Bhavatarini Kumaravel | Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Mrs. Bhavatarini Kumaravel | Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Mrs. Bhavatarini Kumaravel | Engineering | Research Assistant at Technical University of Munich | Germany

Mrs. Bhavatarini Kumaravel is an interdisciplinary researcher whose work bridges environmental science, computational intelligence, and sustainable structural design, with a growing international profile in digitally driven construction research. Mrs. Bhavatarini Kumaravel received advanced academic training in engineering and computational design, developing strong foundations in algorithmic modeling, artificial intelligence, and sustainable construction methodologies, which have shaped her research-oriented career trajectory. Mrs. Bhavatarini Kumaravel currently serves as a Research Assistant in the Professorship of Structural Design at the Technical University of Munich, where she is actively involved in collaborative, internationally oriented research focused on automation in construction, robotic workflows, and environmentally responsible building technologies.

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Featured Publications:

Applying Software Design Patterns to Graph-Modelled Robotic Workflows

– Automation in Construction, 2021 · 10 Citations
Toolpath-Driven Surface Articulation for Wax Formwork Technology in the Production of Thin-Shell, Robotic, CO₂-Reduced Shotcrete Elements

– Buildings, 2026

 

Taofiq Mohammed | Engineering | Research Excellence Award

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.

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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

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:

 

 

Gennaro Trancone | Engineering | Research Excellence Award

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

Prof. Dr. Gennaro Trancone | Engineering | Research Fellow Università 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.

 

Esdras Ngezahayo | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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 £165,000, 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.

Ms. Ndungutse Jean Maurice | Engineering | Best Paper Award

Ms. Ndungutse Jean Maurice | Engineering | Best Paper Award

Ms. Ndungutse Jean Maurice, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanxi University, China

Jean Maurice Ndungutse is a dedicated researcher from Rwanda with a strong background in chemical engineering and analytical chemistry. Currently pursuing his MSc in Analytical Chemistry at Shanxi University, China, Jean Maurice excels in environmental research, particularly in wastewater treatment, resource recovery, and biosensor technology. His contributions to the field are reflected in his published work, innovative research skills, and numerous awards. Passionate about linking academia with industry, he is committed to improving environmental sustainability through practical solutions.

Profile

Orcid

Based on the CV of NDUNGUTSE Jean Maurice, here are some thoughts on whether he is a suitable candidate for the “Best Paper Award” with the topic “Strengths for the Award, Areas for the Improvement, and Conclusion”:

Strengths for the Award

Strong Academic Background: With an MSc in Analytical Chemistry and a BSc in Chemical Engineering, his foundation in relevant fields is solid.

Research Experience: His publications on wastewater treatment, resource recovery, pyrolysis, and biosensors highlight strong research experience in sustainable technology and environmental science.

Published Work: He has co-authored extensively in high-acknowledgment journals, demonstrating expertise and contribution to the academic field.

Awards and Recognition: Notable achievements like “Best International Student” and “First Prize Scholarship” show his consistent academic excellence and capability to produce impactful research.

Diverse Skill Set: His knowledge of environmental subjects, combined with strong lab skills and IT proficiency, allows for broad and well-rounded research capacity.

Areas for Improvement

Publication Focus: While he has various publications, a deeper focus on breakthrough innovations in his field might enhance his impact.

Collaborative Networks: Expanding his research collaborations internationally beyond China could increase visibility and potential for larger projects.

🎓 Education

Jean Maurice holds a Master’s degree in Analytical Chemistry from Shanxi University (2022–2025). He also earned a BSc in Chemical Engineering and Technology from Yangtze Normal University, China (2018–2022), where he graduated with distinction (GPA 3.842/4). Prior to his university studies, he obtained a diploma in Mathematics, Chemistry, and Biology from G.S St Jerome, Rwanda (2015–2017), also graduating with distinction.

🛠️ Experience

As a high-performing researcher, Jean Maurice has honed his skills in environmental engineering fundamentals, resource recovery, and biosensor technology. His hands-on experience in the lab is complemented by a robust understanding of waste treatment processes such as pyrolysis and anaerobic digestion. Jean Maurice has demonstrated his commitment to linking research with industry and has served as a research assistant in the Green Intelligence Environmental School at Yangtze Normal University.

🔬 Research Interest

Jean Maurice’s research interests span several cutting-edge areas in environmental chemistry, including water pollution control, wastewater treatment, organic waste treatment, anaerobic digestion, biosensors, and sulfur quantum dots. He is particularly focused on resource recovery and developing sustainable technologies for waste management.

🏆 Awards and Honors

  • Best International Student at Shanxi University (2022-2023)
  • First Prize Scholarship for three consecutive years at Yangtze Normal University
  • Research Assistant in Lab 913 at the College of Green Intelligence Environmental School

📚 Publication Top Notes

Assessment of Solid Waste Management and Decarbonization Strategies, Processes, 2024.

Sustainable Treatment of Spent Photovoltaic Solar Panels Using Plasma Pyrolysis Technology, 2024.

“Effectiveness of Torrefaction By-Products as Additive in Vacuum Blackwater under Anaerobic Digestion,” 2023.

“Construction of a Novel Oxalic Acid Biosensor Based on the Combination of Tissue Enzyme and Peroxide Mimic Enzyme,” 2023.

“Advances in Sewage Sludge Application and Treatment: Process Integration of Plasma Pyrolysis and Anaerobic Digestion with Resource Recovery,” Heliyon.

“Biofuel Recovery from Plantain and Banana Plant Wastes: Integration of Biochemical and Thermochemical Approach.”

“Modification of Biochar with Fe₃O₄ and Humic Acid-Salt for Removal of Mercury from Aqueous Solutions: A Review,” Environ. Pollut. Bioavailab.

“Characterization and Environmental Impacts of Kitchen Wastes from Food-Waste Disposer Device,” 20170076.

“Approaches for Treating Domestic Wastewater with Food Waste and Recovery of Potential Resources,” Environ. Pollut. Bioavailab.

 

Conclusion

Jean Maurice’s strong academic performance, innovative research in environmental science, and proven ability to publish in well-regarded journals make him a suitable candidate for the “Best Paper Award”. However, focusing on pioneering research and extending his network would further elevate his academic trajectory.