Qingzi Luo | ​​Engineering Construction​​ | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Qingzi Luo | ​​Engineering Construction​​ | Best Researcher Award

​​Associate Professor​​, Guangdong University of Technology, China

Dr. Luo Qingzi is an accomplished associate professor at the School of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology. With a strong academic foundation in engineering mechanics and an impressive research portfolio, she has dedicated over a decade to advancing geotechnical engineering and soil mechanics, with specific focus on cemented and soft soils in marine and coastal environments.

👤Professional Profile

Scopus Profile

🏆 Strengths for the Award

Solid Educational Background: Dr. Luo holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Mechanics from Jinan University, with a clear academic progression in the field (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate from the same institution). This reflects both deep expertise and long-term commitment to the discipline

Extensive Research Participation: Dr. Luo has actively contributed to major NSFC-funded projects, focusing on calcareous sand, soft soil deterioration, blast-resistant concrete, and pile-soil interaction in complex geotechnical environments.

Academic Publications: In 2025, Dr. Luo published articles in top journals such as Buildings, Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment, and Journal of Ocean Engineering and Marine Energy, advancing offshore and geotechnical research.

Academic Promotion: Her academic career has shown steady advancement from Lecturer (2015–2022) to Associate Professor (2022–present) at the Guangdong University of Technology, reflecting recognition of her research and academic contributions.

📘 Education

Dr. Luo completed her academic training entirely at Jinan University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree (2008), a Master’s degree in Solid Mechanics (2010), and a Ph.D. in Engineering Mechanics (2015). Her academic trajectory reflects her deep and consistent engagement in theoretical and applied mechanics, forming the backbone of her later work in civil and geotechnical engineering.

👩‍🏫 Experience

Following her doctorate, Dr. Luo joined Guangdong University of Technology in July 2015 as a lecturer. She was promoted to associate professor in November 2022. Over her nearly ten-year tenure, she has taught core engineering courses and mentored graduate students, while also serving as a key researcher in projects dealing with soft soil behavior, foundation engineering, and cement stabilization. Notably, she has remained affiliated with the same institution throughout her academic career, contributing to departmental growth and continuity.

🔬 Research Focus On Engineering Construction

Her research focuses primarily on the mechanical behavior of cemented soils, soft clay consolidation, and pile-soil interaction—especially in marine and island environments. She explores the micro- and macro-mechanical behavior of calcareous and coral sand under dynamic and triaxial loads. A major theme in her work is the development of advanced constitutive models that reflect real-world geotechnical conditions, particularly under explosive loading or long-term deformation scenarios.

📚 Publications Top Notes

The Effect of Cementation on Microstructural Evolution and Particle Characteristics of Calcareous Sand Under Triaxial Loading
Authors: Luo, Q.; Feng, Y.; Yuan, B.; Li, S.
Summary: Investigates how cementation improves calcareous sand strength and alters particle behavior under triaxial load, aiding island foundation design by enhancing mechanical performance and reducing deformation.

Study on the Interaction Between Pile and Soil Under Lateral Load in Coral Sand
Authors: Luo, Q.; Li, S.; Yuan, B.; Zhang, M.
Summary: Explores pile behavior in coral sand using tests and simulations, highlighting unique deformation and strength characteristics to improve offshore pile foundation designs in reef environments.

Mechanical Properties and Behavior of Cemented Sand in Offshore Engineering: Experimental and Simulation Insights
Authors: Luo, Q.; Feng, Y.; Zhang, M.; Du, Y.
Summary: Examines cemented sand performance through lab tests and modeling, revealing strength and stiffness trends under marine loads, supporting safer offshore infrastructure design.

🏁 Conclusion

Dr. Luo Qingzi’s academic rigor, innovative research contributions, and practical engineering insights position her as a leading figure in geotechnical research in China. Her work not only advances theoretical understanding but also contributes significantly to national engineering practices, especially in challenging marine and coastal conditions. As such, she is a highly deserving nominee for this award recognition.

