Sarah Al-Challabi | Plasma Additive manufacturing | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Cryogenicist

Ms. Sarah Al-Challabi | Plasma Additive manufacturing | Best Researcher Award

Ph.D. Candidate, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), Iraq

Sarah Najm Al-Challabi is a passionate and innovative researcher currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), Malaysia. Her work lies at the intersection of advanced materials and manufacturing technologies, with a strong emphasis on additive manufacturing processes such as Plasma Additive Manufacturing (PAM) and Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM). She has developed expertise in optimizing the performance of critical materials including Stainless Steel 316L and Oxide Dispersion Strengthened (ODS) alloys—materials that are vital to high-temperature and nuclear applications. Sarah’s commitment to scientific excellence is evident in her multidisciplinary approach, which bridges experimental research with computational modeling, aiming to contribute durable, efficient, and sustainable solutions to global engineering challenges.

Profile

Orcid

Education 🎓

Sarah’s academic trajectory showcases her deep commitment to research and knowledge. She earned her Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) in February 2019, where she cultivated strong analytical and practical engineering skills. Currently, she is undertaking her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), which she began in January 2022. Her doctoral research builds upon her foundational knowledge to explore cutting-edge manufacturing processes and material innovations, particularly those relevant to energy and nuclear sectors.

Experience 🛠️

Since beginning her doctoral journey, Sarah has held the role of Ph.D. Candidate at UTP’s Department of Mechanical Engineering. Her research role involves not only laboratory experimentation but also the use of advanced modeling and simulation tools such as Thermo-Calc, ABAQUS, Simufact Additive, and Simufact Welding. She has been deeply involved in evaluating microstructural stability, analyzing failure mechanisms, and improving the structural performance of additively manufactured materials. Through academic collaboration, publishing, and attending scholarly events, Sarah continues to contribute meaningfully to the broader research community.

Research Interests 🔬

Sarah’s research focuses on the future of manufacturing and material science, specializing in Plasma Additive Manufacturing (PAM) and Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM). She works with materials like Stainless Steel 316L and Oxide Dispersion Strengthened (ODS) alloys, with applications in nuclear reactors and high-temperature environments. Her research also explores microstructural stability and phase transformations to improve material performance. Sarah aims to enhance the structural integrity and thermal properties of advanced materials, driving more efficient and sustainable industrial solutions.

Publications 📚

Friction Stir Welding of Similar and Dissimilar Al and Cu Lap Joints: Effect of Work Piece Material on Conductive Welding Speed Window, Weld Strength and Hardness
Advances in Mechanical Engineering (2024) – Cited by 1 article

Design and Failure Analysis of a Vacuum Pressure Vessel for Aerospace Applications Using Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
Engineering, Technology & Applied Science Research (2024) – Cited by 1 article

Progress in Additive-Enhanced Magnesium Borohydride Mg(BH₄)₂ for Hydrogen Storage Applications: A Systematic Review
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy (2024) – Cited by 1 article

Progresses in Improving Mechanical Properties of Maraging Steel MS1 Through Laser Additive Manufacturing for Renewable Energy Application
Springer Nature Singapore (2023) – Cited by 2 articles

Conclusion 

Sarah Najm Al-Challabi exemplifies the essence of emerging academic excellence and professional dedication in mechanical engineering. Her unique blend of theoretical insight and practical research into additive manufacturing positions her at the forefront of innovation in materials science. Through her published work, technical expertise, and unwavering focus on solving industry-relevant challenges, she continues to expand the boundaries of engineering research. As a nominee, Sarah’s profile reflects a dynamic scholar equipped with the intellect, vision, and determination to impact the future of technology-driven manufacturing. Her journey stands as a testament to the value of perseverance, collaboration, and scientific curiosity in shaping tomorrow’s engineering landscape.

Ye Dai | Advanced laser processing | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Cryogenicist

Prof. Dr. Ye Dai | Advanced laser processing | Best Researcher Award

Professor, Shanghai University, China

Ye Dai is a Professor at the Department of Physics, Shanghai University, with a distinguished career in laser physics and ultrafast laser processing. He is recognized for his pioneering work in ultrafast laser micro/nanofabrication technologies, focusing on the creation of 3D self-organized nanogratings and their applications in various domains. Throughout his career, Dai has led significant research projects, including several funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), to study ultrafast dynamics in laser-induced microstructures. His research has contributed substantially to advancing laser technology, particularly in the areas of nanofabrication, transparent material processing, and laser-induced phenomena.

