Ramtin Moeini | Energy Production | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ramtin Moeini | Energy Production | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | University of Isfahan | Iran

Dr. Ramtin Moeini is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Isfahan, specializing in water engineering, hydraulic systems, and optimization of water and wastewater networks. He earned his B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from Isfahan University of Technology, followed by M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Civil Engineering with a focus on Water Engineering from Iran University of Science and Technology, where his research concentrated on intelligent optimization algorithms for reservoir operation and network design. Dr. Moeini has extensive teaching experience across undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. programs in subjects including fluid mechanics, hydraulic structures, water resource system analysis, and municipal water management. His professional experience encompasses leading advanced research projects on reservoir operation, water distribution networks, and urban water management, often integrating meta-heuristic algorithms such as ant colony optimization, artificial bee colony, and hybrid computational models. He has authored numerous high-impact publications in internationally recognized journals, contributed to conference proceedings worldwide, and actively participates in research collaborations addressing water resources and hydraulic system optimization. Dr. Moeini has received multiple recognitions for his contributions, holds editorial and reviewer roles in leading journals, and is a member of professional engineering associations. His innovative work in modeling, simulation, and optimization has significantly advanced the design and management of water systems, According to Scopus, his research record includes 848 citations, 48 documents, and an h-index of 16.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. (2025). Pressure management and energy production approaches in urban water distribution networks using pumps as turbines. Energy Reports.

2. (2025). Optimal operation of the non-drinking water distribution network considering future conditions: Case study of Isfahan University non-drinking water distribution network. Results in Engineering.

3. (2025). Graph theory-based algorithm to define district metered areas considering hydraulic conditions. Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management.

4. (2025). Quality simulation of dam reservoir using GP model: Case study of ZayandehRoud dam reservoir. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology

Diana Berman | Tribology | Best Academic Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Diana Berman | Tribology | Best Academic Researcher Award

Associate Professor | University of North Texas | United States

Dr. Diana Berman, Associate Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of North Texas and Director of the Tribology Center at the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Processes Institute, is a leading expert in functional nanostructured materials and tribology. She earned her Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in Physics from North Carolina State University and her B.S. in Applied Physics and Mathematics from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology. Her professional trajectory spans key research roles at Argonne National Laboratory and leadership in academia, where she has directed transformative projects on multicomponent ceramics, carbon-based materials, and advanced coating technologies for friction and wear reduction. Dr. Berman’s research focuses on synthesis, structure–property relationships, and environment–material interactions, with a prolific record of publications, patents, and invited talks contributing significantly to the advancement of superlubricity and nanomaterials. Her work has earned her numerous prestigious awards, including the NSF CAREER Award, Fulbright Distinguished Scholar Award, and recognition among the Top 2% of scientists worldwide. She actively serves on editorial boards such as Nature Scientific Reports and Tribology Letters, and holds leadership positions in professional organizations including the American Vacuum Society and the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers. A dedicated mentor and innovator, she has supervised graduate and undergraduate researchers, contributed to major research funding initiatives, and advanced international collaborations. Professionally: 7,091 Citations, Documents 119, Documents 33 in Scopus.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Berman, D., Erdemir, A., & Sumant, A. V. (2014). Graphene: A new emerging lubricant. Materials Today, 17(1), 31–42.

2. Berman, D., Deshmukh, S. A., Sankaranarayanan, S. K. R. S., Erdemir, A., & Sumant, A. V. (2015). Macroscale superlubricity enabled by graphene nanoscroll formation. Science, 348(6239), 1118–1122.

3. Berman, D., Erdemir, A., & Sumant, A. V. (2013). Few layer graphene to reduce wear and friction on sliding steel surfaces. Carbon, 54, 454–459.

4. Berman, D., Erdemir, A., & Sumant, A. V. (2013). Reduced wear and friction enabled by graphene layers on sliding steel surfaces in dry nitrogen. Carbon, 59, 167–175.

5. Berman, D., Erdemir, A., & Sumant, A. V. (2018). Approaches for achieving superlubricity in two-dimensional materials. ACS Nano, 12(3), 2122–2137.

 

Monika Sharma | Engineering | Best Academic Researcher Award

Dr. Monika Sharma | Engineering | Best Academic Researcher Award

Associate Professor | The Technological Institute of Textile and Sciences | India

Dr. Monika Sharma, Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at The Technological Institute of Textile & Sciences, Bhiwani, is a distinguished academic specializing in computer engineering with a strong focus on big data, computer networks, web engineering, and programming. She holds a Ph.D. and Pre-Ph.D. in Computer Engineering from Baba Mast Nath University, along with a Master of Technology in Computer Science and a Bachelor of Engineering in Information Technology, both with honors from Maharshi Dayanand University. With over seventeen years of teaching and mentoring experience, she has guided postgraduate scholars, supervised research projects, and actively contributed to academic leadership, including mentoring student societies and organizing technical events. Her research contributions span peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings, complemented by authorship of book chapters and active engagement in professional development programs. She is a lifetime member of the Indian Society for Technical Education (ISTE) and an active member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), with significant involvement in knowledge dissemination through guest lectures, workshops, and conferences. Dr. Sharma’s dedication to advancing knowledge and fostering academic excellence has earned her recognition as a respected educator and researcher. Her scholarly impact is demonstrated through 1,740 citations, 103 documents, and an h-index of 21, as indexed in Scopus.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

1. Transition from hard to soft Co-Ni ferrites with Cr incorporation: Novel insights into cation distribution and ferromagnetic resonance. (2025). Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials.

