Behnaz Hassanpour | Civil/Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Behnaz Hassanpour | Civil/Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at Universty of Texas at Arlington, United States

Behnaz Hassanpour, PhD, is a dedicated Civil and Mechanical Engineer with a strong expertise in advanced composite materials. Her work revolves around materials design, additive manufacturing, and mechanical simulation, with a focus on developing innovative solutions for complex engineering challenges. With a proven track record in research, she has contributed significantly to the understanding of moisture uptake kinetics and its influence on the durability of fiber-reinforced composites. Her skills span mechanical design, product development, and material characterization, making her a leading figure in the field of composite materials engineering.

Profile

Scholar

🎓 Education

Behnaz Hassanpour holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington, which she completed between May 2020 and August 2024. Her dissertation focused on “Hygrothermal Exposure Based Moisture and Glass Transition Temperature Kinetics of Carbon/Epoxy Composites,” showcasing her expertise in composite material durability. Prior to her PhD, she earned a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the same institution (August 2018 – May 2020), where she investigated the microstructure and viscoelastic properties of SLM IN718 following various heat treatments. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physics Engineering with a specialization in Laser and Optics from Azad University Science and Research (August 2009 – May 2013), highlighting her interdisciplinary academic background.

💼 Experience

Behnaz has extensive experience in both research and teaching. Her notable research projects include:

  • Durability of Composite Materials: She conducted comprehensive research on hygrothermal aging of polymer composites, developing a two-stage model for moisture uptake prediction and analyzing its effects on glass transition temperature.

  • Additive Manufacturing: She optimized mechanical components manufactured through 3D printing, specifically focusing on nickel superalloy (Inconel 718) using the EOS M219 machine. Her experiments involved heat treatment optimization and dynamic viscoelasticity characterization.

  • Material Characterization: She employed advanced techniques such as SEM, EDS, XRD, TGA, DSC, DMA, and TMA to analyze microstructures, mechanical properties, and material compositions.

  • Forensic Analysis of Fiber Reinforced Concrete: As part of a Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) project, she evaluated concrete pavements’ durability through field evaluations and SEM/EDX analysis.

She also has teaching experience, instructing courses such as Mechanics of Materials, Thermal Engineering, and Thermodynamics.

🔬 Research Interests

Behnaz Hassanpour’s research interests center around:

  • Durability of Fiber-Reinforced Composites: Studying the effects of hygrothermal exposure and moisture uptake kinetics on composite materials.

  • Additive Manufacturing: Enhancing the mechanical performance of metal 3D-printed parts through heat treatment and process optimization.

  • Material Characterization: Applying advanced testing methods to investigate microstructure, mechanical properties, and thermal behavior of composite and metallic materials.

  • Concrete and Pavement Analysis: Conducting forensic studies on fiber-reinforced concrete to predict service life and improve material durability.

🏅 Awards and Fellowships

Throughout her academic and professional career, Behnaz Hassanpour has earned numerous prestigious awards and fellowships, including:

  • Graduate School Dissertation Fellowship (Summer 2024)

  • Civil & Environmental Engineering STEM Doctoral Fellowship (Spring 2022 – Spring 2024)

  • DDOC COE Civil Engineering Fellowship (Fall 2022 – Spring 2023)

  • Civil Engineering Scholarship (Fall 2022 – Spring 2023)

  • DDDA MAE Scholarship (Fall 2020 – Fall 2021)

  • MAE A. Haji-Sheikh Scholarship (Fall 2020 – Spring 2021)

  • Mechanical Dept. Chair Graduate Assistantship (Aug 2019 – May 2020)

These accolades reflect her excellence in both research and academic leadership.

📄 Publications

Behnaz Hassanpour has published several influential research papers in reputable journals, including:

  1. Hassanpour B, Karbhari VM. Characteristics and models of moisture uptake in Fiber-Reinforced Composites: A Topical Review. Polymers. 2024; 16(16):2265.

    • Cited by multiple articles exploring composite durability and moisture kinetics.

  2. Hassanpour B, Karbhari VM. Glass transition temperature as a characteristic of the durability of fiber-reinforced polymer composites. In Aging and Durability of FRP Composites and Nanocomposites. Woodhead Publishing, Elsevier, London, UK. 2024. Chapter 15, 341-362.

