Zhe PENG | Data Analytics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Zhe PENG | Analytics | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong

Dr. Zhe Peng  is a dedicated Research Assistant Professor at the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. With a strong background in computer science and engineering, he specializes in intelligent supply chains, AI for manufacturing, and blockchain technologies. His contributions to blockchain, federated learning, and decentralized identity systems have earned him global recognition. With extensive academic and industry experience, Dr. Peng has made a significant impact on cutting-edge technological advancements.

Publication Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Peng holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (2018), under the supervision of Prof. Bin Xiao (IEEE Fellow). He earned his M.E. in Information and Communication Engineering from the University of Science and Technology of China (2013) and a B.E. in Communication Engineering from Northwestern Polytechnical University (2010). His academic journey reflects his deep expertise in computing, communication, and AI-driven systems.

💼 Experience

Dr. Peng has held multiple research and industry positions. He is currently a Research Assistant Professor at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Previously, he served as a Research Assistant Professor at Hong Kong Baptist University (2020-2023) and as an R&D Manager at the Blockchain and FinTech Lab. In the industry, he worked as the Blockchain Technical Director at SF Technology in Shenzhen (2018-2019). Additionally, he was a Visiting Scholar at Stony Brook University, USA, working under Distinguished Prof. Yuanyuan Yang (IEEE Fellow).

🏆 Awards and Honors

Dr. Peng has received several prestigious awards, including the World’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University (2024) and the Award for High SFQ Score at PolyU ISE (2024). He was recognized with an ESI Highly Cited Paper (2023) and received the DASFAA-MUST Best Paper Award (2021). His work was also nominated for THE Awards Asia – Technological or Digital Innovation of the Year (2021). His numerous accolades highlight his contributions to academia, research, and technological innovation.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Peng’s research revolves around intelligent supply chains, AI-driven manufacturing, blockchain applications, and autonomous systems. His work on verifiable decentralized identity management, privacy-aware federated learning, and blockchain security has set new benchmarks in these fields. He continues to explore innovative solutions to improve efficiency, transparency, and security in digital ecosystems.

🔚 Conclusion

Dr. Zhe Peng is a visionary researcher at the intersection of AI, blockchain, and smart logistics. His groundbreaking research, academic excellence, and industry experience make him a leading expert in his field. Through his contributions to intelligent systems, federated learning, and blockchain security, he continues to shape the future of technological innovation. 🚀

🔗 Publications 

Lightweight Multimodal Defect Detection at the Edge via Cross-Modal Distillation

VDID: Blockchain-Enabled Verifiable Decentralized Identity Management for Web 3.0 

SymmeProof: Compact Zero-Knowledge Argument for Blockchain Confidential Transactions 

The Impact of Life Cycle Assessment Database Selection on Embodied Carbon Estimation of Buildings 

EPAR: An Efficient and Privacy-Aware Augmented Reality Framework for Indoor Location-Based Services

VFChain: Enabling Verifiable and Auditable Federated Learning via Blockchain Systems 

VQL: Efficient and Verifiable Cloud Query Services for Blockchain Systems 

GEUMTAE KIM | Cryptography Award | Best Researcher Award

Mr. GEUMTAE KIM | Cryptography Award | Best Researcher Award

Ph.D. candidate, Seoul National University, South Korea

🌟 Geumtae Kim is a dedicated Ph.D. candidate at Seoul National University, specializing in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Guided by Prof. Jong-Seon No, he focuses on advancing the fields of cryptography and secure computing. With a strong academic foundation, Geumtae’s research centers on innovative cryptographic techniques, including post-quantum cryptography and homomorphic encryption. His contributions are marked by publications in prominent journals and conferences, showcasing his commitment to cutting-edge research in cybersecurity. 📚🔒

Publication Profile

ORCID

Education

🎓 Geumtae Kim began his academic journey at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 2019. Pursuing further excellence, he joined Seoul National University in 2019, where he is currently advancing his expertise as a Ph.D. candidate in Electrical and Computer Engineering. 🌐⚡

Experience

🛠️ Since 2019, Geumtae has been immersed in research at Seoul National University under the mentorship of Prof. Jong-Seon No. His work emphasizes cryptographic algorithms and systems that enhance digital security. With years of rigorous study and hands-on experience, he continues to contribute significantly to the fields of cryptography and encryption. 💻🔐