Profile

Education

Ye Dai completed his M.Sc. in Physics Electronics & Optoelectronics from Shaanxi University of Science and Technology in 2002. He further pursued his academic journey, earning a Ph.D. in Radio Physics from Shanghai University in 2008. His deep academic background in physics laid the foundation for his future work in ultrafast laser processing and nanotechnology. The combination of his robust educational qualifications and hands-on experience has made him a leading figure in the field of laser physics.

Experience

Dai’s academic and professional career has been marked by significant milestones. From 2008 to 2012, he worked as a Lecturer in the Department of Physics at Shanghai University. During this time, he began to establish himself as a scholar in ultrafast laser research. He advanced to the position of Associate Professor in 2012, where he continued his research and played a key role in developing the university’s laser technology research initiatives. In 2014–2015, he was a Visiting Scholar at the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) at the University of Southampton, further expanding his research network and expertise. Since 2020, Dai has been serving as a Professor at Shanghai University and is currently the Vice Dean of the College of Science.

Research Interests

Ye Dai’s research interests primarily revolve around the development of ultrafast laser processing technologies. He established the Ultrafast Laser Processing Lab at Shanghai University, where he investigates the dynamic processes of laser-induced microstructures in materials, especially glasses. A key focus of his work is understanding the ultrafast dynamics and mechanisms of femtosecond and picosecond laser pulses in creating micro/nanostructures. His group is particularly interested in 3D self-organized nanograting formation and its diverse applications. Dai’s work aims to push the boundaries of material science and laser technology to create more efficient and precise fabrication techniques.

Award

Ye Dai appears to be a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His significant contributions to the field of ultrafast laser processing and nanofabrication are reflected through his various prestigious roles and academic qualifications, including his position as a Professor at Shanghai University and his leadership in establishing an ultrafast laser processing lab

Publication Top Note

Zihuai Su, Bingbin Liu, Yulu Zhang, Juan Song, Bin Qian, Wei Liu, Shengzhi Sun, Jianrong Qiu, Ye Dai, Precision processing of Nb-Si alloy via water-jet guided laser: Realization of inhibited-oxidation and small-taper, Optics & Laser Technology, 187, 112853 (2025).

Heng Yao, Diego Pugliese, Matthieu Lancry, and Ye Dai, Ultrafast Laser Direct Writing Nanogratings and their Engineering in Transparent Materials, Laser & Photonics Reviews, 18(9), 2300891 (2024).

Heng Yao, Qiong Xie, Maxime Cavillon, Ye Dai, Matthieu Lancry, Materials roadmap for inscription of nanogratings inside transparent dielectrics using ultrafast lasers, Progress in Materials Science, 142, 101226 (2024).

Juan Song, Hongjian Wang, Xinxiang Huang, Weiyi Yin, Qian Yao, Ye Dai, In-situ study of laser-induced novel ripples formation on SiC surface by an oblique-illumination high-resolution imaging setup, Optics & Laser Technology, 169, 110095 (2024).

Qian Yao, Juan Song, Weiyi Yin, Huaiqiang Shi, Heng Yao, Zihuai Su, and Ye Dai, Optimization of fs + ps double-pulse sequence parameters for laser-assisted chemical etching of microchannels in fused silica, Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics, 56, 265101 (2023).

Ying Sun, Weiyi Yin, Qian Yao, Xiangyu Ren, Juan Song, Ye Dai, Temporal modulation towards femtosecond laser-induced nonlinear ionization process, Optics Letters, 47(23), 6045-6048 (2022).

Wencheng Zhang, Qinxiao Zhai, Juan Song, Kongyu Lou, Yuedong Li, Zhongmin Ou, Quanzhong Zhao, Ye Dai, Manipulation of self-organized nanograting for erasing and rewriting by ultrashort double-pulse sequences irradiation in fused silica, Journal of Physics D, 53, 165106 (2020).

Conclusion

Ye Dai’s career has been marked by his commitment to advancing ultrafast laser technology and its applications in material processing. As a professor and researcher, he continues to push the boundaries of science with his innovative work in laser fabrication. His significant contributions have not only elevated his profile within the academic community but have also provided critical insights into laser-induced microstructural changes in materials. Through his research, Dai has cemented his position as a leader in the field, making lasting impacts on both academic research and practical applications in ultrafast laser processing.