2. Indoor particle number concentration measurements across different income group households in urban region. (2025). Urban Climate.

3. A systematic study of polytypism in melt & solution grown crystals of cadmium iodide doped with anionic & cationic impurities. (2025). Journal of Theoretical and Applied Physics.

4. Impact of the odd–even scheme on particulate matter reduction in Delhi traffic intersections. (2025). Particulate Science and Technology.

5. Indoor air pollution and exposure analysis in different residential dwellings of a South Asian urban city. (2025). Particulate Science and Technology.

 

Marianna Vályi Nagy | Sustainability in Cryogenic Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Marianna Vályi Nagy | Sustainability in Cryogenic Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Research assistant at Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences | Hungary

Marianna Vályi Nagy is a research assistant at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), Institute of Agronomy, whose academic journey and professional career have been devoted to advancing sustainable agricultural practices. With a strong foundation in horticultural engineering, plant protection, and agronomy, she has established herself as a dedicated researcher focusing on mixed cropping systems, crop interactions, and climate-resilient agricultural methods. Her work bridges fundamental agricultural sciences with applied research, producing impactful results that contribute both to academic knowledge and to real-world agricultural innovations.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

Marianna began her academic journey at Corvinus University in Budapest, where she graduated as a Horticultural Engineer. Her interest in crop science and plant interactions motivated her to pursue further qualifications, and she later obtained a specialized degree in Plant Protection Engineering from the University of Szeged. Her commitment to higher learning led her to doctoral studies at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, supported by the Young Researcher Training Program. Throughout her academic development, Marianna demonstrated a keen ability to integrate multiple disciplines within plant sciences, aligning her expertise with the pressing challenges of climate change, food security, and sustainable farming systems.

Experience

Marianna’s professional experience is rooted in her contributions to both research and applied agricultural innovation. She began her research career at the National Agricultural Research and Innovation Centre, where she gained valuable experience in experimental design and crop management practices. Later, she joined the Applied Agronomy Research Station, which became part of MATE, and contributed to experiments that combined scientific rigor with industry-driven needs. Over the years, she has participated in numerous commissioned research projects, collaborating with agricultural companies to test crop varieties, seeding strategies, and sustainable cultivation methods. This blend of academic and industry engagement has allowed her to create a research portfolio that is both scientifically robust and practically relevant.

Research Focus

Marianna’s primary research interests revolve around mixed cropping systems, with a particular emphasis on winter wheat–winter pea interactions. She explores the development process of companion crops, analyzing both their quantitative and qualitative characteristics. Her studies extend beyond traditional yield-focused research by considering plant development, interaction dynamics, seeding rates, and variety selection, providing a comprehensive understanding of crop coexistence. These investigations address one of the greatest challenges in modern agriculture: identifying cultivation methods that are environmentally sustainable, resilient to climate change, and adaptable to market fluctuations. Through her research, Marianna contributes to shaping agricultural practices that balance productivity with ecological responsibility.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Yield and Quality Parameters of Winter Wheat in a Wheat–Pea Mixed Cropping System
Authors: Marianna Vályi-Nagy, István Kristó, Melinda Tar, Attila Rácz, Lajos Szentpéteri, Katalin Irmes, Csaba Gyuricza, Márta Ladányi
Summary: This study evaluated wheat–pea intercropping, showing improved grain yield, protein content, and crop resilience, highlighting ecological and economic advantages compared to monoculture wheat cultivation.

Title: Competition Indices and Economic Benefits of Winter Wheat and Winter Peas in Mixed Cropping
Authors: Marianna Vályi-Nagy, István Kristó, Melinda Tar, Attila Rácz, Lajos Szentpéteri, Katalin Irmes, Gergő Péter Kovács, Márta Ladányi
Summary: Research analyzed competition indices and profitability of wheat–pea mixtures, concluding intercropping enhances land-use efficiency and offers greater economic sustainability than sole cropping systems.

Title: The Effect of Foliar Zinc Application on the Leaf Chlorophyll Concentrations and Grain Yields of the Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the Field Experiments of Two Seasons
Authors: Katalin Irmes, István Kristó, Lajos Szentpéteri, Attila Rácz, Marianna Vályi-Nagy, Mária Katalin Kassai, Klára Veresné Valentinyi, Melinda Tar
Summary: Two-season field trials revealed foliar zinc application increased chlorophyll levels and grain yields in winter wheat, emphasizing zinc’s critical role in improving crop productivity.

