongji University | South Korea

Prof. Min-Woo Kim is an emerging researcher whose academic and professional trajectory reflects a strong commitment to advancing precision manufacturing, materials engineering, and surface science. Prof. Min-Woo Kim’s educational background, though not explicitly detailed in the available record, is consistent with a rigorous training pathway typically involving advanced studies in mechanical engineering, materials science, or related fields, providing him with the foundation necessary to pursue highly technical research in semiconductor-related surface processes. Building upon this academic preparation, Prof. Min-Woo Kim has developed professional experience that centers on chemical mechanical planarization (CMP), hydrophobic coating technologies, and contamination-mitigation strategies within micro- and nanoscale fabrication environments. His work demonstrates an applied understanding of how surface wettability, particle interactions, and thin-film deposition influence the reliability and performance of CMP components used in high-precision manufacturing. Prof. Min-Woo Kim’s research interests include wettability-controlled coatings, PTFE- and DLC-based surface engineering, slurry-particle behavior, contamination control, and the broader integration of advanced materials to improve semiconductor fabrication efficiency and cleanliness. His research skills span experimental surface characterization, thin-film application techniques, interface behavior analysis, and collaborative work in multidisciplinary engineering teams, as evidenced by his role as a coauthor on peer-reviewed work published in the journal Micromachines. Professionally, he has participated in the scholarly community through peer-review activities, contributing expert review for Micromachines, which highlights his engagement in maintaining scientific standards in his field. Although the publicly available information does not list specific awards or honors, Prof. Min-Woo Kim’s contributions to surface engineering and fabrication-process optimization indicate a trajectory aligned with researchers who advance industrial innovation and academic knowledge simultaneously. Overall, Prof. Min-Woo Kim exemplifies a researcher dedicated to improving the performance and reliability of CMP systems through materials-driven solutions, and his evolving body of work reflects a promising career committed to scientific rigor, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and technological improvement within microfabrication and surface-engineering domains.

Academic Profile: ORCID

Featured Publication:

Kim, M.-W., Lee, E., Sun, K., So, Y., Baek, J., Shin, J. H., Kim, H. D., & Youn, Y. B. (2025). Wettability-controlled hydrophobic coating of CMP component using PTFE and DLC for mitigating slurry agglomeration and contamination. Micromachines. https://doi.org/10.3390/mi16121382

 

 

Gennaro Trancone | Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Environmental Scientists

Prof. Dr. Gennaro Trancone | Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Dr. Gennaro Trancone | Engineering | Research Fellow UniversitĂ  degli Studi di Napoli Federico II | Italy

Prof. Dr. Gennaro Trancone is an accomplished civil and environmental engineer with a Ph.D. in Civil Systems Engineering (Dottorato di Ricerca in Ingegneria dei Sistemi Civili) from Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, where he also holds research fellow appointments and is actively engaged in academic and professional activities integrating civil, environmental, and sustainable engineering practice; Prof. Dr. Gennaro Trancone completed his doctoral studies at Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II in 2024 where he specialized in advanced analytical and experimental methods for environmental monitoring, waste treatment processes and sustainable engineered systems, and he is registered with the Order of Engineers in Naples (sector Civil and Environmental) and participates in Italian engineering society committees with roles in environmental and academic commissions, evidencing his commitment to professional governance, interdisciplinary collaboration, and academic leadership in engineering practice and education. Prof. Dr. Gennaro Trancone’s professional experience encompasses research fellow duties in Ingegneria Civile, Ambientale e Edile since 2024, during which he has led and contributed to multiple research projects spanning sediment contamination, waste valorization, anaerobic processes, and infrastructure materials assessment, developing robust quantitative skills in environmental chemistry, bioprocess engineering, materials characterization, and statistical modelling for environmental systems; his work demonstrates expertise in laboratory and field research, experimental design, ecological risk assessment, and process optimization, bridging fundamental science with applied engineering solutions for environmental sustainability challenges. Prof. Dr. Gennaro Trancone’s research interests include environmental contaminant mobility and remediation, sustainable waste treatment and valorization, biofilm reactor systems for renewable energy production, micro- and nano-plastic impacts in infrastructure materials, and the development of innovative treatments for emerging contaminants, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach anchored in engineering, environmental science and sustainability. His research skills encompass sediment and contaminant analysis, reactor design and optimization, chemical treatment parameter optimization, ecological monitoring techniques, and integration of statistical tools for complex environmental datasets. Prof. Dr. Gennaro Trancone has contributed to peer-reviewed journals and edited volumes, earning citations for studies such as assessments of toxic element mobility in sediments and multidisciplinary environmental monitoring, and has been recognized by peers through review invitations and research collaborations; his awards and honors include acknowledgement within professional societies and committee memberships that attest to his academic and professional service, underscoring his influence in the field. In conclusion, Prof. Dr. Gennaro Trancone stands as a dynamic and impactful scholar whose work advances sustainable engineering solutions and fosters interdisciplinary research collaboration, contributing meaningfully to both academic knowledge and practical engineering outcomes.

