Kicheol Lee | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Kicheol Lee | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kicheol Lee | Halla University/RISE Project Group | South Korea

Dr. Kicheol Lee is a research professor specializing in civil and structural engineering, with a strong record in foundation engineering, numerical modelling, and new technology development. His work spans artificial intelligence (machine learning, deep learning), probabilistic and statistical methods, field applications in geotechnical/tunnel/foundation engineering, and reliability-based design (LRFD). He has been recognized with multiple best paper and presentation awards from the Korea Geosynthetics Society and the Korea Geotechnical Society. His expertise in numerical simulation (particularly via ABAQUS), and integration of AI/ML with civil engineering systems, has made him a leading figure in predictive modeling, anomaly detection, and structural reliability. Dr. Lee’s contribution lies in bridging advanced computational methods with practical engineering challenges, especially in ensuring safety, resilience, and sustainability of infrastructure. Dr. Lee’s current research is deeply interdisciplinary, merging geotechnical engineering, structural health monitoring, and intelligent systems to create safer, data-driven infrastructure solutions.His ongoing work under the Gangwon RISE Project aims to transform urban safety and sustainability by employing augmented and virtual reality technologies for real-time disaster visualization and early warning.

Author’s Profile

Scopus | Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Kicheol Lee began his academic journey in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Incheon National University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree (2015), Master’s degree (2017), and Doctorate (Ph.D., 2021). His early research concentrated on geotechnical and foundation engineering, particularly the mechanical behavior of pile groups and the evaluation of soil–structure interactions through numerical and experimental methods. His doctoral dissertation, “Evaluation of Resistance Factors of Pile Groups Consisting of Drilled Shafts Embedded in Sandy Ground under Axial Load through Numerical Analysis,” established his expertise in reliability-based foundation design (LRFD) and computational modeling using ABAQUS, laying the groundwork for his later innovations in smart infrastructure systems.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Lee’s professional career seamlessly bridges academia, industry, and national research initiatives, reflecting his commitment to advancing digitally enhanced civil infrastructure technologies. He currently serves as a Research Professor at Halla University under the RISE Project Group (since September 2025), where he leads the Gangwon RISE Project focused on developing advanced safety and green city technologies through the integration of Digital Twin and 3D data. Prior to this role, he was a Principal Researcher at the Korea Institute of Structural Integrity Research (2024–2025), where he led national R&D projects centered on innovative construction technologies and safety inspection systems. From 2021 to 2024, he served as Research Director at UCI Tech Co., Ltd., managing government-funded initiatives that merged IoT and augmented reality (AR) technologies for infrastructure maintenance and smart monitoring applications. Across these roles, Dr. Lee has demonstrated a clear progression from applied geotechnical engineering toward the fusion of engineering mechanics, intelligent systems, and data science to create more resilient, sustainable, and intelligent civil infrastructure.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Lee’s interdisciplinary research bridges geotechnical engineering with artificial intelligence, probability, and information technologies to develop data-driven and intelligent systems for the monitoring, design, and maintenance of civil infrastructures. His expertise spans artificial intelligence—particularly the application of convolutional and recurrent neural networks (CNNs and RNNs) for anomaly detection, predictive modeling, and data-driven decision-making in structural health monitoring—as well as foundation and tunnel engineering, focusing on advanced modeling and soil–structure interaction analysis. He is also skilled in numerical analysis using ABAQUS to simulate complex geotechnical phenomena and evaluate soil–structure responses. In addition, Dr. Lee integrates reliability and probabilistic design principles through statistical modeling, Monte Carlo simulations, and Bayesian inference within LRFD-based design frameworks. His innovative contributions extend to smart infrastructure and safety systems, including the development of AI-enabled inspection robots, reversible thermochromic materials for black-ice prevention, and UAV-based soil monitoring systems utilizing hyperspectral imaging. He has led or contributed to 11 major national R&D projects funded by various Korean ministries—including those of Education, Environment, Land, Transport, Industry, and SMEs & Startups—addressing challenges in smart cities, environmental protection, and disaster prevention, all aimed at advancing sustainable and resilient civil infrastructure.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Lee’s scholarly influence is reflected in his prolific publication record, with over 50 peer-reviewed journal papers—15 indexed in SCI/SCI(E), 34 in Korean journals, and 2 in Scopus. His research has appeared in leading international journals such as Applied Sciences, Sustainability, Remote Sensing, Polymers, and Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology. His academic excellence has been recognized through several prestigious awards, including the Best Paper Presentation Awards from the Korea Geosynthetics Society and the Korea Geotechnical Society in 2020, and the Best Paper Award from the Korea Geosynthetics Society in 2019. Complementing his scholarly achievements, Dr. Lee holds 15 registered patents in the Republic of Korea, showcasing his technological innovation in civil engineering through the development of smart barriers, reversible paints for road safety, and advanced pile systems. Beyond research, he actively contributes to the professional community as an Editorial Board Member of the Korea Geosynthetics Society (2024–Present), and as Assistant Administrator of both the Low-Carbon Construction Committee and the Incheon Regional Committee of the Korean Geotechnical Society (since 2023). Through these roles, Dr. Lee fosters academic collaboration, encourages the dissemination of innovation, and advances sustainable engineering practices in the civil infrastructure domain.

