Junhyuk Nam | Distributed Energy System | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Junhyuk Nam | Distributed Energy System | Best Researcher Award

Junhyuk Nam | Soongsil University | South Korea

Mr. Junhyuk Nam is an emerging researcher in the field of electrical engineering, specializing in distribution system operations, voltage stability analysis, and the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs). His research expertise extends to virtual power plant (VPP) platform design, economic analysis, and data-driven power system studies utilizing advanced machine learning techniques such as logistic regression. With a growing publication record that includes multiple papers in high-impact international and domestic journals such as Energies, IEEE Access, and The Transactions of the Korean Institute of Electrical Engineers (KIEE), he has contributed valuable insights into the assessment of voltage margins, optimization of renewable energy integration, and the mitigation of grid challenges associated with electric vehicle (EV) charging and photovoltaic (PV) penetration. His collaborative research engagements with leading national institutions—including the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning, the Korea Energy Research Institute, and the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute—reflect his interdisciplinary approach and commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions. Mr. Nam’s work has earned several prestigious awards recognizing his excellence in academic research and contributions to the development of innovative strategies for enhancing power system reliability and efficiency. With a citation count indicating growing international recognition, his research continues to inform both academia and industry on practical pathways to achieving stable and economically viable smart grid systems. His technical proficiency in tools such as OpenDSS and Python further strengthens his ability to bridge theoretical modeling with real-world system applications. Through continued innovation and collaboration, Mr. Nam is poised to make a lasting impact on the global transition toward intelligent, data-driven, and resilient energy infrastructures.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. J.-H. Nam, S.-J. Park, D.-I. Cho, Y.-J. Cho, and W.-S. Moon, “Assessing the Suitability of Distributed Energy Resources in Distribution Systems Based on the Voltage Margin: A Case Study of Jeju, South Korea,” IEEE Access, 2025.

2. J.-H. Nam, D.-I. Cho, Y.-J. Cho, and W.-S. Moon, “Determination of Voltage Margin Decision Boundaries via Logistic Regression for Distribution System Operations,” Energies, 2025.

Mr. Junhyuk Nam’s research advances the stability and efficiency of modern power systems through innovative analysis of distributed energy resources and voltage management. His work supports the global transition toward sustainable, data-driven smart grids, contributing to cleaner energy integration and enhanced grid reliability for future energy infrastructures.

Firas Barraj | Construction and Building Materials | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Firas Barraj | Construction and Building Materials | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | University of Balamand | Lebanon

Assist. Prof. Dr. Firas Barraj is a distinguished researcher and academic in civil engineering, specializing in transportation systems, pavement materials, sustainable construction, and traffic management. His research emphasizes the use of recycled and waste materials in highway infrastructure and the advanced characterization of asphalt and pavement performance. Dr. Barraj has made significant contributions to both fundamental and applied research, developing innovative frameworks for mechanistic-empirical pavement design and probabilistic modeling of recycled asphalt mixtures. He actively engages with the global research community as an associate editor and peer reviewer for multiple reputable journals. Alongside his research, he is an accomplished educator, teaching a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses in transportation engineering, sustainable development, and pavement design. His work demonstrates a strong integration of sustainability and practical engineering solutions. According to Scopus, his research impact includes 156 citations, 8 documents, and an h-index reflecting his growing influence in the field.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Hatoum, A. A., Khatib, J. M., Barraj, F., & Elkordi, A. (2022). Survival analysis for asphalt pavement performance and assessment of various factors affecting fatigue cracking based on LTPP data. Sustainability, 14(19), 12408.

2. Barraj, F., Khatib, J., Castro, A., & Elkordi, A. (2022). Effect of chemical warm mix additive on the properties and mechanical performance of recycled asphalt mixtures. Buildings, 12(7), 874.

3. Barraj, F., Mahfouz, S., Kassem, H., Khatib, J., Goulias, D., & Elkordi, A. (2023). Investigation of using crushed glass waste as filler replacement in hot asphalt mixtures. Sustainability, 15(3), 1–18.

4. Alhakim, G., Jaber, L., Baalbaki, O., & Barraj, F. (2023). Utilization of fan palm, date palm, and Phragmites australis fibers for improving the mechanical behavior of sandy soil. Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment, 33, 100427.

5. Barraj, F., & Elkordi, A. (2022). Investigating the effect of using unclassified fractionated reclaimed asphalt pavement materials on the properties of hot mix asphalt. Construction and Building Materials, 353, 129099.

