Dinesh Babu M | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Dinesh Babu M | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Rajalakshmi Institute of technology | India 

Dr. M. Dinesh Babu, B.E., M.Tech., Ph.D., is a distinguished academic and researcher recognized among the Top 2% Scientists Worldwide in the subfield of Energy for the year 2023 by Elsevier and Stanford University. He holds a Ph.D. in Energy Systems Engineering from the College of Engineering, Anna University, Chennai, where his doctoral research focused on “Studies on the Effect of Internal Longitudinal Fins and Nanoparticles on the Performance of Solar Flat Plate Collectors.” He also holds an M.Tech. in Energy Systems Engineering from Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, and a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from Sriram Engineering College, University of Madras, both with First Class distinction. With over 21 years of teaching and research experience, Dr. Dinesh Babu has served in reputed institutions such as Dr. M.G.R. University, Sathyabama University, R.M.K. Engineering College, Panimalar Engineering College, and currently, as a Professor at Rajalakshmi Institute of Technology, Chennai. His academic contributions encompass teaching core subjects like Heat and Mass Transfer, Thermodynamics, Thermal Engineering, Power Plant Engineering, Machine Design, Manufacturing Technology, Environmental Science, and Entrepreneurship Development. Dr. Babu has an outstanding research profile with 93 publications in Scopus, SCI, and Web of Science-indexed journals, achieving a cumulative impact factor of 302.54. His research has garnered over 3,500 citations on Google Scholar (h-index: 32, i10-index: 52), 3,177 citations on Scopus (h-index: 31), and 2,978 citations with 15,220 reads on ResearchGate. He has also published two patents and has four ongoing research papers under review. He currently supervises four Ph.D. research scholars registered under Anna University (Supervisor ID: 3120042). His research interests include renewable energy systems, solar thermal engineering, nanofluids, biofuels, combustion and emission analysis, and sustainable manufacturing. Dr. Babu has designed innovative projects such as a 50 LPD copper solar water heater with a ladder-type heat exchanger and has secured funding through initiatives like the RIT-FIT Seed Money Fund and a SERB project proposal worth ₹16.1 lakhs. An active academic contributor, Dr. Babu serves as a Doctoral Committee Member at Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, and frequently participates as a resource person and reviewer for journals and research programs. He has completed multiple Elsevier Research Academy certifications on topics such as producing highly visible research, academia–industry collaboration, journal impact metrics, and open hardware innovation. Dr. M. Dinesh Babu’s exemplary academic dedication, prolific research output, and consistent pursuit of innovation in the field of energy systems engineering have earned him a reputation as one of India’s leading scholars in sustainable and renewable energy technologies.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Yuvarajan, D., Babu, M. D., Beem Kumar, N., & Kishore, P. A. (2018). Experimental investigation on the influence of titanium dioxide nanofluid on emission pattern of biodiesel in a diesel engine. Atmospheric Pollution Research, 9(1), 47–52.

Radhakrishnan, S., Munuswamy, D. B., Devarajan, Y., T., A., & Mahalingam, A. (2018). Effect of nanoparticle on emission and performance characteristics of a diesel engine fueled with cashew nut shell biodiesel. Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects, 40, 1–10.

Sathiyamoorthi, R., Sankaranarayanan, G., Munuswamy, D. B., & Devarajan, Y. (2021). Experimental study of spray analysis for Palmarosa biodiesel‐diesel blends in a constant volume chamber. Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, 40(6), e13696.

Devarajan, Y., Munuswamy, D. B., & Mahalingam, A. (2018). Influence of nano-additive on performance and emission characteristics of a diesel engine running on neat neem oil biodiesel. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 25(26), 26167–26172.

Devarajan, Y., Munuswamy, D. B., Nagappan, B., & Pandian, A. K. (2018). Performance, combustion and emission analysis of mustard oil biodiesel and octanol blends in diesel engine. Heat and Mass Transfer, 54(6), 1803–1811.

Devarajan, Y., Munuswamy, D. B., & Mahalingam, A. (2019). Investigation on behavior of diesel engine performance, emission, and combustion characteristics using nano-additive in neat biodiesel. Heat and Mass Transfer, 55(6), 1641–1650.

Pandian, A. K., Munuswamy, D. B., Radhakrishnan, S., & Devarajan, Y. (2018). Emission and performance analysis of a diesel engine burning cashew nut shell oil biodiesel mixed with hexanol. Petroleum Science, 15(1), 176–184.

Devarajan, Y., Mahalingam, A., Munuswamy, D. B., & Arunkumar, T. (2018). Combustion, performance, and emission study of a research diesel engine fueled with palm oil biodiesel and its additive. Energy & Fuels, 32(8), 8447–8452.