    • Recognized for its insights into durability factors of FRP composites.

  3. Hassanpour B, Karbhari VM. Moisture and glass transition temperature kinetics of ambient-cured Carbon/Epoxy composites. Journal of Composites Science. 2023; 7(11):447.

    • Cited by researchers analyzing epoxy-based composites.

  4. Karbhari VM, Hassanpour B. Water, saltwater, and concrete leachate solution effects on durability of ambient-temperature cure carbon-epoxy composites. Journal of Applied Polymer Science. 2022; 139(27):e52496.

    • Valued for its contribution to composite durability studies.

Conclusion

Dr. Behnaz Hassanpour’s extensive publication record, impactful research projects, and outstanding contributions to material science and engineering make her a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her innovative models, collaboration with industry, and commitment to mentoring future engineers showcase her exceptional capabilities and influence in the scientific community

Junchen Zhang | Mechanical model of tunnel | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Junchen Zhang | Mechanical model of tunnel | Best Researcher Award

Doctorate at Shenzhen University, China

Profile:

🎓 Current Position

Junchen Zhang serves as an Associate Researcher in Tunnel Engineering at the National Key Laboratory of Green and Long-Life Road Engineering in Extreme Environment, Shenzhen University, Guangdong, China. He began this prestigious role in February 2023. In addition, he contributes to groundbreaking research at the State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Geotechnics and Tunnelling in Extreme Environment, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China. His expertise is pivotal in developing sustainable and resilient solutions for modern infrastructure challenges.

📚 Academic Background

Junchen Zhang completed his Ph.D. in Bridge and Tunnel Engineering at Southwest Jiaotong University, where he was enrolled from September 2017 to December 2022. His doctoral work emphasized structural integrity and innovation, particularly focusing on the damage analysis of shield tunnels and flexible joint design—a niche in infrastructure resilience critical for urban and high-speed rail systems.

🛠️ Research Interests

Junchen Zhang’s research is anchored in the engineering and design of tunnels, with particular emphasis on Damage analysis of shield tunnels, exploring how tunnels withstand external forces and structural pressures. Flexible joint design, enhancing adaptability and safety in tunnel construction. This focus not only addresses current challenges but also paves the way for innovative methodologies in geotechnical engineering.

📝 Publication Achievements

Junchen Zhang has authored 9 impactful research papers published in prominent journals. These publications delve into the complexities of tunnel damage mechanisms, showcasing novel approaches to mitigate risks while ensuring sustainability. Through these works, he has significantly contributed to the growing body of knowledge in geotechnical engineering, earning recognition among his peers.

🔬 Ongoing Research

Advanced damage modeling techniques for predicting shield tunnel performance under extreme environmental conditions. Dynamic joint flexibility design, aimed at accommodating natural movements and external impacts, such as seismic events. This ongoing research strives to create safer, more durable infrastructure solutions that align with global sustainability goals.

🏅 Scholarships and Awards

Junchen Zhang’s academic journey has been punctuated by notable scholarships and accolades, reflecting his dedication and brilliance in tunnel engineering. These honors underline his contributions to scientific innovation and academic excellence.

🤝 Professional Associations

Leading geotechnical engineering societies, fostering collaboration among global experts. Conferences and workshops, presenting groundbreaking findings to the international engineering community.

📡 Bioinformatics in Engineering

Though bioinformatics is traditionally associated with biological sciences, Zhang integrates data-driven methodologies in his research. His work involves computational simulations and data analytics to enhance structural design accuracy and predict failure scenarios in tunnel systems. This interdisciplinary approach enriches his contributions to the field.

🏗️ Training & Workshops

Tunnel construction technologies and materials. Risk assessment in geotechnical engineering, enhancing his skills to address complex structural challenges. Additionally, he has attended workshops focusing on emerging trends in flexible joint technologies.

🗣️ Oral Presentations

Zhang has delivered compelling presentations at international conferences, sharing insights into innovative tunnel engineering solutions. These presentations not only underscore his expertise but also inspire advancements across the geotechnical community.

🔑 Tasks Completed as a Researcher

Conducted extensive damage analysis of shield tunnels, culminating in actionable solutions for infrastructure projects. Developed flexible joint prototypes, now undergoing validation for real-world applications. Published research that bridges theoretical findings with practical engineering challenges.

