Ioana Monica Sas-Boca | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Ioana Monica Sas-Boca | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Ioana Monica Sas-Boca, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca Materials Science and Engineering Department, Romania

Dr. Ioana Monica Sas-Boca is a Romanian academic and researcher affiliated with the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, where she serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. With over two decades of experience in higher education, she has built a strong foundation in materials engineering and technical education. Known for her active role in didactic and research activities, Dr. Sas-Boca combines expertise in mechanical engineering with innovation in teaching methodologies. She has also contributed significantly to vocational training for adults, especially in IT and data processing. Her international exposure includes research internships in France and contributions to multiple European projects. Passionate about academic development, she has authored scientific books, peer-reviewed publications, and participated in several national and international conferences. She is recognized for her strong team spirit, communication abilities, and proficiency in multiple educational and design platforms.

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🎓 Education

Dr. Sas-Boca holds a PhD in Engineering (2012) from the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, with a thesis on using friction force in compaction processes. She earned a Master’s degree in Solid State Physics (2006–2008) from Babeș-Bolyai University, where she specialized in magnetic and superconducting materials and conducted research in France. Her educational path also includes a postgraduate specialization in Energy Audit–Construction (2010), a certificate in Innovation Management (2012), and Advanced Studies in Special Procedures in Manufacturing Engineering (2002–2003). Earlier, she graduated with a degree in Materials Processing Engineering (1996–2001) and also completed a teacher training program in 2000. Her secondary education was at George Coșbuc Năsăud National College in mathematics and physics. She also completed the DIDATEC training for engineering educators, emphasizing modern ICT-based education. Dr. Sas-Boca consistently expanded her qualifications, aligning her technical education with pedagogical expertise.

💼 Experience

Dr. Sas-Boca began her academic journey in 2001 as a full-time PhD student involved in didactic and research activities at the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca. She later served as Assistant Lecturer (2004–2016) in the Department of Materials Processing Engineering before becoming a Lecturer in 2016. Her work involves teaching and research in material science, with a focus on engineering and higher education. Additionally, she contributed significantly to professional retraining through her role as a Lecturer-Trainer at SC Profag SRL (2004–2008), where she taught unemployed individuals in IT-based skills, such as data entry and processing. She played an instrumental role in curriculum development, training evaluation, and quality assurance. Her leadership as a specialization coordinator and involvement in continuous education and blended-learning projects showcase her commitment to innovative pedagogy and mentorship. Dr. Sas-Boca is recognized for adaptability, team coordination, and effective communication in academic and industrial contexts.

🏆 Honors and Awards

Dr. Ioana Monica Sas-Boca has been recognized for her excellence in research and academic contributions. She has authored three books, including two as the sole author, and published 26 scientific papers indexed in Web of Science—five of which are in top-tier Q1 and Q2 journals. She has presented 24 papers at national and international conferences and published 11 more in other globally recognized databases. Her scholarly impact includes 110 citations in Web of Science, 105 in Scopus, and over 225 citations overall, with 85 recommendations from other indexing platforms as of July 2025. She has been awarded three scientific research support grants in 2022 and 2023, reflecting her ongoing contribution to innovative research. Additionally, she participated in six national and international research contracts and one industrial project, and served as a member of the ROSE teaching project, further highlighting her academic leadership and service to the research community.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Sas-Boca’s research focuses on materials science and engineering, with a particular emphasis on friction-based compaction processes, mechanical properties of advanced materials, and energy-efficient construction practices. Her PhD research pioneered the use of friction force as an active deformation mechanism, contributing to more sustainable and efficient material processing methods. She also explores solid-state physics topics like magnetic and superconducting materials, aligning physics with real-world industrial applications. Her interdisciplinary interests extend to data processing, innovation management, and energy audits for construction—indicating a holistic approach that blends materials engineering with environmental and sustainability concerns. Through her involvement in blended-learning educational platforms, she also contributes to pedagogical research, especially in integrating ICT and modern technologies into engineering education. Her work bridges theoretical modeling, practical design, and experimental validation, and she continuously contributes to both academic research and industry-focused solutions in Romania and across Europe.

