Carlo Pettorruso | Engineering | Excellence in Innovation Award

Dr. Carlo Pettorruso | Engineering | Excellence in Innovation Award

Research fellow at Politecnico di milano, Italy

Carlo Pettorruso is a civil engineer and research fellow at Politecnico di Milano, specializing in the evaluation and seismic safety of existing infrastructure, particularly bridges. Currently pursuing a PhD in Architecture, Built Environment, and Construction Engineering, his research focuses on innovative strategies for the seismic retrofit of bridges and non-destructive inspection methods for prestressed concrete structures. He has actively contributed to national research projects funded by organizations such as FABRE, ANAS, and INAF, playing a key role in developing technical guidelines adopted by Italy’s Ministry of Infrastructure. His work bridges the gap between academic research and practical application, aiming to enhance the resilience and safety of critical infrastructure. With a strong academic background and hands-on experience in field assessments and structural analysis, Pettorruso demonstrates a commitment to innovation and public safety in civil engineering. His contributions reflect a deep integration of advanced research with national infrastructure priorities.

Professional Profile 

Google Scholar
Scopus Profile
ORCID Profile

Education

Carlo Pettorruso has a robust academic background in civil engineering, having completed all his higher education at Politecnico di Milano. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering in 2015, followed by a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering with a focus on Advanced Structural Analysis in 2018, graduating with top marks (110/110). Currently, he is pursuing a PhD in Architecture, Built Environment, and Construction Engineering, with his research centered on seismic retrofit strategies for existing bridges. His PhD candidacy spans from 2019 to 2024 and has already produced impactful contributions in structural safety. The continuity of his education within one of Italy’s most prestigious technical universities has provided him with a solid theoretical foundation, practical research exposure, and long-term mentorship under leading experts in structural engineering and infrastructure resilience.

Professional Experience

Carlo Pettorruso has gathered significant professional experience through research fellowships and project participation primarily at Politecnico di Milano. Since 2023, he has served as a research fellow specializing in non-destructive evaluation of prestressed reinforced concrete bridges. He has been actively involved in multiple infrastructure assessment projects funded by the FABRE Consortium and other national organizations. His responsibilities include conducting field inspections, evaluating structural safety, and developing technical guidelines in line with governmental regulations. Additionally, he contributed to the seismic evaluation of high-precision structures such as the Large-Scale Telescope at CTAO-South, reflecting his adaptability across complex engineering contexts. Carlo has worked under prominent professors and collaborated with public institutions, ensuring that his work translates into practical policy and engineering standards. His professional journey reflects a consistent focus on improving structural diagnostics, seismic resilience, and bridge safety, bridging academic research and real-world engineering applications.

Research Interest

Carlo Pettorruso’s research interests lie at the intersection of structural engineering, seismic safety, and infrastructure diagnostics. He is particularly focused on non-destructive techniques for evaluating the condition of prestressed concrete bridges and on seismic isolation strategies to enhance the resilience of existing transportation infrastructure. His work spans both theoretical modeling and practical implementation, with strong involvement in the creation and refinement of technical guidelines for infrastructure monitoring and risk classification. He is also engaged in research related to the behavior of special structures, such as astronomical telescopes, under high seismic loads. His projects often involve the development of new methodologies for bridge inspection, retrofitting strategies, and policy-oriented safety frameworks. Overall, his interests reflect a strong commitment to innovation, public safety, and the sustainable management of civil infrastructure, especially in the face of seismic hazards and aging structural systems.

Award and Honor

While specific named awards are not listed in the provided CV, Carlo Pettorruso has consistently demonstrated academic excellence and professional recognition through top honors in education and participation in nationally significant research programs. His Master’s degree was awarded with full marks (110/110), and his ongoing PhD research has been conducted with distinction (noted as “Lode” – high praise). He has been selected to contribute to multiple high-impact, government-funded projects led by the Ministry of Infrastructure, ANAS, and the FABRE Consortium—an acknowledgment of his technical competence and innovative approach. His involvement in regulatory framework development for infrastructure safety suggests he is trusted within national expert networks. While formal individual honors may not be documented, his research roles, funding affiliations, and academic accolades collectively speak to his reputation as an emerging leader in infrastructure innovation and safety assessment.

