Maryam Ishaq | Construction Materials | Excellence in Research Award

Mrs. Maryam Ishaq | Construction Materials | Excellence in Research Award

University of Sulaimani | Iraq

Mrs. Maryam Ishaq is an emerging researcher in geotechnical engineering, cement chemistry, and sustainable construction materials, with a strong focus on integrating waste glass powder into concrete to enhance durability and environmental performance. Her publications explore chemical characterization, ASR mitigation, mechanical behavior, particle size effects, multivariate chemical analysis, and predictive strength modeling in glass-modified concrete. She has contributed to reputable journals such as Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy, Reviews on Advanced Materials Science, Journal of Sustainable Metallurgy, and Structural Concrete, establishing a promising citation record in a short period. Her work advances the development of greener, high-performance concrete materials through innovative material behavior studies and chemical optimization strategies. Alongside her research, she has gained hands-on engineering experience in road construction projects, contributing to quality assurance, structural performance evaluation, and field-based technical decision-making, further strengthening her applied engineering expertise.

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Featured Publications

  1. Ishaq, M. B., Mohammed, A. S., & Mohammed, A. A. (2025). Chemical characterization and performance optimization of waste glass-modified concrete for sustainable construction. Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy, 44, 101968.

  2. Ishaq, M. B., Mohammed, A. S., & Mohammed, A. A. (2025). The role of waste glass powder in alkali-silica reaction mitigation: Transforming glasscrete durability through chemical composition dynamics. Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy, 45, 102019.

  3. Ishaq, M. B., Mohammed, A. S., & Mohammed, A. A. (2025). Novel exploration of chemical compounds in mono-variate, bi-variate, and multi-variate scenarios of waste glass powder as a cement replacement in concrete. Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy, 43, 101894.

  4. Ishaq, M. B., & Mohammed, A. S. (2025). Optimizing compressive strength prediction in glass powder-modified concrete: A comprehensive study on silicon dioxide and calcium oxide influence across varied samples. Reviews on Advanced Materials Science, 64(1), 20250095.

  5. Ishaq, M. B., & Karim, F. R. (2024). Effect of thickness of reinforced concrete jacketing on solid reinforced concrete beam’s flexural strength: A critical review. Construction, 4(2), 94–102.

Pozhhan Mokhtari | Building Materials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Pozhhan Mokhtari | Building Materials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Pozhhan Mokhtari, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States

Dr. Pozhhan Mokhtari is a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, specializing in Materials Science and Engineering. With a Ph.D. from Sabanci University and an M.Sc. from Middle East Technical University, his expertise spans composite materials and geotechnical engineering. His doctoral thesis focused on innovative, eco-friendly composite binders for construction. Previously, he conducted stability analyses of mining structures and studied mining economies. 🎓 Dr. Mokhtari’s research contributes to sustainable materials and infrastructure development, enhancing understanding in both academic and practical fields.

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Education and qualifications :

Dr. Pozhhan Mokhtari’s academic journey embodies a fusion of expertise in materials science and engineering, alongside a foundation in mining engineering. He obtained his Ph.D. from Sabanci University, pioneering research into eco-friendly composite binders for construction. Under the guidance of Prof. Mehmet Ali Gulgun, his work aimed at creating cost-effective and sustainable solutions for the industry. Prior, his M.Sc. at Middle East Technical University delved into geotechnical engineering, particularly analyzing stability in mining structures like the EMET Borax Mine tailing dam, mentored by Prof. H. Sebnem Duzgun. His B.Sc. from Azad University focused on mining economics, emphasizing the developed mining economy, notably in Canada, under Dr. Babak Koohestani’s supervision. 🎓

Employment:

Dr. Pozhhan Mokhtari currently serves as a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Grainger College of Engineering. Since February 2022, he has been actively contributing to research endeavors, furthering his expertise in the field. 🧪 His role entails exploring innovative materials and techniques, aligning with his academic background and passion for sustainable solutions. Dr. Mokhtari’s appointment signifies his dedication to advancing knowledge and addressing contemporary challenges in engineering, marking another milestone in his promising career trajectory.

 

Research Focus:

Dr. Pozhhan Mokhtari’s research primarily focuses on sustainable materials and innovative solutions in construction and environmental engineering. 🌱 His work spans various areas, including the development of low-cost and eco-friendly composite binders, as evidenced by his thesis project during his Ph.D. studies. Additionally, he has contributed to studies exploring the geopolymerization mechanism of mine tailings, as well as investigating the influence of different treatments on natural fibers. Through his publications and collaborations, Dr. Mokhtari actively contributes to advancing knowledge in materials science and engineering, particularly in the context of environmentally conscious practices and infrastructure development. 🏗️

 

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