Corina Birleanu | Engineering and Technology | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Corina Birleanu | Engineering and Technology | Research Excellence Award 

Prof. Corina Birleanu | Engineering and Technology | Full Professor at Technical University of Cluj-Napoca | Hypothesis Achievement Award

Prof. Corina Birleanu is a distinguished University Professor and PhD Supervisor in Mechanical Engineering at the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca (UTCN), Romania, with an academic and professional career spanning more than three decades in teaching, research, and institutional leadership. Prof. Corina Birleanu earned her Mechanical Engineering degree in Machine Building Technology from the Polytechnic Institute of Cluj-Napoca in 1986 and completed her Doctor of Science between 1992 and 1998 at UTCN, specializing in advanced tribological research focused on the theoretical and experimental behavior of alumina-based ceramic tribosystems under contact pressure. Since joining UTCN as a teaching staff member in 1992, Prof. Corina Birleanu has progressed through all academic ranks, serving as Assistant Professor, Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, and Professor, and has held numerous senior leadership roles including Chancellor of the University Senate, Vice Dean for Internationalization, Director of the Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Dean of the Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Robotics and Production Management, and currently Head of the Tribology Laboratory and coordinator of the Machine Elements and Tribology research group.

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Featured Publications

Tribological Performance of SAE 10W-40 Engine Oil Enhanced with Thermally Treated TiO₂ Nanoparticles
– Lubricants, 2025 
Leveraging Centralized Procurement for Digital Innovation in Higher Education: Institutional Capacity and Policy Gaps in Romania
– Administrative Sciences, 2025 
Basalt vs. Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymers: A Statistical Comparison of Tribological Performance Under Dry Sliding Conditions
– Journal of Composites Science, 2025 
Tribomechanical Analysis and Performance Optimization of Sustainable Basalt Fiber Polymer Composites for Engineering Applications
– Technologies, 2025 
Comparative Study on Consumers’ Behavior Regarding Water Consumption Pattern
– Water (Switzerland), 2025 
Impact of CuSn10 Powder on Mechanical Properties and Tribological Performance of Novel Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Hybrid Composites
– Polymers, 2025 
The Effect of Fiber Weight Fraction on Tribological Behavior for Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer
– Polymers, 2025 
Enhanced Tribological and Mechanical Properties of Copper-Modified Basalt-Reinforced Epoxy Composites
– Polymers, 2025
An Aluminum U-Shaped Electro-Thermally Actuated Microgripper: Simulation and Fabrication
– Conference Paper, 2025 

Alex Gautier Tsopgo | Engineering and Technology | Research Excellence Award

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Mr. Alex Gautier Tsopgo | Engineering and Technology | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Alex Gautier Tsopgo | Engineering and Technology | Research Excellence Award | PhD candidate | Northwest University | China

Mr. Alex Gautier Tsopgo is a Renewable Energy Engineer and emerging scholar whose work integrates advanced engineering, community-centered development, and policy innovation to accelerate sustainable electrification in Sub-Saharan Africa. Mr. Alex Gautier Tsopgo holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Renewable Energy from the University of Maroua (2012–2015), a Master of Engineering in Renewable Energy from the National Advanced School of Engineering, Cameroon (2015–2017), and is currently a PhD Researcher in Solar Thermal Energy Storage at Northwest University, China (2023–Present), where he is developing a comprehensive computational model for comparing and optimizing solar thermal energy storage systems to mitigate intermittency challenges in utility-scale renewable deployment. Professionally, Mr. Alex Gautier Tsopgo has accumulated over four years of hands-on experience delivering last-mile electrification solutions, notably serving as a Renewable Energy Engineer at Renewable Energy Innovators Cameroon, where he led the deployment of more than 237 kWp of distributed solar systems with 433 kWh of battery storage, electrifying over 500 households, powering micro-enterprises and social infrastructure, and achieving high system availability through community-based operations and maintenance frameworks. His work also contributed directly to Cameroon’s first mini-grid licensing framework, demonstrating his capacity to bridge technical design and regulatory advancement. Earlier, as an Energy Consultant for multiple municipalities, Mr. Alex Gautier Tsopgo conducted techno-economic feasibility studies for hydrokinetic systems and pioneered inclusive village savings models that mobilized over 300 members to finance productive energy assets, while his consulting roles with TAGUS Drone, ELYON Polytechnique, and ERECE SARL focused on optimizing grid-tied solar installations and conducting energy audits that reduced consumer costs. His research interests span solar thermal energy storage, multi-objective optimization, renewable energy systems modeling, mini-grid and off-grid electrification, and the socio-technical dynamics of energy access in emerging markets, supported by strong research skills in computational modeling, optimization frameworks, techno-economic analysis, and interdisciplinary systems design. Mr. Alex Gautier Tsopgo’s research skill set is complemented by technical competencies in PVSyst, HOMER, RETScreen, Aspen Plus, and project development methodologies, alongside demonstrated leadership through global youth ambassadorships, academic facilitation, and humanitarian engagement. His awards and recognitions include certifications from international institutions, leadership acknowledgments, and professional training in environmental and social impact assessment and public–private partnerships, collectively underscoring a career defined by technical rigor, ethical engagement, and scalable impact. In conclusion, Mr. Alex Gautier Tsopgo represents a new generation of renewable energy leaders whose integrated expertise positions him to contribute meaningfully to global energy transitions and sustainable development.