Academic Profile: ORCID | Scopus

Featured Publications:

  1. Ferraro, A., Siciliano, A., Spampinato, M., Morello, R., Trancone, G., Race, M., Guida, M., Fabbricino, M., Spasiano, D., & Fratino, U. (2024). A multidisciplinary approach based on chemical characterization of foreshore sediments, ecotoxicity assessment and statistical analyses for environmental monitoring of marine-coastal areas. Marine Environmental Research. (Cited ~21) ScienceDirect

  2. Ferraro, A., Marino, E., Trancone, G., Race, M., Mali, M., Pontoni, L., Fabbricino, M., Spasiano, D., & Fratino, U. (2023). Assessment of environmental parameters effect on potentially toxic elements mobility in foreshore sediments to support marine-coastal contamination prediction. Marine Pollution Bulletin. (Cited ~25) ScienceDirect

  3. Muscetta, M., Bianco, F., Trancone, G., Race, M., Siciliano, A., D’Agostino, F., Sprovieri, M., & Clarizia, L. (2023). Washing bottom sediment for the removal of arsenic from contaminated Italian coast. Processes. MDPI

  4. Veropalumbo, R., Oreto, C., Viscione, N., Pirozzi, F., Pontoni, L., Trancone, G., Race, M., & Russo, F. (2023). Exploring the effect on the environment of encapsulated micro- and nano-plastics into asphalt mastics for road pavement. Environmental Research.

  5. Ferraro, A., de Sario, S., Attanasio, A., Di Capua, F., Gorgoglione, A., Fratino, U., Mascolo, M. C., Pirozzi, F., Trancone, G., & Spasiano, D. (2023). Phosphorus recovery as struvite and hydroxyapatite from the liquid fraction of municipal sewage sludge with limited magnesium addition. Journal of Environmental Quality.

 

Romulus Mawa | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Environmental Scientists

Dr. Romulus Mawa | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Romulus Mawa | Engineering | China University of Geosciences | China

Dr. Romulus Mawa Tuzingila is an emerging researcher and Ph.D. candidate specializing in geological and petroleum engineering with a focus on rock mechanics, geomechanics, shale reservoir characterization, and subsurface energy resources, currently affiliated with the China University of Geosciences in Wuhan, China, where he contributes to experimental, analytical, and computational research within the Department of Petroleum Engineering and related key laboratories; he received his foundational education in earth sciences and petroleum exploration (with preliminary degrees completed prior to his doctoral studies, details are drawn from his extensive research output and academic profiles), and over the course of his academic career he has gained significant research experience working on multidisciplinary projects involving experimental rock physics, petrophysical characterization of organic-rich shale, hydraulic fracturing mechanisms, and CO₂–rock interactions as relevant to unconventional reservoir development and carbon storage strategies, conducting laboratory experiments such as uniaxial and triaxial compression, brittleness modeling, and mineralogical analysis using tools like X-ray diffraction and nuclear magnetic resonance, which have shaped his strong methodological and analytical expertise in geomechanical testing and numerical modeling; Dr. Tuzingila’s professional experience extends to international collaborations with co-authors from China and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and includes contributions to both high-impact scholarly journals and engineering society proceedings, demonstrating his ability to bridge fundamental science with applied energy engineering challenges, and his research interests center on the mechanical behavior of organic-rich marine shales, the effects of mineralogy and anisotropy on fracture propagation, and the implications of CO₂ geological storage and enhanced hydrocarbon recovery, supported by a robust set of research skills that range from experimental design and rock physics modeling to data interpretation and scientific writing; his scholarly contributions have attracted citations in related fields, reflecting peer recognition, and his awards and honors include acknowledgment of his peer-reviewed publications and participation in international research networks, underscoring his commitment to advancing knowledge in geomechanics and energy resources; overall, Dr. Tuzingila’s work continues to impact the understanding of subsurface mechanics and reservoir engineering, positioning him as a notable researcher in earth and energy sciences.

