Maciej Szkoda | Engineering and Technology | Best Research Article Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maciej Szkoda | Engineering and Technology | Best Research Article Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maciej Szkoda | Engineering and Technology | Best Research Article Award | Head of the Department Transport | Cracow University of Technology | Poland

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maciej Szkoda is a distinguished Polish rail transport engineer whose extensive academic, research, and professional accomplishments reflect deep expertise in rail vehicle construction, machine design, transport safety, RAMS evaluation, and Life Cycle Cost methodologies, positioning him as a leading figure in railway systems engineering. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maciej Szkoda completed his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering and later earned his Ph.D. in Technical Sciences from the Cracow University of Technology, specializing in rail vehicles, which laid the foundation for his progressive academic journey. His professional experience includes serving as University Professor, Manager of the Department of Rail Vehicles and Transport, Director of the Institute of Rail Vehicles, and Manager of multiple specialized departments and research laboratories, demonstrating exceptional leadership in academic administration and technical innovation. His research interests encompass rail vehicle reliability, availability, maintainability, and safety analysis, risk assessment in accordance with European railway regulations, technical–economic evaluations, and certification processes for locomotives and passenger rolling stock under TSI standards. He possesses strong research skills in RAMS modeling, failure analysis, compliance assessment, LCC modeling, safety case preparation, and approval procedures for new rail system designs, supported by over two hundred R&D projects conducted at national and international levels. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maciej Szkoda has authored one hundred seventy-eight scientific publications disseminated through reputable journals, Scopus-indexed platforms, and major engineering conferences, with participation in more than two hundred fifty scientific events related to rail reliability, safety, and vehicle operation. His professional certifications include Internal Auditor for ISO 9001, Internal Auditor for ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory systems, and Quality Assistant certification, reflecting high technical competency and adherence to global quality standards. Throughout his career, he has contributed substantially to the advancement of railway engineering, supported student development, and provided expert analysis and evaluations for industry and governmental bodies. His achievements have positioned him as a respected academic and technical authority in railway systems, earning recognition through leadership appointments, project management roles, and extensive contributions to research-based decision-making. With a strong global engagement profile, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maciej Szkoda continues to influence transport engineering advancements, promote safety-driven innovation, and strengthen interdisciplinary research, demonstrating excellence that underscores his suitability for prestigious academic and research honors.

Profile:  Scopus | ORCID 

Featured Publications

  1. Szkoda, M. (2025). Design and testing of the propulsion system of a prototype electric vehicle intended for people with disabilities. Transport Problems.

  2. Szkoda, M. (2024). A method for assessing the criticality of failures of railway vehicle components using the FMECA method. Transport Problems.

  3. Szkoda, M. (2024). Analysis of the impact of selected factors on damage to rolling bearings of rail vehicle wheelsets. Advances in Science and Technology Research Journal.

  4. Szkoda, M. (2023). Rail vehicle RAMS evaluation strategies for safety and performance optimization.

  5. Szkoda, M. (2022). Life cycle cost methodology in the assessment of modern rail transport systems.

  6. Szkoda, M. (2021). Risk assessment approaches for innovative railway vehicle design solutions.

  7. Szkoda, M. (2020). Technical and economic analyses supporting certification of locomotives and passenger rolling stock.

 

Ibrahim Yahya Hakeem | Engineering and Technology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Yahya Hakeem | Engineering and Technology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Yahya Hakeem | Engineering and Technology | Best Researcher Award | Associate Professor | Najran University | Saudi Arabia 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Yahya Hakeem is a highly accomplished scholar and Associate Professor of Structural Engineering, Building Materials, and Concrete Technology at Najran University, Saudi Arabia, where he has made significant contributions to civil and environmental engineering education and research. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM), Saudi Arabia, where his doctoral research focused on developing sustainable and high-performance concrete materials. His academic foundation includes an M.Sc. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from KFUPM and a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from Aden University, Yemen, both earned with high distinction and multiple honors. Over the years, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Yahya Hakeem has built an impressive professional career marked by excellence in teaching, research, and institutional leadership. He currently serves on several key committees at Najran University, including the Supreme Standing Committee for Renewing Institutional Accreditation, the Standing Committee for Program Accreditation, and the Executive Committee for Monitoring the Quality of Teaching and Learning. His professional expertise encompasses structural design, ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), sustainable construction materials, fiber-reinforced composites, and the use of industrial and agricultural waste for green concrete development. His active research projects—funded by national and institutional bodies—focus on eco-friendly, high-strength concrete formulations, advancing environmental sustainability in the construction sector. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Yahya Hakeem has demonstrated remarkable research skills in experimental design, finite element modeling, and materials characterization, complemented by his leadership as Principal Investigator in more than twenty funded projects. His strong publication record includes articles in high-impact journals indexed in Scopus, IEEE, and other prestigious databases, alongside patented innovations such as the “Flexural Hybrid Span Beam” and developments in sustainable ultra-high-performance concrete. His international collaborations with institutions like KFUPM and partnerships with industrial entities such as SABIC reflect his ability to integrate research, application, and innovation effectively. Recognized among the Top 2% World Scientists in Construction by Stanford University, Dr. Hakeem has also served as a certified academic reviewer for the National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation (NCAAA). His numerous academic honors, leadership positions, and professional memberships underscore his ongoing commitment to academic excellence, sustainability, and research-driven education. In conclusion, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Yahya Hakeem stands out as a visionary academic leader whose sustained research productivity, innovative contributions, and institutional service continue to influence the global field of structural and materials engineering, promoting environmentally responsible construction practices and advancing engineering education standards worldwide.

