Firas Barraj | Construction and Building Materials | Best Researcher Award

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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.

Muhammad Hussain | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Muhammad Hussain | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Academician/Research Scholar at UOW Australia, Australia

Muhammad Hussain is a dedicated mechanical engineer with a strong background in design, development, and automation of mechanical systems. With over eight years of professional experience, he has worked extensively on customized engineering solutions, advanced manufacturing techniques, and material processing technologies. His expertise spans 3D modeling, finite element simulations, laser spectroscopy, and additive manufacturing. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with various research institutions and industries to enhance mechanical system automation. His commitment to innovation and research excellence makes him a leading figure in the field of mechanical engineering.

Professional Profile

Education

Muhammad Hussain holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, which provided him with a solid foundation in engineering design, thermomechanical analysis, and automation technologies. His academic journey was marked by active participation in research projects, advanced material processing, and welding technology studies. He has also undertaken specialized training in nondestructive testing (NDT), quality control, and industrial manufacturing systems, equipping him with a diverse skill set that bridges theoretical knowledge with practical applications.

Professional Experience

Muhammad Hussain has had an extensive professional career, notably serving at NCC-PINSTECH complex from October 2014 to May 2023 as a Design and Development Engineer. His work includes 3D computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), finite element analysis, and automation of mechanical systems. He has played a key role in mechanized material handling, welding automation, and HVAC system design. Additionally, he has contributed to contract management, quality assurance, and interdisciplinary research projects, making significant advancements in industrial manufacturing technologies.

Research Interests

His research interests focus on additive manufacturing, automated welding systems, thermomechanical welding, and advanced material processing. He has been actively involved in developing experimental setups, performing spectroscopy analysis, and studying composite materials like W-Cu for industrial applications. His expertise in Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) and Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) showcases his commitment to pushing the boundaries of mechanical engineering and manufacturing technology.

Awards and Honors

Muhammad Hussain has been recognized for his significant contributions to engineering and research. He has published research in peer-reviewed journals, including studies on welding metallurgy and composite material fabrication. His work in design and automation has led to numerous acknowledgments from research institutions and industrial partners. He continues to strive for excellence in mechanical engineering, automation, and material science, making him a strong candidate for prestigious research awards.

Conclusion

Muhammad Hussain has a strong technical background, with proven expertise in mechanical engineering, automation, and material science research. His innovations, interdisciplinary collaborations, and published work make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. However, to further enhance his research impact, expanding publication records, obtaining patents, and increasing involvement in mentorship or academic activities would strengthen his case.

Publications Top Noted

APA (7th Edition):

Hussain, M., Dong, B., Qiu, Z., Garbe, U., Pan, Z., & Li, H. (2025). A review on the additive manufacturing of W-Cu composites. Metals, 15(2), 197. https://doi.org/10.3390/met15020197.

IEEE:

M. Hussain, B. Dong, Z. Qiu, U. Garbe, Z. Pan, and H. Li, “A review on the additive manufacturing of W-Cu composites,” Metals, vol. 15, no. 2, p. 197, Feb. 2025. DOI: 10.3390/met15020197.

MLA:

Hussain, Muhammad, et al. “A Review on the Additive Manufacturing of W-Cu Composites.” Metals, vol. 15, no. 2, 2025, p. 197, https://doi.org/10.3390/met15020197.

Kun Liu | Electrochemical energy storage materials | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Kun Liu | Electrochemical energy storage materials | Best Researcher Award

Assistant research fellow at Sinopec Dalian Research Institute of Petroleum and Petrochemicals, China

Kun Liu is a dedicated researcher in the field of electrochemical energy storage, currently affiliated with the Sinopec Dalian Research Institute of Petroleum and Petrochemicals. With a Ph.D. from Dalian Maritime University, he has made significant contributions to battery materials, particularly focusing on lithium/sodium-ion and solid-state batteries. His commitment to advancing sustainable green materials is evident in his extensive publication record. Beyond research, Liu actively engages in peer review for several esteemed journals, demonstrating his dedication to maintaining high standards in scientific publishing. His work has garnered recognition, leading to a provisional selection for the “Best Researcher Award,” highlighting his influence in the field. Liu aims to continue contributing to innovative solutions in energy storage technology.

