Ms. Chia Min Ho | Environmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Chia Min Ho | Environmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Beihang University, Malaysia.

Prof. Ho Chia Min is a dedicated researcher and academic specializing in Environmental Engineering, Materials Science, and Sustainable Materials. With expertise in structural engineering, he focuses on developing innovative materials for construction and environmental sustainability. Currently pursuing a PhD in Environmental Science (Materials Science and Engineering) at Beijing Aeronautics and Astronautics University, China, he has a strong academic background and professional experience in research and industry. His work has been recognized through multiple publications in high-impact journals, contributing significantly to the advancement of eco-friendly and high-performance construction materials.

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🎓 Education

Ms. Chia Min Ho is an emerging researcher in environmental science and materials engineering, currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Environmental Science (Materials Science and Engineering) at Beijing Aeronautics and Astronautics University, China (2024 – Present). She holds a Master of Science in Civil Engineering (Materials and Structures) from University Malaysia Pahang (2021 – 2023) and a Bachelor’s Degree (Hons) in Civil Engineering from the same university (2017 – 2021). Her academic journey began with a Diploma in Civil Engineering from Polytechnic Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, Malaysia (2014 – 2017). With a strong foundation in civil and materials engineering, her research interests focus on sustainable construction materials, structural performance, and environmental-friendly innovations in engineering.

💼 Experience

Ms. Chia Min Ho is a dedicated Civil and Structural Engineer with experience in both industry and research. She has been working at Brown Consulting Pte Ltd, Singapore from October 2022 to September 2024, where she specializes in designing and analyzing structural systems for commercial and residential projects. Her role involves conducting site assessments, ensuring compliance with safety and building codes, and preparing technical reports and presentations for clients.

Before this, she served as a Research Assistant at University Malaysia Pahang, Malaysia from October 2021 to October 2022. During this time, she contributed to research in structural engineering and material science, developing testing methodologies, analyzing experimental data, and assisting in the publication of research findings. Her combined experience in both practical engineering and academic research makes her a well-rounded professional in the field of civil and structural engineering.

🔬 Research Interests

Environmental Engineering – Sustainable construction materials and eco-friendly practices

Materials Engineering – Development of high-performance and durable building materials

Sustainable Materials – Utilizing industrial byproducts like steel slag in cement and concrete applications

Structural Engineering – Evaluating material performance under extreme conditions (elevated temperatures, water absorption, etc.)

🏆 Awards & Honors

Young Researcher Excellence Award – Recognized for outstanding contributions to environmental and materials engineering research

Best Paper Award – Awarded for innovative research on cement replacement using steel slag

Top 10 Emerging Scientists in Materials Engineering – Recognized for advancements in sustainable materials

📚 Selected Publications

1️⃣ Ho, C. M., Doh, S. I., Chin, S. C., & Li, X. (2024). The effect of particle sizes of steel slag as cement replacement in high strength concrete under elevated temperatures. Construction and Building Materials, 411, 134531. (Cited by: 0)

2️⃣ Ho, C. M., Doh, S. I., Chin, S. C., & Li, X. (2023). Prediction of concrete residual compressive strength under elevated temperatures: Response surface methodology (RSM) approach. Materials Today: Proceedings. (Cited by: 0)

3️⃣ Ho, C. M., Doh, S. I., Jing, G., Chin, S. C., & Li, X. (2023, May). Investigation of superplasticizer dosage on fresh and hardened properties of steel slag mortar. AIP Conference Proceedings, 2688(1).  (Cited by: 0)

4️⃣ Ho, C. M., Doh, S. I., Li, X., Chin, S. C., & Ashraf, T. (2022). RSM-based modelling of cement mortar with various water-to-cement ratio and steel slag content. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, 128, 103256. (Cited by: 3)

5️⃣ Ho, C. M., Doh, S. I., Al-Btoush, A. M., Li, X., & Chin, S. C. (2022). The impact of alkali activator dosage on the compressive strength and water absorption of steel slag concrete. Materials Today: Proceedings, 51, 1323-1326. (Cited by: 2)

Ms. Florence Acha | Super hydrophobic Coatings | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Florence Acha | Super hydrophobic Coatings | Best Researcher Award

University of Massachusetts Lowell, United States.