Zhongnan Wang | Mechanical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhongnan Wang | Mechanical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhongnan Wang, Beijing Jiaotong University, China

Dr. Zhongnan Wang is a distinguished academic and researcher specializing in biotribology, micro/nanotribology, and MEMS technology. Currently serving as an Associate Professor at the School of Mechanical, Electronic and Control Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Dr. Wang has developed a reputation for cutting-edge work in advanced hydrogels and material characterization. With dual PhDs and extensive postdoctoral experience, his multidisciplinary approach combines engineering precision with biomedical applications. His research has significantly advanced understanding in friction, wear, and lubrication in biological systems, particularly the development of materials mimicking natural cartilage. Through editorial roles and peer-review contributions, he also plays a vital part in shaping the scientific discourse in his field.

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile
ORCID

🎓 Education

Dr. Wang has an impressive academic foundation, beginning with a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Northeast Agricultural University (2002–2006). He then pursued a Master’s degree at Harbin Institute of Technology (2007–2009), where he deepened his expertise in mechatronic systems. His academic rigor led to a dual-PhD path: one in Mechatronic Engineering from Harbin Institute of Technology (2009–2016), and another in Engineering from the University of Warwick, UK (2012–2017). This dual training in both Chinese and Western academic traditions has enabled him to bridge innovative theoretical knowledge with real-world applications in engineering science.

🧪 Experience

Professionally, Dr. Wang’s career began with a prestigious postdoctoral position at Tsinghua University (2017–2019) in the State Key Laboratory of Tribology in Advanced Equipment, where he focused on tribological behavior in biomedical applications. Since March 2020, he has been contributing as an Associate Professor at Beijing Jiaotong University. His responsibilities span research leadership, teaching, and supervising graduate-level students. Across these roles, Dr. Wang has led several high-impact research projects, collaborated with interdisciplinary teams, and contributed to advancing the university’s reputation in mechanical engineering and materials science.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Wang’s primary research areas include biotribology, with a special focus on hydrogel materials that simulate the mechanical and lubrication properties of biological tissues. He also investigates MEMS sensors and actuators, material characterization, and micro/nanotribology. His research stands out for its potential to revolutionize biomedical implants and soft robotics by mimicking the functionality of natural cartilage and other biological interfaces. By integrating nanomaterials like dopamine-modified hydroxyapatite into polymer networks, he has contributed to the development of materials that combine load-bearing capabilities with ultra-low friction.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Dr. Wang’s contributions have earned him several prestigious editorial appointments. He serves as an Associate Editor for the Open Access Journal of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (since May 2025) and as a Guest Editor for Lubricants (since January 2025). He is also on the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Materials Science and Applications (2024–2027) and a Young Editorial Board Member for Materials Science and Technology (2023–2026). Furthermore, he has been a Topic Editor for Materials since 2021. He is an active reviewer for prominent journals including ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Langmuir, PLOS ONE, and Scientific Reports, further underlining his influence in the academic community.

📚Publications Top Notes

A Bilayer Composite Hydrogel with Simultaneous High Load Bearing and Superior Lubrication by Dopamine Modified Nano-Hydroxyapatite

Journal: Surfaces and Interfaces
Authors: Zhongnan Wang, Hui Guo, Ji Zhang, Yi Qian, Fanjie Meng, Yueshan Mu
Summary:
This paper presents a breakthrough in hydrogel-based biomaterials by introducing a bilayer composite hydrogel system that achieves both high load-bearing capacity and low-friction lubrication, which are critical for simulating natural cartilage function. The novelty lies in the integration of dopamine-modified nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) into the hydrogel matrix.

Low-Friction Hybrid Hydrogel with Excellent Mechanical Properties for Simulating Articular Cartilage Movement

Journal: Langmuir
Authors: Zhongnan Wang, Fanjie Meng, Yue Zhang, Hui Guo
Summary:
This article introduces a hybrid hydrogel engineered for simulating articular cartilage movement, addressing the critical challenge of achieving a balance between mechanical robustness and low-friction behavior. The hydrogel is composed of a dual-network system combining a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix with a second polymeric or nano-reinforcement network, designed to mimic the viscoelastic and lubricative performance of biological cartilage.

