Washington Peres Núñez | Engineering | Brazil

Prof. Washington Peres Núñez | Engineering | Brazil

Doctor at UFRGS, Brazil

Washington Peres Núñez is a distinguished Civil Engineer with a Bachelor’s degree (1981), a Master’s (1991), and a Ph.D. (1997) from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), where he is a Full Professor in the Civil Engineering Department. He specializes in geotechnics with a focus on pavement engineering, particularly in the design, evaluation, and stabilization of flexible and rigid pavements. Washington has authored over 200 technical and scientific articles, received multiple awards for his research, and has been an active mentor for numerous graduate students. His extensive experience includes consulting on significant highway projects in Brazil and collaborating with various international institutions. Additionally, he has served as the coordinator of UFRGS’s Pavement Laboratory and has participated in various academic and professional committees, contributing to the advancement of civil engineering both in Brazil and globally.

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Education

Washington Peres Núñez has a solid educational background in civil engineering, beginning with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering obtained in 1981. He further pursued advanced studies, earning a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering in 1991, followed by a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering in 1997, all from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). His academic journey has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of geotechnics, particularly in pavement engineering, and has laid the foundation for his subsequent contributions to research and teaching as a tenured professor in the Civil Engineering Department at UFRGS.

Professional Experience

Washington Peres Núñez is a highly accomplished Civil Engineer with extensive professional experience in academia and industry. He serves as a Professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, where he has authored over 200 technical and scientific articles, mentored numerous graduate students, and received multiple awards for his research contributions. His expertise lies in geotechnics, particularly in pavement design, soil stabilization, and the recycling of pavements. Washington has played a crucial role as a consultant for major highway projects across Brazil, including significant duplications and expansions of national roads and airports. He has also engaged in international collaborations, providing lectures and consulting services in various countries across Europe and Latin America. His leadership in the Pavement Laboratory at UFRGS further underscores his commitment to advancing research and practice in civil engineering.

Research Interests

Washington Peres Núñez’s research interests primarily focus on geotechnics and pavement engineering, encompassing the design, evaluation, and stabilization of flexible and rigid pavements. He explores critical themes such as soil and aggregate stabilization and the recycling of pavements, aiming to enhance infrastructure sustainability and performance. His work is characterized by a blend of theoretical analysis and practical applications, as demonstrated through his extensive publication record and consulting experience on major highway projects. Washington’s commitment to advancing knowledge in civil engineering is further reflected in his role as a mentor to numerous graduate students, fostering the next generation of engineers while contributing to significant advancements in the field.

Publications

  • Seasonal variations of a subgrade soil resilient modulus in southern Brazil
    • Authors: AJ Ceratti, WYY Gehling, WP Núñez
    • Year: 2004
    • Citations: 70
  • Electric arc furnace steel slag: base material for low-volume roads
    • Authors: L Rohde, W Peres Núñez, J Augusto Pereira Ceratti
    • Year: 2003
    • Citations: 70
  • A study on the resilient modulus of cement-treated mixtures of RAP and aggregates using indirect tensile, triaxial and flexural tests
    • Authors: W Fedrigo, WP Núñez, MAC López, TR Kleinert, JAP Ceratti
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 69
  • Performance evaluation of pervious concrete pavements with recycled concrete aggregate
    • Authors: HL Strieder, VFP Dutra, ÂG Graeff, WP Núñez, FRM Merten
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 57
  • Construction and demolition waste parameters for rational pavement design
    • Authors: L Delongui, M Matuella, WP Núñez, W Fedrigo, LCP da Silva Filho, …
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 54

Conclusion

Washington Peres Núñez is a distinguished researcher with a remarkable track record in civil engineering, particularly in geotechnics and pavement engineering. His extensive publications, international collaborations, and mentorship demonstrate his commitment to advancing knowledge in his field. While there are areas where he can expand his research scope and enhance community engagement, his contributions to academia and practical applications of his work make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His achievements not only reflect individual excellence but also positively impact civil engineering and infrastructure development in Brazil and beyond.

Avishek Choudhury | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr. Avishek Choudhury | Engineering | Best Researcher Award 

Assistant Professor at West Virginia University, United States

Dr. Avishek Choudhury is a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of Industrial and Management Systems Engineering at West Virginia University, where he focuses on human factors, human-systems interaction, occupational safety, and medical informatics. He earned his Ph.D. from Stevens Institute of Technology, with a dissertation on an AI-based blood utilization calculator. His research aims to improve healthcare outcomes through innovative technology, notably in maternal health and mental health interventions. Dr. Choudhury has received numerous awards, including the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society’s Best Article Award for his work on AI in healthcare. With an impressive publication record, including over 40 peer-reviewed articles and several active research grants, he also contributes to the academic community as an editorial board member and reviewer for various journals.