Academic Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications:

Tuzingila, R. M., et al. (2026). Machine learning to estimate the brittleness index of organic shale: Case study of Marcellus Shale formation. Journal of Energy Engineering.

 

Goncalo Galvao | Electronics and Computer Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Environmental Scientists

Dr. Goncalo Galvao | Electronics and Computer Engineering | Best Researcher Award

International Society For Executive Learning | Portugal

Dr. Goncalo Galvao is a dedicated PhD student at ISEL whose research spans Electronics and Computer Engineering, Optoelectronics, and Machine Learning, with a strong focus on intelligent mobility systems. His academic trajectory reflects a commitment to innovation, particularly in the integration of Visible Light Communication and deep reinforcement learning to develop adaptive traffic control solutions that enhance vehicular communication, improve traffic flow efficiency, and reduce congestion in emerging smart-city environments. His earlier work explored advanced optical wireless systems for connected vehicles, leading to high-quality scientific contributions and recognition through a Best Paper Award at an international conference. Dr. Goncalo Galvao has authored a substantial body of research indexed in Scopus, comprising 21 documents with 64 citations across 42 citing sources and a 4 h-index, demonstrating the growing impact and visibility of his contributions to optical communication and AI-driven traffic management. His research involvement includes participation in a funded project centered on intelligent transportation and urban mobility challenges, where he applies data-driven engineering approaches to develop sustainable and efficient solutions. His ongoing doctoral research further advances this trajectory, positioning him at the forefront of innovative developments in smart mobility and next-generation transportation systems. Through his scholarly output, project engagements, and academic involvement, Dr. Goncalo Galvao continues to contribute meaningfully to advancements in optical wireless communication, machine learning applications in engineering, and the development of intelligent systems that support safer, smarter, and more efficient urban mobility infrastructures.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar | Researchgate

Featured Publications

Vieira, M. A., GalvĂŁo, G., Vieira, M., Louro, P., Vestias, M., & Vieira, P. (2024). Enhancing urban intersection efficiency: Visible light communication and learning-based control for traffic signal optimization and vehicle management. Symmetry, 16(2), 240.

Vieira, M., Vieira, M. A., Galvão, G., Louro, P., Véstias, M., & Vieira, P. (2024). Enhancing urban intersection efficiency: Utilizing visible light communication and learning-driven control for improved traffic signal performance. Vehicles, 6(2), 666–692.

Galvão, G., Vieira, M., Louro, P., Vieira, M. A., Véstias, M., & Vieira, P. (2023). Visible light communication at urban intersections to improve traffic signaling and cooperative trajectories. In 2023 7th International Young Engineers Forum (YEF-ECE) (pp. 60–65).

Vieira, M., GalvĂŁo, G., Vieira, M. A., Vestias, M., Louro, P., & Vieira, P. (2024). Integrating visible light communication and AI for adaptive traffic management: A focus on reward functions and rerouting coordination. Applied Sciences, 15(1), 116.

GalvĂŁo, G., Vieira, M., Louro, P., Vieira, M. A., VĂ©stias, M., & Vieira, P. (2024). Multi agent reinforcement learning system for vehicular and pedestrian traffic control with visible light communication. In 2024 8th International Young Engineers Forum on Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Theodoros Syriopoulos | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Environmental Scientists

Prof. Theodoros Syriopoulos | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

National and Kapodistrian University of Athens | Greece

Prof. Theodoros Syriopoulos is a distinguished academic and expert in Shipping Finance, serving at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, renowned as one of Greece’s most prestigious institutions. His academic leadership and scholarly excellence have positioned him as a prominent figure in the fields of maritime economics and finance. With extensive teaching and research experience, he has also contributed as a visiting professor at leading universities across Europe and Asia, reflecting his global academic engagement. Before entering academia, he held senior executive roles in banking, investment, asset management, and corporate finance, bringing valuable industry insights into his research and teaching. Prof. Theodoros Syriopoulos has an impressive publication record in internationally accredited journals, addressing a wide range of topics in shipping and finance, including corporate financial management, global capital markets, portfolio management, mergers and acquisitions, financial derivatives, and risk management. His recent research emphasizes corporate governance, ESG frameworks, and green finance, highlighting his commitment to sustainable financial practices. With 1,372 citations by 1,183 documents, 48 published works, and an h-index of 22, his academic impact reflects the global recognition of his scholarly contributions. As an active Council Member of the International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME) and a member of several international academic and professional associations, he continues to shape the discourse on maritime finance and economics globally. His academic background, combining applied economics and development studies, underpins his interdisciplinary approach to research and education, fostering innovation and analytical rigor in the study of global shipping and financial systems.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Syriopoulos, T. (2007). Dynamic linkages between emerging European and developed stock markets: Has the EMU any impact? International Review of Financial Analysis, 16(1), 41–60.

