Zhongqiang ZHANG | Engineering and Technology | Best Researcher Award

Zhongqiang ZHANG | Engineering and Technology | Best Researcher Award

Mr Zhongqiang ZHANG, Jiangsu University, China

Prof. Zhongqiang Zhang is a leading academic in mechanical engineering, currently serving as Professor and Associate Dean at Jiangsu University, China. With a career rooted in advanced fluid dynamics, nanoengineering, and smart materials, he has consistently contributed groundbreaking research recognized both nationally and internationally 🌏🔬. His global exposure includes visiting scholar roles at prestigious institutions like UC Berkeley and Mississippi State University, enhancing his research vision and collaborations. He is renowned for his pioneering work in nanofluidics, surface wettability, graphene membranes, and bioinspired designs 🌡️🧪. Prof. Zhang’s projects, funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, span from intelligent liquid manipulation to smart environmental robots. A prolific author, he has numerous Q1 publications in high-impact journals 📚🌟. With prestigious awards such as the ICCES Outstanding Young Researcher Award, his achievements reflect both innovation and leadership, making him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award 🏆💡.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Mr. Zhongqiang Zhang 🎓 is a dedicated scholar in the field of engineering mechanics with a strong academic foundation in mechanical engineering. He began his academic journey at the School of Mechanical Engineering, Shandong University of Technology 🏫 in Zibo, PR China, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree between September 2000 and June 2004. Demonstrating a passion for research and innovation, he continued his education by pursuing a Ph.D. at the Department of Engineering Mechanics, Dalian University of Technology (DUT) 🧠🔧 in Dalian, PR China. From September 2004 to December 2010, under the supervision of Professor Hong-Wu Zhang 👨‍🏫, he developed advanced knowledge and skills in engineering mechanics. His academic path reflects a strong commitment to excellence in mechanical sciences and a drive for contributing to technological advancement. Mr. Zhang’s educational background laid a solid foundation for his future research and professional achievements in engineering. 🚀📘

Experience 

Mr. Zhongqiang Zhang is a distinguished professor and Associate Dean at the School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu University, PR China (🇨🇳), serving since July 2020. With a solid academic foundation and deep expertise, he previously held the position of Associate Professor at the same institution from December 2010 to June 2020. His international academic engagements include a prestigious stint as a Visiting Scholar at the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of California-Berkeley (🇺🇸), from October 2018 to January 2020, under the supervision of Shao-Fan Li 🌉. Earlier in his career, he expanded his research exposure as a Visiting Ph.D. student at the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS), Mississippi State University (🇺🇸), from May 2008 to January 2009 🚗🔬. Mr. Zhang’s academic journey reflects a strong commitment to innovation, global collaboration, and mechanical engineering excellence 🌍📘🔧.

Honors and Awards

Mr. Zhongqiang Zhang has earned numerous accolades throughout his distinguished academic and research career. In 2023, he received the prestigious ICCES Outstanding Young Researcher Award 🏅, recognizing his significant contributions to the field. He was also honored with the First Prize of Science and Technology of Jiangsu Province in 2020 🧪🏆. His dedication to education was acknowledged in 2016 when he was named an Outstanding Young Backbone Teacher under the Jiangsu Blue and Blue Project 📘👨‍🏫. In 2015, he secured the Third Prize in the Jiangsu Provincial Science and Technology Award 🥉🔬. As a rising scholar, he was recognized as a Young Academic Leader of Jiangsu University in 2013 🎓🌟. His scholarly excellence was evident early on, with his doctoral dissertation being awarded Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation by both Liaoning Province and Dalian University of Technology in 2012 📜🎖️. In 2009, he won the 6th China Youth Science and Technology Innovation Award, showcasing his early potential and innovation.

Research Projects

Mr. Zhongqiang Zhang has led and contributed to multiple cutting-edge research projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China 🇨🇳. As Project Leader, he spearheaded a 2023–2026 project focused on the continuous capturing and cross-scale collection of fuel bubbles driven by structure-wetting coupling gradients (RMB 550,000) 🔬💧. From 2019–2022, he explored self-driven droplet behaviors on graphene-covered gradient textured substrates (RMB 630,000) 🌡️⚛️. Earlier, he investigated electro-mechanical coupling in fluid nano-devices based on low-dimensional carbon materials (2015–2018, RMB 800,000) 🔋📉. His 2012–2014 study examined boundary slip in nanochannels influenced by temperature-velocity coupling gradients (RMB 260,000) 🧪🌡️. Additionally, he plays a key role (R2) in a major project (2023–2025) developing an energy self-supply, rigid-flexible coupling robot for intelligent water environment sensing, funded at RMB 3,000,000 🤖🌊. His research reflects deep expertise in nanofluidics, material science, and robotics, addressing vital scientific and environmental challenges.

Research Focus

Dr. Zhongqiang Zhang’s research focuses on nanofluidics, smart materials, and advanced surface engineering, with a strong emphasis on liquid transport, separation, and water harvesting technologies. His work leverages graphene membranes, conical micro-arrays, and textured surfaces to achieve breakthroughs in desalination, fluid dynamics, and droplet manipulation 🌊🧪. He explores slip boundary conditions, programmable surfaces, and self-driving liquid motion, often through molecular dynamics simulations and experimental validations ⚙️💡. His publications in top-tier journals like Science Advances, Chemical Engineering Journal, and ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces highlight innovations that overcome classic trade-offs like permeability-selectivity limits 🚿🔬. Dr. Zhang also contributes to the development of smart haptic electronic skins and temperature-responsive materials for microfluidics and environmental applications 🤖🌡️. Overall, his interdisciplinary approach connects physics, materials science, and engineering to pioneer next-gen nanotechnologies for efficient water management and soft robotics 💧.