Publication Profile

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Diverse Research Areas: Avishek Choudhury’s research spans crucial domains such as human factors, occupational safety, medical informatics, and healthcare AI applications. His ability to integrate these areas, particularly focusing on AI’s role in healthcare decision-making, human-system interaction, and mental health, demonstrates a high level of expertise.
  2. Innovative Projects: His involvement in impactful projects like Mobile for Mothers, which aims to reduce maternal mortality in underprivileged societies using AI, highlights his commitment to solving global healthcare challenges. Additionally, his work on mobile health interventions for mental health issues among students showcases his alignment with contemporary healthcare needs.
  3. Strong Publication Record: With 49 peer-reviewed journal articles and a high h-index of 20, Dr. Choudhury demonstrates a robust academic presence. His work is frequently published in leading journals, such as JMIR, PLOS One, and Scientific Reports. Several of his papers focus on cutting-edge issues, including the integration of AI into clinical settings and the mental health impact of cancer care, solidifying his reputation in research communities.
  4. Recognition and Awards: His numerous awards, including the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Best Article Award and the Paul Kaplan Award for excellence in research, underscore the quality and impact of his work. These accolades highlight his ability to generate meaningful research with real-world applications.
  5. Leadership in Editorial Roles: His involvement as an editorial board member and associate editor for prominent journals, such as JMIR Human Factors and Frontiers in Digital Health, reflects his standing as a thought leader. These positions indicate his influence on the future direction of research in his field.
  6. Grants and Funding: Choudhury has successfully secured significant funding from prestigious organizations, including the EPA and internal grants from WVU. His ability to lead projects that attract funding suggests strong leadership skills and the potential for further groundbreaking research.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Expanded International Collaborations: Although Dr. Choudhury’s research focuses on global health challenges, particularly in LMICs, more international collaborations with institutions beyond the U.S. could further enhance his research’s global impact. Partnering with diverse academic and healthcare organizations in these regions could bolster the implementation of his findings.
  2. Public Engagement and Outreach: While he has presented at prestigious conferences and workshops, increasing his public-facing engagement (e.g., outreach through public lectures, media appearances, or policy advising) could extend the societal impact of his research, particularly in policy formulation for AI in healthcare.
  3. Interdisciplinary Integration: Although his research is interdisciplinary, expanding collaboration with professionals in fields such as behavioral science or sociology might enhance the human-centered focus of his work, especially in areas like mental health interventions and AI ethics.

Education: 

Dr. Avishek Choudhury’s educational background is impressive and diverse. He obtained his Ph.D. in Systems Engineering with a focus on Human Factors from Stevens Institute of Technology in May 2022, where his dissertation explored the development of an Artificial Intelligence-Based Blood Utilization Calculator through a mixed-method approach. Prior to that, he earned an M.Sc. in Industrial Engineering from Texas Tech University in 2017, building a solid foundation in engineering principles. His academic journey began with a B.Tech. in Automobile Engineering from West Bengal State University, where he graduated in 2014. This educational trajectory demonstrates his commitment to advancing knowledge in industrial and management systems engineering, particularly in the areas of human factors and healthcare.

Experience:

Dr. Avishek Choudhury is a Tenure Track Assistant Professor in Industrial and Management Systems Engineering at West Virginia University, specializing in Human Factors, Human-Systems Interaction, Occupational Safety, and Medical Informatics. With a Ph.D. from Stevens Institute of Technology, he has a strong research background as a former Research Assistant and Teaching Assistant. His diverse experiences include a Process Improvement Internship at UnityPoint Health and significant research contributions through multiple active grants and projects, particularly focusing on maternal healthcare and the application of AI in healthcare settings. Dr. Choudhury’s commitment to advancing healthcare technology is evidenced by his numerous peer-reviewed publications, editorial roles, and academic awards, which reflect his dedication to addressing critical issues in healthcare through innovative research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Research Focus:

Dr. Avishek Choudhury’s research focuses on the intersection of human factors, human-systems interaction, and occupational safety within the healthcare sector. His work emphasizes improving the usability and efficacy of healthcare technologies, particularly through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). He has led innovative projects, including the development of intelligent maternal healthcare systems aimed at reducing preventable maternal mortality in low- and middle-income countries and investigating AI applications in clinical decision-making to enhance clinicians’ performance and cognitive workload. Dr. Choudhury’s studies also address mental health issues, exploring the feasibility of mobile health technologies in suicide prevention and the early identification of depression and anxiety among students. Through a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, he seeks to identify critical determinants of health outcomes and foster patient-centered care by enhancing the interaction between healthcare professionals and technology. His commitment to advancing healthcare systems is evident in his numerous publications and active involvement in interdisciplinary research initiatives.

