Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ping Li | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ping Li | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Associate professor, Northwest University, China

Dr. Ping Li is an accomplished Associate Professor in the Department of Geology at Northwest University, Xi’an, China. With a robust academic and research background in geological and civil engineering, she has built her career around unsaturated soil mechanics, soil bioengineering, and soil microstructure analysis. Dr. Li is widely recognized for her extensive contributions to geotechnical research, particularly in the study of loess soils and their behavior under environmental influences. Her collaborative international work, especially during her joint PhD in Canada, reflects her commitment to advancing the understanding of sustainable soil engineering.

Professional Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education Background:

Dr. Ping Li holds a Ph.D. in Geological Engineering from Chang’an University (2013–2016) and a Joint Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Ottawa, Canada (2014–2016), where she conducted her thesis in English on predicting the wetting-induced collapse of unsaturated soils. She also earned her MSc (2011–2013) and BSc (2007–2011) in Geological Engineering from Chang’an University, graduating with a strong academic record and a GPA of 3.84.

💼 Professional Experience:

Dr. Li currently serves as an Associate Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at Northwest University, a position she has held since January 2023 after working as a Lecturer in the same department from 2017 to 2022. Her teaching responsibilities include courses like Foundation Engineering and Soil Testing Techniques. Throughout her career, she has played principal and collaborative roles in several national and provincial scientific projects focusing on loess deformation, soil stability, and eco-friendly soil improvement techniques.

🏆 Awards and Honors:

While specific awards are not individually listed, Dr. Li has successfully led multiple prestigious projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, and the Shaanxi Provincial Department of Education, highlighting her respected status in the field and her capacity to secure competitive research grants.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Ping Li’s research revolves around three major themes: soil bioengineering, unsaturated soil mechanics, and soil microstructure. Her work investigates how vegetation roots impact the physical and mechanical properties of compacted loess, how collapse behaviors can be modeled under different wetting scenarios, and how advanced imaging can be used to quantify microstructural changes. She also explores sustainable approaches using biochar and nanomaterials to stabilize loess soils and improve their hydraulic behavior. Her research is both theoretical and application-driven, aiming to enhance infrastructure stability and environmental resilience.

🔚 Conclusion:

Dr. Ping Li stands out as a leading geotechnical researcher with deep expertise in loess soil behavior, sustainability, and microstructural analysis. Her dedication to academic excellence, international collaboration, and real-world problem-solving in soil mechanics has significantly influenced the field. She continues to mentor future geoscientists and push the boundaries of eco-geotechnical engineering.

📚 Top Noted Publications :

  1. Investigating the saturated hydraulic conductivity and its variation of a fine-grained soil with root exudates of Robinia pseudoaccaciaJournal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 2025, Accepted.
    Cited by: Pending

  2. Effects of vegetation roots on the structure and hydraulic properties of soils: A perspective reviewScience of The Total Environment, 2024, Vol. 906.
    Cited by: 15+

  3. Influence of biochar on the soil‑water retention behavior of compacted loessJournal of Soils and Sediments, 2024, Vol. 24.
    Cited by: 10+

  4. Effects of molding water content and compaction degree on the microstructure and permeability of compacted loessActa Geotechnica, 2023, Vol. 18.
    Cited by: 25+

  5. Review of chemical stabilizing agents for improving the physical and mechanical properties of loessBulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, 2021, Vol. 80.
    Cited by: 40+

  6. Characterizing and modeling the pore-size distribution evolution of a compacted loess during consolidation and shearingJournal of Soils and Sediments, 2020, Vol. 20.
    Cited by: 35+

  7. Microstructural evolution of loess soils from the Loess Plateau of ChinaCatena, 2019, Vol. 173.
    Cited by: 50+

  8. Simple method for prediction of the soil collapse behavior due to wettingInternational Journal of Geomechanics, 2018, Vol. 18.
    Cited by: 70+

  9. Prediction of the wetting-induced collapse behavior using the soil-water characteristic curveJournal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2019, Vol. 151.
    Cited by: 60+

  10. Review of collapse triggering mechanism of collapsible soils due to wettingJournal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 2016, Vol. 8.
    Cited by: 80+

 

Dr. vassilios lekidis | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. vassilios lekidis | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

HEAD OF EARTHQUAKE RESISTANT BRANCH, OASP-ITSAK, Greece

Dr. Vassilios Lekidis is a distinguished Greek civil engineer and expert in earthquake engineering, with over four decades of professional and academic experience. Based in Thessaloniki, Greece, he has served as the General Director of the Institute of Engineering Seismology and Earthquake Engineering (ITSAK) across multiple terms, guiding key national and international seismic risk management projects. His contributions span leadership, engineering consulting, and high-impact research, particularly in structural dynamics and seismic vulnerability assessments.

Publication Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education Background

Dr. Lekidis holds a Ph.D. in Earthquake Engineering and Finite Elements (1995) and a B.Sc. in Engineering (1997) from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He also earned an M.Sc. in Engineering from Delft University of Technology, Netherlands (1998), specializing in static and dynamic structural analysis. His educational foundation merges deep theoretical mechanics with advanced computational methods.

