Mona Salam | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mona Salam | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mona Salam | Unveristy Of Technology Sydney | Australia

Dr. Mona Salam is a Senior Lecturer in Construction Project Management at the University of Technology Sydney, bringing extensive expertise in interdisciplinary collaboration and resilient housing. Holding a PhD in Design Management from UTS, a Master of Engineering Studies in Construction Management from the University of Auckland, and a Bachelor in Civil (Structural) Engineering from Ain Shams University, she combines deep theoretical knowledge with practical engineering and academic leadership. Her teaching spans project strategy, construction technology, and professional practice, while her research focuses on collaborative design processes, inclusion in built environments, and climate resilience. Dr. Salam leads Women in Built Environment (WiBE), supporting hundreds of students through mentorship and development. Her work is driven by innovation and social equity, bridging academic rigour with real-world impact.

Profile

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Education 

Dr. Mona Salam’s academic journey reflects a strong interdisciplinary foundation in civil and construction engineering. She earned her Bachelor of Civil Engineering with a specialization in Structural Engineering from Ain Shams University in Cairo, equipping her with a robust understanding of engineering principles. She then pursued a Master of Engineering Studies in Construction Management at the University of Auckland, where she developed advanced skills in managing complex construction projects. Dr. Salam completed her PhD in Design Management at the University of Technology Sydney, where her doctoral research emphasized collaborative processes in construction design and delivery. This progression from technical engineering into construction management and design strategy has enabled her to approach project challenges holistically, integrating structural rigor with design coordination and management strategies.

Experience 

Dr. Salam’s academic career spans over a decade of progressive roles at the University of Technology Sydney. Beginning as a subject coordinator and tutor, she supported core modules in construction technology, project management, and structures. She then advanced to Lecturer in Built Environment, leading and delivering modules such as Managing a Construction Business and Project Management Integration. As a Senior Lecturer, she now coordinates courses in Project Strategy & Leadership, Construction Technology, and Professional Practice. Her leadership extends beyond teaching, contributing to key faculty committees including the DAB Faculty Board, Workload Committee, Education Quality Committee, and the First and Further Year Experience (FFYE) transition initiative. This combination of teaching excellence, curriculum innovation, and institutional service reflects her dedication to advancing both academic programs and the broader educational environment.

Research Interests

Dr. Salam’s research centers on enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration, inclusion, and resilience within the built environment. Her work in “Assessing Interdisciplinary Collaboration in the Detailed Design Phase of Construction Projects” (2024) uses practice-based inter-organisational theory to examine how trust, defined roles, and iterative cost alignment facilitate effective teamwork in complex design phases. In her chapter “Australian Case: Black Summer Bushfires” ), she developed a retrofit toolkit tailored for older Australians in bushfire-prone regions, based on case studies in Bega Valley and Noosa Shires. Funded by national grants, the toolkit addresses accessibility and resilience for vulnerable rural populations . Her broader interests encompass inclusive design, women’s experiences in construction education and workplace settings, and climate-resilient housing solutions shaped by community-centred methodologies.

Awards 

Dr. Mona Salam’s leadership and innovative teaching have been recognized through several recent honors. she received an Honourable Mention for Innovative Use of Technology and Learning in Education, highlighting her integration of advanced digital tools to enhance student engagement. That same year, she earned an Award for Academic Leadership, acknowledging her strategic contributions in curriculum development and student support. Beyond these accolades, Dr. Salam serves as Academic Lead for Women in Built Environment (WiBE), where she leads a strategic initiative supporting female students in Construction Project Management and Property Economics. Through the WiBE Canvas platform, she provides academic, professional, and wellness support, secures scholarships, and fosters industry partnerships—demonstrating her commitment to equity and community impact within the built environment sector.

Publication Top Notes

Developing Multi-Modal Communication Tools for Retrofit Guidance in Ageing Bushfire-Prone Communities

Collaboration in the Detailed Design Phase of Construction Projects – A Study of Interdisciplinary Teams

Exploring Interdisciplinary Collaboration in the Detailed Design Phase of Construction Projects

Exploring Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Construction: Phases and Patterns of Interaction in Detailed Design Meetings

Collaboration to Improve Constructability in Detailed Design Phase – Can BIM and Relational Contracting Help?

Conclusion 

Dr. Mona Salam exemplifies a forward-thinking academic whose work bridges technical expertise, collaborative innovation, and social equity in the built environment. With a solid educational foundation and progressive academic roles, she brings insight and leadership to construction management and design strategy. Her research push boundaries—from facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration and enhancing design delivery, to crafting climate-resilient solutions tailored for vulnerable communities. Recognized for her pedagogical innovation and leadership, Dr. Salam also champions inclusion and women’s advancement through WiBE. Her combined focus on resilience, equity, and collaboration positions her as a visionary contributor to both academia and practice, making her an outstanding nominee for any award recognizing excellence and impact in construction education and research.