Awards and Honors:

Avishek Choudhury, Ph.D., has received several prestigious awards and honors throughout his academic and professional career. Notably, he was recognized in 2024 with the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society’s Best Article Award for his outstanding article titled “Impact of Accountability, Training, and Human Factors on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare.” This article was deemed the best in the 2023 volume of Human Factors and Ergonomics in Healthcare. In 2022, he was the recipient of the Paul Kaplan Award at Stevens Institute of Technology, which honors exemplary academic performance and exceptional promise, awarded annually to one Ph.D. candidate in the university. Choudhury also received the Outstanding Dissertation Award in 2022 for his distinguished research efforts. Additionally, he was awarded the Stevens Excellence Doctoral Fellowship and the Exceptional Achievement Award in 2021. His accomplishments also include the Best Student Paper Award in 2021 and the Fabrycky Blanchard Award for excellence in Systems Engineering research. Throughout his educational journey, he has also received several scholarships and fellowships, underscoring his commitment to advancing research in human factors and healthcare applications.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Large Language Models and User Trust: Consequence of Self-Referential Learning Loop and the Deskilling of Health Care Professionals
    • Authors: Choudhury, A., Chaudhry, Z.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation: Journal of Medical Internet Research, 26(1), e56764.
  • Erratum: Acceptance, initial trust formation, and human biases in artificial intelligence: focus on clinicians
    • Authors: Choudhury, A., Elkefi, S.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation: Frontiers in Digital Health, 6, 1334266.
  • Editorial: Mobile health interventions to address maternal health: ideas, concepts, and interventions
    • Authors: Choudhury, A., Nimbarte, A.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation: Frontiers in Digital Health, 6, 1378416.
  • Exploring the determinants influencing suicidal ideation and depression in gastrointestinal cancer patients
    • Authors: Choudhury, A., Shahsavar, Y.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citation: Scientific Reports, 13(1), 18236.
  • Exploring Perceptions and Needs of Mobile Health Interventions for Nutrition, Anemia, and Preeclampsia among Pregnant Women in Underprivileged Indian Communities: A Cross-Sectional Survey
    • Authors: Choudhury, A., Shahsavar, Y., Sarkar, K., Choudhury, M.M., Nimbarte, A.D.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citation: Nutrients, 15(17), 3699

Conclusion:

Dr. Avishek Choudhury is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his innovative and impactful contributions to human factors, healthcare AI, and medical informatics. His diverse research projects, commitment to global health challenges, and editorial leadership position him as a frontrunner in his field. Addressing minor areas for improvement—such as expanding international collaborations and public outreach—would further amplify his influence and reach. Overall, his track record makes him highly suitable for recognition as a leading researcher.

Bita Ayati | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Bita Ayati | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Bita Ayati , Tarbiat Modares University , Iran

Dr. Bita Ayati is a distinguished researcher in the field of engineering, known for her innovative contributions to materials science and sustainable engineering practices. She earned her PhD in Engineering from [University Name], where her groundbreaking research focused on [specific topic or project]. Dr. Ayati has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and has been recognized with several awards for her impactful work. Currently, she serves as a faculty member at [Institution Name], where she teaches and mentors aspiring engineers while leading advanced research projects. Her dedication to fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange within the engineering community makes her a leading figure in her field.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Scholar

 

Awards

Dr. Bita Ayati has received numerous prestigious awards throughout her academic career, recognizing her outstanding contributions to education and research. She was honored as the Best University Professor at Tarbiat Modares University in both 2023 and 2017, and named Best University Researcher in 2016. In March 2015, she received the Young Researcher Award at the 10th Annual Dr. Taghi Ebtekar Environmental Awards. Her scholarly works have also been acknowledged, with nominations for Best Book at IRDA 2012 and winning the Students’ Book of the Year Award in 2011. Additionally, she has been recognized as the Best Researcher at Tarbiat Modares University in 2010 and received the Best Paper Award at CELCO in 2007. Dr. Ayati achieved First Rank in her Ph.D. program and was also recognized as the top Ph.D. student in Iran for the academic year 2004-2005. Her accolades include the Thematic Man and Biosphere (MAB) Young Scientist Award from UNESCO in 2002 and top rankings in her Master’s and Bachelor’s programs at Sharif University of Technology.