🏗️ Professional Experience

Beginning his career in the early 1980s, Dr. Lekidis led construction operations at top-tier Greek contracting firms like AKTOR and SARANTOPOULOS. He later transitioned to a consulting engineer role, focusing on seismic resilience for buildings, bridges, and silos. Most notably, he served three terms as General Director of ITSAK, contributing to policy, structural safety, and international seismic risk reduction efforts. He has been involved in major infrastructure evaluations, including bridges like the Evripos cable-stayed bridge.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Lekidis has held numerous prestigious appointments, such as Vice President of the Technical Chamber of Greece (Central Macedonia, 2009–2012), member of Greece’s Permanent Earthquake Planning Committee, and board member of ITSAK and EGNATIA SA. He has also participated in forming national seismic codes and organized engineering congresses. His esteemed reputation in seismology and engineering has been recognized by both scientific and governmental institutions.

🔬 Research Focus

His research expertise encompasses seismic behavior of structures, vulnerability assessment, remote sensing for structural monitoring, and the finite element analysis of infrastructure. He has led or contributed to European and NATO-supported projects including SERINA, EUROSEISTEST, and HiPER-CRACK. His scholarly work bridges theory and application, especially for seismic instrumentation and performance of reinforced concrete and bridge systems under seismic load.

🧩 Conclusion

Dr. Vassilios Lekidis exemplifies excellence in structural engineering and seismic safety. His leadership in ITSAK, robust academic portfolio, and dedication to earthquake risk reduction underscore his impact on both engineering practice and public safety. As a visionary and veteran in the field, his ongoing legacy continues to shape modern earthquake engineering in Greece and beyond.

Publication Top Notes

 

Mr. Hao Chen | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Hao Chen | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Student, Shanghai Maritime University, China

Hao Chen is a dedicated student and emerging researcher in the field of electrical engineering, currently pursuing his Master’s degree at Shanghai Maritime University, China. With a passion for innovation in power electronics, he has co-authored a high-impact review paper and presented at a top international conference. His collaborative efforts with globally renowned professors demonstrate his potential to become a significant contributor to academic research. 🌟📘

Publication Profile

ORCID

🎓Education Background

Hao Chen earned his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Electrical Engineering from Shanghai Maritime University in 2022. He is presently enrolled in the same university for his Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Electrical Engineering, with a focus on advanced inverter technologies and power systems. 🏫⚡

💼Professional Experience

Although currently a student, Hao Chen has taken an active role in academic research and publication. He co-authored a comprehensive review article alongside distinguished professors Prof. Weimin Wu and Prof. Frede Blaabjerg, showcasing his research capabilities and interdisciplinary collaboration skills. 🧑‍💻📑

🏆Awards and Honors

While Hao Chen has not yet received formal awards, his selection as a co-author with leading researchers and his acceptance at IPEMC 2024 highlight his growing recognition in the academic community. His contributions reflect promise and dedication in the early stages of his research career. 🏅📈

🔬Research Focus

Hao Chen focuses on Hybrid Three-Level Active Neutral-Point Clamped (HT-ANPC) inverters, emphasizing topological innovations, performance improvements, and practical application challenges. His work targets the development of more efficient and reliable power converters essential for modern electrical systems and renewable energy applications. 🔋🔧

📝Conclusion

Hao Chen stands out as a motivated young researcher with a clear academic direction and collaborative mindset. His contribution to inverter research, joint work with established experts, and commitment to scholarly excellence position him as a promising candidate for the Best Researcher Award. 🚀📚

📚Top Publication Note

Title: A Review of Hybrid Three-Level ANPC Inverters: Topologies, Comparison, Challenges and Improvements in Applications
Journal: Energies
DOI: 10.3390/en18102613

Nikolaos Kokkinos | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Nikolaos Kokkinos | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Professor, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece

Dr. Nikolaos C. Kokkinos is a Full Professor at the Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH), Greece 🇬🇷. He is the Director of the Petroleum Institute and Program Director of the MSc in Oil and Gas Technology at DUTH. Since 2013, he has served as Section Officer of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Kavala Section. He also leads the Modeling and Simulation in Process Engineering Laboratory at DUTH and holds a Research Director role at Hephaestus Laboratory. With over two decades of combined academic and industry experience, Dr. Kokkinos is a certified Master Instructor in emergency control room operations and actively contributes to global research in petroleum engineering and catalysis.

Publication Profile

🎓 Education Background

Dr. Kokkinos holds a Ph.D. in Petroleum Process Simulations, an MPhil in Applied Catalysis, an MSc in Information Technology, and a BSc in Petroleum Engineering 🎓. He has also worked as a Post-Doctoral Research Associate at the Organic Geochemistry Unit (OGU), University of Bristol, UK 🇬🇧, further strengthening his academic and research credentials.