Research Interests

🔍 Geumtae’s research is driven by a passion for creating robust security solutions in the digital age. His primary interests include cryptography, post-quantum cryptography, and homomorphic encryption. These focus areas aim to address the emerging challenges of quantum computing and ensure the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data. 🔑✨

Awards

🏆 While specific awards were not provided, Geumtae’s consistent publication record in peer-reviewed journals and conferences highlights his recognition within the academic and research communities. His work reflects a strong commitment to excellence and innovation in cryptography. 🌟📜

Publications

Lazy Modular Reduction for NTT

Masked Ciphertext Comparison without Masking Conversions Using Register Rotation and Chinese Remainder Theorem

 

Nordine Quadar | Cybersecurity | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Nordine Quadar | Cybersecurity | Best Researcher Award

Researcher, Royal Military College of Canada, Canada

🎓 Nordine Quadar, P.Eng, is a dedicated technical manager, researcher, and educator based in Montreal, Canada. With a strong foundation in engineering and advanced expertise in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, he specializes in leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance the security of UAV systems. Passionate about teaching, he has guided students through complex subjects and contributed significantly to the fields of smart grids, IoT, and machine learning.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education

📚 Nordine Quadar holds a PhD in Computer Science (in progress, 2022–2025) from the Royal Military College of Canada, supervised by Abdellah Chehri, focusing on UAV cybersecurity using Edge AI. He earned a Master of Applied Science in Electrical & Computer Engineering (2015–2018) from the University of Ottawa under the supervision of Claude D’Amours, with a thesis on spatial modulation for MIMO-CDMA systems. He also completed his Bachelor of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering (2011–2014) at the University of Ottawa.

Experience

💼 Technical Expertise defines Nordine’s career. As a teaching assistant at the University of Ottawa (2015–2017), he facilitated labs, study groups, and lecture preparations for courses like computer networks, applied electromagnetism, and computer architecture. His role demonstrated his commitment to nurturing student success and understanding.

Research Interests

🔍 Nordine’s research interests center on cybersecurity, AI-powered intrusion detection systems, digital twins for smart grids, and IoT testbeds. He explores emerging technologies to solve real-world challenges, combining theoretical innovation with practical applications.

Awards

🏆 Nordine has earned recognition for his impactful contributions to engineering and research, highlighting his commitment to excellence in academia and technical leadership.

Publications

N. Mchirgui, N. Quadar, et al. The Applications and Challenges of Digital Twin Technology in Smart Grids: A Comprehensive Review. Applied Sciences, 2024. DOI:10.3390/app142310933

N. Quadar, A. Chehri, et al. Intrusion Detection Systems in Automotive Ethernet Networks: Challenges, Opportunities and Future Research Trends. IEEE Internet of Things Magazine, 2024, Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 62–68.

N. Quadar, M. Rahouti, et al. IoT-AI/Machine Learning Experimental Testbeds: The Missing Piece. IEEE Internet of Things Magazine, 2024, Vol. 7, No. 1, pp. 136–143.

N. Quadar, H. Chaibi, et al. Recommendation Systems: Models, Techniques, Application Fields and Ethical Challenges. In Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Big Data and Internet of Things (BDIoT ’24), 2024.

 

 

Jiang Zhou | Data Security | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Jiang Zhou | Data Security | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor, Institute of Information Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

