Kayode Komolafe | Educational Innovation in Science | Best Researcher Award

Kayode Komolafe | Educational Innovation in Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr Kayode Komolafe, Colorado School of Mines, United States

Dr. Kayode Komolafe is a PhD candidate in Mining Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines (GPA: 3.717/4.00). He holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s in Mining Engineering from the Federal University of Technology Akure. Dr. Komolafe has interned with SRK Consulting and currently serves as a teaching assistant in Rock Mechanics. His research includes publications on mathematical modeling of minerals and gold prospecting. He is a licensed engineer and a member of several professional organizations. Dr. Komolafe has earned multiple awards, including the Syd.S and Felicia F. Peng Ground Control Scholarship and McQuiston Fellowship. 🛠️🎓📚🔬

Publication Profile

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Education

Mr. Kayode Komolafe is a Ph.D. candidate in Mining Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines, where he has maintained an impressive GPA of 3.717/4.00 since 2022. He earned his Master of Engineering in Mining Engineering from the Federal University of Technology Akure in 2013, achieving a CGPA of 3.64/4.00. Prior to that, he completed his Bachelor of Engineering in Mining Engineering at the same institution in 2006, with a CGPA of 3.59/4.00. His academic journey reflects his strong commitment to excellence in the field of mining engineering. 🎓⛏️📚

Experience

Mr. Kayode Komolafe is an experienced rock mechanics intern at SRK Consulting U.S., Inc. (May–Sept. 2022), where he worked on characterizing hydrothermal veinlet rock masses for underground construction. He analyzed laboratory tests to determine geomechanical properties and categorized rock samples for numerical modeling. As a Teaching Assistant at Colorado School of Mines (Jan. 2022–present), he organizes rock mechanics laboratories, guides students in tests and software tools like DIPS and RS2, and leads fieldwork for rock mass characterization. He also creates and grades quizzes and fosters communication between students and professors. 🪨💻📚👷‍♂️

Conference Presentations 

Mr. Kayode Komolafe presented papers at the International Conference of the Nigeria Society of Mining Engineers in November 2019. His first presentation, “Socio-Economic Impact of Artisanal Limestone Quarrying and Processing at Igarra, Akoko-Edo, Edo State, Nigeria,” explored the local economic implications of limestone extraction. His second presentation, “Effects of Artisanal Limestone Exploitation on Soil and Water Bodies in Igarra, Edo State, Nigeria – A Case Study of Noble Marble and Fakunle Geoworks Open Pits,” focused on environmental impacts, particularly on soil and water quality. These studies highlight the balance between economic development and environmental sustainability. 🏞️⚒️🌍📊

Honors and Awards 

Mr. Kayode Komolafe has been recognized for his outstanding contributions and achievements in the field of mining engineering. He is the recipient of several prestigious scholarships, including the Ground Control in Mining Scholarship from the Society of Mining Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) for 2023-2024, the Mined Land Reclamation Educational Grant by the National Association of State Land Reclamationists (NASRL) for 2023-2024, and the Society of Explosives Engineers Education Foundation Scholarship (2022-2024). Additionally, he received the Denver Gold Group Scholarship and McQuiston Fellowship from the Mining Engineering Department at Colorado School of Mines. Kayode has also earned a Certificate of Appreciation from the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists in 2023 and was honored with the Presidential Award by the Nigerian Society of Mining Engineers in 2019. 🎓⛏️🏅

Research Focus

Mr. Kayode Komolafe’s research primarily focuses on geomechanics, environmental impact assessments, and mathematical modeling in mining and resource extraction. His work includes predicting structural responses to blast-induced vibrations in quarries, analyzing the effect of mineral exploitation on groundwater, and applying mathematical modeling to study the impact of metals on ore properties. Additionally, Komolafe investigates cost modeling for drilling and blasting parameters in mining operations, contributing to improving efficiency and safety. His research aims to integrate human-machine relationships in mining, with a vision for the future of the industry. 💡🔬🏗️🌍🧮

Publication Top Notes

DFN: an emerging tool for stochastic modelling and geomechanical design

Prediction of structural response to blast–induced vibration in Kopek Construction Quarry, Ikere–Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

Investigating the Effect of Dolomite Exploitation on Groundwater Condition of Ikpeshi, Akoko – Edo, Edo State, Nigeria.

Effect of Tantalum on Coltan in Cassiterite Using Mathematical Modeling Approach with Respect to Gibbs Energy

Cost Modelling and Estimation of Drilling and Blasting Parameters affecting Guarry face and Fragmentations: A Case of Jolex Construction Company, Bassa, Plateau

Envisioning Human–Machine Relationship Towards Mining of the Future: An Overview

Effect of Titanium on Itakpe Iron Ores Using Mathematical Modeling Approach with Respect to Second Law of Thermodynamic Principle

Optimization of Loading and Haulage of Materials in Selected Quarries in Jos using Arena Simulation Software

 

Margarida Marques | Educational Innovation in Science | Best Researcher Award

Margarida Marques | Educational Innovation in Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr Margarida Marques, University of Aveiro, Portugal

Dr. Margarida Marques appears to be a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award based on her impressive credentials and contributions.

Publication profile

google scholar

Research Focus

Dr. Margarida Marques specializes in Social Sciences and Education, with a focus on innovative teaching and learning methodologies. Her recent projects include developing smart educational environments and combating misinformation through educational initiatives.