✅ Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Zhongnan Wang is a forward-thinking scientist whose interdisciplinary expertise bridges mechanical engineering, material science, and biomedicine. Through advanced research in hydrogels and tribological systems, editorial leadership, and committed academic service, he is advancing the field of biotribology and inspiring the next generation of engineers and researchers. With a consistent record of impactful publications, strategic academic roles, and visionary research, Dr. Wang stands out as a strong candidate for recognition and award nomination in his field.

DongYu Hou | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. DongYu Hou | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Phd Student, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Harbin University of Science and Technology, China

Dongyu Hou is a dedicated and emerging researcher currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Harbin University of Science and Technology. With a strong academic background in materials and chemical engineering, Dongyu has focused his research on high-performance materials for energy storage and thermal insulation applications. His work emphasizes the integration of low-temperature plasma technology with advanced material systems for electric vehicles and electronic components. He has contributed to a significant research publication in the Journal of Energy Storage (2025), co-authored a pending Chinese invention patent, and received the Outstanding Graduate Award of Yunnan Province, establishing himself as a young leader in materials science and electrical engineering.

Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Dongyu holds a master’s degree in Materials and Chemical Engineering from Kunming University of Science and Technology 🎓. During his graduate studies, he developed a plasma-assisted process for regenerating lithium-ion battery cathode materials, which significantly reduced processing time and improved material performance. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at Harbin University of Science and Technology 📘. His doctoral work focuses on the development of high thermal conductivity insulating materials, particularly for use in electric vehicle motors, aiming to address challenges in heat management and energy efficiency within compact power systems.

🧪 Experience

Throughout his academic journey, Dongyu has worked on a wide range of interdisciplinary research projects at the intersection of chemical engineering, plasma physics, and electrical materials. Under the mentorship of Professor Chengxu Zhang (2021–2024) and Professor Yu Feng (from 2024), Dongyu has sharpened his theoretical and experimental skills. He has explored material design strategies such as polymer blending, plasma surface modification, and composite optimization. Dongyu’s approach combines innovative engineering solutions with sustainable practices, focusing on scalable technologies for the energy sector ⚙️.

🔍 Research Interests

  • Low-temperature plasma applications for material modification

  • Recycling technologies for lithium-ion batteries

  • Dielectric energy storage materials for high-temperature use

  • High thermal conductivity composites for electrical insulation
    Currently, he is investigating ways to enhance the thermal conductivity and dielectric efficiency of polymers through advanced filler design and multilayer architectures. His long-term goal is to contribute to the development of sustainable, high-performance materials for the energy storage and automotive industries 🔋🚗.

📄 Selected Publication

“Improvement of high-temperature energy storage performance of PC/FPE all-organic composite dielectrics based on functional multilayer structure design”, Journal of Energy Storage, 2025.
Authors: Wenchao Zhang, Qingguo Chen, Yu Feng, Dongyu Hou et al.
This study introduces a novel multilayer structure combining polycarbonate (PC) and fluorinated polyether (FPE) to improve dielectric performance under high-temperature conditions. The research proposes a functional layering method that enhances energy storage density and breakdown strength while maintaining thermal stability. Dongyu contributed significantly to the experimental methodology and thermal conductivity analysis. This paper marks a notable advancement in the development of polymer-based energy storage systems that are both efficient and thermally resilient. The publication has already begun to attract scholarly attention and is expected to be widely cited due to its relevance to next-generation electronic and automotive systems 🔬📈.

🏁 Conclusion

Dongyu Hou is a promising early-career researcher who demonstrates a rare combination of academic rigor, innovative thinking, and commitment to sustainable engineering. His current Ph.D. research on high-performance insulating materials is aligned with pressing technological challenges in electric vehicle systems and power electronics. His co-authored 2025 publication in the Journal of Energy Storage represents a significant scientific contribution and reflects his ability to collaborate effectively on interdisciplinary projects. With a patent application under review and membership in esteemed professional organizations such as the IEEE and the Plasma and their Applications Committee, Dongyu remains actively engaged with the scientific community. His achievements so far, combined with his strong potential for future impact, make him a worthy candidate for the Best Researcher Award 🏅.