Profile:

Scopus.com

Education:

Kun Liu completed his Ph.D. at Dalian Maritime University, where he specialized in electrochemical energy storage technologies. His academic journey has been marked by a deep commitment to understanding and developing advanced battery materials. Throughout his doctoral studies, Liu focused on the synthesis and performance evaluation of various anode materials, particularly in the context of lithium and sodium-ion batteries. His educational background has equipped him with a robust foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of electrochemistry. This academic training has been pivotal in shaping his research trajectory, allowing him to contribute effectively to the development of sustainable energy solutions. Liu’s commitment to continuous learning is reflected in his participation in numerous workshops and conferences, where he engages with leading experts and stays updated on the latest advancements in the field.

Experience:

Kun Liu has accumulated substantial experience in electrochemical energy storage through his role at the Sinopec Dalian Research Institute of Petroleum and Petrochemicals. His research focuses on developing innovative materials for lithium and sodium-ion batteries, with a particular emphasis on enhancing their performance and sustainability. Liu has authored and co-authored numerous publications, showcasing his expertise in material synthesis and characterization. In addition to his research duties, he actively contributes to the academic community by reviewing manuscripts for reputable journals, such as Electrochimica Acta and Applied Surface Science. This role reflects his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and ensuring the quality of published research. Liu’s collaborative spirit and ability to work with multidisciplinary teams further enhance his effectiveness as a researcher, positioning him as a leading figure in the field of electrochemical energy storage materials.

Researcher Skills:

Kun Liu’s research is centered on the development and optimization of electrochemical energy storage materials, particularly lithium/sodium-ion and solid-state batteries. His recent work focuses on innovative synthesis methods for tin-based anode materials, aiming to enhance their lithium storage performance. By employing controllable synthesis strategies, Liu seeks to improve the efficiency and sustainability of battery technologies. His research addresses critical challenges in energy storage, such as dendrite formation and the overall lifecycle of battery materials. Additionally, Liu explores the integration of novel materials, like nitrogen-doped carbon spheres and heterostructure composites, to boost battery performance. His commitment to sustainability is evident in his focus on green materials, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of battery production and use. Overall, Liu’s work contributes significantly to advancing the field of electrochemical energy storage, with the potential to influence future developments in sustainable energy technologies.

Publication Top Notes:

  • A simple strategy for the controllable synthesis of tin-based anode materials and their lithium storage performances 📄
  • MoS2/SnS heterostructure composite for high-performance lithium-ion battery anodes ⚡
  • Spontaneous template approach towards nitrogenous multi-shelled hollow carbon spheres with unique onion-like architecture 🌱
  • Porous graphitic carbon nitride improved Li4Ti5O12 anode material for lithium storage capacity 🪨
  • An effective strategy for dendrite-free Li metal anodes: Nickel foam decorated with high lattice-matching CoN and CoF2 nanosheets for dense deposition 🔋
  • Nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon-coated Li4Ti5O12 composite to enhance lithium storage properties 🌌
  • Three birds with one arrow: Multifunctional single-atom catalysts enable efficient lithium-sulfur batteries 🦅
  • A dual-template synergistic assembly strategy towards the synthesis of extra-small nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbon nanospheres with large pores ⚙️
  • Hard template synthesis of Zn, Co co-doping hierarchical porous carbon framework for stable Li metal anodes 🏗️
  • Lithiophilic Sn layer via pre-electroplating to realize the uniform stripping/plating for dendrite-free Li metal anodes ✨.

Conclusion:

Kun Liu stands out as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his innovative contributions to electrochemical energy storage, a solid academic foundation, and active engagement in peer review. While there are areas for improvement, such as increasing citation impact and broadening research applications, his dedication to advancing knowledge and fostering collaboration marks him as a promising researcher. Recognizing his work through this award would not only honor his achievements but also inspire further innovations in the field of energy storage.