Strengths for the Award:

1. Extensive Academic Background and Research Experience:
   • Mohamad Zeidan has pursued advanced degrees in Hydrodynamics and Water Resources, including a Ph.D. from Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, a leading institute in engineering and technology.
   • His research spans critical areas such as AI modeling, water infrastructure data analysis, unsteady flow, and optimization techniques for water distribution systems.
2. Published Research:
   • He has multiple publications in reputable journals such as the Journal of Hydraulic Engineering (ASCE) and Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management. His research covers diverse topics like hydraulic transients, water distribution optimization, and energy recovery applications.
   • His works have contributed to developing innovative solutions for sustainable water management, reflecting his commitment to advancing the field.
3. Professional Recognition and Awards:
   • He has received several awards, including the prestigious Rina & Shragaa Irmay Prize for Research in Environmental Engineering, and has consistently been recognized as an outstanding teaching assistant.
   • Participation and recognition in international conferences (e.g., Aqualibrium competition at the 19th International Computing and Control for Water Industry Conference) highlight his active engagement and contribution to the research community.
4. Practical and Diverse Experience:
   • His experience as a consultant in water-related projects and his involvement in various engineering roles demonstrate practical expertise and the ability to apply his research to real-world problems.
5. Extracurricular and Community Involvement:
   • His leadership in Engineers Without Borders and participation in the Engineering for Developing Communities initiative showcase his commitment to using engineering skills for social good and sustainable development.

Areas for Improvement:

1. Broader Impact and Outreach:
   • While Zeidan’s research contributions are impressive, expanding his outreach beyond academia, such as through collaborations with industry or public policy impact, could enhance his profile further.
2. Diversification of Research Topics:
   • While he has a strong focus on water resources and hydrodynamics, diversifying his research portfolio to include other interdisciplinary areas could strengthen his overall research impact.
3. Grants and Funding Acquisition:
   • Securing more competitive research grants and funding could further establish his reputation as a leading researcher in his field.

🎓 Education

Mohamad Zeidan holds a Ph.D. in Hydrodynamics and Water Resources from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, where his research focused on “Unsteady flow utilization for water distribution systems management.” He also earned an M.Sc. in the same field with a thesis on “Multi-objective optimization for trading off operational cost, leakage, and water age in water distribution systems” and a B.Sc. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, specializing in water resources.

💼 Experience

Mohamad has a diverse range of experience in both academic and professional settings. He has been a researcher at KWR Water Research Institute since 2022, working under the supervision of Mirjam Blokker. Additionally, he has served as a consultant for various water-related projects, including pipeline planning, hydrological reports, and educational aeroponic greenhouses. Previously, he contributed significantly to Zeidan Ltd., an engineering firm, where he worked on projects such as concrete plants, clay settling plants, and more.

🔬 Research Focus

Mohamad’s research interests lie in hydrodynamics, water resources, and sustainable environmental solutions. His work primarily focuses on AI modeling, water infrastructure data analysis, and transient simulations in water distribution systems. He aims to integrate advanced modeling techniques to optimize water management and improve infrastructure resilience.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Mohamad has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to the field with multiple awards, including the “Aqualibrium competition” at the 19th International Computing and Control for Water Industry Conference (2023), and several “Outstanding Teacher Assistance Awards” from 2022 to 2023. He also received the prestigious Rina & Shragga Irmay Prize for Research in Environmental Engineering in 2019.

📚 Publications (Top Notes)

Zeidan, M., & Ostfeld, A. (2023). Pressure Transient Utilization for Pipeline Particle Deposits Laceration. Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, ASCE. Link

Zeidan, M., & Ostfeld, A. (2022). Unsteady Friction Modeling Technique for Lagrangian Approaches in Transient Simulations. Water, 14(15), p.2437. Link

Zeidan, M., & Ostfeld, A. (2021). Hydraulic Ram Pump Integration into Water Distribution Systems for Energy Recovery Application. Water, 14(1), p.21. Link

Zeidan, M., & Ostfeld, A. (2022). Using Hydraulic Transients for Biofilm Detachment in Water Distribution Systems: Approximated Model. Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management, 148(4), p.04022008. Link

Zeidan, M., Li, P., & Ostfeld, A. (2021). DMA Segmentation and Multiobjective Optimization for Trading Off Water Age, Excess Pressure, and Pump Operational Cost in Water Distribution Systems. Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management, 147(4), p.04021006. Link

Conclusion:

Mohamad Zeidan demonstrates strong qualifications for the “Best Researcher Award” due to his extensive academic background, notable research publications, professional experience, and involvement in community service. His focus on innovative solutions for water distribution and sustainable management aligns well with the award’s criteria. While there are areas for improvement, such as increasing his impact through industry collaboration and securing more funding, his current achievements and ongoing contributions make him a highly suitable candidate for this award.