Profile:  Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

  1. Hakeem, I. Y. (2025). Date palm fibers (from Najran city) as reinforcement in UHPC: Design, performance, and microstructural analysis. AIP Advances.

  2. Hakeem, I. Y. (2025). Flexural performance and ductility of UHPC incorporating Najran City’s lathe waste powder (LWP) for substitution of cement. Innovative Infrastructure Solutions.

  3. Hakeem, I. Y. (2025). Sustainable high strength polymer concrete with high ratios of recycled aggregate from different decades under heat curing. Revista Materia.

  4. Hakeem, I. Y. (2024). Corrigendum to “Experimental investigation and analytical verification of buckling of functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced sandwich beams.” Heliyon, 10(8), e28388.

  5. Hakeem, I. Y. (2023). Application of waste ceramic powder as a cement replacement in reinforced concrete beams toward sustainable usage in construction. Case Studies in Construction Materials, 19, e02444.

  6. Hakeem, I. Y. (2023). Effects of glass fiber on recycled fly ash and basalt powder-based geopolymer concrete. Case Studies in Construction Materials, 19, e02659.

  7. Hakeem, I. Y. (2014). Ultra-high performance concrete reinforcement bars. U.S. Patent Publication No. US20140190113A1.

 

Dr. Nematollah Fouladi | Engineering and Technology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nematollah Fouladi | Engineering and Technology | Best Researcher Award

Assistant professor | Iranian Space Research Center | Iran

Dr. Nematollah Fouladi is an accomplished aerospace engineer and an innovative researcher whose scientific vision and technical mastery have significantly contributed to advancements in the field of aerospace propulsion and fluid dynamics. He currently serves as a Researcher at the Iranian Space Research Center, Tehran, where he leads and collaborates on cutting-edge projects focusing on high-altitude testing facilities, supersonic exhaust diffusers, and aerodynamic system optimization. Dr. Fouladi obtained his Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, one of the most prestigious engineering universities recognized for its excellence in research and education. His academic journey has been distinguished by a strong focus on computational and experimental fluid mechanics, turbulence modeling, and supersonic flow control, all of which reflect his unwavering dedication to precision and scientific advancement. Throughout his career, Dr. Fouladi has demonstrated outstanding analytical and research capabilities, successfully integrating advanced simulation techniques with practical experimentation to develop efficient and reliable aerospace propulsion systems. His research interests lie primarily in the areas of aerothermodynamics, gas dynamics, high-altitude testing methodologies, and aerospace cooling system design, which play a critical role in improving the performance, safety, and sustainability of aerospace technologies. In addition to his technical expertise, Dr. Fouladi exhibits a strong command of numerical modeling, data interpretation, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), heat transfer analysis, and system integration, enabling him to contribute to interdisciplinary collaborations within international research networks. As an active contributor to scholarly communication, Dr. Nematollah Fouladi has authored 18 documents, garnered 109 citations, and achieved an h-index of 6, demonstrating his growing influence and recognition in the global aerospace research community. His works are published in leading peer-reviewed journals such as Physics of Fluids, Acta Astronautica, Aerospace Science and Technology, and Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part G: Journal of Aerospace Engineering. These publications have provided valuable insights into high-speed flow behavior, diffuser performance, and nozzle optimization—offering practical solutions to aerospace challenges faced by industry and research institutions alike. Dr. Fouladi’s commitment extends beyond research as he actively participates in collaborative engineering projects, contributing to advancements in Iran’s aerospace infrastructure and capacity-building initiatives. His professional experience also includes involvement in experimental investigations that support national and international aerospace objectives, reinforcing his reputation as a reliable and forward-thinking engineer. He has demonstrated leadership qualities through mentoring emerging researchers, fostering innovation-driven research environments, and promoting scientific excellence across disciplines. Dr. Fouladi’s research skills encompass a comprehensive blend of theoretical analysis, computational proficiency, and experimental design—qualities that make his work both academically robust and practically relevant. His contributions have been recognized by academic and research communities, earning him honors and respect as a key figure in aerospace technology development.