Abdel RahmanElbakheit | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Abdel RahmanElbakheit | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia

Dr. Abdelrahman Elbakheit is an Associate Professor of Architecture and Sustainable Design at King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With a passion for integrating renewable energy into architectural design, he has made significant contributions to sustainable architecture through his teaching and research. 🌱🏛️

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Elbakheit earned his Ph.D. in Architecture & Built Environment from Nottingham University, UK, where he focused on the active integration of photovoltaic and wind turbines for sustainable design. He holds an MSc with distinction in Renewable Energy and Architecture from Nottingham University and a BSc with honours in Architectural Engineering from the University of Khartoum, Sudan. 🎓

Experience

With over a decade of experience, Dr. Elbakheit has served as an Associate Professor at King Saud University since 2019, where he has been involved in award-winning sustainable architectural designs and research. He was instrumental in issuing the KSA Green Building Code’s first edition and previously worked as a Consultant Architect in Sudan and as an Architectural Detailer in the UK. 🏗️✨

Research Focus

Dr. Elbakheit’s research interests lie in sustainable architectural design, specifically the integration of renewable energy technologies such as photovoltaic systems and wind turbines in buildings. His work emphasizes enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability in architectural practices. 🌍💡

Awards and Honours

He has received recognition for his innovative contributions to sustainable architecture, including awards for his architectural designs. His involvement in developing the KSA Green Building Code also highlights his commitment to advancing sustainable practices in the region. 🏆🌟

Publication Top Notes

Dr. Elbakheit has authored numerous publications, contributing to the field of sustainable architecture. Some notable works include:

Systematic Architectural Design for Optimal Wind Energy Generation (2021, Bentham Publisher)

A Ducted Photovoltaic Façade Unit with Buoyancy Cooling: Part II CFD Simulation (2019, Buildings)

A Ducted Photovoltaic Facade Unit with Buoyancy Cooling: Part I Experiment (2019, Buildings)

Effect of turbine resistance and positioning on performance of Aerofoil wing building augmented wind energy generation (2018, Energy and Buildings)

A FRAMEWORK TOWARDS ENHANCED SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS INTEGRATION INTO TALL BUILDINGS DESIGN (2018, International Journal of Architectural Research)

Evaluation of Photovoltaic Building Integration and Optimization of Tilt Angles in Riyadh City Hot Dry Climate (2015, JMEST)

 

 

Leila Pasandi | Building Science | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Leila Pasandi | Building Science | Best Researcher Award

Student/Member, PhD Student, United Kingdom

Leila Pasandi is a forward-thinking researcher at the intersection of artificial intelligence, microclimate, and the built environment. With a passion for addressing urban-scale energy consumption challenges, she has made significant strides in developing innovative solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change on urban environments. Her academic journey, bolstered by prestigious grants and awards, reflects her dedication to advancing sustainable architecture and engineering practices.

Profile

Google Scholar

Research for “Best Researcher Award”

Strengths for the Award 🌟

Leila Pasandi’s research portfolio showcases a robust and forward-thinking approach to addressing some of the most pressing challenges in the built environment, particularly in the context of climate change and urban energy consumption. Her work stands out for its interdisciplinary nature, blending mechanical engineering with architectural technology to develop innovative solutions such as kinetic facades and energy-efficient building designs.

Her significant contributions include a comprehensive review of microclimate impacts on building operations, published in high-impact journals like Building and Environment and Applied Soft Computing. Pasandi’s expertise in urban heat island (UHI) mitigation and sustainable transportation demonstrates her commitment to creating energy-efficient urban environments. Moreover, her collaboration with renowned institutions and receipt of prestigious grants and awards, including the NERC OnePlanet Doctoral Training Partnership and the “Excellent Paper Award,” further underline her qualifications as a leading researcher in her field.

Areas for Improvement 🚀

While Leila Pasandi’s research is impressive, there are opportunities for further growth. Expanding her research to include more diverse geographic locations beyond Iran and the UK could increase the global applicability of her findings. Additionally, increasing her engagement in international research collaborations and conferences could enhance her global visibility and impact. Although she has a strong publication record, focusing on producing more first-author papers in top-tier journals would further solidify her status as a leading expert in her field. Lastly, while her technical skills are excellent, delving deeper into the socio-economic implications of her research could provide a more holistic approach to her work on urban environments and energy efficiency.

Education 🎓

Leila Pasandi is currently pursuing a PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Northumbria University as part of the NERC OnePlanet Doctoral Training Partnership (2022-present). Her research focuses on optimizing the impacts of climate change on urban buildings. She earned her MSc in Architectural Technology from Tabriz Islamic Art University (2013-2016), where she specialized in kinetic facades for educational buildings. Her academic foundation was laid with a BA in Architectural Engineering from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (2009-2013), where she worked on designing children’s recreational and cultural complexes.