👨‍🏫 Dr. Jiang Zhou is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Information Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences and the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. He earned his Ph.D. from the same institution in 2014 and was a visiting scholar at Texas Tech University from 2015 to 2018. Dr. Zhou’s research focuses on data storage security, privacy computing, and distributed computing, with over 40 publications and numerous contributions to high-performance computing. He actively contributes to several major research projects and serves as a reviewer for leading journals. Dr. Zhou is a member of the IEEE and CCF.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Prolific Publication Record: Jiang Zhou has published over 40 papers in prestigious journals and conferences, with 10 journal publications, 5 of which are SCI-indexed. This demonstrates a solid research foundation, especially in the field of data storage security and privacy computing.
  2. Strong Research Impact: His h-index of 11, with 193 citations since 2019 and a total of 271 citations, showcases the relevance and influence of his research in the academic community.
  3. Project Leadership: He has led significant projects, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, highlighting his ability to secure and manage high-profile research initiatives.
  4. Innovative Contributions: His work on developing distributed file systems (CFS), data distribution algorithms (SUORA and PRS), secure cloud storage systems, and insider threat detection methods like Log2Graph and LAAEB has direct practical implications, especially in enhancing data security for large organizations like China Mobile.
  5. International Collaboration: His collaboration with Prof. Yong Chen at Texas Tech University, along with his role as a visiting scholar, indicates his global research engagement and his ability to contribute to international projects on data-intensive scalable computing.
  6. Industry Relevance: His research has applications in industry, particularly through projects such as secure cloud storage systems and insider threat detection used by China Mobile, which further amplifies the real-world impact of his work.
  7. Professional Involvement: As an active member of the IEEE and CCF and a reviewer for high-impact journals such as TPDS, TC, and TOS, Zhou is well-integrated within the academic and professional communities, further supporting his candidacy.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Impact and Outreach: While Zhou has made notable technical contributions, greater emphasis on community outreach or public dissemination of research might improve his profile for broader recognition. Engaging more in public talks, conferences, or workshops would further solidify his reputation as a leader in his field.
  2. Patents and Consultancy: Although he has 2 patents published or in progress, focusing more on technology transfer, commercialization of his innovations, or further collaboration with industry could enhance the practical applications of his research. He currently has limited consultancy or industry collaborations beyond academia.
  3. Cross-disciplinary Work: Expanding his research into adjacent fields such as AI or machine learning, and exploring interdisciplinary collaborations could position him more strongly as a cutting-edge researcher.

 

Education

🎓 Jiang Zhou received his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2014. His academic journey includes a visiting scholar stint at Texas Tech University, where he contributed to large-scale projects on high-performance computing and data storage. His strong educational foundation has been pivotal in driving forward his research in data security and distributed systems.

Experience

💼 Dr. Zhou holds the position of Associate Professor at the Institute of Information Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences. His academic career is marked by extensive involvement in cutting-edge research, particularly in data security and storage. From 2015 to 2018, he served as a visiting scholar at Texas Tech University, where he collaborated on several key projects related to scalable computing instruments for high-performance computing. He has led significant national research initiatives, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Research Focus

🔬 Dr. Zhou’s research interests lie in file and storage systems, data security, parallel computing, and insider threat detection. He has made impactful contributions in optimizing I/O operations, enhancing metadata services, and improving data availability and security in large-scale distributed systems. His work has introduced innovative data distribution algorithms and insider threat detection techniques that are widely recognized in the computing community.

Awards and Honors

🏆 Throughout his academic career, Dr. Zhou has been recognized for his contributions to data storage and security. He has successfully led several national research projects and collaborated on international initiatives. His research output has earned him an esteemed reputation in the field, particularly with regard to his contributions to distributed computing and storage optimization.

Publications Top Notes

📚 Dr. Zhou has published over 40 peer-reviewed papers, including highly cited works in renowned journals such as TPDS, TC, and TSC. His top 5 SCI-indexed publications include groundbreaking research on distributed file systems, insider threat detection, and data security. His work is consistently cited, with over 271 citations to date. Below are some of his notable publications:

“Secure Data Distribution in Heterogeneous Storage Systems” (2023) – IEEE Transactions on Computers (TC), cited by 10 articles. Link

“Insider Threat Detection Using Log2Graph” (2022) – Journal of Computer Security (JCS), cited by 15 articles. Link

“High-Performance Distributed Metadata Services on Hadoop” (2021) – IEEE Transactions on Parallel and Distributed Systems (TPDS), cited by 20 articles. Link

“PRIME: A Scalable Data Management System for Cloud” (2020) – Journal of Parallel and Distributed Computing (JPDC), cited by 12 articles. Link

“Confidential Computing: Challenges and Solutions” (2019) – Computer & Security (COSE), cited by 18 articles. Link

Conclusion:

Jiang Zhou is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his strong academic contributions, leadership in impactful projects, and tangible real-world applications of his research. His innovations in data storage security, distributed systems, and insider threat detection make him an exceptional contender. Focusing more on cross-disciplinary work, commercialization, and outreach could enhance his profile even further, but overall, his current achievements are commendable and align well with the expectations of a Best Researcher Award recipient.