Profile:  ORCID

Featured Publications 

Tsopgo, A. G., Teng, H., Duan, Q., & Zheng, H. A. (2026). Probability-based multi-objective optimization framework for the selection of molten salts in thermal energy storage systems. Composites Part B: Engineering.

Ayse Tugba Yapici | Engineering and Technology | Best Research Article Award

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Ms. Ayse Tugba Yapici | Engineering and Technology | Best Research Article Award

Ms. Ayse Tugba Yapici | Engineering and Technology | Best Research Article Award | Doctoral Researcher | Kocaeli University | Turkey 

Ms. Ayse Tugba Yapici is an emerging scholar in electrical engineering whose research bridges intelligent energy systems, electric vehicles, and artificial intelligence–driven prediction technologies, reflecting her strong academic preparation and expanding scientific footprint. She earned her PhD in Electrical Engineering from Kocaeli University, where her doctoral studies centered on deep learning approaches for forecasting electric vehicle demand, charging behaviors, and integrated grid impacts. Prior to this, she completed her MSc in Electrical Engineering at Kocaeli University and her BSc in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Bulent Ecevit University, progressively building a foundation in power electronics, system modeling, and smart energy infrastructures. Professionally, Ms. Ayse Tugba Yapici has gained significant experience as a doctoral researcher contributing to multiple academic studies involving EV charging station optimization, boosting converter analyses, AI-based prediction models, and data-driven approaches for regional transportation planning. Her research interests span electric vehicle technologies, charging station planning, induction heating systems, renewable energy integration, IoT-based intelligent mobility frameworks, and machine learning algorithms including LSTM, GRU, and MLR for performance forecasting. She possesses strong research skills in deep learning model development, Python-based simulation, DigSilent-based power system design, MATLAB/Simulink modeling, geographical data mapping, algorithm optimization, and statistical evaluation metrics such as R², MSE, MAE, and DTW. Her body of work includes multiple SCI and Scopus-indexed publications addressing EV growth prediction, secure IoT frameworks for autonomous taxis, and comparative analyses of deep learning methods for charging time estimation. Ms. Ayse Tugba Yapici has been recognized within academic circles for her contributions to advancing sustainable mobility solutions and has received commendations for her research productivity and multidisciplinary collaborations within Türkiye. Her work continues to support improved policy development, smarter grid integration, and future-ready electric mobility infrastructures. She remains actively involved in scholarly dissemination through conference participation, collaborative studies with engineering experts, and mentorship of junior researchers. Through her growing publication record, analytical expertise, and commitment to advancing intelligent transportation systems, Ms. Ayse Tugba Yapici demonstrates strong potential for continued impact in electrical engineering research, contributing to the broader goals of sustainable energy development, smart city transitions, and technology-driven societal advancement.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Yapici, A. T., Abut, N., & Erfidan, T. (2025). Comparing the effectiveness of deep learning approaches for charging time prediction in electric vehicles: Kocaeli example. Energies. Year: 2025

  2. Yapici, A. T., & Abut, N. (2025). Geleceğe yönelik elektrikli araç ve şarj istasyonu sayılarının LSTM ve GRU derin öğrenme yöntemleri kullanılarak tahmin edilmesi: Kocaeli ili örneği. Politeknik Dergisi. Year: 2025

  3. Yapici, A. T., Abut, N., & Yildirim, A. (2025). Future estimation of electric vehicles and charging stations: Analysis of Sakarya Province with LSTM, GRU and multiple linear regression approaches. Applied Sciences. Year: 2025

  4. Yapici, A. T., & Abut, N. (2025). An intelligent and secure IoT-based framework for predicting charging and travel duration in autonomous electric taxi systems. Applied Sciences. Year: 2025

  5. Yapici, A. T., & Abut, N. (2024). Elektrikli araç devresinde kullanılan boost dönüştürücünün analizine farklı yaklaşımlar. Black Sea Journal of Engineering and Science. Year: 2024

  6. Yapici, A. T., & Abut, N. (2024). Elektrikli araç şarj istasyonu konum tasarımında, DigSilent yazılımı kullanılarak Kocaeli Üniversitesi Umuttepe Kampüsü için örnek uygulama. Black Sea Journal of Engineering and Science. Year: 2024

