Ms. Claudia Elijas-Parra | Structural Geology | Best Researcher Award

University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

Claudia Elijas-Parra is a PhD student in Geophysics at the University of Edinburgh, specializing in the rheology of dense unsteady granular flows with shear gradients. Her research focuses on understanding granular temperature and the contact network in complex flows, particularly in pyroclastic density currents, to refine large-scale volcanic hazard models. With expertise in high-performance computing and numerical modeling, she contributes to advancing our knowledge of volcanic processes and geophysical flows.

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🎓 Education

Claudia Elijas-Parra is a PhD candidate in Geophysics at the University of Edinburgh, researching pyroclastic density currents using numerical modeling and high-performance computing. She holds a First-Class Honours MEarthPhys from the same university, with work on geomechanical risk and geophysical flow modeling. She completed her secondary education at Institut Pons D’Icart, Spain, with a 9.7/10 grade and spent an exchange year in London.

💼 Experience

Claudia Elijas-Parra is a PhD candidate in Geophysics at the University of Edinburgh, specializing in numerical modeling of pyroclastic density currents. She holds a First-Class Honours MEarthPhys and has experience as a Tutor & Demonstrator in mathematics, programming, volcanology, and seismology. Previously, she worked as a Research Assistant on catastrophic rock failure and interned to improve hybrid learning strategies. She completed her secondary education in Spain with a 9.7/10 grade and spent an exchange year in London.

🔬 Research Interests

🌋 Granular Flow Rheology – Understanding the dynamics of unsteady shear flows in pyroclastic density currents
💻 High-Performance Computing – Numerical simulations using MFIX-DEM, ParaView, COMSOL Multiphysics
🌍 Volcanic Hazard Assessment – Improving the boundary conditions of large-scale volcanic models
🧱 Rock Mechanics & Failure – Investigating microcrack evolution in deforming porous rocks

🏆 Awards & Grants

🏅 Overseas Research Visit & Conference Fund – E4DTP (2023) (Cities on Volcanoes 12, Guatemala)
🏅 12th SAGES Small Grant – SAGES (2023) (Cities on Volcanoes 12, Guatemala)
🏅 Small EPS Grant – University of Edinburgh (2023) (Cities on Volcanoes 12, Guatemala)
🏅 Certificate of Achievement – University of Edinburgh (2023) (Top Student in Earth Science Masters)
🏅 Small EPS Grant – University of Edinburgh (2022) (Summer Research Internship)

📚 Publication & Conferences

📄 Elijas-Parra et al. (2025). Controls on shear band orientation in deforming porous rocks: insights from improved microcrack segmentation method. 🔗 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsg.2025.105404

🎤 Tectonic Studies Group (TSG) Annual Meeting (Burlington House, London, 2022)

Quantifying crack network evolution during failure of a porous rock

🎤 Cities on Volcanoes 12 (CoV12) (Antigua, Guatemala, 2022)

Basal flow rheology of pyroclastic density currents: Implications for large-scale modeling in volcanic hazard assessment

Assist. Prof. Dr. Mohamed A. Karali | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Future University, Egypt

Dr. Eng. Mohamed A. Karali is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Future University in Egypt. With a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany, he specializes in thermo-fluid sciences and renewable energy applications. He has extensive experience in experimental work, modeling, and simulation using advanced tools like ANSYS and MATLAB.

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Education 🎓

Dr. Mohamed A. Karali holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany (2015), where his thesis focused on the analysis of axial transport and heat transfer in a flighted rotary drum under optimal loading conditions. He earned his M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering in 2007 from the Faculty of Engineering, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt, with a thesis evaluating the performance of vapor compression refrigeration systems using environmentally safe alternatives to R22. Dr. Karali completed his B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering at the same institution in 2001, with a graduation project analyzing condensation characteristics of R22 and its eco-friendly substitutes. His academic journey reflects a strong emphasis on thermodynamic systems and environmentally sustainable engineering solutions.

Experience 🛠️

Dr. Mohamed A. Karali has been serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Future University in Egypt since 2015. Prior to this role, he contributed as a Ph.D. researcher and tutor at Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany, from 2012 to 2015, where he conducted advanced research in mechanical engineering. From 2008 to 2012, he worked as an Assistant Lecturer at the Faculty of Engineering, Future University in Egypt. His earlier career includes experience as a researcher and tutor at the Faculty of Engineering, Helwan University, Egypt, from 2002 to 2007, showcasing his extensive academic and research expertise.

Research Interests 🔬

Thermo-Fluid Sciences

Expertise in heat transfer mechanisms within HVAC systems, focusing on enhancing energy efficiency and performance.

Granular Materials Processing

Investigations into the dynamics and thermal behaviors of materials in rotary kilns, dryers, and coolers for industrial applications.

Renewable Energy Systems

Researching sustainable energy solutions, including system design and application for improved environmental outcomes.

Image Processing for Experimental Studies

Utilization of advanced image analysis techniques to support experimental research, enhancing accuracy and data interpretation.

Awards 🏆

First Prize: Joint Conference of 5th UK-China and 13th UK Particle Technology Forum, 2015.

Recipient of multiple research grants and industrial collaborations in energy and heat transfer projects.

Publications Top Notes 📚

Karali, M. A., et al. Comparison of using air, CO2, and helium for the cooling of square-shaped electronic parts CFD study with entropy generation analysis. Thermal Science, 2024. Link

Karali, M. A., et al. Numerical investigation of thermal performance enhancement of pin fin heat sink using wings with different angles. Ain Shams Engineering Journal, 2024. Link

Karali, M. A., et al. CFD study on the effect of tube diameter and count on flow distribution uniformity in a Z disposition. Thermal Science, 2023. Link

Karali, M. A., et al. Fluid flow characteristics for four lattice settings in brick tunnel kiln: CFD simulations. Buildings MPDI, 2023. Link

Karali, M. A., et al. Effect of surface roughness of a staggered tube bank in cross flow with air on heat transfer and pressure drop. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, 2023. Link