Mostafa Bigdeli | Civil Engineering | Editorial Board Member

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Mr. Mostafa Bigdeli | Civil Engineering | Editorial Board Member

University of Ottawa | Canada

Mostafa Bigdeli is a dedicated researcher in water resources engineering and air quality modeling, recognized for his interdisciplinary work spanning atmospheric pollution, hydro-climatic assessment, and environmental fluid mechanics. His research explores particulate matter behavior, microplastic transport, evapotranspiration modeling, land–atmosphere interactions, and environmental data analytics. He has contributed significantly to understanding fine particulate pollution in urban environments, the fate and transport of marine microplastics, and the relationships between air pollutants and public health indicators. His work also advances machine-learning applications for soil moisture estimation, hydro-climatic forecasting, and predictive environmental modeling. Through publications in high-impact environmental and engineering journals, he has established a strong research profile that integrates field data, remote sensing, numerical modeling, and artificial intelligence. His scholarly contributions demonstrate a commitment to solving complex environmental challenges through innovative analytical frameworks and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Arhami, M., Hosseini, V., Shahne, M. Z., Bigdeli, M., Lai, A., & Schauer, J. J. (2017). Seasonal trends, chemical speciation and source apportionment of fine PM in Tehran. Atmospheric Environment, 153, 70–82.

Bigdeli, M., Mohammadian, A., Pilechi, A., & Taheri, M. (2022). Lagrangian modeling of marine microplastics fate and transport: The state of the science. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 10(4), 481.

Taheri, M., Mohammadian, A., Ganji, F., Bigdeli, M., & Nasseri, M. (2022). Energy-based approaches in estimating actual evapotranspiration focusing on land surface temperature: A review of methods, concepts, and challenges. Energies, 15(4), 1264.

Bigdeli, M., Taheri, M., & Mohammadian, A. (2021). Spatial sensitivity analysis of COVID-19 infections concerning the satellite-based four air pollutants levels. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 18(3), 751–760.

Bigdeli, M., Taheri, M., & Mohammadian, A. (2023). Numerical modeling of dam-break flood flows for dry and wet sloped beds. ISH Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, 29(3), 259–269.

Taheri, M., Bigdeli, M., Imanian, H., & Mohammadian, A. (2025). An overview of evapotranspiration estimation models utilizing artificial intelligence. Water, 17(9), 1384.

 

Patrick Obunga | Civil Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Patrick Obunga | Civil Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Research Fellow at University of Johannesburg, South Africa

Mr. Patrick Obunga is a seasoned Research Fellow and Civil Engineer with over 14 years of experience in WASH, climate change, energy, food security, and science, technology, and innovation (STI). He has led multidisciplinary research and development projects across sub-Saharan Africa, working with major donors such as the World Bank, UNDP, USAID, and UNESCO. Currently pursuing a PhD in Civil Engineering at the University of Johannesburg, he holds multiple postgraduate degrees and has published on emerging water technologies and digital innovation. Patrick is known for his leadership in research, resource mobilization, and capacity building through collaborative partnerships.

📚Professional Profile

Google Scholar

🎓Academic Background

Mr. Patrick Obunga has a strong academic foundation that supports his multidisciplinary research and professional work. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Civil Engineering at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. He holds an MSc in Civil Engineering and an MA in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi. Additionally, he earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management from the Kenya Institute of Management and a BSc in Agricultural Engineering from Egerton University. His diverse academic qualifications reflect a commitment to integrating engineering, management, and innovation in addressing complex development challenges across Africa and beyond.

💼Professional Experience

Mr. Patrick Obunga brings over 14 years of extensive professional experience in research, engineering, and program management. He currently serves as a Research Fellow and Resource Mobilization Coordinator at the African Centre for Technology Studies, where he leads research on WASH, climate resilience, and digital innovation. He has previously held roles as Civil Engineer, Projects Engineer, and Monitoring & Evaluation Manager, contributing to projects across sub-Saharan Africa. His work with organizations such as World Bank, UNDP, USAID, and UNESCO demonstrates his expertise in donor-funded projects, infrastructure development, and capacity building through cross-sectoral collaboration and strategic implementation.