🌟 Success Factors

Innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of tunnel design and sustainability. Collaboration, working with multidisciplinary teams to address engineering complexities. Resilience, tackling challenges with determination and creative problem-solving.

🧪Laboratory Experience

Simulation and modeling of structural failures. Testing innovative joint materials for tunnel applications. His rigorous experimental approach ensures that his findings contribute significantly to practical advancements in tunnel engineering.

📖Publications:

Paper Title: Compression-shear capacity of circumferential joint with dowel in shield tunnel: From experiments to analytical solution

  • Authors: Zhang, J.; Yan, Q.; Zhao, Y.; Yao, C.; Xu, H.
  • Journal: Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology
  • Year: 2025

Paper Title: Research on circumferential joint shear damage characteristics of segments with positioning tenon through distributed fiber optic-based sensing technique

  • Authors: Yan, Q.; Qiu, Y.; Zhang, J.; Yao, C.; Wu, W.
  • Journal: Engineering Failure Analysis
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Study on shear mechanical behavior of shield tunnel segment joint with fixing tenon

  • Authors: Lin, G.; Yi, D.; Luo, S.; Yan, Q.; Zhang, J.
  • Journal: Beijing Jiaotong Daxue Xuebao/Journal of Beijing Jiaotong University
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Installation Methods Evaluation for Tunnel Microseismic Monitoring Sensors

  • Authors: Xu, H.; Tang, T.; Cui, X.; Zhao, Y.; Zhang, J.
  • Journal: IEEE Sensors Journal
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Mechanical Characteristics of New Type Positioning Tenon Segment of Shield Tunnel under the Action of Shear Load

  • Authors: Yan, Q.; Zhang, Y.; Zhang, J.; Lin, G.; Luo, S.
  • Journal: Zhongguo Tiedao Kexue/China Railway Science
  • Year: 2024

 

 

Veeramani Mangala Gowri | FRP Sensors and Smart Structures | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Veeramani Mangala Gowri | FRP Sensors and Smart Structures | Best Researcher Award

Doctorate at Kasetsart University, Thailand

Profiles:

Current Position 🔬

Dr. V. Mangala Gowri currently holds the position of Post Doctoral Researcher at the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, located in Chatuchak, Bangkok, Thailand. Since August 1, 2023, she has been involved in cutting-edge research as part of the PMU-B-Post Doctoral Researcher project (B13F660065), contributing significantly to advancing scientific knowledge in her field. Kasetsart University, a prestigious institution, offers an excellent platform for Dr. Gowri to further her research and collaborate with experts in various domains.

Academic Background 🎓

Dr. Gowri’s academic journey is marked by significant achievements. She obtained her Ph.D. in Chemistry from the Department of Chemistry, Gandhigram Rural Institute in Gandhigram, India (2016–2021). Her doctoral research, titled “Synthesis, characterization, and electrocatalytic activity of layered graphitic carbon nitride and its composite with anisotropic gold nanostructures,” was supervised by the esteemed Prof. S. Abraham John. This work focused on developing novel materials for electrocatalysis, showcasing her expertise in the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials.

Dr. Gowri completed her M.Sc. in Chemistry at the Gandhigram Rural Institute (2014-2016), where she was a First Class Rank Holder. She had previously completed her B.Sc. in Chemistry at the same institute (2011-2014), again achieving First Class honors. These academic milestones reflect her strong foundation in chemistry and her commitment to excellence throughout her education.

Research Interests and Ongoing Work🔬

Dr. Gowri’s research interests lie at the intersection of nanotechnology, electrocatalysis, and material science. Her work focuses on the development of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) and its composites with anisotropic gold nanostructures, aimed at improving the efficiency of electrocatalytic processes. Her Ph.D. thesis involved synthesizing these materials and exploring their electrocatalytic properties, a critical area in energy storage and conversion.

At present, Dr. Gowri is expanding her research scope as a postdoctoral researcher at Kasetsart University, delving into advanced materials for green energy applications. She is working on cutting-edge projects involving nanomaterials with electrocatalytic properties for renewable energy production, contributing to the growing field of sustainable technology.

Publication Achievements 📚

Dr. Gowri has made significant contributions to the academic community with her publications. Her research on graphitic carbon nitride and its composites has been published in reputable journals, contributing to the understanding of electrocatalytic activity in nanomaterials. These publications are crucial in advancing material science and energy conversion technologies.