Profile:  Google scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Fouladi, N. (2025). Cooling system design and analysis for high heat flux large dimension diffuser of a high-altitude test facility. International Journal of Thermofluids. (Cited by 5)

  2. Fouladi, N. (2024). Experimental evaluation of the influence of the diffuser inlet to nozzle exit cross sectional area ratio on pressure oscillation in a high-altitude test facility. Physics of Fluids. (Cited by 7)

  3. Fouladi, N. (2024). Gas dynamics at starting and terminating phase of a supersonic exhaust diffuser with a conical nozzle. Physics of Fluids. (Cited by 9)

  4. Fouladi, N. (2023). Experimental and comprehensive investigation of second throat diffuser area effect on ground test of a thrust optimized parabolic nozzle with different expansion ratios. Acta Astronautica. (Cited by 10)

  5. Fouladi, N. (2023). Starting transient analysis of second throat exhaust diffuser in high-altitude test of a thrust optimized parabolic nozzle. Physics of Fluids. (Cited by 6)

 

Lin Hua | Engineering and Technology | Excellence in Innovation Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lin Hua | Engineering and Technology | Excellence in Innovation Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lin Hua | Engineering and Technology | Deputy Director | School of Naval Architecture | China 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lin Hua is a distinguished scholar in the field of marine engineering and structural integrity research. Her work focuses on understanding and predicting the fatigue life of marine structures under corrosive environments. With a strong academic foundation and a commitment to advancing engineering safety, she has become a recognized name for her contributions to pitting corrosion analysis and continuum damage mechanics modeling. Her research aims to bridge the gap between theoretical modeling and industrial applications, thereby improving the design, maintenance, and operational reliability of marine structures.

Professional Profile 

Education

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lin Hua earned her doctoral degree in structural engineering from a leading university, where she developed expertise in continuum damage mechanics, fatigue analysis, and advanced computational modeling. Her educational background is complemented by rigorous research training, participation in collaborative projects, and specialized courses in marine structural health monitoring. This academic preparation laid the foundation for her groundbreaking work in fatigue crack initiation life prediction and pit morphology quantification.

Experience

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lin Hua currently serves as an Associate Professor and leads several research initiatives focused on marine structural reliability. She has successfully collaborated with global research institutes, shipbuilding companies, and offshore engineering organizations to develop practical methodologies that improve the safety and performance of critical structures. Her extensive teaching portfolio includes mentoring graduate students and supervising doctoral dissertations, helping nurture the next generation of researchers. In addition, she has served on technical committees, participated in peer-review processes for high-impact journals, and contributed to the organization of international symposia on marine engineering.

Research Interest

Her primary research interests include fatigue life assessment of marine structures, pitting corrosion modeling, structural health monitoring, and life extension strategies for offshore platforms. She integrates theoretical modeling with computational techniques to predict fatigue crack initiation life under complex environmental conditions. Her recent work explores pit morphology parameters—size, shape, irregularity, and spacing—and their effects on structural integrity. By developing reliable mapping models and efficient numerical approaches, she provides industry stakeholders with actionable solutions to reduce maintenance costs, improve safety, and optimize lifecycle management.

Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lin Hua has been recognized for her innovative contributions through institutional and international awards in the field of structural engineering and marine research. Her achievements include excellence awards for research impact, commendations for collaborative projects, and invitations to serve as a reviewer and advisor for prestigious journals. These accolades underscore her role as a leading researcher committed to advancing knowledge and delivering real-world engineering solutions.

Selected Publication

  • “Theoretical Mapping Model for Pit Morphology Parameters and Fatigue Crack Initiation Life” (Published: 2023, Citations: 45)

  • “Continuum Damage Mechanics-Based Numerical Approach for Marine Structure Life Assessment” (Published: 2022, Citations: 39)

  • “Multi-Factor Quantification of Pit Morphology and Its Effect on Fatigue Life” (Published: 2022, Citations: 31)

  • “Rapid Fatigue Life Prediction of Offshore Structural Components under Corrosive Conditions” (Published: 2021, Citations: 28)

Conclusion

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lin Hua stands out as a pioneering researcher whose work addresses critical challenges in marine engineering and structural health assessment. Her integration of theoretical modeling, computational techniques, and practical validation has advanced understanding of fatigue life under corrosive conditions, providing a framework for safer marine operations. With a proven record of impactful publications, international collaborations, and mentorship, she continues to shape the future of structural engineering. Her dedication to bridging academic research with industrial application makes her a highly deserving candidate for prestigious awards, and her future research promises to further strengthen global standards in marine structural integrity and safety.