Hassan Adamu Abubakar | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Hassan Adamu Abubakar | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Hassan Adamu Abubakar | Advanced Manufacturing Technology Development institute Jalingo | Nigeria

Mr. Adamu Hassan Abubakar is a dedicated Nigerian engineer and researcher whose passion lies in sustainable development through advanced materials science and minerals engineering. He currently serves as Assistant Chief Engineer at the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Development Institute (AMTDI) in Jalingo under NASENI and also contributes as a part-time lecturer at Taraba State University and visiting faculty at AUST, Abuja. With over a decade of academic and industrial engagement, Mr. Adamu has significantly impacted solid minerals research in Nigeria, especially in barite ore processing and refractory ceramics. A hands-on professional, he also mentors engineering students and conducts capacity-building workshops. His expertise ranges from material characterization and composite fabrication to nanoscale fracture mechanics. Adamu is known for his blend of practical engineering problem-solving and innovative R&D approaches, making him a fitting candidate for international recognition in minerals engineering.

Profile

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Education

Mr. Adamu Hassan Abubakar’s academic journey reflects a strong commitment to engineering excellence. He earned his Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from the Federal University of Technology Yola in 2011 and went on to complete a Master of Engineering in Production and Industrial Engineering at Modibbo Adama University of Technology Yola in 2019. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, expected to complete in 2026. His doctoral research focuses on multiscale fracture and crystallographic behavior of barite ore, aimed at enhancing mineral recovery technologies. His solid educational foundation, complemented by certifications in data science, computer appreciation, and project-based learning in the U.S., equips him with interdisciplinary skills essential for innovation in engineering research and development.

Experience

Mr. Adamu brings a rich blend of academic and field experience. Currently, he is Assistant Chief Engineer at AMTDI–NASENI, leading material assessment, internal quality assurance, and mentoring roles since 2021. Earlier, he served as Senior Engineer (2018–2021), driving research on mechanical parts using CAD software. He also shares his knowledge as a part-time lecturer at Taraba State University (2021–2023) and visiting faculty at AUST Abuja (2024–present). His professional contributions include mentoring undergraduate researchers, conducting laboratory experiments on barite, and guiding R&D strategy design. Through affiliations with mineral research groups like DAF Materials and Mineral Research Group and AUST Baryte Research Group, Adamu maintains a robust connection between academia and applied research. He demonstrates exceptional ability to merge field operations with scholarly insight, strengthening Nigeria’s mineral processing sector.

Research Interests

Mr. Adamu’s research is deeply rooted in the sustainable utilization of solid minerals and advanced materials development. His core areas include the characterization of barite ore, production of ceramic composites, and crystallographic studies for mineral liberation. His ongoing Ph.D. dissertation delves into nanoscale fracture behavior of barite minerals to improve separation and recovery in mineral processing. He is also involved in innovative projects such as the valorization of clay, paper sludge, rice husk, and bagasse for low-cost bricks, contributing to green engineering and affordable housing. His research group affiliations and participation in international conferences display his commitment to advancing material science for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions. His work directly supports Nigeria’s goal of mineral resource beneficiation and domestic industrialization.

Awards & Recognition

Mr. Adamu has been consistently recognized for his commitment to academic and professional excellence. He is a Fellow of COMPASS USA (2025) and holds a Professional Diploma in Data Science (2025). Earlier accolades include the Certificate of Achievement in Project Citizen (USA, 2002) and National Certificate of Service (NYSC, 2012). His early foundation in computing was laid at ABTI American University (2007), and his scientific aptitude was acknowledged with a Certificate of Award by the NMC Center, Abuja . He is a registered member of esteemed bodies like COREN (2018), Nigerian Institute of Mechanical Engineers (2022), and Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (2012). These recognitions underscore his dual excellence in academic leadership and field innovation, aligning him with national and international research objectives in engineering.

Publications Top Notes

Mechanical Loading of Barite Rocks: A Nanoscale Perspective

Gravity concentration of fine particles complex ores-containing baryte using laboratory-built mineral jig

Production and optimization of the refractory properties of blended Nigerian clay for high-temperature application; a non-stochastic optimization approach

Conclusion

Mr. Adamu Hassan Abubakar is an accomplished engineer and researcher, committed to fostering mineral-based technological innovations with practical, scalable impacts. His contributions to barite mineral processing, sustainable materials development, and academic mentoring make him a strong candidate for the International Research Award in Minerals and Materials Engineering. With a unique combination of technical expertise, academic rigor, and community engagement, he stands out as a leader shaping the future of minerals research in Africa. His interdisciplinary outlook, cross-institutional teaching, and collaborative research projects make him well-positioned to receive global recognition for his innovative work in sustainable mineral utilization and capacity development.