Conclusion

Carlo Pettorruso is a highly dedicated and technically skilled civil engineering researcher whose work combines academic rigor with real-world impact. With a solid educational foundation and active participation in nationally important research projects, he has built a career focused on structural diagnostics, seismic safety, and innovative approaches to infrastructure management. His contribution to the development of national guidelines for bridge safety, his commitment to non-destructive evaluation techniques, and his role in applied research underline a strong potential for continued innovation in the field. While still in the early stages of his career, his achievements demonstrate a deep understanding of the engineering challenges facing modern infrastructure and a proactive approach to solving them. Carlo Pettorruso exemplifies the qualities of a forward-thinking researcher whose work directly supports public safety and sustainable development in civil engineering, making him a strong candidate for recognition through research and innovation awards.

Publications Top Notes

  • Design and experimental assessment of a prestressed lead damper with straight shaft for seismic protection of structures

    • Authors: V Quaglini, C Pettorruso, E Bruschi

    • Year: 2022

    • Citations: 30

  • Experimental and numerical assessment of prestressed lead extrusion dampers

    • Authors: V Quaglini, C Pettorruso, E Bruschi

    • Year: 2021

    • Citations: 26

  • Cold bending of vertical glass plates: Wind loads and geometrical instabilities

    • Authors: V Quaglini, S Cattaneo, C Pettorruso, L Biolzi

    • Year: 2020

    • Citations: 19

  • Supplemental energy dissipation with prestressed Lead Extrusion Dampers (P-LED): Experiments and modeling

    • Authors: C Pettorruso, E Bruschi, V Quaglini

    • Year: 2021

    • Citations: 12

  • Experimental and numerical investigation of a dissipative connection for the seismic retrofit of precast RC industrial sheds

    • Authors: V Quaglini, C Pettorruso, E Bruschi, L Mari

    • Year: 2022

    • Citations: 7

  • Design and experimental assessment of a novel damper with high endurance to seismic loads

    • Authors: V Quaglini, E Bruschi, C Pettorruso, M Sartori

    • Year: 2023

    • Citations: 6

  • Dimensionamento di dispositivi dissipativi per la riabilitazione sismica di strutture intelaiate

    • Authors: V Quaglini, E Bruschi, C Pettorruso

    • Year: 2022

    • Citations: 6

  • Characterization and numerical assessment of Lead Extrusion Damper with adaptive behavior

    • Authors: E Bruschi, F Macobatti, C Pettorruso, V Quaglini

    • Year: 2020

    • Citations: 6

  • Comparison of linear and nonlinear procedures for the analysis of the seismic performance of straight multi-span RC bridges

    • Authors: C Pettorruso, V Quaglini

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 3

  • Assessment of bridge Post‐Tensioning systems using non‐destructive (ND) inspection methods

    • Authors: V Quaglini, C Pettorruso, S Cattaneo, D Rossi

    • Year: 2023

    • Citations: 3

  • Strategies for the rehabilitation of existing bridges by seismic isolation

    • Author: C Pettorruso

    • Year: 2023

    • Citations: 2

  • Experimental and numerical assessment of isolation seismic device for retrofit of industrial shed

    • Authors: L Mari, V Quaglini, C Pettorruso, E Bruschi

    • Year: 2021

    • Citations: 2

  • Conceptual Design of Seismic Retrofit of Existing Bridges by Deck Isolation: Assessment of Effectiveness

    • Authors: C Pettorruso, V Quaglini

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 1

  • Fluid Viscous Dampers for seismic protection of bridges: a State of the Art

    • Authors: L Zoccolini, E Bruschi, C Pettorruso, D Rossi, V Quaglini

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 1

Anna Plichta | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Anna Plichta | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Research and Teaching Assistant Professor, Cracow University of Technology, Poland

Dr. Anna Plichta is a Research and Teaching Assistant Professor at Cracow University of Technology, Poland, where she also works at the International Center of Education. With a multifaceted background in Comparative Literature and Computer Science, she combines insights from the humanities with advanced computational techniques. Dr. Plichta holds a PhD in Computer Science from Politechnika Wrocławska (2019) and has a strong academic foundation with degrees from Jagiellonian University and Politechnika Krakowska. Her interdisciplinary research focuses on machine learning, artificial intelligence, and applied computer science, with practical applications in energy systems, motor diagnostics, and microbiology. With a commitment to educational excellence and international collaboration, Dr. Plichta has been a key figure in research and teaching at the university for over a decade.