 

Muhammad Asfand Hafeez | Information Security | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Muhammad Asfand Hafeez | Information Security | Best Researcher Award

Research Assistant, Florida Atlantic University, United States

Muhammad holds a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan, with a CGPA of 3.89/4.00. He completed his M.Sc. in IT Convergence Engineering at Gachon University, South Korea, with a CGPA of 4.38/4.50, where he focused on GPU-based PQC implementations. He is now pursuing his Ph.D. at Florida Atlantic University with a perfect CGPA of 4.0/4.0. 🎓📚

Publication Profile

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Outstanding Academic Record: Muhammad Asfand Hafeez has demonstrated exceptional academic performance, with a CGPA of 4.0/4.0 in his PhD program and a CGPA of 4.38/4.50 in his Master’s program, showcasing his dedication and excellence in his studies.
  2. Innovative Research Contributions: His research in GPU-based implementations of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) algorithms for IoT applications and side-channel analysis exhibits a strong focus on cutting-edge technologies and practical applications. This includes significant contributions to improving security protocols in emerging technologies.
  3. High-Impact Publications: Hafeez has a robust publication record in reputable journals and conferences, including IEEE Internet of Things Journal and IEEE Access. His work on GPU acceleration and cryptographic methods is relevant to current and future research in security and optimization.
  4. Awards and Recognition: He has received multiple awards such as the Rector Innovation Award, Patron’s Medal, and Best Paper Award, indicating recognition from academic and industry peers for his innovative work and contributions.
  5. Diverse Experience: His experience spans research assistant roles in various prestigious institutions and internships, providing him with a broad perspective and expertise in different aspects of electrical engineering and computer science.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Research Impact: While his research is highly specialized, expanding his work to address a wider range of practical problems and applications could further enhance its impact and relevance to diverse fields.
  2. Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Work: Increasing collaboration with researchers from other disciplines or institutions could lead to more comprehensive research outcomes and foster interdisciplinary innovations.
  3. Public Engagement and Dissemination: Greater emphasis on public outreach and dissemination of his research findings through non-academic channels could raise awareness and highlight the societal impacts of his work.

 

Experience

Muhammad has gained substantial research experience through his roles as a Research Assistant at various esteemed institutions, including ISCAAS Lab at Florida Atlantic University, Kansas State University, and Information Security & Machine Learning Lab at Gachon University. His internships and assistant roles have provided him with practical insights into electrical engineering and information security. 🧪💼

Research Focus

Muhammad’s research interests include GPU computing, Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), cryptographic protocols, and secure multi-party computation. He is dedicated to enhancing the efficiency and security of cryptographic systems and optimizing deep learning models. His work also encompasses side-channel analysis and applications of PQC in IoT. 💻🔒

Awards and Honors

Muhammad has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the Rector and Dean Merit Awards, the Rector Innovation Award, and the Patron’s (Gold) Medal Award. He has also achieved notable positions in competitions such as IEEE Xtreme Programming and Mechnofest. His recognition includes the Best Paper Award by BK21 FAST Intelligence Convergence Center and accolades from the Pakistan International Auto Show. 🏅🎖️

Publications Top Notes

Efficient TMVP-Based Polynomial Convolution on GPU for Post-Quantum Cryptography Targeting IoT Applications (2024) – IEEE Internet of Things Journal

GPU-Accelerated Deep Learning-based Correlation Attack on Tor Networks (2023) – IEEE Access

High Throughput Acceleration of Scabbard Key Exchange and Key Encapsulation Mechanism Using Tensor Core on GPU for IoT Applications (2023) – IEEE Internet of Things Journal

H-QNN: A Hybrid Quantum–Classical Neural Network for Improved Binary Image Classification (2024) – AI

A Low-Overhead Countermeasure Against Differential Power Analysis for AES Block Cipher (2021) – Applied Sciences

Performance Improvement of Decision Tree: A Robust Classifier Using Tabu Search Algorithm (2021) – Applied Sciences

A Hybrid Linear Quadratic Regulator Controller for Unmanned Free-Swimming Submersible (2021) – Applied Sciences

Conclusion:

Muhammad Asfand Hafeez is a highly promising candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his exemplary academic achievements, innovative research contributions, and significant awards and recognitions. His work in GPU-based implementations of Post-Quantum Cryptography and other advanced areas reflects a deep understanding of and commitment to his field. Addressing areas for improvement, such as broadening the scope of his research impact and increasing public engagement, could further enhance his candidacy and contributions to the field.