Grammenos, C. (2013). The handbook of maritime economics and business. Taylor & Francis.

Syriopoulos, T., Makram, B., & Boubaker, A. (2015). Stock market volatility spillovers and portfolio hedging: BRICS and the financial crisis. International Review of Financial Analysis, 39, 7–18.

Syriopoulos, T. C., & Sinclair, M. T. (1993). An econometric study of tourism demand: The AIDS model of US and European tourism in Mediterranean countries. Applied Economics, 25(12), 1541–1552.

Syriopoulos, T. (2004). International portfolio diversification to Central European stock markets. Applied Financial Economics, 14(17), 1253–1268.

Xilei Dai | Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Published on by Environmental Scientists

Prof. Dr. Xilei Dai | Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Professor | Chongqing University | China

Prof. Dr. Xilei Dai is a distinguished faculty member at the School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Chongqing University, with recognized expertise in the fields of smart building control, energy optimization, and sustainable building technologies. His academic profile is well established with 2,206 citations by 2,085 documents, 38 documents published, and an h-index of 17, demonstrating the strong impact and relevance of his research. He has influential publications in top-tier journals such as Applied Energy, Building Simulation, Building and Environment, and Energy and Buildings. One of his highly influential papers on green building has been widely acknowledged by peers, earning significant citations and recognition as an ESI highly cited work. His editorial contributions include serving as an associate editor for the Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, further underlining his commitment to advancing knowledge in renewable energy and sustainability. Prof. Dr. Xilei Dai research focuses on building decarbonization strategies by integrating IoT-based technologies, artificial intelligence control systems, distributed energy resources, and battery storage, offering impactful solutions that reduce both energy consumption and carbon emissions. He has successfully led innovative projects such as the development of NetZero Building Energy Management Systems through AI-driven HVAC system control, reflecting his dedication to creating practical solutions with far-reaching implications for sustainable urban development. His research not only addresses pressing environmental challenges but also bridges the gap between optimization theory and real-world applications in energy system economics. With an expanding body of highly cited work, editorial leadership, and a strong focus on innovative building energy systems, Prof. Dr. Xilei Dai continues to contribute significantly to the global effort of achieving smart, efficient, and environmentally responsible building environments.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar | Staff Page |

Featured Publications

Cao, X., Dai, X., & Liu, J. (2016). Building energy-consumption status worldwide and the state-of-the-art technologies for zero-energy buildings during the past decade. Energy and Buildings, 128, 198–213.

Dai, X., Liu, J., & Zhang, X. (2020). A review of studies applying machine learning models to predict occupancy and window-opening behaviours in smart buildings. Energy and Buildings, 223, 110159.

Liu, J., Dai, X., Li, X., Jia, S., Pei, J., Sun, Y., Lai, D., Shen, X., Sun, H., Yin, H., … (2018). Indoor air quality and occupants’ ventilation habits in China: Seasonal measurement and long-term monitoring. Building and Environment, 142, 119–129.

Dai, X., Huang, L., Qian, Y., Xia, S., Chong, W., Liu, J., Ieva, A. D., Hou, X., & Ou, C. (2020). Deep learning for automated cerebral aneurysm detection on computed tomography images. International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery, 15, 715–723.

Dai, X., Liu, J., Li, X., & Zhao, L. (2018). Long-term monitoring of indoor CO2 and PM2.5 in Chinese homes: Concentrations and their relationships with outdoor environments. Building and Environment, 144, 238–247.

 

Giuseppe La Ferla | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Environmental Scientists

Prof. Dr. Giuseppe La Ferla | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Professor | Polytechnic University of Madrid | Spain

Prof. Dr. Giuseppe La Ferla is an accomplished architect, researcher, and educator whose career bridges practice and academia. With expertise in construction and architectural technology, he has contributed to sustainable building design and energy-efficient façade systems. Over the years, he has collaborated on international projects across Europe, the Middle East, and South America, combining technical innovation with environmental responsibility. His research emphasizes adaptive façades, radiant glass technologies, and smart energy regions, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability. Currently, he serves as Professor at the Polytechnic University of Madrid, where he mentors future architects and leads research in advanced construction methods.