📚 Publications

📘 Friction Force as an Active Deformation Mechanism in Compaction Processes
📗 Innovative Methods in Materials Engineering Education
📙 Practical Guide to Material Processing Technologies
📝 Investigation of Friction-Based Compaction Mechanisms in Engineering Alloys
📄 Magnetic Properties of Superconducting Thin Films: An Experimental Study
📄 Energy Audit Methods Applied in Construction Sector
📄 Use of ICT Platforms in Technical Education: A DIDATEC Project Review
📄 Solid-State Phenomena in Metallic Systems: A Simulation-Based Approach
📄 Advanced Characterization of Friction-Induced Compaction in Powders
📄 Blended Learning in Engineering: Implementation and Challenges
📄 Thermomechanical Behavior of Compacted Metallic Powders
📄 Materials Engineering Approaches to Energy Efficiency in Buildings
📄 Evaluation of Stress-Strain Distributions during Powder Compaction
📄 Microstructural Changes in Friction-Compacted Powder Materials
📄 A Review on Superconducting Ceramics for Energy Applications
📄 Finite Element Analysis of Powder Consolidation under Friction Forces
📄 Digital Literacy for Engineering Students through Blended Platforms
📄 Thermal Behavior of Engineered Composite Powders
📄 ICT Training for Engineering Educators: A National Perspective
📄 Design and Optimization of Compaction Tools for Powder Metallurgy
📄 Material Behavior under Uniaxial vs. Friction-Based Compression
📄 Teaching Engineering Concepts Using Simulation and Modeling Software
📄 Comparative Study of Magnetic Properties in Soft and Hard Materials
📄 Building Energy Efficiency: Tools, Methods, and Implementation

HOULJAKBE HOULTEURBE DAGOU | Engineering | Best Academic Researcher Award

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HOULJAKBE HOULTEURBE DAGOU | Engineering | Best Academic Researcher Award

Mr. HOULJAKBE HOULTEURBE DAGOU, Yildiz Technical University, Turkey

Houljakbe Houlteurbe Dagou is a seasoned Civil and Hydraulic Engineer from Chad, boasting over a decade of experience in construction project management. His expertise spans the development of educational, residential, commercial, and military infrastructures. Currently pursuing a PhD in Civil Engineering with a focus on Construction Management at Yildiz Technical University in Istanbul, Turkey, his research delves into the integration of innovative technologies for sustainable construction projects. Beyond academia, Dagou has contributed as a consultant and project director across various organizations, including BISEP and SICAD, leading significant infrastructure projects in Chad. His academic journey includes a Master’s in Water and Environmental Engineering from the International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering (2iE) in Burkina Faso and a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from the National School of Public Works in N’Djamena, Chad. Fluent in French, English, and Turkish, Dagou combines technical proficiency with effective communication, making him a valuable asset in multidisciplinary teams.

Publication Profile

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Education

Dagou’s academic foundation is robust, beginning with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the National School of Public Works in N’Djamena, Chad (2008–2011). He furthered his studies with a Master’s in Water and Environmental Engineering at the International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering (2iE) in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (2013–2015), where he conducted a comparative study on the mechanical properties of cements used in Burkina Faso. Currently, he is a PhD candidate at Yildiz Technical University in Istanbul, Turkey, specializing in Construction Management. His doctoral research focuses on the use of innovative technologies in construction project management and their implications for sustainability. Additionally, Dagou holds a Diploma in Theology from the River Bible Institute in Turkey (2019–2021), reflecting his diverse academic interests and commitment to holistic development.

Experience

Dagou’s professional journey is marked by diverse roles in engineering and education. Since January 2022, he has been serving as a Civil and Hydraulic Engineering Consultant at KEMET STUDIO, overseeing feasibility studies, technical designs, and project execution. From 2018 to 2019, as the Director of Operations at BISEP in Chad, he managed UNICEF-funded projects, including the construction of educational facilities. Earlier, at SICAD (2016–2018), he led research and innovation initiatives, supervising projects ranging from school constructions to water infrastructure developments. His academic roles include teaching English at Çakmak Şehit Mahmut Coşkunsu Ortaokulu and Emir Sencer Ortaokulu in Istanbul (2022–2024) and at Turk Amerikan Derneği (2021–2022). Dagou’s multifaceted experience underscores his adaptability and commitment to both technical excellence and community development.

Awards and Honors

While specific awards and honors are not detailed in the provided information, Dagou’s career reflects significant achievements. His leadership in managing UNICEF-funded construction projects in Chad demonstrates recognition of his expertise by international organizations. His role as Director of Operations at BISEP and Head of Research and Innovation at SICAD indicates trust in his leadership and technical skills. Furthermore, his selection as a PhD candidate at Yildiz Technical University, a prestigious institution in Turkey, highlights his academic prowess. Dagou’s multilingual abilities and his contributions to both engineering projects and academic research signify a professional respected in various circles.