Experience 🛠

Leila has accumulated diverse experience as a researcher, lecturer, and architect. Currently, she is a PhD candidate at Northumbria University, where she is developing methodologies to optimize urban building environments. Previously, she served as a senior building energy analyst at First World Facade Co. in Malaysia, where she analyzed energy consumption and proposed reduction measures. Her experience also includes teaching roles at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad and the Iran University of Science and Technology, where she led workshops and lectured on computational design and fabrication engineering.

Research Interests 🔍

Leila Pasandi’s research interests are deeply rooted in sustainable urban development. She focuses on urban route-finding, sustainable transportation, machine learning tools, and the interaction between building microclimates and energy consumption. Her work also explores urban heat island (UHI) mitigation, kinetic facade systems, and energy efficiency modeling, all aimed at creating energy-efficient urban environments that are resilient to climate change.

Awards 🏆

Leila’s academic excellence has been recognized through several prestigious awards. She received the “Excellent Paper Award” at the ARSSS International Conference on Renewable Energy and Climate Change in 2023. In 2022, she was awarded a research grant from the ONE Planet Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) for her work on the interaction between microclimate and building structures. Additionally, she was granted a full scholarship by Tabriz Islamic Art University for her outstanding academic performance during her MSc program.

Publications Top Notes📝

Leila Pasandi has an impressive publication record that reflects her contributions to the field of sustainable architecture and urban planning. Some of her notable publications include:

September 2023: “Enhancing Microclimate and Reducing Building Energy Consumption: Utilizing Exterior Redirecting Transparent Louvers for Thermal and Visual Comfort in Iran’s Diverse School Buildings,” presented at the ARSSS International Conference on Renewable Energy and Climate Change. Link to Paper

October 2023: “A Comprehensive Review of Applications and Feedback Impact of Microclimate on Building Operation and Energy,” published in Building and Environment. Cited by 5 articles. Link to Journal

February 2022: “Analyzing the Impact of Urban Planning and Building Typologies in Urban Heat Island Mitigation,” published in Buildings. Cited by 10 articles. Link to Journal

September 2021: “Modified A* Algorithm Integrated with Ant Colony Optimization for Multi-Objective Route-Finding; Case Study: Yazd,” published in Applied Soft Computing. Cited by 8 articles. Link to Journal

Conclusion 🎓

Leila Pasandi is a highly deserving candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” Her innovative work in integrating architectural design with mechanical engineering to address climate challenges in urban environments positions her as a trailblazer in her field. While there are areas for further growth, her current contributions to the academic and practical aspects of energy-efficient building design and urban planning are exceptional. Pasandi’s research not only advances theoretical knowledge but also offers practical solutions to real-world problems, making her a strong contender for this prestigious award.

Tanvir Ahamed | Environmental engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Tanvir Ahamed | Environmental engineering | Best Researcher Award

PhD Candidate, New Jersey Institute of Technology, United States

Tanvir Ahamed is a dedicated Ph.D. candidate at the Otto H. York Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. With a strong foundation in civil and environmental engineering, he has focused his research on innovative solutions for sustainable water management. Tanvir’s work spans from investigating biofilms and water chemistry to the interaction of graphene oxides with microbial communities in water treatment systems. His commitment to advancing water reuse in agriculture through biologically active filters showcases his passion for environmental engineering and sustainability. 🌱🔬

Profile

Google scholar

Education

Tanvir Ahamed is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, where he maintains a CGPA of 3.625. He holds a Master of Science in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Environmental Engineering from the University of Memphis, graduating with a CGPA of 3.72 in 2020. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Shahjalal University of Science & Technology in Bangladesh, where he achieved a CGPA of 3.20. 📘🎓

Experience

Tanvir has amassed significant research experience as a Graduate Research Assistant at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, focusing on mixed media biologically active filters for water reuse in agriculture irrigation. Previously, he worked at Texas Tech University on the functionalization of graphene family nanomaterials to support microbial attachment and growth. At the University of Memphis, his research involved studying lead deposition on polyethylene and investigating stormwater quality at industrial facilities. 🧑‍🔬💼

Research Interests

Tanvir’s research interests lie at the intersection of environmental engineering and materials science. He is particularly focused on the development and application of biologically active filtration systems for sustainable water management. His work also explores the role of graphene oxides in water treatment and the impact of biofilms and water chemistry on lead deposition in potable water systems. 🌍💧

Awards

Throughout his academic career, Tanvir has received several accolades, including the Graduate Student Grants-In-Aid in 2023 for his research on biologically active filters funded by NJWRRI through USGS. He was also awarded the Dhaka Board Scholarship in the Secondary School Certificate Examination in Bangladesh and received multiple government scholarships during his school years. 🏆🎖️