Academic Cites

Dr. Lee’s work is frequently cited in research concerning geotechnical reliability, foundation engineering, and smart civil technologies. His papers on hyperspectral soil analysis and negative skin friction in piles have become valuable references in data-integrated geotechnical research. By bridging machine learning with traditional civil engineering models, his methodologies have influenced new approaches to predictive maintenance and risk-based infrastructure management in both academia and industry.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Kicheol Lee embodies a new generation of civil engineers who seamlessly integrate artificial intelligence, sustainability, and resilience into traditional infrastructure systems. His pioneering work on AI-driven monitoring, Digital Twin simulations, and smart geotechnical materials is reshaping the future of infrastructure safety and environmental protection. Looking ahead, Dr. Lee aspires to expand the application of augmented reality (AR) and digital twin technologies for real-time disaster prediction and response, develop autonomous robotic systems for structural inspection and maintenance, and contribute to global initiatives promoting smart and sustainable urban development in the face of climate change. His long-term vision is centered on building data-informed, intelligent, and resilient civil infrastructure systems that not only enhance public safety and operational efficiency but also minimize environmental impact—paving the way for the realization of next-generation smart and sustainable cities.

Featured Publications

Lee, K. (2024). Verification of construction method for smart liners to prevent oil spill spread in onshore. Sustainability, 16(23), 10626. https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310626

Lee, K. (2023). Proposal of construction method of smart liner to block and detect spreading of soil contaminants by oil spill. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(2), 940. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20020940

Lee, K. (2022). Spectrum index for estimating ground water content using hyperspectral information. Sustainability, 14(21), 14318. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142114318

Lee, K. (2022). Prediction of ground water content using hyperspectral information through laboratory test. Sustainability, 14(17), 10999. https://doi.org/10.3390/su141710999

Lee, K. (2021). Analysis of vertical earth pressure acting on box culverts through centrifuge model test. Applied Sciences, 12(1), 81. https://doi.org/10.3390/app12010081

Lee, K. (2020). Numerical analysis of the contact behavior of a polymer-based waterproof membrane for tunnel lining. Polymers, 12(11), 2704. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12112704

Lee, K. (2020). Analysis of effects of rock physical properties changes from freeze–thaw weathering in Ny-Ålesund region: Part 2—Correlations and prediction of weathered properties. Applied Sciences, 10(10), 3392. https://doi.org/10.3390/app10103392

Lee, K. (2020). Analysis of effects of rock physical properties changes from freeze–thaw weathering in Ny-Ålesund region: Part 1—Experimental study. Applied Sciences, 10(5), 1707. https://doi.org/10.3390/app10051707

Assist. Prof. Dr. Guillermo Escrivá-Escrivá | Energy | Academic and Industrial Synergy Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Guillermo Escrivá-Escrivá | Energy | Academic and Industrial Synergy Award

Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain.

Guillermo Escrivá-Escrivá is a distinguished professor in the Electrical Engineering Department at the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), Spain. He earned his Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from UPV in 2009 and has been a faculty member since 2005. His research focuses on energy efficiency, renewable energies, and power system quality. Prior to his academic career, he worked as a facilities engineer in a major construction company from 2000 to 2005. Throughout his tenure at UPV, Professor Escrivá-Escrivá has collaborated on numerous national and European projects, contributing significantly to advancements in electrical engineering.

Profile

Scopus
Orcid

Education 🎓

Guillermo Escrivá-Escrivá earned his Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) in 2009, where he also completed his undergraduate degree as an Ingeniero Industrial in 1999. His doctoral work laid the foundation for his long-term research into energy efficiency and power system quality, areas in which he has since become a recognized expert.​

Experience 🏫

Professor Escrivá-Escrivá has been a faculty member at the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) since 2005, rising through the academic ranks to his current position as Profesor Titular de Universidad (Associate Professor) in 2016. Prior to that, he served as Profesor Contratado Doctor (2011–2016), Profesor Ayudante Doctor (2010–2011), and Ayudante (2007–2010). He began his academic career as a Profesor Asociado in 2005. Before transitioning into academia, he gained industrial experience as a Facilities Engineer in a major construction company from 2000 to 2005, where he was involved in large-scale engineering projects. This combination of practical field experience and academic depth has significantly shaped his approach to research and teaching.

