Amal Balila | Bio-based Building Materials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Amal Balila | Bio-based Building Materials | Best Researcher Award

Senior Architect, Samer Engineering Consultancy Group, Oman

🌟 Amal Mohammed Hassan Balila is an accomplished architect, researcher, and academic with over a decade of experience in architectural design, sustainable building technology, and Building Information Modelling (BIM). Holding a PhD in Construction Management and Engineering, Amal’s innovative work in bio-inspired building materials has earned her recognition and numerous awards. She is dedicated to advancing sustainable construction practices and mentoring the next generation of architects.

Profile

Scopus

Education

🎓 Amal holds a PhD in Construction Management and Engineering from the University of Reading, UK, where her thesis focused on enhancing the strength and durability of adobe bricks with bio-inspired stabilisers. She earned her MSc in Sustainable Building Technology with Merit from the University of Nottingham, UK, investigating the impact of building plans on energy performance using Ecotect software. She also holds a BSc in Architecture with First Class Honours from the University of Khartoum, Sudan.

Experience

🏢 Amal is currently a Senior Architect and BIM Advocator at Samer Engineering Consultancy Group in Muscat, Oman, promoting BIM adoption and managing architectural projects. She has extensive teaching experience as a lecturer at the University of Technology & Applied Science, Oman, and the University of Khartoum, Sudan. She has coordinated curriculum development and supervised both undergraduate and postgraduate architectural projects.

Research Interests

🔬 Amal’s research interests include sustainable building materials, bio-based building materials, biomimicry in construction, and the integration of BIM in the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. Her work often focuses on low-cost, sustainable housing solutions inspired by natural systems and materials.

Awards

🏆 Amal has received numerous accolades, including the Institute of Materials, Minerals, and Mining Award for excellence in presentation (2016), and several awards for academic performance from the University of Khartoum. She has also been recognized at the University of Reading for her research posters and presentations.

Publications Top Notes

📚 Amal has published various peer-reviewed articles and conference papers on sustainable construction and biomimicry. Some notable publications include:

“Comparative analysis on the thermal performance of selected building materials and technologies for housing in the Sudan” in the Journal of Building and Road Research (2014) by Elkhalifa, A., Balila, A..

“Biomimicry in construction: Glycoprotein-stabilised adobe bricks for enhanced compressive strength inspired by termites mounds” in Construction & Building Materials (2024) by Balila, A., Vahdati, M..

Conference papers presented at various international forums, including the 40th Annual Conference and General Meeting, Association of Researchers in Construction Management (ARCOM), and the Young Researchers’ Forum at Imperial College London.

Abu Duguma | Environmental Engineering Award | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Abu Duguma | Environmental Engineering Award | Best Researcher Award

Researcher and Lecturer, Dilla University, Ethiopia

🏆 Mr. Abu Duguma, an esteemed Researcher and Lecturer at Dilla University, Ethiopia, has been honored with the prestigious Environmental Engineering Award. His groundbreaking contributions to environmental research have significantly advanced the field, addressing critical challenges facing our planet. With a passion for innovation and sustainability, Mr. Duguma’s work embodies excellence and dedication. His commitment to excellence has also earned him the Best Researcher Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to academia. Through his research and teaching, Mr. Duguma continues to inspire future generations of environmental engineers and researchers, leaving a lasting impact on both his university and the wider community.

Profile

Orcid

Education 🎓

Abu Duguma Debele pursued his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering from Addis Ababa Science and Technology University. He continued his scholarly pursuits, attaining a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering from the same institution. His education equipped him with a profound understanding of environmental strategies, methodologies for analysis, and technological advancements in pollution control and remediation. Duguma’s academic background fosters his dedication to sustainable environmental practices.

Experience 💼

With a tenure spanning from February 2022 to the present, Abu Duguma Debele has served as a dedicated Researcher and Lecturer at Dilla University. His role encompasses both research and teaching responsibilities, enriching students’ knowledge in various environmental domains. Leveraging two years of experience, he imparts expertise in environmental chemistry, renewable energy technologies, and climate change mitigation. Duguma’s commitment to academia reflects his passion for nurturing future environmental stewards.

Research Interests 🔬

Abu Duguma Debele’s research interests revolve around sustainable waste management and renewable energy solutions. He explores innovative approaches such as anaerobic co-digestion for biogas production from organic waste streams. Additionally, his focus extends to environmental remediation techniques, including adsorption processes for pollutant removal. Duguma’s dedication to advancing environmental science underscores his aspiration to address pressing global challenges through interdisciplinary research.

Awards 🏆

Abu Duguma Debele’s exemplary contributions to environmental engineering have garnered recognition and accolades. His commitment to excellence earned him prestigious awards, celebrating his impactful research and academic endeavors. Duguma’s achievements stand as a testament to his unwavering dedication to environmental sustainability, inspiring others to strive for innovation and excellence in their pursuits.

Publications

  1. Title: “Biogas Production through Anaerobic Co-digestion of Distillery Wastewater Sludge and Disposable Spent Yeast” Year: 2024 Link: Read here
  2. Title: “Activated sodium bentonite as an adsorbent for efficient removal of hexavalent chromium: Statistical optimization using Box–Behnken design” Year: 2024 Link: Read here