🏆Awards and Honors

Mr. Patrick Obunga has earned recognition for his dedication to impactful research and development in water, sanitation, climate resilience, and digital innovation. His work has been featured in respected journals such as npj Clean Water and Water Practice & Technology, reflecting his contributions to advancing water technologies and sustainability practices. He has led and supported projects funded by renowned international organizations including the World Bank, UNDP, USAID, and UNESCO. While formal individual awards are not listed, his consistent leadership in high-level research initiatives and collaboration with global partners highlight his reputation as a trusted and accomplished professional.

🔬Research Focus

Mr. Patrick Obunga’s research focuses on the intersection of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), climate change, energy, food security, and digital innovation. He explores the use of emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance water service delivery and reduce non-revenue water in urban systems. His work contributes to sustainable development by addressing critical challenges within the water-energy-food nexus and integrating science, technology, and innovation into practical solutions. Through collaborative research and policy-oriented projects, he aims to improve infrastructure resilience, promote environmental sustainability, and support data-driven decision-making across sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.

📋Publication Top Notes

Quantification of water loss indices in a water distribution network: a case of water and sewerage company of Nairobi City, Kenya
Year: 2025 | Cited by: 1

Review of the emerging technologies in the water sector with a focus on the deployment of Internet of Things solutions
Year: 2025

Comparative analysis on deployment of Internet of Things in management of non-revenue water in water distribution networks
Year: 2025

Assessing Deployment of Emerging Innovations and Technologies in Catalysing Sustainable Water Services Provision in Nairobi City County, Kenya: Case of Soweto Kayole Jisomee Mita
Year: 2023 | Cited by: 1

Assessing Deployment of Science, Technology & Innovation in Catalysing Sustainable Water Services Provision in Nairobi City County, Kenya: Case of Soweto Kayole Jisomee Mita
Year: 2021

Public Water Supplies, Water Policy and Management of Multifaceted Water Resources in Mathare Slums, Nairobi City County, Kenya
Year: 2020

🏷️Conclusion

Mr. Patrick Obunga is a highly qualified and impactful researcher with over 14 years of experience in WASH, climate change, water engineering, and innovation policy, making him an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His academic credentials, including an ongoing PhD in Civil Engineering and dual master’s degrees, demonstrate strong scholarly commitment. He has authored peer-reviewed publications in leading journals and contributed to groundbreaking research on IoT and sustainable water systems. With proven leadership in donor-funded projects, collaboration with global agencies, and a strong focus on sustainability and capacity building, Mr. Obunga exemplifies a well-rounded, solution-oriented researcher driving real-world impact.

 

 

Ling Zhang | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Ling Zhang | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Teacher | Hunan University, China

Ling Zhang, born on April 19, 1982, is a distinguished professor of Civil Engineering at Hunan University, China. She specializes in foundation treatment and pile foundation design, contributing extensively to soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering. Having earned her doctorate from Hunan University, she has rapidly advanced from associate professor to full professor. Her recent research emphasizes innovative applications of geosynthetics, numerical simulations, and experimental modeling to address engineering challenges in complex soil environments. Widely published in top-tier journals, she is recognized for advancing theories in soil-structure interaction and embankment stability, supporting China’s infrastructure development.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Orcid

🎓 Education

Ling Zhang pursued her entire higher education at Hunan University, China, where she earned a Doctorate in Civil Engineering from September 2006 to June 2012. Her doctoral studies focused on advanced topics in foundation treatment and pile foundation design, offering her a solid grounding in geotechnical analysis and construction methods. Her research during this period combined both theoretical modeling and practical applications, laying the foundation for her future contributions to geosynthetic applications and soil reinforcement technologies. The program provided rigorous academic and field training, equipping her with the skills to excel in both teaching and high-impact research.

💼 Experience

Dr. Ling Zhang began her academic career at Hunan University, serving as an Associate Professor in Civil Engineering from January 2017 to December 2021. Demonstrating academic leadership and research excellence, she was promoted to full Professor in January 2022. Her work includes supervising graduate students, leading funded research projects, and publishing prolifically in international journals. Her expertise spans foundation treatment technologies and pile foundation theory. She also collaborates on interdisciplinary projects involving numerical and experimental techniques to address soil behavior under dynamic loading. Dr. Zhang continues to influence geotechnical engineering education and innovation in China.