Florence Nkemamaka Acha is a dedicated researcher in polymer engineering, with expertise in biomaterials, nanotechnology, and composites. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Plastics Engineering at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, she has an impressive academic track record and multiple research publications. Florence has significant teaching, research, and industrial experience, complemented by numerous leadership and volunteer roles. She has received several prestigious awards for her academic excellence and leadership contributions.

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Education 🎓

Florence Nkemamaka Acha is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Plastics Engineering at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, where she is working under the supervision of Prof. Joey Mead on developing PFAS-free superhydrophobic coatings for textile applications. She holds a Master of Engineering in Plastics Engineering with honors from the same institution, with an impressive GPA of 3.917/4.0, and is expected to complete her degree in February 2025. Florence earned her Bachelor of Engineering in Polymer and Textile Engineering with first-class honors from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria, in 2019, achieving a stellar GPA of 4.67/5.0. Her undergraduate thesis focused on evaluating the physical and end-use properties of alkyd paints using local materials as extenders. Prior to her university studies, she completed her secondary education at Elaihor Grammar School, Egweaholor-Isi, Edo State, Nigeria, in 2013.

Experience 💼

Florence Nkemamaka Acha has built a strong foundation in academic research and teaching through her roles at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. She has been a Research Assistant since May 2023, working on innovative projects in plastics engineering, and served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant from August 2023 to August 2024, assisting in the delivery of key engineering courses.

In addition to her academic roles, Florence gained valuable industry experience during her production internship at Obino Industrial Company Limited in Nigeria. She also worked as a Research Assistant at Igwe Isaac Laboratory from 2019 to 2023 and as a Business Development Officer at Jimcol Resources Nig. Ltd., where she developed her business and technical expertise. This diverse experience equips her with both technical and leadership skills essential for addressing complex engineering challenges.

Research Interests 🤾‍♀️

Florence’s research focuses on:

Polymer Engineering

Polymer Science

Composites

Biomaterials

Material Science

Polymer Chemistry

Nanotechnology

Awards and Honors 🏆

Best Graduating Student Award, Polymer and Textile Engineering, FUTO (2019)

IBE MIT Alumni Award for Best Graduating Student, Polymer and Textile Engineering, FUTO (2019)

Educational Support Award, HillCity Foundation, Nigeria (2016-2019)

Delta State Bursary Scholarship, Delta State Bursary and Scholarship Board (2015-2019)

Award of Excellence for Service and Leadership, Holiness Campus Fellowship, FUTO (2019)

Publications Top Notes 📝

Scheff T.; Acha, F.; Diaz Armas N.; Mead J.L.; Zhang, J. (2024). Tuning Wetting Properties Through Surface Geometry in the Cassie-Baxter State. Biomimetics, 2025, 10, 20.

Isaac O. Igwe, Florence N. Acha, et al. (2021). Utilization of Granite Quarry Dust Extender in Formulating Anti-Corrosive Paints for the Protection of Steel. Australian Journal of Science and Technology, 5(3), 631-637.

Book Chapter: Florence N. Acha (2024). Cleaning of Paints. In: Isaac O. Igwe (ed.). The Science and Technology of Paints. Submitted for publication.

Isaac O. Igwe, Florence N. Acha, Christian O. Anyaegbu, et al. (2020). Formulation of Anti-Corrosive Alkyd Paints Based on Umuahia Clay Extender. SSRG International Journal of Polymer and Textile Engineering, 7(2), 25-30.

Ifeoluwa Sarah Fesojaye, Favour Dada, Florence N. Acha (2023). Innovative Applications of Nanomaterials in Semiconductor Manufacturing: Advancing Efficiency and Performance for Next-Generation Technologies.