Profile

Strengths for the Award

  1. Diverse Research Interests and Impact: Dr. Plichta’s work spans multiple domains including comparative literature, computer science, machine learning, electrical engineering, and applied mathematics. This interdisciplinary approach showcases her ability to bridge distinct fields, offering innovative solutions to complex problems. Notably, her research on bacterial classification using machine learning methods and energy consumption forecasting using machine learning reflects her versatility and the relevance of her work to contemporary scientific and industrial challenges.
  2. High Citation Impact: Her publication titled “Deep learning approach to bacterial colony classification” has received 134 citations, which demonstrates significant influence and recognition in the scientific community. This kind of citation impact highlights the relevance and utility of her research findings.
  3. Technological Innovation: Her contributions to induction motor fault detection using machine learning techniques (e.g., simulated annealing and genetic algorithms) are highly practical, with clear industrial applications. This emphasizes her role in driving innovation in applied fields, particularly in electromechanical systems and energy sectors, making her work not only academic but also relevant to real-world problems.
  4. Academic Leadership and Teaching: As a Research and Teaching Assistant Professor at Cracow University of Technology, Dr. Plichta combines academic instruction with significant research involvement. Her active engagement in the International Center of Education is a testament to her dedication to fostering a new generation of researchers and students.
  5. Publication Quality: Dr. Plichta consistently publishes in peer-reviewed journals and presents at high-level conferences like those organized by the European Council for Modelling and Simulation. This speaks to her engagement with the broader academic community and her ability to produce high-quality research.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Work: While Dr. Plichta’s interdisciplinary work is commendable, further expanding collaborations with other research groups and international institutions could enhance the visibility and impact of her work. Expanding collaborative efforts, especially with industry partners, could help bring more practical applications to the forefront.
  2. Public Outreach and Dissemination: While her publications and citations are notable, there could be a more concerted effort to engage with the general public or non-academic stakeholders, particularly in areas like bacterial classification and energy forecasting, where her research could have significant societal impact. This could include public lectures, podcasts, or participation in science communication events.
  3. Further Publishing in High-Impact Journals: Publishing in higher-impact journals (e.g., Nature, IEEE Transactions) could further boost the international recognition of her work. While her current journal choices are respected, elevating the visibility of her research in top-tier outlets may further her career and contribute to the recognition of her as a leading expert in her field.

Education

Dr. Anna Plichta’s academic journey blends the study of literature and technology. She earned a BA in Comparative Literature (2005) and MA in Comparative Literature (2007) from Jagiellonian University. Her fascination with technology led her to pursue an MA in Computer Science (2010) from Politechnika Krakowska, followed by a PhD in Computer Science from Politechnika Wrocławska (2019). Her doctoral research focused on applying computational methods to real-world engineering challenges, a field that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications. With this strong foundation, she applies machine learning and AI techniques to diverse areas such as energy forecasting, motor fault detection, and bacterial classification. Dr. Plichta’s educational background not only demonstrates her expertise in both the arts and sciences but also her commitment to lifelong learning and interdisciplinary research.

Experience 

Dr. Anna Plichta has had a distinguished career as a Research and Teaching Assistant Professor at Cracow University of Technology since 2010. She has been an integral part of the university’s International Center of Education since 2015, fostering international research collaboration. Dr. Plichta’s professional experience spans both teaching and research, with a particular emphasis on computational techniques applied to energy systems, mechanical engineering, and biology. She has developed and taught courses related to machine learning, AI, and applied computer science. Her academic leadership extends to guiding postgraduate students and conducting collaborative research projects. Dr. Plichta’s expertise in energy consumption modeling, motor diagnostics, and microbial classification has positioned her as a thought leader in these domains, contributing to over 17 published works. She is also involved in the advancement of international education, contributing to the university’s global research network.

Research Focus 

Dr. Anna Plichta’s research focuses on applying machine learning and artificial intelligence to solve complex problems in fields ranging from energy systems to biological data analysis. Her work in forecasting energy consumption uses advanced computational techniques to predict energy demands in clusters, supporting sustainable energy solutions. In the area of electromechanical engineering, she has applied genetic algorithms and wavelet analysis to detect faults in induction motors, such as inter-turn short circuits. Additionally, her research in microbiology explores the use of image analysis and neural networks to identify bacterial species, contributing to more accurate and efficient diagnostic methods. Dr. Plichta is deeply invested in interdisciplinary research, bringing together computational methods with practical applications in industries such as energy, engineering, and healthcare. She is particularly interested in improving the accuracy and efficiency of diagnostic techniques and optimizing energy consumption through AI-driven models.