🏆 Awards and Honors

While specific individual awards are not listed, Dr. Ling Zhang’s rapid academic progression and extensive publication record in high-impact journals suggest recognition of her scholarly excellence. Her numerous first-authored and corresponding-authored articles in journals like Geotextiles and Geomembranes, Transportation Geotechnics, and Computers and Geotechnics reflect international acknowledgment of her research contributions. She frequently collaborates with prominent experts and leads advanced numerical and experimental studies. Her role as a lead author in many collaborative works highlights her status as a respected researcher in soil mechanics and foundation engineering.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Ling Zhang’s research focuses on the treatment of special soil foundations and the design theory of pile foundations. She utilizes advanced numerical modeling (e.g., coupled continuum-discrete methods, spring-based trapdoor simulations) and laboratory testing to investigate geosynthetic-encased stone columns, soil arching effects, and cyclic loading behavior. Her recent studies delve into the mechanical-hydraulic response of composite foundations, stability of embankments, and erosion-induced strength degradation in coarse-grained soils. Through innovative modeling approaches, she aims to enhance the reliability and efficiency of foundation systems under complex loading and soil conditions, significantly advancing geotechnical engineering practices.

Conclusion

With her deep technical expertise, prolific research output, and strong academic standing, Dr. Ling Zhang is highly suitable and a compelling candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work not only advances theoretical understanding but also directly contributes to practical civil engineering solutions, making her a role model for innovation and academic excellence in her field.

Publication Top Notes

  • Soil Arching Evolution in GRPS Embankments: Numerical Spring-Based Trapdoor Tests
    Year: 2024
    Authors: Ling Zhang, Mengchao Deng, Jie Zhou, Zeyu Xu, Shuai Zhou, Yunhao Chen
    Link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/nag.3811Wiley Online Library+1Wiley Online Library+1

  • Numerical Stability Analysis of Sloped Geosynthetic Encased Stone Column Composite Foundation under Embankment Based on Equivalent Method
    Year: 2024
    Authors: Bo-Cheng Peng, Ling Zhang, Ze-Yu Xu, Peng-Lu Cui, Yang-Yang Liu
    Link: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/14/9/2681MDPI

  • Analysis of Triaxial Shear Properties of Mudstone Coarse-Grained Soils Considering Penetrating Erosion Effects
    Year: 2025
    Authors: Yunhao Chen, Ling Zhang, Zhaofeng Cheng, Zhongshu Liu, Biao Luo, Xianghong Ding, Linrong Xu, Zhixing Deng, Zhiqiang Lu
    Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trgeo.2024.101469TRID+1TRID+1

  • Numerical Simulation of Breakage in Geogrid-Encased Recycled Aggregate Columns with a Coupled Continuum-Discrete Method
    Year: 2024
    Authors: Xiaocong Cai, Ling Zhang, Jingpeng Tan, Meixiang Gu
    Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trgeo.2024.101447TRID+1TRID+1

  • Spring-Based Trapdoor Experimental Investigation on Soil Arching of Pile-Supported Embankment Considering Arch Foot Settlement
    Year: 2025
    Authors: Ling Zhang, Jie Zhou, Shuai Zhou, Mengchao Deng, Minghua Zhao
    Link: https://zgglxb.chd.edu.cn/EN/10.19721/j.cnki.1001-7372.2025.02.009Chd.edu.cn

  • Numerical Multi-Span Segmented Trapdoor Test with Viscoelastic Boundary for Soil Arching within Pile-Supported Embankment under Cyclic Loading
    Year: 2024
    Authors: Jie Zhou, Ling Zhang, Shuai Zhou, Wei Lin, Yun-Hao Chen, Ming-Hua Zhao
    Link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/nag.3626Wiley Online Library+1Wiley Online Library+1

  • In Situ Investigation of the Dynamic Response and Settlement in the Expressway Culvert–Subgrade Transition Section Using a Vibration Exciter
    Year: 2023
    Authors: Zhiqiang Lu, Linrong Xu, Yunhao Chen, Yongwei Li, Na Su, Zixuan Yan, Kui Ding
    Link: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/13/21/12050

 

