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.

Haibin Zhang | Civil Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Haibin Zhang | Civil Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Deputy Director of the Department, Hainan University, China

Dr. Haibin Zhang is an esteemed Associate Professor at Hainan University (HU), China, where he has been serving since May 2023. With a robust academic and research background, Dr. Zhang has previously held positions such as Research Consultant and Post-doctoral Fellow at the Missouri University of Science and Technology (MST), USA, and Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), China. His research spans various domains within civil engineering, with a notable emphasis on disaster prevention and reduction engineering.

Profile

Google Scholar

Education 🎓

Dr. Zhang’s educational journey is marked by impressive credentials. He earned his Ph.D. in Disaster Prevention and Reduction Engineering and Protective Engineering from Dalian University of Technology (DUT), China, in December 2016. He also holds a Master’s degree in Structural Engineering from DUT, completed in July 2012, and a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from China Agricultural University (CAU), attained in July 2009. Additionally, Dr. Zhang enhanced his expertise through an overseas study experience at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2015.

Professional Experience 💼

Dr. Zhang’s professional experience includes a series of significant roles in both academia and research. As an Associate Professor at HU, he leads various research initiatives and contributes to the academic community. Prior to this, he was a Research Consultant and Post-doctoral Fellow at MST, where he was involved in advanced research projects. His experience also includes post-doctoral research at the Harbin Institute of Technology, reflecting his extensive background in structural health monitoring and engineering diagnostics.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Zhang’s research interests are diverse and impactful, focusing primarily on multi-scale damage monitoring, nonlinear model modification of reinforced concrete structures, and structural health monitoring. His projects often address multi-hazard protection and the development of intelligent systems for disaster mitigation, demonstrating his commitment to advancing the field of civil engineering through innovative research.

Awards 🏆

Throughout his career, Dr. Zhang has received numerous accolades, highlighting his contributions to the field. These include the first-place award at the INSPIRE University Transportation Center Annual Meeting Graduate Student Poster Competition in 2020, and second place in the Structural Control and Health Monitoring competition at UIUC in 2015. He was also nominated for the Best Paper Award for Young Researchers at the SHMII-7 Conference in Torino, Italy, in 2015.

Publications Top Notes 📚

Zhang H. B., Yuan X.Z., Chen G., Lomonaco P. “Performance of SMART shear keys in concrete bridges under tsunami loading: An experimental study.” Journal of Structural Engineering (ASCE), 2024, 150(1): 04023195.

Zhang H. B., Hou S., Ou J. “SA-based concrete seismic stress monitoring: The effect of maximum aggregate size.” Journal of Building Engineering, 2024, 88: 109232.

Zhang H. B., Hou S., Ou J. “SA-based concrete seismic stress monitoring: the influence of stirrup confinement and concentric compression.” Structures, 2024, 59: 105759.

Zhang H. B., Liao W., Chen G., Ma H. “Development and characterization of coal-based thermoplastic composite material for sustainable construction.” Sustainability, 2023, 15, 12446.

Zhang H. B., Li Z. C., Chen G., Reven A., Scharfenberg B., Ou J. P. “UAV-based smart rock localization for bridge scour monitoring.” Journal of Civil Structural Health Monitoring, 2021, 11: 301–313.