As a researcher, Dr. Gowri has also been actively involved in peer-reviewed journals, providing insights into the latest developments in nanomaterial synthesis, characterization, and their applications in energy technologies. Her work continues to gain recognition within the scientific community, and she remains dedicated to publishing groundbreaking research that will benefit the field of chemistry and nanotechnology.

Scholarships and Awards 🏅

Dr. Gowri’s academic excellence and research contributions have been recognized with prestigious fellowships and awards. One of the highlights of her career is being selected as a DST-Inspire Fellow-Senior Research Fellow from April 22, 2017, to November 16, 2021, by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. This fellowship enabled her to pursue in-depth research at the Department of Chemistry, Gandhigram Rural Institute, further honing her expertise in the synthesis and application of nanomaterials.

Her DST-Inspire Fellowship provided her with the resources and platform to conduct high-impact research, contributing significantly to her academic and professional growth. Additionally, she has received recognition for her research contributions at various international conferences and workshops.

Training & Workshops 💡

Dr. Gowri has participated in numerous training programs and workshops aimed at enhancing her research skills and staying abreast of the latest developments in material science and chemistry. These include training sessions on nanomaterial synthesis, electrocatalysis, and advanced characterization techniques. Through these workshops, Dr. Gowri has enhanced her laboratory skills, which are essential for her ongoing research.

Oral Presentations🎤

As an active researcher, Dr. Gowri has presented her work at several national and international conferences. These oral presentations have not only helped disseminate her findings but have also provided her with opportunities for collaboration with renowned scientists in the field of nanotechnology and material science. Her presentations have earned her recognition for her innovative approach to the synthesis of electrocatalytic materials and their real-world applications.

Laboratory Experience and Tasks Completed 🔬

Dr. Gowri has accumulated extensive laboratory experience throughout her career, particularly during her doctoral studies and postdoctoral work. Her expertise includes synthesis of nanomaterials, characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and electrochemical measurements. She has successfully completed various tasks involving material synthesis, characterization, and electrocatalytic testing, making meaningful contributions to the scientific community.

Professional Associations and Impact 🌐

Dr. Gowri is actively involved in professional scientific societies and networks, where she contributes her knowledge and stays updated on the latest advancements in her field. Her involvement in these associations has provided her with platforms for collaboration and professional development, enhancing her impact as a researcher.

Success Factors and Legacy 🏆

Dr. V. Mangala Gowri’s success can be attributed to her dedication, innovative approach to research, and commitment to advancing knowledge in nanotechnology and chemistry. Her contributions to the development of electrocatalytic materials have the potential to play a pivotal role in sustainable energy solutions, leaving a lasting legacy in her field. She continues to inspire fellow researchers and students with her exemplary work ethic and passion for scientific exploration.

📖Publications:

Paper Title: Dual vitamin detection reinvented: High-sensitivity electrochemical sensing of B9 and C with advanced oligomer electrodes

  • Authors: VM Gowri, T Panleam, N Srithongkul, P Chanpuang, S Thongmee
  • Journal: Microchemical Journal
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Anisotropic Gold Nanostructure-Mediated Electrocatalysis on Exfoliated GCN: A Shape-Dependent Study

  • Authors: VM Gowri, A Ajith, PS Kumar, T Imboon, SA John, S Thongmee
  • Journal: Surfaces and Interfaces
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Fabrication of platinum nanoparticles decorated on nitrogen enriched carbon spheres for nitroaromatics reduction under batch and continuous flow conditions

  • Authors: K Shanmugaraj, M Mathivanan, VM Gowri, P Annamalai, P Thangavelu
  • Journal: Journal of Water Process Engineering
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Novel electrochemical platforms for the detection of both clinical disorder biomarker and environmental pollutants using graphitic carbon nitride-conducting oligomer composites

  • Authors: VM Gowri, K Hemkumar, J Khumphon, T Panleam, S Thongmee
  • Journal: Microchemical Journal
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Environmental analysis of nitrobenzene using newly synthesized anisotropic gold nanostructures: Reaction kinetics and electrocatalytic activity

  • Authors: VM Gowri, PS Kumar, VU Shankar, S Thongmee, G Rangasamy
  • Journal: Journal of Molecular Liquids
  • Year: 2024