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

Eskinder Shumuye | FRP Fire performance | Editorial Board Member

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eskinder Shumuye | FRP Fire performance | Editorial Board Member

Shenzhen University, China

Dr. Eskinder Desta Shumuye – Expert in Civil and Water Engineering 🌍👷‍♂️

Dr. Eskinder Desta Shumuye is a distinguished researcher and Postdoctoral Fellow at the College of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Shenzhen University, China. With over a decade of research and academic experience, his expertise spans fire-resistant concrete, geopolymer concrete, fiber-reinforced concrete, ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), and the application of GIS in water distribution modeling.

Dr. Eskinder earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Zhengzhou University, China, focusing on alternative cement materials for sustainable construction. He also holds an MSc in Civil Engineering from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, and a BSc in Irrigation and Water Resources Engineering from Hawassa University, Ethiopia.

His professional journey includes roles as a lecturer and researcher at Hawassa University and as a Site Engineer at MIDROC Ethiopia. Currently, his research centers on engineering geopolymer cementitious composites (EGC and ECC) and the application of nanomaterials in high-performance concrete for coastal environments.

Dr. Eskinder has authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications and is a member of the American Concrete Institute (ACI) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). As a registered professional engineer in Ethiopia, he continues to contribute to advancing sustainable and durable construction materials globally.

 

Muhammad Taimoor Shakeel | Sustainability and Recycling of FRPs | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr. Muhammad Taimoor Shakeel | Sustainability and Recycling of FRPs | Best Researcher Award

The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan

Profiles:

Current Position🌾

Dr. Muhammad Taimoor Shakeel is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Since his appointment on 11th January 2021, he has been a key figure in advancing research and teaching in the field of plant pathology. His previous experience includes a year-long tenure as an Assistant Professor at Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan (19th July 2017 – 18th July 2018), which further solidified his academic credentials.

Contributing to Scientific Knowledge 📚

Dr. Shakeel has an impressive publication record, primarily focused on plant diseases and viruses, particularly whitefly-transmitted Criniviruses. His research project on detecting Criniviruses infecting vegetables in the Multan Region, Pakistan stands out as a significant contribution to the understanding of plant virus transmission, funded by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan. His work has been critical in safeguarding crops and addressing food security challenges in Pakistan.

He has authored and co-authored numerous research papers in renowned journals, contributing to the body of knowledge in plant pathology. These publications not only elevate his academic standing but also have practical implications in agriculture, plant disease management, and biosecurity.

Focus on Plant Viruses and Pathogen Control 🦠

Dr. Shakeel’s current research revolves around plant viruses, pathogen-host interactions, and integrated disease management. He continues to investigate whitefly-transmitted viruses, which are responsible for causing significant economic losses in Pakistan’s agricultural sector. His ongoing projects aim to develop effective diagnostic methods and strategies to control the spread of these viruses, ensuring the health of crops and minimizing their economic impact.

In addition to his work on plant viruses, Dr. Shakeel is also exploring fungal pathogens affecting staple crops and developing biological control methods to manage these diseases sustainably.

 Strengthening Agricultural Resilience 🌾🔬

  • Plant Virology: Understanding the mechanisms of virus transmission, specifically whitefly-transmitted Criniviruses.
  • Fungal Pathogens: Investigating fungal diseases that affect vital crops in Pakistan.
  • Biological Control: Developing sustainable pest management techniques using biological agents.
  • Integrated Disease Management (IDM): Promoting eco-friendly practices for managing plant diseases.

His work is crucial for improving agricultural resilience and productivity, especially in developing regions like Pakistan.

A Solid Foundation in Plant Pathology 🎓

Dr. Shakeel earned his M.D. in Plant Pathology from a reputed university in Pakistan, which laid the groundwork for his research career. His academic background has been instrumental in his growth as a researcher and educator. Through advanced studies, he has mastered the science of plant disease diagnostics, treatment, and prevention, making him a key contributor to the field.

Recognizing Excellence 🏆

Throughout his career, Dr. Shakeel has been recognized for his contributions to science and academia. He has secured HEC-funded research grants and was awarded for his outstanding research in plant pathology. His ability to secure competitive grants speaks volumes about his expertise and reputation in the scientific community.

Harnessing Data to Combat Plant Diseases 🧬

Dr. Shakeel has also ventured into the world of bioinformatics, using computational tools to analyze plant virus genomes and their interactions with host plants. His application of bioinformatics enables him to identify genetic markers for resistance in crops and devise more effective control measures for plant diseases.

Professional Associations and Contributions 🌍

As an active member of various professional associations, including the Pakistan Society for Plant Pathology and international plant pathology bodies, Dr. Shakeel is deeply involved in advancing the global plant pathology community. His participation in these organizations allows him to collaborate with researchers worldwide, share findings, and remain at the cutting edge of his field.

Continuously Expanding Knowledge 🧑‍🏫

Dr. Shakeel regularly attends and organizes training sessions and workshops for both students and fellow researchers. These training sessions focus on modern diagnostic techniques, disease management strategies, and bioinformatics tools. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, he helps elevate the skills of those around him, contributing to the future of agricultural research.

Sharing Insights with the Scientific Community 🎤

A skilled communicator, Dr. Shakeel frequently presents his research at national and international conferences. His presentations on whitefly-transmitted viruses, plant disease management, and biological control have been well-received, establishing him as a thought leader in his field.

Tasks Completed as a Researcher 📝

As a researcher, Dr. Shakeel has:

  • Led multiple research projects funded by prestigious organizations.
  • Published groundbreaking papers on plant pathology.
  • Trained the next generation of plant pathologists through mentoring and teaching.
  • Played a pivotal role in establishing and managing a plant pathology journal.

Success Factors🌟

Dr. Shakeel’s success as a researcher is driven by his passion for plant science, his collaborative spirit, and his dedication to sustainable agriculture. By working closely with local farmers, governmental organizations, and international researchers, he ensures that his work is both impactful and relevant.

Expertise in Action 🔬

Dr. Shakeel’s laboratory experience is extensive, encompassing advanced virological techniques, pathogen isolation, and crop disease diagnostics. His research lab has produced several highly cited papers, solidifying his place as a leader in plant pathology research.

📖Publications:

Paper Title: Molecular characterization of divergent isolates of Citrus bent leaf viroid (CBLVd) from citrus cultivars of Punjab, Pakistan

  • Authors: A. Ali, U.D. Umar, S.A.H. Naqvi, M.T. Shakeel, M.N. Tahir, M.F. Khan, M.T. Altaf, 
  • Journal: Frontiers in Genetics,
  • Year: 2023

Paper Title: Current status and coat protein-based comparative In silico analysis of Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) infecting cucurbits in Pothwar, Pakistan.

  • Authors: M Ahsan, M Ashfaq, M Mehmood, M Shakeel, M Hamza
  • Journal: Journal of Agricultural & Marine Sciences (JAMS) 
  • Year: 2023

Paper Title:Molecular Detection of Southern Tomato Amalgavirus Prevalent in Tomatoes and Its Genomic Characterization with Global Evolutionary Dynamics

  • Authors: M.D. Hussain, T. Farooq, X. Chen, T. Jiang, L. Zang, M.T. Shakeel, T. Zhou
  • Journal: Viruses
  • Year: 2022