Professional Profile

Orcid

Education

Prof. Dr. Giuseppe La Ferla pursued advanced studies in architecture and technology, earning his Master’s degree in Architecture from the Polytechnic University of Turin and later obtaining professional registration at Mediterranean University di Reggio Calabria. Driven by a passion for sustainable design, he completed a PhD at the Polytechnic University of Madrid, presenting a thesis on the thermal behavior of radiant glass in glazed envelopes. His education reflects a blend of design creativity and technical rigor, supported by international training programs and scholarships, including Erasmus studies in Valencia. This academic foundation paved the way for his later teaching, research, and professional practice.

Experience

Prof. Dr. Giuseppe La Ferla has accumulated extensive professional and academic experience. For over two decades, he worked as Lead Architect at Chapman Taylor Spain, managing large-scale international projects that ranged from urban masterplans to bioclimatic building studies. His architectural portfolio spans Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America, where he developed sustainable strategies for complex urban and commercial developments. Parallel to practice, he embraced academia, teaching at the Polytechnic University of Madrid and other European institutions. His combined expertise as a practitioner and professor allows him to integrate real-world architectural challenges into academic research and teaching on construction technologies.

Research Interests

His research interests focus on energy efficiency and technological innovation in building envelopes. He has specialized in adaptive façades, radiant glass systems, and sustainable design strategies, seeking to merge thermal performance with architectural quality. His doctoral work explored radiant glass as a tool for improving comfort and reducing energy consumption. He also contributed to European research programs under COST, including Smart Energy Regions and Adaptive Façades Network, engaging in collaborative studies that connect policy, technology, and user experience. Prof. Dr. Giuseppe La Ferla continues to investigate advanced façade systems, combining computational modeling, experimental monitoring, and sustainable construction methodologies.

Awards

Throughout his career, Prof. Dr. Giuseppe La Ferla has received recognition for his contributions in architecture and sustainability. He was honored with design awards in international competitions such as the Regeneration of Nieporęt Marina and Riviera dei Ciclopi, reflecting his creative architectural vision. His collaboration on participative forest management won the prestigious UN-Habitat Dubai International Best Practice distinction. He has also earned academic honors, including an Outstanding Contribution in Reviewing for the journal Sustainable Cities and Society. These awards highlight his dual achievements in professional design excellence and research impact, confirming his reputation as an innovative and socially engaged architect.

Top Noted Publications

Title: Design of a Shipping Container-Based Home: Structural, Thermal, and Acoustic Conditioning
Year: 2025

Title: Radiant glass façade technology: thermal and comfort performance based on experimental monitoring of outdoor test cells
Year: 2020
Cited by: 17

Title: A geometric play facing the Mediterranean. The Teulada-Moraira auditorium
Year: 2012

Title: Network Movement. The Magic Box in Madrid
Year: 2011

Title: Residential complex in the Sanchinarro Urban Development Plan in Madrid
Year: 2011

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Giuseppe La Ferla career demonstrates a rare blend of academic rigor, international collaboration, impactful teaching, and real-world architectural practice. His contributions to sustainable building technologies, radiant glass research, and adaptive façades position him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with clear potential to further consolidate his influence as a leading researcher in construction and architectural technology.

Esdras Ngezahayo | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Environmental Scientists

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Esdras Ngezahayo | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor in Geotechnical Engineering | University of Birmingham | United Kingdom