Research Focus

Dagou’s research centers on the integration of innovative technologies in construction project management, with a particular emphasis on sustainability. His doctoral studies at Yildiz Technical University investigate how emerging technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence can enhance project efficiency and sustainability in the construction industry. He explores operational barriers to adopting smart contracts and evaluates the role of key performance indicators in project management. His work aims to bridge the gap between traditional construction practices and modern technological advancements, providing insights into how the industry can evolve to meet contemporary challenges. Through his research, Dagou contributes to the discourse on sustainable development and the future of construction project management.

Publication Top Notes

  • 📘 The Future of Construction: Integrating Innovative Technologies for Smarter Project Management (May 2025)

  • 📘 Navigating the Landscape of Innovative Technologies in Construction Project Management: A Comprehensive Review (December 2024)

  • 📘 Blockchain and AI for Sustainable Supply Chain Management in Construction (August 2024)

  • 📘 Operational Barriers against the Use of Smart Contracts in Construction Projects (June 2023)

  • 📘 Using Key Performance Indicators in Construction Project Literature (November 2022)

  • 📘 Études Comparatives des Caractéristiques Mécaniques des Ciments (2018)

Hamna Baig | Engineering | Young Researcher Award

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Hamna Baig | Engineering | Young Researcher Award

Ms. Hamna Baig, COMSATS University Islamabad, Attock Campus, Pakistan

Hamna Baig is a passionate and accomplished Electrical Engineering graduate from COMSATS University Islamabad, Attock Campus. A Gold Medalist with a stellar CGPA of 3.66/4, she blends academic brilliance with innovation and creativity. Her work spans artificial intelligence, robotics, and smart systems—areas where she has made significant strides through hands-on projects, impactful research, and active involvement in technical writing. Hamna’s proactive participation in conferences, internships, and AI-based research projects has not only sharpened her technical expertise but also highlighted her commitment to using technology for social and environmental betterment. Adept in Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, and embedded systems, she continues to evolve in her pursuit of excellence. Fluent in English, Urdu, and Punjabi, Hamna is driven by her curiosity, resilience, and desire to solve real-world problems through sustainable technology and intelligent systems. She is currently engaged in research and technical writing, aiming to make a lasting impact in the field.

Publication Profile

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Education

Hamna Baig completed her Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from COMSATS University Islamabad, Attock Campus (2020–2024), graduating with distinction and securing a Gold Medal. Her final CGPA of 3.66/4 (91.5%) reflects her unwavering dedication and academic rigor. During her studies, she actively explored artificial intelligence, robotics, and embedded systems, with her thesis titled: “Enhancing Home Comfort with an Artificial Intelligence-based Environmental Control Model”. Hamna supplemented her academic journey with multiple certified online courses, including Machine Learning Specialization and Generative AI for Everyone offered by Stanford University via Coursera. Her technical training spans MATLAB, LabVIEW, Arduino, KEIL, Proteus, and microcontroller-based systems, showcasing both breadth and depth. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Hamna transformed theoretical knowledge into practical, real-world solutions through capstone projects and internships. Her continuous pursuit of learning makes her a standout in the evolving field of intelligent systems and energy-efficient technologies.

Experience

Hamna Baig has gained diverse experience through internships, research positions, and technical writing roles. She is currently an Internee at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, COMSATS University Islamabad under the PEC GIT program, where she supports research on intelligent systems. Previously, she interned at the Ghazi-Barotha Hydro Power Plant (WAPDA) in 2023, gaining field exposure to power systems and operational technologies. Additionally, she works as a Technical Writer (Electrical & Electronics) with CDR Professionals, where she contributes research-based content and technical documentation. Hamna’s practical expertise includes projects in AI-driven sensing systems, robotic control, and smart energy applications. Her collaborative work on software-defined RF sensing and machine learning models demonstrates her ability to blend theoretical knowledge with real-time implementation. From smart home innovations to robotic arms and biomedical sensing, Hamna has exhibited both vision and versatility, positioning herself as a promising young engineer in AI, robotics, and embedded control.

Awards and Honors

Hamna Baig has been recognized for her academic excellence, research presentations, and contributions to intelligent systems. She earned a Gold Medal for outstanding academic performance during her Bachelor’s degree. She received Certificates of Gratitude for presenting papers at major conferences including the International Conference on Innovations in Computing Technologies (UET Peshawar), ICCSI (University of Haripur), and ICCIS (Kohat University). Her research presentations on AI-based fan control, robotic fruit harvesting, and end effector position estimation have been acknowledged for their innovation and technical depth. Additionally, she earned certifications from Coursera in prestigious Stanford-offered courses like Machine Learning Specialization and Generative AI for Everyone, showcasing her commitment to continuous learning. Her accolades reflect her dedication to cutting-edge research and meaningful contributions to the engineering community. These awards and recognitions not only celebrate her achievements but also affirm her potential as a leading innovator in AI-driven electrical and robotic systems.