Research Interests 🔬

Energy Efficiency: Developing strategies to optimize energy consumption in various sectors.​

Renewable Energies: Integrating sustainable energy sources into existing power systems.​

Power System Quality: Enhancing the reliability and performance of electrical power systems.

Achievements & Contributions 🌟

Organized and delivered the technical workshop “Diseño de sistemas de climatización con aplicación de geotermia y carga virtual para la reducción de emisiones de CO₂” at the Colegio Aparejadores de Murcia.

Authored a technical article on sympathetic tripping in differential protections in industrial and commercial electrical systems.

Serves as an Advisory Board Member for Cambridge Scholars Publishing since 2018, contributing to editorial oversight and scientific quality.

Participated in the DERD Project, focused on the creation of an R&D laboratory for the optimized management of demand and distributed energy resources.

Selected ​​Publications 📚

🔋 Hybrid Energy Solutions for Rural Areas

Title: Hybrid Energy Solutions for Enhancing Rural Power Reliability in the Spanish Municipality of Aras de los Olmos
Journal: Applied Sciences (2025-03-30)
DOI: 10.3390/app15073790
Highlights:

Focuses on rural electrification and improving reliability using hybrid renewable systems.

Real-world case study in Aras de los Olmos, Spain.

Likely involves solar, wind, and storage integration.

🛠️ Fault Diagnosis in Electrical Machines

Title: Optimizing Bearing Fault Diagnosis in Rotating Electrical Machines Using Deep Learning and Frequency Domain Features
Journal: Applied Sciences (2025-03-13)
DOI: 10.3390/app15063132
Highlights:

Uses deep learning models and spectral analysis for predictive maintenance.

Enhances diagnostics accuracy for rotating electrical equipment.

♻️ Sustainable Biogas Integration

Title: Strategic Resource Planning for Sustainable Biogas Integration in Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems
Journal: Applied Sciences (2025-01-10)
DOI: 10.3390/app15020642
Highlights:

Addresses planning and modeling for incorporating biogas in hybrid systems.

Focuses on sustainability and energy resource optimization.

🏥 Fiber Optics for Electrical Monitoring in Hospitals

Title: Intelligent Residual Current Monitor Application in Hospital With Fiber Optics Using Wavelength Division Multiplexing
Journal: IEEE Access (2024)
DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3494055
Highlights:

Innovates electrical safety with intelligent monitoring via fiber optics.

Applicable in sensitive environments like hospitals.

Uses WDM technology to multiplex signals.

⚙️ Multi-objective Optimization of Rural Microgrids

Title: Optimal sizing and design of renewable power plants in rural microgrids using multi-objective particle swarm optimization and branch and bound methods
Journal: Energy (2023-12)
DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2023.129318
Highlights:

Applies PSO and branch-and-bound algorithms for system design.

Supports decision-making for renewable microgrids in rural setups.

Balances cost, emissions, and energy reliability.

 

 

 

Prof. Chae-Ryong Cho | Secondary batteries | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Chae-Ryong Cho | Secondary batteries | Best Researcher Award

Department of Nanoenergy Engineering/Pusan National University, South Korea.

Prof. Chae-Ryong Cho is a distinguished physicist specializing in nanoenergy engineering. Currently serving as a professor at Pusan National University (PNU) in Busan, Korea, he has made significant contributions to the fields of lithium-ion batteries, photocatalysts, and nanostructured materials. His research has been widely recognized, with numerous publications and patents to his name.

Profile

Scopus​

Education 🎓

Prof. Chae-Ryong Cho earned his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Physics from Pusan National University, Busan, Korea (1982-1986). He then pursued a Master of Science (M.S.) in Surface Physics at Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea (1986-1988). Later, he completed his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Solid-State Physics at Pusan National University, Busan, Korea (1991-1995), specializing in the advanced study of solid-state materials and their physical properties.​

Experience 🏢

Prof. Chae-Ryong Cho is a Professor of Nanoenergy Engineering at Pusan National University (PNU) since 2006, specializing in secondary batteries and surface physics. He currently serves as Director of the Secondary Battery Convergence and Open Sharing System (COSS) and Secondary Battery Convergence Major at PNU (2023-Present), as well as Director of the Secondary Batteries Industry Technical Human Resource Development Center (SBitHRD) (2021-Present).