Fernando Branco | Civil Engineering | Outstanding Scientist Award

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Prof. Dr. Fernando Branco | Civil Engineering | Outstanding Scientist Award

Prof. Dr. Fernando Branco, Instituto Superior Técnico, Portugal

Prof. Dr. Fernando Branco, born in 1953 in Coimbra, Portugal, is a Distinguished Full Professor at IST – University of Lisbon and an Advisory Professor at Tongji University, China. With expertise in bridge engineering, maintenance, rehabilitation, and composite materials, he has significantly contributed to structural engineering. As a global leader, he has held prominent positions in international organizations like IABSE and ECCE. Prof. Branco has supervised numerous theses, authored books and research papers, and led major engineering projects. His contributions have earned him prestigious awards, making him a renowned figure in civil engineering.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education

Prof. Dr. Fernando Branco pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (Structures) from IST – University of Lisbon in 1976. He obtained his Master of Applied Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Waterloo, Canada, in 1981. In 1985, he earned a PhD in Civil Engineering (Structures) from IST – University of Lisbon. Additionally, he achieved the title of Agregado in Civil Engineering in 1991. His extensive academic background has shaped his expertise in structural engineering, leading to significant contributions in research, innovation, and education.

Experience

Prof. Branco has served as a Full Professor at IST – University of Lisbon from 1996 to 2021, leading the Civil Engineering Department and the Construction Division. He was the Director of the PhD Program in Civil Engineering and the Structures Research Center. Internationally, he held leadership roles as the President of IABSE and ECCE, contributing to engineering advancements. His expertise was pivotal in major bridge projects like the Vasco da Gama Bridge and the S. João Railway Bridge, demonstrating exceptional leadership in structural design and construction management.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Branco’s illustrious career is marked by numerous accolades. Notable honors include the Harting Award from the Society for Experimental Mechanics, the Personality of the Year in Civil Engineering by CONSTRUIR Prizes, and the Polish Government Award for European Engineering quality. He received the Innovation in Construction Award in 2023 and was named an Honorary Member of IABSE. His excellence in teaching earned him the Diploma of Teaching Excellence from IST – University of Lisbon. These awards highlight his outstanding contributions to civil engineering.

Research Focus

Prof. Branco’s research spans bridge engineering, structural rehabilitation, and the application of new materials like composites. His notable contributions include advanced seismic and wind resistance studies for major cable-stayed and suspension bridges. He has explored the use of glass fiber-reinforced concrete in hybrid structures and developed optimization algorithms for bridge maintenance. His interdisciplinary research integrates sustainable practices and structural resilience, driving innovations in engineering applications and infrastructure longevity.

Publication Top Notes

📚 Thermal Effect of Firebrand Accumulation in Ceramic Roof Tiles – Fire (2025) – 0 citations
📚 Thermal Reaction of Firebrand Accumulation in Construction Materials – Case Studies in Construction Materials (2024) – 3 citations
📚 Ignition Locations and Simplified Design Guidelines for Enhancing the Resilience of Dwellings against Wildland Fires – Fire (2024) – 2 citations
📚 DIGITALIZATION AND TENDER EVALUATION IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: A BIM-INTEGRATED MCDA APPROACH SUPPORTED BY MACBETH – Journal of Information Technology in Construction (2024) – 0 citations
📚 DIGITALIZATION AND PROCUREMENT IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: AN INTEGRATED BIM-BASED APPROACH – Journal of Information Technology in Construction (2024) – 2 citations
📚 Proposal of a Fireproof Design Code for Dwellings against the Action of Wildland Fires – Resilient Cities and Structures (2023) – 3 citations
📚 Numerical Assessment of Standard Firebrand Accumulation Curve When Transferring Temperature to Contact Surfaces – Applied Sciences (Switzerland) (2023) – 5 citations
📚 Monotonic and Cyclic Sway Behaviour of 2-Dimensional Frames Made of Pultruded GFRP I-Section Profiles – Structures (2023) – 2 citations
📚 Structural Assessment of a Water Reservoir Masonry Vaulted Roof from the Nineteenth Century – Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities (2023) – 1 citation
📚 Report on Existing Fireproof Construction Guidelines for Dwellings against Wildfires – CivilEng (2023) – 5 citations