Publications

  1. Ahamed, T., Brown, S. P., & Salehi, M. (2020). Investigate the role of biofilm and water chemistry on lead deposition onto and release from polyethylene: An implication for potable water pipes. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 400, 123253. DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123253
    • Cited by: 12 articles
  2. Salehi, M., DeSimone, D., Aghilinasrollahabadi, K., & Ahamed, T. (2020). A case study on tap water quality in large buildings recommissioned after extended closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology. DOI:10.1039/D1EW00428J
    • Cited by: 8 articles
  3. Rushdi, M. I., Basak, R., Das, P., Ahamed, T., & Bhattacharjee, S. (2023). Assessing the health risks associated with elevated manganese and iron in groundwater in Sreemangal and Moulvibazar Sadar, Bangladesh. Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances, 10, 100287. DOI:10.1016/j.hazadv.2023.100287
    • Cited by: 3 articles
  4. Ahamed, T., Li, C., Li, M., & Axe, L. (2024). Interaction of graphene oxide with the microbial community of biologically active filters from a water treatment plant. Water Research, 122155. DOI:10.1016/j.watres.2024.122155
    • Cited by: 5 articles

Hanan Samad | Geotechnics | Women Researcher Award

Ms. Hanan Samad | Geotechnics | Women Researcher Award

Research assistant in the field of tunnelling and mechanized excavation, University of Tehran, Iran

 

Hanan Samadi is a distinguished researcher and engineer specializing in tunneling, mechanized excavation, and geotechnical engineering. With a robust academic background and numerous publications in leading journals, she has made significant contributions to the field of mining and geoscience. Currently, she serves as a Research Associate at Nazarbayev University in Astana, Kazakhstan, and continues to push the boundaries of her field with innovative research and practical solutions.

Profile

Google Scholar

Education 🎓

Hanan Samadi obtained her M.S. in Engineering Geology from the University of Tehran, where she graduated with an outstanding thesis on EPB Operating Parameters, achieving a perfect score of 4/4. She also holds a B.S. in Geology Science from Payame Noor University, Kurdistan, and a Diploma in Experimental Science from Sadegh Vaziri High School, where she excelled academically.

Experience 💼

Hanan has extensive experience in both academia and industry. She is currently a Research Associate at Nazarbayev University and a Senior Researcher at the University of Halabja. She has also held positions as a Research Assistant at the University of Tehran and Amirkabir University of Technology. Her professional journey is marked by significant contributions to the development and application of advanced tunneling technologies.

Research Interests 🔍

Hanan’s research interests include:

  • Tunneling and mechanized excavation (TBM)
  • Rock mechanics and rock engineering
  • Soil mechanics and geotechnics
  • Mechanics of tunnel boring machines (shield TBM, Slurry, EPB, Gripper TBM, etc.)

Awards 🏆

Hanan has been recognized for her exceptional contributions with several awards, including the 4th INNOMINE Festival Scholarship Award and Winner titles for her innovations in underground space utilization and tunneling software. She has also been honored as the Best Thesis Project Candidate at the University of Tehran and received numerous scholarships for her academic excellence.

Publications Top Notes📝

  1. Computing machinery techniques for performance prediction of TBM using rock geomechanical data in sedimentary and volcanic formations
  2. Prediction of Engineering Characteristics of Rock Masses Using Actual TBM Performance Data with Supervised and Unsupervised Learning Algorithms (a Case Study in Strong to Very Strong Igneous and Pyroclastic Rocks)
  3. In-depth exploration of machine learning algorithms for predicting sidewall displacement in underground caverns
  4. Application of several fuzzy-based techniques for estimating tunnel boring machine performance in metamorphic rocks
  5. Application of machine learning algorithms to predict the effective fracture toughness of several types of concrete
    • Published in Computers and Concrete, 2024.