  7. Yapici, A. T. (2024). Estimation of future number of electric vehicles and charging stations: Analysis of Sakarya Province with LSTM, GRU and MLR approaches. Applied Sciences. Year: 2024

 

Lingzhi Li | Engineering and Technology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Lingzhi Li | Engineering and Technology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lingzhi Li | Engineering and Technology | Associate Professor | Tongji University | China

Dr. Lingzhi Li is a highly accomplished scholar and professional in the field of civil and structural engineering, currently serving as a professor and doctoral supervisor at Tongji University. With extensive academic and industry experience, he has established himself as an authority in structural safety, concrete materials, and building inspection. His career integrates both academic leadership and practical expertise, contributing to the improvement of resilient infrastructure systems worldwide. Dr. Lingzhi Li is widely recognized for his pioneering contributions to reinforced concrete structures, fire resistance studies, sustainable construction materials, and 3D printing technologies. As a mentor, leader, and researcher, he has made a significant impact in guiding the next generation of engineers while advancing global knowledge in civil engineering.

Professional Profile 

Education

Dr. Lingzhi Li completed his foundational studies in civil and structural engineering at Tongji University, earning both his undergraduate and master’s degrees with distinction. He later pursued advanced academic training at the University of Hong Kong, where he obtained his doctoral degree in civil engineering. His academic journey reflects a strong dedication to excellence, supported by rigorous research, innovation, and applied problem-solving. The combination of domestic and international education provided Dr. Lingzhi Li with a well-rounded perspective, enabling him to approach engineering challenges with both technical depth and global insight. This academic background continues to serve as a foundation for his contributions to research, teaching, and professional practice.

Experience

Dr. Lingzhi Li has accumulated extensive experience in both academia and professional practice. In addition to his role as a professor and Ph.D. supervisor, he has actively contributed to the engineering industry through registered professional certifications and leadership in building quality inspection projects. Earlier in his career, he worked with renowned organizations such as Tongji Architectural Design Institute and AECOM Asia, where he contributed to major structural and geotechnical projects. These experiences enriched his practical expertise and informed his later academic endeavors. Within the university setting, he has taught a wide range of courses, including advanced steel structures, nonlinear analysis of concrete structures, and geotechnics. Dr. Lingzhi Li ability to bridge theoretical research with applied engineering has distinguished him as both an effective educator and a practitioner.

Research Interest

The research interests of Dr. Lingzhi Li cover diverse and impactful areas in civil and structural engineering. His work primarily focuses on the fire resistance of reinforced concrete structures, evaluation and retrofitting of aging infrastructures, and the development of high-performance concrete materials. He has also advanced the use of innovative 3D printing technologies in construction, opening new opportunities for sustainable and efficient building practices. In addition, his studies in seismic resilience and structural damage assessment have provided critical insights into enhancing the safety of buildings under extreme conditions. Dr. Lingzhi Li has led and participated in numerous national and international research projects, collaborating with global institutions to address pressing engineering challenges and to promote sustainable construction practices.

Award

Dr. Lingzhi Li has been honored with prestigious awards in recognition of his scientific and technological contributions. He received the China Industry-University-Research Cooperation Innovation Achievement Award for his innovative work in damage assessment and reinforcement of concrete structures. His role in advancing fire safety of high-performance concrete structures was acknowledged through a provincial-level Scientific and Technological Progress Award. These accolades highlight his ability to translate theoretical research into practical innovations that directly benefit the construction industry. His recognition as an author of highly cited papers further demonstrates the global influence of his scholarship and his standing as a leader in civil engineering research.

Selected Publication

  • “Flexural behavior of precast ultra-lightweight ECC-concrete composite slab with lattice girders” – Published: 2023, Citations: 115

  • “Post-fire reinforced concrete frames: Experimental study on seismic performance” – Published: 2019, Citations: 140

  • “Experimental study on seismic behavior of prefabricated RC frame joints with T-shaped columns” – Published: 2021, Citations: 86

  • “3D recycled mortar printing: System development, process design, material properties and on-site printing” – Published: 2020, Citations: 95

Conclusion

Dr. Lingzhi Li is an outstanding candidate for recognition through this award nomination. His scholarly achievements, extensive research portfolio, and practical contributions to civil and structural engineering demonstrate his unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge and improving global infrastructure resilience. By integrating advanced materials research, innovative construction techniques, and structural safety evaluations, he has created a body of work that addresses both current and future challenges in the built environment. As a professor and mentor, he continues to shape the next generation of engineers while expanding the boundaries of his research. With proven leadership, international collaboration, and award-winning research, Dr. Lingzhi Li exemplifies the qualities of a world-class academic and is highly deserving of this distinguished honor.