Ebrahim Farrokh | Engineering and Technology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr Ebrahim Farrokh, Amirkabir University of Technology, Iran

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ebrahim Farrokh is a distinguished expert in rock mechanics and mining engineering, serving as the Head of Rock Mechanics and Mining Engineering at Amirkabir University of Technology. With a career spanning academia and industry, he specializes in tunnel boring machines (TBMs), underground excavation, and rock stability analysis. He has played a key role in major tunneling projects, providing expertise on TBM operations, rock fragmentation, and ground control. His research has led to numerous influential publications, advancing TBM performance prediction and tunnel design methodologies. Alongside his academic role, he consults for Tunnel Saz Machin Co. and has held managerial positions at Hyundai Engineering and Construction. Recognized with prestigious awards, including the Hardy Memorial Award and SME’s NAT Conference Scholarship, his contributions continue to shape the field of mining engineering. His work combines theoretical advancements with practical applications, ensuring safer and more efficient underground construction projects. 🚆💡

Publication Profile

Google Scholoar

Education

Ph.D. in Mining Engineering, Penn State University (2009-2012) 🏗️
Dr. Farrokh earned his Ph.D. at Penn State University, focusing on TBM performance evaluation, advance rate prediction, and rock behavior analysis. His research contributed to innovative methodologies for assessing TBM cutter wear and ground stability.
M.Sc. in Mining Engineering, Tehran University (2001-2004) ⛏️
During his master’s studies, he specialized in underground excavation, tunnel stability, and mine planning. His thesis examined rock fragmentation techniques and their applications in mechanized tunneling.
B.Sc. in Mining Engineering, Yazd University (1997-2001) 🌍
He completed his undergraduate degree at Yazd University, gaining foundational knowledge in rock mechanics, mineral extraction, and geotechnical engineering. His early research explored TBM operational parameters and ground convergence in tunneling projects.

Experience

Associate Professor & Head, Rock Mechanics & Mining Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (2018-present) 🎓
Leads research and academic initiatives in TBMs, tunnel stability, and underground mining.
Consultant, Tunnel Saz Machin Co. (2018-present) 🏗️
Provides technical expertise in TBM operations, ground support, and excavation efficiency.
TBM Specialist & Manager, Hyundai Engineering & Construction (2013-2017) 🚜
Managed TBM operations in major tunneling projects, optimizing performance and reducing downtime.
Research Assistant, Penn State University (2009-2012) 📊
Conducted cutting-edge research on TBM cutter wear, penetration rate estimation, and tunnel convergence.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Outstanding Business Performance Award, Hyundai Engineering & Construction (2015) 🌟
Recognized for leadership in TBM project execution and efficiency improvements.
Outstanding Research Award, Hyundai Engineering & Construction (2014, 2015) 🏅
Awarded for contributions to TBM performance evaluation and geotechnical risk mitigation.
NAT Student Conference Scholarship Award, SME (2012) 🎓
Acknowledged for excellence in mining engineering research and academic achievements.
Hardy Memorial Award, Penn State University (2010) 🏆
Prestigious recognition for outstanding research contributions in mining and rock mechanics.

Research Focus

Dr. Farrokh’s research focuses on Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) 🚜, specializing in performance evaluation, advance rate prediction, and cutterhead design optimization. In Rock Mechanics 🏗️, he investigates rock properties, ground convergence, and stability assessment for underground projects. His work in Mining Engineering ⛏️ explores underground mining methods, rock fragmentation, and geotechnical risk analysis. By integrating theoretical advancements with real-world applications, Dr. Farrokh enhances the efficiency and safety of tunneling and mining operations. His research contributes to optimizing excavation processes, reducing operational risks, and advancing sustainable underground construction. 📊🔬

Publications Top Notes

Tunnel Face Pressure Design and Control 📊 (2020)
Concrete Segmental Lining: Procedure of Design, Production, and Erection of Segmental Lining in Mechanized Tunneling 📚 (2006)
Study of Various Models for Estimation of Penetration Rate of Hard Rock TBMs 📊 (2012)
Effect of Adverse Geological Conditions on TBM Operation in Ghomroud Tunnel Conveyance Project 🌎 (2009)
Correlation of Tunnel Convergence with TBM Operational Parameters and Chip Size in the Ghomroud Tunnel, Iran 📊 (2008)
A Discussion on Hard Rock TBM Cutter Wear and Cutterhead Intervention Interval Length Evaluation 💡 (2018)
Evaluation of Ground Convergence and Squeezing Potential in the TBM-Driven Ghomroud Tunnel Project 🌎 (2006)
Study of Utilization Factor and Advance Rate of Hard Rock TBMs 📊 (2013)
A Study of Various Models Used in the Estimation of Advance Rates for Hard Rock TBMs 📊 (2020)
Analysis of Unit Supporting Time and Support Installation Time for Open TBMs 🕒 (2020)

Iveta Kubasakova | Tech Innovations | Women Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr Iveta Kubasakova, University of Zilina, Slovakia

Assist. Prof. Dr. Iveta Kubasáková is an Associate Professor at the University of Žilina, Slovakia, specializing in transportation logistics, warehouse management, logistics systems, and technologies. She has a PhD in Transport and Communications Technology from the same university. Dr. Kubasáková has extensive experience in teaching and research, contributing to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, and publishing widely on topics like logistics automation and risk management in transport. She has co-authored several open-access papers, including works on automated guided vehicles and warehouse optimization. Her expertise also includes customs disputes and logistics management. 📚🚚📦🔧

Education

Assist. Prof. Dr. Iveta Kubasakova is an expert in Communications Technology, with a strong academic foundation, including an Ing. (Engineer) degree in Road Transport Operation and Economics from the University of Žilina. Her multidisciplinary background uniquely combines technical expertise in communications and the practical knowledge of transportation economics, making her a valuable asset in both fields. Dr. Kubasakova’s work bridges the gap between advanced communication technologies and the economic aspects of road transport, contributing significantly to both academic and applied research. 📚🎓💻🚗

Experience

Assist. Prof. Dr. Iveta Kubasakova has been a dedicated educator at the University of Žilina since 2006, progressing from professional assistant to associate professor. With over 18 years of teaching experience, she has made significant contributions in logistics, warehouse management, and transport systems. Her expertise in these fields is complemented by her involvement in research and development, where she focuses on improving operational efficiency and innovative solutions. Her work has made a lasting impact in academia and the industry. 💼📊🚚📚

Research focus

Iveta Kubasaková’s research primarily focuses on logistics, automation, and transportation systems, with a particular emphasis on improving efficiency and safety in supply chain management. Her work often explores the integration of advanced technologies like automated guided vehicles (AGVs), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and barcode systems to enhance warehouse operations, production halls, and transport processes. Additionally, she investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on logistics and criminal activity within transportation systems. Kubasaková’s research also delves into risk assessment, distribution optimization, and the application of technological solutions for reducing human error and improving operational performance. 📦🤖🚚📈