Alfredo Dias | Sustainable construction | Sustainable Innovation Pioneer Award

Alfredo Dias : Sustainable Innovation Pioneer Award

👨‍🏫 Alfredo Dias  stands as a distinguished academic and researcher in the domain of Sustainable construction . Holding a Ph.d in Delft University of Technology his professional journey exemplifies dedication and expertise. 📚

🌐 Professional Profiles:

Academic Qualifications 📚

Alfredo Manuel Pereira Geraldes Dias pursued his academic journey through a BSc in Civil Engineering from the University of Coimbra, Portugal, in 1997, achieving a noteworthy final grade of 17 out of 20. 🏗️ His educational path continued with an MSc in Civil Engineering (Structures) from the same university in 1999. 📘 However, the pinnacle of his academic pursuit was marked by a PhD in Mechanical Behavior of Timber-Concrete Connections attained from Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands, in 2005. 🌍 This specialized focus on exploring the mechanical intricacies of timber-concrete connections played a pivotal role in shaping his subsequent research and professional engagements within the sphere of timber and composite structures. 🔍

Professional Engagements and Leadership Roles 🏗️🌐

Professional Membership

Senior member of the Portuguese Civil Engineering Association since 2004.Member of the Technical Committee CT14 “Wood” since 2006.Participation as a member of the Technical Committee CT115 “Structural Codes” since 2012.

Leadership and Coordination Responsibilities

Chairman of the National mirror committee from TC 124 since 2009.Chairman of the National mirror committee from TC 250\SC5 since 2014.Coordinator of the Working group “Innovative timber & composite elements for buildings” in COST E29 from 2004 to 2006.Coordinator of the Working group “Hybrid structures” in COST FP1402 “Basis of structural timber design – from research to standards” from 2014 to 2018.Head of the sub-group involved in preparing the new Eurocode 5 part on composite structures from 2011 to 2014.Convener of the WG2 from TC250\SC5 “Composite structures” from 2014 to 2020.Chairman of the Project Team SC5.T2 responsible for preparing the new Eurocode part on timber composites from 2015 to 2018.

Scientific Contributions 🌐📚

Published Research

Authored or co-authored 72 papers in ISI-Web of Knowledge indexed International Journals, with 66 specifically focusing on timber products and structures since 2005.Contributed to 66 papers in non-indexed journals and scientific conferences, with 60 covering topics related to timber products and structures since 2005.

Reviewer Engagement

Acted as an independent reviewer for 25 different International Journals since 2005.Served as an independent reviewer in 15 international conferences associated with timber products and structures since 2005.

Academic Supervision

Supervised or co-supervised 10 PhD theses, successfully concluding 6 and currently overseeing 4 ongoing research endeavors since 2005.

Research Project Involvement

Involved in 25 research projects, all focused on timber products and structures since 2005, taking the lead in 18 of these projects as the principal investigator.

Alfredo Dias’s citation metrics and indices from Google Scholar are as follows:

📊 Citation Metrics (Google Scholar):

  • Cited by: All – 2134, Since 2018 –1466
  • h-index: All – 22, Since 2018 – 20
  • i10-index : All -48 Since 2018 -39

Summary 🔍

Reinforced concrete corner for timber frame moment resisting joints –Design and experimental assessment

🌟 Introduces an innovative moment-resisting joint design for timber frames. 🪵 Uses a prismatic corner filled with robust concrete reinforced by steel bars within the timber beam and column. 🔍 Conducts analytical and experimental studies to assess resisting moment, stiffness, and failure modes of the proposed joint. 📏 Explores how timber cross-section and steel bar diameters influence resisting moment via a mechanical stress-strain model. ⚙️ Prefers steel bar yielding over timber shear failure, considering steel’s ductility. 🧪 Produces and tests knee joint specimens with varying steel bar diameters, aligning well with analytical estimates. 🛠️ Performs tests on polygonal bolted joint specimens for comparison purposes. 💪 Shows significantly improved rotational stiffness and bending strength compared to traditional bolted joints. 🏁 Concludes the joint’s structural effectiveness and its promising potential for real-world applications.

Top Noted Publications by Dr.Alfredo Dias📚🔍:

Mechanical behaviour of timber-concrete joints.       Paper Published in 2005  Cited by 187

Timber-concrete-composites increasing the use of timber in construction    Paper Published in 2016  Cited by 147

A non-linear 3D FEM model to simulate timber–concrete joints     Paper Published in 2007  Cited by  129

Load-carrying capacity of timber–concrete joints with dowel-type fasteners   Paper Published in 2007  Cited by  111

The effect of ductile connectors on the behaviour of timber–concrete composite beams     Paper Published in  2011 Cited by  102

Timber-concrete composite bridges: State-of-the-art review    Paper Published in 2013  Cited by  84

Stiffness of dowel-type fasteners in timber–concrete joints  Paper Published in   Cited by

Design of timber-concrete composite structures: A state-of-the-art report by COST Action FP1402/WG 4   Paper Published in 2010  Cited by  76

Acoustic performance of timber and timber-concrete floors  Paper Published in 2015  Cited by  71

Analysis of the nonlinear behavior of timber-concrete connections  Paper Published in 2012  Cited by  57

Environmentally friendly high performance timber–concrete panel      Paper Published in 2016  Cited by  49