💼 Professional Experience

Dr. Kokkinos brings over ten years of academic teaching experience in undergraduate and postgraduate oil & gas (O&G) engineering programs and another ten years of consulting experience in the O&G industry 🛢️. He is actively involved in simulation training using advanced tools such as the Virtual Crisis Control Room and Drilling Simulator. His leadership at the Modeling and Simulation Lab and his research directorship at Hephaestus Laboratory highlight his commitment to applied science and education.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Kokkinos is recognized as a certified Master Instructor for emergency response operations and simulation-based training 🥇. He is a respected member and Section Officer of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, further emphasizing his leadership and contributions to professional communities in petroleum and process engineering.

🔬 Research Focus

His research interests lie in process modeling and simulation, petroleum engineering, applied catalysis, and biofuels 🌱. Dr. Kokkinos is an active editor and reviewer in various international journals and has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed publications. His systematic reviews and modeling contributions have significantly advanced catalytic processes and renewable energy applications.

📌 Conclusion

Dr. Nikolaos C. Kokkinos stands out as a leading figure in petroleum process engineering, merging deep academic knowledge with practical industry applications 🔍. His continued dedication to simulation-based learning, catalysis, and sustainable fuel research positions him as a key contributor in both academia and the energy sector.

📚 Top Publications Notes

 Biphasic Catalytic Conversion of Olefins in Aqueous Media: A Systematic Review
Cited by: Pending (new publication)

 A comparative study on biodiesel production from edible and non-edible biomasses
 Cited by: Available via Scopus/Google Scholar

Catalytic Upgrading of Biodiesel by Partial Hydrogenation of Its FAME Composition: A Systematic Review
 Cited by: Check on MDPI or Crossref

Solid waste biomass as a potential feedstock for producing sustainable aviation fuel: A systematic review
Cited by: 20+ (Scopus/Google Scholar)

Modeling and simulation of biphasic catalytic hydrogenation of a hydroformylated fuel
 Cited by: 18 (Google Scholar)

Two-step conversion of LLCN olefins to strong anti-knocking alcohol mixtures catalysed by Rh, Ru/TPPTS complexes in aqueous media
 Cited by: 50+ (Scopus)

 An environmentally benign catalytic process enhances in situ the quality of gasoline
Cited by: Available via OnePetro/Google Scholar

Mohamad Zeidan | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mohamad Zeidan | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Scientific researcher, KWR, Netherlands

Mohamad Zeidan is a multilingual and motivated young professional specializing in water resources and management. With a strong research background and expertise in AI modeling, water infrastructure data analysis, and microclimate modeling, Mohamad is passionate about developing innovative solutions for a sustainable environment. He is currently a researcher at the KWR Water Research Institute in the Netherlands, where he collaborates on groundbreaking water management projects.

Publication Profile

ORCID

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.

 

Xinke Liu | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Xinke Liu | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Shenzhen University, China

👨‍🏫 Liu, Ph.D. is an accomplished Associate Professor at Shenzhen University, specializing in wide bandgap semiconductor materials and electronic devices. With a prolific publication record of over 110 papers as a first or corresponding author, he has garnered more than 3040 citations and an impressive h-index of 31. His research focuses on the development of advanced GaN power electronics using CMOS-compatible materials and processes, aiming to revolutionize wide-bandgap power devices for future computing, 5G/6G communication, and electric cars.

Profile

Google Scholar

Education

🎓 Liu completed his Sc. long in Material Science from the National University of Singapore in 2004. He also holds a Graduate Certificate in Management of Technology from the National University of Singapore, obtained between 2011-2012.

Experience

🔬 Liu has a rich professional background, including hosting roles and research fellowships. He worked with Professor Ali Javey at the University of California, Berkeley, focusing on electronic devices related to novel 2D materials. He also collaborated with Professor Kah-Wee Ang at the National University of Singapore, and served as a professor at the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he researched GaN-based and GaN/2D heterojunction power devices.

Research Interests

🧠 Liu’s research interests include the development of advanced GaN power electronics using CMOS-compatible materials and processes. He explores advanced electronic devices such as Schottky Barrier Diodes (SBDs), PN Diodes (PNDs), High Voltage High Electron Mobility Transistors (HV-HEMTs), and Radio Frequency High Electron Mobility Transistors (RF-HEMTs). His work aims to produce electronic and optoelectronic chips that will drive innovation in wide-bandgap power devices for computing, communication, and automotive industries.

Awards

🏅 Liu has received numerous awards, including the Shenzhen Youth Science and Technology Award (2023), IEEE Senior Member (2021), Guangdong Provincial Science and Technology Progress Award (2022), and the Excellent Teaching Award of Shenzhen University (2020). He is recognized as one of Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Scientists (2019, 2020, 2022) and has earned the Shenzhen Peacock Plan B Award (2014), among other honors.

Publications

Artificial synapses based on multiterminal memtransistors for neuromorphic application

Few-layer black phosphorus carbide field-effect transistor via carbon doping

Impact and Origin of Interface States in MOS Capacitor with Monolayer MoS2 and HfO2 High-k Dielectric

Down to ppb level NO2 detection by ZnO/rGO heterojunction based chemiresistive sensors

2D III-Nitride Materials: Properties, Growth, and Applications