Title: Effects of Winter Cereals (Triticum aestivum L., Hordeum vulgare L., Triticosecale Wittmack) and Winter Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Intercropping on Weed Cover in South-Eastern and Central Hungary
Authors: Attila Rácz, Marianna Vályi-Nagy, Melinda Tar, Katalin Irmes, Lajos Szentpéteri, Apolka Ujj, Klára Veresné Valentinyi, Márta Ladányi, István Kristó
Summary: Field experiments demonstrated cereal–pea intercropping significantly reduced weed cover, promoting ecological weed management and enhancing sustainability in Hungarian winter cropping systems.

Conclusion

Marianna Vályi Nagy stands out as a promising researcher whose dedication to sustainable agriculture is evident in her academic achievements, applied research, and innovative contributions. Her expertise in mixed cropping systems addresses one of the most urgent agricultural challenges of our time—developing cultivation methods that align with ecological principles while ensuring productivity and resilience. With a growing body of publications, patents, and industry collaborations, she exemplifies the qualities of a forward-thinking researcher who bridges science and practice. Her membership in professional associations and recognition through national research programs further reinforce her position as an emerging leader in agricultural sciences. Marianna’s work holds significant potential to guide future research directions and agricultural policies, making her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Hao Jiang | Cryogenic Recycling Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Hao Jiang | Cryogenic Recycling Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Senior Manager at Construction Industry Council, Hong Kong

Hao Jiang is a highly accomplished engineering leader and innovator in the construction industry, serving as President-elect of the ASCE Greater China Section. With an extensive portfolio of leadership roles, professional affiliations, and research achievements, he is recognized for advancing modular integrated construction, high-performance materials, and robotics applications in construction. As Senior Manager of Industry Development at the Construction Industry Council, a statutory body established by the Hong Kong government, he oversees the Construction Productivity Department, managing the R&D Fund, manpower forecasting, and technology implementation. His exceptional contributions have earned multiple prestigious awards for innovation, sustainability, and professional excellence.

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile

Education

Hao Jiang holds a Bachelor of Engineering from Southeast University, a Master of Science from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and dual Master of Business Administration degrees from Tsinghua University and Cornell University. This combination of technical expertise and advanced business acumen has enabled him to approach construction engineering challenges with both innovation and strategic insight. His academic foundation bridges engineering principles, applied research, and managerial leadership, equipping him to design and implement industry-wide solutions. His education also reflects a global outlook, combining leading institutions in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and the United States, which has broadened his perspective on international engineering practices.

Experience

In his current role as Senior Manager of Industry Development at the Construction Industry Council, Ir JIANG leads initiatives that directly impact the future of Hong Kong’s construction sector. He manages the council’s Construction Productivity Department, oversees research funding allocation, drives manpower forecasting, and champions the adoption of advanced technologies such as robotics to enhance productivity and safety. Before joining the CIC, he served as a Research Fellow at the Chinese National Engineering Research Centre for Steel Construction (Hong Kong Branch) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where he advanced research on steel construction technologies. His professional journey also includes extensive involvement in key infrastructure and construction projects, demonstrating his ability to apply academic knowledge to real-world engineering challenges.

Research Focus

JIANG’s research interests center on modular integrated construction, high-performance materials, and cutting-edge construction technologies. He has contributed significantly to the integration of robotics into construction workflows, addressing industry needs for automation, efficiency, and safety enhancement. His work on modular construction has advanced prefabrication methodologies, improving project delivery speed and reducing environmental impact. In the area of high-performance materials, he has been involved in developing solutions that improve structural durability and sustainability. His efforts reflect a strong commitment to applying research outcomes to practical applications, bridging the gap between academic innovation and industry adoption.

Publication Top Note

Title: A meta-analysis of environmental impacts of building reuse and recycling
Authors: Bowen Zheng, Yang Yang, Albert Ping-chuen Chan, Hao Jiang, Zhikang Bao
Summary: This study synthesizes life cycle assessment (LCA) data to compare the environmental impacts of building reuse, recycling, and landfilling. Results show that reuse has substantially lower impacts than recycling, and recycling outperforms landfilling. Mass timber reuse and design-for-disassembly modular buildings perform especially well, with only 20–50% of the impacts of recycling. The authors recommend prioritizing reuse, then recycling, as sustainable waste management strategies in construction.

Conclusion

Hao Jiang is a distinguished engineering leader whose career blends technical expertise, research innovation, and strategic leadership. His work in modular integrated construction, high-performance materials, and robotics has positioned him at the forefront of modern construction technology advancement. Through his leadership roles, academic achievements, and industry contributions, he has significantly impacted both the Hong Kong construction sector and the global engineering community. His dedication to bridging research and industry, fostering sustainable practices, and embracing emerging technologies exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding award nominee. As ASCE Greater China Section President-elect, he continues to inspire innovation and set new benchmarks for excellence in the field of civil and structural engineering.