 

Education

Dr. Bita Ayati holds a Ph.D. in Civil (Environmental) Engineering from Tarbiat Modares University, completed in March 2005. She also earned her M.Sc. in Civil (Environmental) Engineering from Sharif University of Technology between 1996 and 1998. Earlier, she obtained her B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from the same institution, graduating in 1996. Her academic journey reflects a strong foundation in both engineering disciplines, emphasizing her commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation.

Experience

Dr. Bita Ayati has extensive professional experience in environmental engineering, currently serving as the Head of the Environmental Engineering Division at Tarbiat Modares University since June 2023, after previously holding the same position from March 2020 to March 2022. She has been an Associate Professor in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty since September 2010 and served as an Assistant Professor from July 2005 to September 2010. Additionally, Dr. Ayati led the Environmental Engineering Laboratory since 1999 and was a member of the HSE Committee from December 2012 to October 2016. Earlier in her career, she contributed to Yekom Consulting Engineering, focusing on the literature review of environmental assessments from 1996 to 1997. Her leadership and academic roles highlight her commitment to advancing the field of environmental engineering.

Professional Training

Dr. Bita Ayati has pursued extensive professional training to enhance her expertise in environmental engineering and related fields. Notable courses include the “Plastics: Impacts and Action” online course from Cornell University (2021) and participation in the Water Initiative South Asia (WISA) in Istanbul (2018). She attended the Matchmaking Workshop between the Leibniz Association and Iranian Researchers in Berlin (2017), as well as the Middle East and North Africa Group Invitation Program by the Japan Foundation (2017). Additionally, Dr. Ayati was part of the International Visitor Leadership Program in the USA focused on wetland management (2016) and attended an EABRN-UNESCO training workshop on Remote Sensing & GIS in Beijing (2011). Her training also includes various workshops in Iran on clean air strategies, water treatment, and hazardous waste management, demonstrating her commitment to professional development in environmental issues.

Publication Top Notes

M.G. Rahimi, Removal of petroleum hydrocarbons from wastewater using photolysis-moving bed biofilm reactor hybrid system, Accepted for Publication in Journal of Advanced Environmental Research and Technology.

R. Haririyan Javan, M. Seyyedi, B. Ayati, Evaluation of treatment and energy efficiencies of an advanced electrochemical system for Chlorella removal equipped with aluminum, graphite, and RGO nanoparticle-coated cathodes, Journal of Water Science and Engineering, January 2024, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wse.2023.12.004.

S. Gan, Y. Meng, Z. Lin, C. Zheng, A. Zhu, H. Ganjidoust, B. Ayati, A. Huo, Efficient Removal of Antimony (V) from Antimony Mine Wastewater by Micrometer Zero-Valent Iron, Langmuir, 2023, 39(42), 14945–14957, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c01787.

H. Sadati, B. Ayati, Using A Promising Biomass-Based Biochar in Photocatalytic Degradation: Highly Impressive Performance of RHB/SnO2/Fe3O4 for Elimination of AO7, Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2023, 22(6), 1445-1462, https://doi.org/10.1007/s43630-023-00389-2.

M.G. Rahimi, B. Ayati, R.D. Webster, Removal of Petroleum Hydrocarbons from Wastewater using Photolysis-Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor Hybrid System, Journal of Advanced Environmental Research and Technology, 2023, 1(3), 25-34.

M.A. Mousavian, S. Hosseini, B. Ayati, Bioelectricity Generation and Decolorization of Reactive Blue 221 Using a Modified Cathode Dual-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell, Water, 2023, 15(1), 101, https://doi.org/10.3390/w15010101.

S. Entezari, M. Abdullah Al, A. Mostashari, H. Ganjidoust, B. Ayati, J. Yang, Microplastics in urban waters and its effects on microbial communities: A critical review, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2022, 29(59), 88410-88431, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-23810-2.

M. Ghalebizade, B. Ayati, Modeling, Optimization and Kinetic Investigation of Acid Orange 7 Degradation using Ozonation in A Cylindrical Reactor with Recirculation Flow with RSM, Modares Civil Engineering Journal, 2022, 22(4), 19-31. (In Persian)

M. Seyyedi, B. Ayati, Design and Optimization of a Sequential and Hybrid AOP System using RSM, Applied Water Engineering and Research, 2023, 11(3), 381-393, https://doi.org/10.1080/23249676.2022.2125092.

F. Habibi, M. Seyyedi, B. Ayati, Synthesis and Application of Reusable and Magnetic RGO/Fe3O4 Nanocomposites in BR46 Removal from an Aqueous Solution; Future Prospects of an Efficient Adsorption Platform, Journal of Materials and Environmental Science, 2022, 13(8), 900-913.