Publication 

  1. Forecasting Energy Consumption in Energy Clusters using Machine Learning Methods 📊💡
  2. Matrix Similarity Analysis of Texts Written in Romanian and Spanish 📚🔍
  3. Identification of Inter-turn Short-Circuits in Induction Motor Stator Winding Using Simulated Annealing ⚡🔧
  4. Application of Genetic Algorithm for Inter-turn Short Circuit Detection in Stator Winding of Induction Motor ⚙️🧠
  5. Recognition of Species and Genera of Bacteria by Means of the Product of Weights of the Classifiers 🦠🔬
  6. Application of Image Analysis to the Identification of Mass Inertia Momentum in Electromechanical Systems with Changeable Backlash Zone ⚙️🔍
  7. Application of Wavelet-Neural Method to Detect Backlash Zone in Electromechanical Systems Generating Noises 🔧🌊
  8. Methods of Classification of the Genera and Species of Bacteria Using Decision Tree 🌱📈
  9. Deep Learning Approach to Bacterial Colony Classification 🧬🤖
  10. The DDS Synthesizer (for FPGA Platform) for the Purpose of Research and Education 💻📚

Conclusion

Dr. Anna Plichta is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her multidisciplinary approach, significant research contributions, high citation impact, and leadership in academia. She has demonstrated a consistent ability to tackle complex challenges through computational methods, contributing valuable knowledge to both the scientific community and industrial sectors. Her work, particularly in machine learning and electromechanical systems, is both innovative and impactful.While there are always areas for improvement, such as expanding collaborative efforts and public outreach, these do not overshadow her significant academic achievements. Dr. Plichta’s track record of high-quality research and teaching, along with her contribution to solving real-world problems, make her an excellent contender for the Best Researcher Award.

Sunday Olayinka Oyedepo | Mechanical Engineering | Excellence in Research Award

Prof Dr. Sunday Olayinka Oyedepo | Mechanical Engineering | Excellence in Research Award

Professor, Bells University of Technology, Nigeria

Profile

Orcid

Professor Sunday Olayinka Oyedepo is a highly accomplished academic with over 22 years of experience in teaching and research in Mechanical Engineering. He currently serves as a Professor at Covenant University, Nigeria, and specializes in thermal energy system design, energy management, and sustainable technologies. With numerous publications and collaborations, Professor Oyedepo is recognized for his contributions to energy systems and noise pollution research. He has a rich history of guiding students at various academic levels and is a registered engineer in Nigeria.

Education 🎓

Professor Oyedepo obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Ilorin, followed by a Master’s degree from the University of Ibadan, both in Nigeria. He completed his PhD at Covenant University, focusing on the thermodynamic performance analysis of gas turbine power plants in Nigeria.

Experience 🌍

Starting his academic career in 2000 as a lecturer at Kwara State Polytechnic, Professor Oyedepo moved to Covenant University in 2005, where he has been pivotal in research and administration. He has supervised multiple PhD, Master’s, and undergraduate students, contributing to both academic and applied engineering practices. He also served as the Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Covenant University from 2017 to 2019.

Research Interests 🔬

Professor Oyedepo’s research focuses on energy system design and optimization, including gas and steam turbine power plants, energy conservation, exergy analysis, renewable energy technologies, heat transfer, and noise pollution control. He is actively involved in studying sustainable energy development and industrial energy management.

Awards 🏆

He was recognized as one of the Top 2% Scholars globally in 2021, based on data published by Elsevier. In December 2021, he received the Outstanding Researcher Award in Mechanical Engineering by STAIR Progressive Forum, India.

Publications Top Notes 📚

Professor Oyedepo has over 170 publications, including notable papers in international journals such as Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Energy Conversion and Management, and Environmental Monitoring Assessment. Below are some of his key works:

Experimental Investigation of Used Vegetable Oil-Diesel Blends as Alternative to Fossil Fuel in Compression Ignition Engine (2024) – Book Chapter

Experimental investigation of heating values and chemical compositions of selected fuel woods as bio-fuel sources in developing countries (2023) – Fuel

Numerical modeling of heat transfer performance and optimization of car radiator using (H2O/Al2O3) nanofluids as coolant (2022) – Numerical Heat Transfer

Progress in the experimental and computational methods of work function evaluation of materials: A review (2022) – Heliyon

Waste Heat Recovery Technologies: Pathway to Sustainable Energy Development (2021) – Journal of Thermal Engineering