Dr. Esdras Ngezahayo is an accomplished Assistant Professor in Geotechnical Engineering and the Deputy Head of the Birmingham Geotechnics Group at the University of Birmingham. With nearly fifteen years of experience in higher education, his academic and research trajectory reflects a commitment to advancing transportation geotechnics, soil stabilization, infrastructure resilience, and sustainability. He holds a PhD in Civil Engineering with a specialization in soil erodibility and has led or contributed to major international research projects on sustainable road pavements and railway infrastructure. Dr. Ngezahayo has mentored over forty MSc students and currently supervises six PhD researchers, demonstrating strong dedication to academic mentorship and leadership. His scholarly impact includes over twenty-five peer-reviewed publications, funded projects exceeding ÂŁ165,000, and editorial roles in leading journals. A Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and active member of international geotechnical societies, he remains committed to innovative teaching, global research collaboration, and engineering for climate resilience and social equity.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Esdras Ngezahayo’s educational foundation is rooted in civil engineering, culminating in a PhD in Civil Engineering (Geotechnical Engineering) from the University of Birmingham, where he investigated the Erodibility of Soils in Rural Roads. His postgraduate journey began with a Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering and Management, also from Birmingham, where he focused on Expansive Soils and Underground Pipes. Prior to this, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Environmental Technology, during which he developed a feasibility study for pedestrian bridge construction in urban areas. Most recently, he completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCHE) to enhance his teaching pedagogy and leadership in academia. This academic evolution, complemented by multiple international scholarships and fellowships, forms the basis for his interdisciplinary expertise in sustainable infrastructure development, engineering education, and applied soil mechanics, allowing him to integrate global perspectives into his research and classroom instruction.

Experience

Dr. Ngezahayo brings a wealth of academic and research experience from his current role as Assistant Professor at the University of Birmingham, where he leads modules, supervises multi-level research, and contributes to strategic direction as Deputy Head of the Birmingham Geotechnics Group. His past roles include Research Fellow and Teaching Fellow within the same institution, where he contributed to significant industry-funded projects such as CRISPS and authored several technical reports. Before relocating to the UK, he held leadership positions in Rwanda, including Head of Civil Engineering at Rwanda Polytechnic and Visiting Lecturer roles in universities across Rwanda and Kenya. He has managed technical laboratories, mentored over forty MSc students, and led geotechnical investigations tied to climate resilience. With deep knowledge in road materials, slope stability, and rural infrastructure, Dr. Ngezahayo blends field expertise with academic rigor, making him an influential figure in both teaching and engineering practice across the Global North and South.

Research Interests

Dr. Esdras Ngezahayo’s research interests lie at the intersection of geotechnical engineering and climate resilience. His work addresses the behaviour of problematic soils, particularly in the context of rural and urban infrastructure subjected to climate change. Key topics include erosion and soil stability, shrink-swell phenomena in clay soils, slope stability, buried utilities, and transportation geotechnics. He is actively engaged in investigating sustainable materials for road construction, including rice husk ash and modified epoxy asphalt, and has contributed to assessing geotextile effectiveness in railway subgrades. His interdisciplinary work also explores equity in transportation systems for vulnerable populations. With a growing research portfolio, Dr. Ngezahayo aims to contribute toward net-zero goals by focusing on sustainable geotechnical solutions for developing countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. He is a prominent contributor to global discussions on infrastructure adaptation and has presented his work at leading international conferences and in collaborative research initiatives.

Awards

Dr. Ngezahayo’s academic journey is decorated with numerous awards and recognitions. He secured full PhD studentship funding twice  to investigate geotechnical challenges like gully erosion and electrokinetic stabilization of clay soils, funded by EPSRC and the University of Birmingham. His laboratory received  infrastructure grant to modernize testing facilities. He received the ICE West Midlands Commendation and CIHT-PIARC Awards for best research in sustainable mobility and adapting road infrastructure to climate change. The Horizon Award for teaching and learning excellence was bestowed by the University of Birmingham, reflecting his pedagogical leadership. He also earned a C-DICE micro-credential badge for innovation in net-zero-aligned research. Earlier recognitions include the Commonwealth Scholarship for PhD studies and a national scholarship for his MSc. These accolades underscore his contributions across academia, research innovation, and professional development in engineering for global sustainability and education excellence.

Top Noted Publications

Title: Evaluating the Use of Rice Husk Ash for Soil Stabilisation
Year: 2025
Cited by: 1

Title: Effectiveness of FTIR as an Antifraud Approach for Modified Epoxy Asphalt
Year: 2023
Cited by: 3

Title: Calibration of Rainfall Simulator for Soil Erodibility in Unpaved Roads
Year: 2021
Cited by: 4

Title: Modelling Erosion in Unpaved Roads
Year: 2021
Cited by: 2

Title: Advances in Understanding Soil Erodibility
Year: 2019
Cited by: 6

Conclusion

Dr. Esdras Ngezahayo is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His significant contributions to sustainable and climate-resilient geotechnical solutions, strong academic leadership, and impactful collaborations demonstrate both depth and breadth in his research portfolio. With further expansion in international research leadership and scholarly impact, he is poised to become an even more influential figure in the global civil engineering research community.