Publication Top Notes

Effect of argon plasma treatment on the output performance of triboelectric nanogenerator

Water diffusion inside carbon nanotubes: mutual effects of surface and confinement

Prediction of the viscosity of water confined in carbon nanotubes

Molecular dynamics-based prediction of boundary slip of fluids in nanochannels

Size and temperature effects on the viscosity of water inside carbon nanotubes

Simulation study of aggregations of monolayer-protected gold nanoparticles in solvents

Surface slip on rotating graphene membrane enables the temporal selectivity that breaks the permeability-selectivity trade-off

Nanoconfinement induced anomalous water diffusion inside carbon nanotubes

Origami triboelectric nanogenerator with double-helical structure for environmental energy harvesting

Unidirectional self-driving liquid droplet transport on a monolayer graphene-covered textured substrate

Ebrahim Farrokh | Engineering and Technology | Best Researcher Award

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

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

Afful Ekow Kelly | Engineering and Technology | Best Researcher Award

Afful Ekow Kelly | Engineering and Technology | Best Researcher Award

Dr Afful Ekow Kelly, Catholic University of Ghana, Ghana

Based on the provided information, Dr. Afful Ekow Kelly is indeed a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. Here’s a breakdown of why he might be a suitable candidate:

publication profile

Scopus

Academic and Professional Background

Dr. Afful Ekow Kelly holds a Higher National Diploma in Statistics, a Master’s degree in Information Technology with a focus on data security, and a PhD in mobile money security algorithms. His diverse academic background supports his robust research capabilities. Professionally, he has experience lecturing at All Nation University and conducting research in collaboration with prestigious institutions like Rutgers University, Colorado State University, and The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT). This combination of academic credentials and professional experience provides a solid foundation for his research work.

Research and Innovations

Dr. Kelly’s research addresses critical areas in technology and financial systems. His completed and ongoing projects (9 in total) demonstrate a commitment to advancing knowledge in mobile money banking, security, and technology adoption. His studies have made significant contributions to understanding mobile payment adoption among Gen-Z, enhancing security in mobile money systems, and improving disaster management strategies. These contributions highlight his innovative approach and practical impact.

Notable Publications and Citations

Dr. Kelly has published in reputable journals such as the Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Journal of Emergency Management and Disaster Communications. His work, including the paper on mobile money service transactions in Ghana, has been cited 10 times, reflecting its influence and recognition in the academic community.

Contributions

Dr. Kelly’s research in mobile money banking offers insights into enhancing marketing strategies and promoting sustainable financial practices. His work on mobile money security contributes to reducing fraud and increasing consumer trust, thereby fostering financial inclusion. Additionally, his studies on disaster management provide actionable strategies for improving disaster risk reduction and resilience.

Research Impact

Dr. Kelly’s research has practical implications, such as improving mobile money security and adoption, and providing insights into disaster management. His work aids in understanding factors affecting mobile money usage and enhancing financial security, which is crucial for promoting financial inclusion and disaster resilience.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Kelly’s contributions to the field have been recognized through significant publications and citations. His ongoing research projects and collaborations with renowned institutions further highlight his commitment and impact in his area of expertise.

Conclusion

Dr. Afful Ekow Kelly’s academic qualifications, extensive research experience, and impactful contributions to mobile money security and disaster management make him a compelling candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His innovative approach and significant findings align well with the criteria for this prestigious recognition.

publication top notes

The sustainability and contribution of Generation Z influenced by hedonic and utilitarian values to use mobile money services for fee payment

Using a technology acceptance model to determine factors influencing continued usage of mobile money service transactions in Ghana

The contribution of government policy and financial security control in Ghana’s mobile money services

 

Tech Advancement Award

Tech Advancement Award

Introduction:

Welcome to the Tech Advancement Award, celebrating innovation and excellence in technology. This award recognizes individuals or teams who have made significant contributions to advancing technology and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

About the Award:

The Tech Advancement Award honors pioneers who have demonstrated exceptional creativity, ingenuity, and impact in the realm of technology. From groundbreaking inventions to transformative software solutions, this award celebrates those who drive progress and innovation in the tech industry.

Eligibility:

  • Open to individuals, teams, and organizations worldwide
  • No age limits
  • Candidates must have developed or contributed to innovative technological advancements
  • Qualifications may include relevant degrees, certifications, or professional experience
  • Publications, patents, or other documentation showcasing technological achievements are encouraged

Recurrence:

Annual

Evaluation Criteria:

  • Degree of innovation and originality
  • Impact on industry or society
  • Technological advancement and scalability
  • Demonstrated effectiveness or applicability of the technology

Submission Guidelines:

  • Submit a detailed description of the technological advancement or innovation
  • Provide evidence of impact, such as case studies, testimonials, or adoption rates
  • Include any relevant publications, patents, or technical documentation
  • Follow the specified format and submission deadlines

Recognition:

Recipients of the Tech Advancement Award receive a prestigious certificate, public recognition through various channels, and opportunities for further collaboration and support from industry partners.

Community Impact:

The Tech Advancement Award aims to inspire and empower individuals and organizations to push the boundaries of technology for the betterment of society. By recognizing and promoting technological innovation, this award fosters a culture of creativity, collaboration, and progress in the tech industry.

Biography:

Applicants are invited to provide a brief biography highlighting their contributions to technological advancements, relevant experience, and notable achievements in the field.

Abstract and Supporting Files:

Include a comprehensive abstract summarizing the technological advancement's objectives, methodology, and impact. Supporting files such as technical specifications, demonstrations, or user testimonials can enhance the submission and demonstrate the innovation's significance.