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

Alejandro Medina Santiago | Engineering | Outstanding Scientist Award

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Dr. Alejandro Medina Santiago | Engineering | Outstanding Scientist Award

Secretariat of Science, Humanities, Technology and Innovation | Mexico

Dr. Alejandro Medina Santiago is a Mexican researcher in Electrical Engineering, specializing in VLSI integrated circuit design, neural networks, fuzzy logic, intelligent systems, and Industry 4.0 technologies. He earned his Doctor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering from the Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-IPN), where his doctoral research focused on the design of arithmetic cells using multi-input floating gate devices for reconfigurable circuits in image processing and pattern recognition, and his master’s thesis concentrated on neural network-based classification systems for analog signals. He also holds a degree in Electronics Engineering from the Technological Institute of Tuxtla Gutiérrez. Since 2017, he has been a Researcher at the National Institute of Astrophysics, Optics, and Electronics (INAOE) and is a member of Mexico’s National System of Researchers (SNI Level 1, 2021–2025). His areas of expertise include signal processing, IoT, cybersecurity, deep learning, automotive ecosystem diagnostics, and circuit design. Dr. Medina Santiago has directed and participated in numerous projects, including deep neural networks for automotive systems, automotive embedded platforms, IoT educational initiatives, and agricultural disease detection through georeferenced image processing. He has authored more than 20 indexed journal articles, published a book, and holds four patents in process. Additionally, he contributes as a reviewer and editorial board member for IEEE, MDPI, Springer, and Elsevier. A committed educator, he teaches both undergraduate and postgraduate courses on IoT, artificial intelligence, machine learning, electronics, and intelligent control, while actively mentoring future engineers and researchers.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Medina-Santiago, A., et al. (2025). Machine Learning-Powered IDS for Gray Hole Attack Detection in VANETs. World Electric Vehicle Journal, 16(9), 526. [DOI: 10.3390/wevj16090526]

Orozco Torres, J. A., Medina Santiago, A., et al. (2025). A Data-Driven Approach Using Recurrent Neural Networks for Material Demand Forecasting in Manufacturing. Logistics, 9(3), 130. [DOI: 10.3390/logistics9030130]

Aguilar-González, A., Medina Santiago, A. (2025). Road Event Detection and Classification Algorithm Using Vibration and Acceleration Data. Algorithms, 18(3), 127. [DOI: 10.3390/a18030127]

Orozco Torres, J. A., Medina Santiago, A., et al. (2024). Multilayer Fuzzy Inference System for Predicting the Risk of Dropping Out of School at the High School Level. IEEE Access, 12, 3425548. [DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3425548]

Bermúdez Rodríguez, J. I., Medina Santiago, A., et al. (2024). Fault Diagnosis for Takagi-Sugeno Model Wind Turbine Pitch System. IEEE Access, 12, 3361285. [DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3361285]

Mona Salam | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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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

Orcid

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.

Sufen Dong | Civil Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc Prof Dr. Sufen Dong | Civil Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor, Dalian University of Technology, China.

Prof. Dr. Sufen Dong is an Associate Professor of Transportation and Logistics at Dalian University of Technology and a Visiting Researcher at the National Rail Transit Electrification and Automation Engineering Research Center, Hong Kong Branch. Her research focuses on multifunctional concrete, nanotechnology, and structural health monitoring. She has published 70+ research papers, authored 1 book, and holds 5 national invention patents. In 2022, she was named among the World’s top 2% scientists by Stanford University.

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Education 🎓

Prof. Dr. Sufen Dong holds a Ph.D. in Structural Engineering from Dalian University of Technology, completed in 2018. She also earned her Master of Engineering Science degree from Chongqing University in 2009 and her Bachelor of Engineering Science from Shandong Jiaotong University in 2006. Her academic journey reflects a solid foundation in engineering, with a focus on structural engineering, preparing her for a distinguished career in academia and research. Prof. Dong’s expertise and contributions are recognized through her work in structural design, analysis, and innovative engineering solutions.

Experience 🏫

Prof. Dr. Sufen Dong is currently serving as an Associate Professor at the School of Transportation and Logistics, Dalian University of Technology, a position she has held since 2021. Prior to this, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the School of Material Science and Engineering at the same university between 2019 and 2021, where she furthered her research in material sciences as applied to transportation and logistics. Earlier in her career, she worked as a lecturer at the School of Civil Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, from 2009 to 2014, laying the groundwork for her academic and research contributions in engineering.

Research Interests 🔍

Smart Concrete

Prof. Dong explores the integration of smart technologies into concrete, enhancing its ability to respond to environmental changes and structural conditions. Her work aims to improve the performance and longevity of concrete structures through innovative formulations.

Nanotechnology

She investigates the use of nanomaterials to enhance the properties of construction materials. By manipulating materials at the nanoscale, her research seeks to develop stronger, lighter, and more durable infrastructure solutions.

Sensing Technology

Prof. Dong focuses on embedding advanced sensing technologies within structures to monitor their condition in real time. This research aims to facilitate proactive maintenance and ensure safety by providing critical data on structural performance.

Structural Health Monitoring

Her research in structural health monitoring involves developing systems that can assess the integrity and safety of structures over time. By implementing real-time monitoring, she aims to extend the lifespan of engineering structures and reduce maintenance costs.

Traffic Detection

In the area of traffic detection, Prof. Dong develops innovative systems to monitor and analyze traffic patterns. Her work aims to improve traffic management and contribute to smarter, more efficient transportation systems.

Awards 🏆

World’s Top 2% Scientists – Stanford University (2022)

Publications Top Notes 📚

Self-heating Ultra-high Performance Concrete – Cement and Concrete Composites, 2023. Link, cited by 28 articles.

Nanomechanical Characteristics of Nano-engineered Concrete – Engineering, 2022. Link, cited by 68 articles.

Fatigue Properties of Concrete Under Flexure – Cement and Concrete Composites, 2022. Link, cited by 23 articles.

Energy-harvesting Concrete – Journal of Materials Science, 2021. Link, cited by 26 articles.

Nano-TiO2 Inhibition in Marine Concrete – Nanotechnology, 2022. Link, cited by 8 articles.