Achievements

Research Roles: Dr. Marques has been a researcher at the Universidade de Aveiro since 2015, focusing on didactics and technology in teacher training. She has led several high-impact projects funded by Erasmus Plus and the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia. Educational Contributions: She has designed and implemented multiple training programs and workshops for teachers, emphasizing critical thinking, online learning, and digital education tools. Publications & Presentations: She has presented her work at international conferences and published in notable journals, contributing significantly to the field of educational technology and teacher training.

Additional Contributions

Editorial Work: Dr. Marques serves as a reviewer for prominent journals in education and technology, including MDPI’s Games and Sustainability. Leadership: She is actively involved in coordinating significant research projects and educational programs, such as the Smart Knowledge Garden and the Open Education Smart Campus.

Current Research Projects

Margarida is currently co-principal investigator of the EduCITY project and contributes to several other significant projects, including CURIOSOIL, OpenUS4ALL, School FaN, MEREVIA, and VaBioLa. Her involvement in these diverse projects demonstrates her extensive engagement in advancing educational technologies and science literacy.

Professional Background and Recognition

Margarida’s professional journey includes roles as a research fellow and teacher in various projects and institutions. Her experience spans from her doctoral studies to recent research endeavors, showcasing a consistent and impactful career in educational research. Her awards and contributions to knowledge dissemination further affirm her suitability for the Best Researcher Award.

Conclusion

Margarida M. Marques’ combination of innovative research, impactful projects, and prestigious recognitions aligns well with the criteria for the Best Researcher Award, making her an excellent candidate.

Publication top notes

Climate literacy: a systematic review and model integration

MOOC success factors: Proposal of an analysis framework

The potential educational value of mobile augmented reality games: The case of EduPARK app

The Impact of Teacher Training Using Mobile Augmented Reality Games on Their Professional Development

Marker-based augmented reality application for mobile learning in an urban park: Steps to make it real under the EduPARK project

Improving students’ learning with a mobile augmented reality approach–the EduPARK game

Evaluation of a Mobile Augmented Reality Game Application as an Outdoor Learning Tool

The EduPARK Mobile Augmented Reality Game: Learning Value and Usability.

Augmented Reality and Mobile Learning in a Smart Urban Park: Pupils’ Perceptions of the EduPARK Game

The dynamics of an online community of practice involving teachers and researchers

 

 

Jadranko Tuta | Educational Innovation in Science | Excellence in Innovation Award

Jadranko Tuta | Educational Innovation in Science | Excellence in Innovation Award

Assist Prof Dr Jadranko Tuta, Croatian Military Academy, University of ZagrebMale, Croatia

Assistant Professor Dr. Jadranko Tuta (b. October 31, 1966, Zadar, Croatia) is a distinguished academic at the Croatian Military College “Dr. Franjo Tuđman,” specializing in Military Leadership, Management, and Engineering. With a Ph.D. in Information and Communication Sciences from the University of the North (2023), he has over 1,638 teaching hours and 10,000 specialist hours. His research focuses on new technologies, VR, AR, AI, and digital literacy. He leads projects like “Urban Warfare Training Module using VR” and has received the “International Teaching Excellence Award 2021/2022.” He has published seven scientific papers, with several indexed in WoSCC and Scopus. 🎓🌐📚

Publication profile

google scholar

Education

Assistant Professor Dr. Jadranko Tuta, born October 31, 1966, in Zadar, Croatia, is a distinguished expert in information and communication sciences. With a Ph.D. from the University of the North (2023), he has a rich background in military logistics and teaching. Since 1991, Dr. Tuta has served in various capacities at the Croatian Military College “Dr. Franjo Tuđman,” delivering over 11,000 hours of instruction. His research focuses on virtual reality, AI, and digital communication. Notable projects include developing urban warfare training modules and integrating VR in education. He won the International Teaching Excellence Award 2021/2022. 📚🎖️🌐

Awards

International Teaching Excellence Award 2021/2022

Projects

Urban Warfare VR Training, Information Practices in Education, Active Learning with Augmented Reality

Research focus

Dr. J. Tuta’s research primarily focuses on the application of augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) in educational and training contexts, particularly for cadets and military personnel. His work explores how AR/VR can enhance active learning, improve training outcomes, and evaluate terrain and logistical support through advanced simulations. Key topics include the integration of AR in education, the effectiveness of serious games for communication in VR training, and the impact of digital materials in e-education. His research also extends to the optimization of military transport networks and terrain analysis using GIS. 🌐📚🚀

Publication top notes

A conceptual model of agumented virtual and reality in cadet training

Active learning: Experiences and educational perspectives of the application of augmented reality in education and training of cadets

Serious Games-Communication Aspects of VR Cadet Training Information Model

Determination of terrain serviceability of military vehicles by GIS relief analysis

Information-communication significance of digital teaching materials in e-education

Primjena virtualne stvarnosti u vojnom okruženju

D-Learning: An Experimental Approach to Determining Student Learning Outcomes Using Augmented Reality (AR) Technology

Procjena utjecaja aktivnog učenja korištenjem proširene stvarnosti na znanje kadeta

The Influence Of The Transport Problem On The Optimization Of The Transport Network Of Military Logistic Support

Utjecaj različitih oblika aktivnog učenja primjenom proširene stvarnosti na ishode učenja studenata