Previously, he was Dean of the College of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology at PNU (2018-2020) and a Visiting Scholar at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2013-2014). His research experience includes roles at Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), University of Minnesota, and UIUC. His work focuses on solid-state physics, surface analysis, and secondary battery technology.

Research Interests 🔬

Lithium-ion Batteries: Focus on developing advanced anode and cathode materials.​

Sodium (Na) and Potassium (K) Ion Batteries: Exploration of alternative energy storage solutions.​

All-Solid-State Batteries: Researching safer and more efficient battery technologies.​

In Situ Structural Analysis: Studying real-time structural changes in materials.​

Electrochemical Analysis of Active Materials: Investigating the electrochemical properties of battery components.​

Awards 🏆

2005: President's Award (ROK)​

2018: Busan Science and Technology Award​

2018: Busan Mayor Award​

2021: Congratulatory Plaque from BISTEP Director​

2024: Deputy Prime Minister Award, Ministry of Education​

Selected Publications 📚

Realization of a 2H-Si microneedle with an ultrafast growth rate of 6.7 × 10⁴ Å·s⁻¹

Authors: S. Mun, K. Kim, S. Park, Y. Kang, H. Ahn

Journal: Semiconductor Science and Technology, 2025

Enhanced Li storage of pure crystalline-C60 and TiNb₂O₇-nanostructure composite for Li-ion battery anodes

Authors: I. Jeon, L. Yin, D. Yang, H. Ahn, C. Cho

Journal: Journal of Energy Chemistry, 2024

Citations: 3

Enhancing Li-Ion Battery Anodes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrochemical Performance of Crystalline C60 Nanorods with Controlled Morphology and Phase Transition

Authors: L. Yin, D. Yang, I. Jeon, M. Park, C. Cho

Journal: ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 2024

Citations: 3

Enhanced electrochemical performance and interdiffusion behavior of sodium ions in onion-derived freeze-dried and KOH-activated carbon for sodium-ion battery anodes

Authors: I. Jeon, T. Kim, J. Seo, D. Yang, C. Cho

Journal: Applied Surface Science, 2024

Citations: 5

Electrochemical behavior of Ag nanoparticle-incorporated Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ nanofibers as Li-ion battery anodes under visible light exposure

Authors: H. Yang, D. Yang, I. Jeon, J. Seo, C. Cho

Journal: Applied Surface Science, 2024

 

 

Dr. Shixian Bai | Energy | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Shixian Bai | Energy | Best Researcher Award

School of Electrical Engineering, Xi’an University of Technology, China.

Shixian Bai is a distinguished researcher at the School of Electrical Engineering, Xi’an University of Technology, specializing in power electronic control technology, renewable energy generation systems, and electrochemical energy storage solutions. His pioneering work focuses on SOC equalization control methods that improve the performance and efficiency of energy storage systems, particularly in DC–DC converter cascaded energy storage setups. Bai's innovative research has made a significant impact on enhancing both charging and discharging capacities, contributing to the advancement of energy storage technologies.

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

Shixian Bai holds a degree in Electrical Engineering. His academic background is centered on power electronic control technology and renewable energy generation systems, equipping him with the expertise necessary for his groundbreaking research in energy storage solutions.

💼 Experience

Bai is currently engaged in research at the School of Electrical Engineering, Xi’an University of Technology, where he leads projects on electric-thermal balance control among battery modules in DC–DC cascaded energy storage systems. His work has not only contributed to advancing theoretical understanding but has also provided practical solutions for enhancing energy storage performance. Bai’s involvement in industry-related projects has not been reported, but his academic contributions are notable.

🔬 Research Interests

Power Electronic Control Technology: Developing advanced control methods to enhance the performance and reliability of electronic systems, particularly in energy storage applications.

Renewable Energy Generation Systems: Exploring the integration of renewable energy sources with efficient storage and conversion technologies to support sustainable energy solutions.

Electrochemical Energy Storage Solutions: Focusing on innovative ways to improve the efficiency, lifespan, and capacity of energy storage systems, with an emphasis on electrochemical solutions such as batteries.

Control Mechanisms for Energy Storage Systems: Addressing the complexities of managing energy storage systems, particularly through the optimization of SOC (State of Charge) and SOH (State of Health) variations to maximize performance and sustainability.

Publication 📚

Bai, S. (2024). SOC Equalization Control Method Considering SOH in DC–DC Converter Cascaded Energy Storage Systems. Energies, 17(24), 6385. Link