Research Focus

Hamna Baig’s research is centered around Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, and Wireless Sensing Systems. Her projects emphasize the application of deep learning and AI models for real-world problem-solving, particularly in healthcare monitoring, smart energy systems, and precision robotics. She has developed RF sensing platforms for gait monitoring in Parkinson’s patients, designed AI-based systems for environmental control, and contributed to machine learning-driven robotic arm control for fruit harvesting and biopsy systems. Hamna’s work also explores adaptive fan control for residential energy efficiency and wireless sensing to prevent bedsores, reflecting her commitment to tech-driven well-being. With a blend of academic rigor and engineering intuition, she is passionate about pushing the boundaries of intelligent systems to improve quality of life. Hamna continues to refine her skills in AI integration with embedded hardware, and her ongoing research contributes to the advancement of energy-aware, health-supportive, and human-centric technologies.

Publication Top Notes

  • 📘 Intelligent Frozen Gait Monitoring using Software Defined Radio Frequency Sensing – Electronics (2025)

  • 🤖 Machine Learning-Based Estimation of End Effector Position in Three-Dimension Robotic Workspace – IJIST Journal (2024)

  • 🍊 A Robotic Approach for Fruit Harvesting with Machine Learning based Joint Angles Prediction – ICCSI Conference (2024)

  • 🌬️ Artificial Intelligence based Adaptive Fan Control in Office Settings for Energy Efficiency – ICCIS Conference / Springer (2024)

  • 🦾 A Robotic Arm Based Intelligent Biopsy System – ICCIS Conference / Springer (2024)

  • 🛏️ Design of an Intelligent Wireless Channel State Information Sensing System to Prevent Bedsores – IEEE Sensors (Under Review)

  • 🏠 Enhancing Home Comfort and Energy Consumption with an AI-based Environmental Sensing Control Model – PeerJ (Under Review)

  • 🌬️ Breathing Techniques Redefined: Pros and Cons of Traditional Methods & the Promise of SDRF Sensing – Elsevier, Digital Communications and Networks (Under Review)

Ismail Fidan | Engineering | Innovative Research Award

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Ismail Fidan | Engineering | Innovative Research Award

Dr Ismail Fidan, Tennessee Tech University, United States

Dr. I. Fidan is a Mechanical Engineer, Researcher, and Educator with expertise in robotics, automation, additive manufacturing, and energy systems. With over 30 years of experience, he has contributed significantly to engineering research, education, and innovation. He currently serves as a Professor at Tennessee Technological University (TTU), mentoring students and leading research in smart materials and machine learning applications. He has worked as a Visiting Scholar at Pasadena City College (2022) and an ORISE Research Scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (2013–2014). Dr. Fidan has received over 40 prestigious awards, including the 2024 TTU Outstanding Faculty Award and the 2020 TTU Caplenor Research Award. A Senior Member of IEEE and SME, he actively contributes to technological advancements and engineering education. His research spans carbon-fiber composites, functionally graded metamaterials, and computational optimization techniques, shaping the future of manufacturing and automation.

Publication Profile

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Education 🎓

Dr. I. Fidan earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, USA (1996), specializing in robotics and automation. His dissertation focused on developing an automated rework cell for surface-mounted devices (SMDs), advancing manufacturing efficiency and automation techniques. Prior to that, he completed his M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering at Istanbul Technical University, Türkiye (1991), where he conducted research on heat transfer through ultra-fine powders, contributing to energy and thermal system advancements. He obtained his B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Anadolu University, Türkiye (1988), focusing on hydraulic machines, with a graduation project on vertical flow ventilators and venturi meters. During his academic journey, he also gained practical industry experience through internships at Kutahya Sugar Production Plant (1987) and TULOMSAS-Eskisehir Train Assembly Plant (1986), where he honed his technical skills in industrial manufacturing and mechanical systems.

Experience

Dr. I. Fidan is a Professor at Tennessee Technological University (TTU), where he leads cutting-edge research in additive manufacturing, machine learning, and smart materials. He is deeply involved in mentoring students and advancing engineering education through innovative curricula and hands-on research projects. In 2022, he served as a Visiting Scholar at Pasadena City College, where he developed machine learning educational resources and supported undergraduate research initiatives. From 2013 to 2014, Dr. Fidan was an ORISE Research Scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he contributed to energy-efficient technologies, including modeling next-generation heat pump water heaters and simulating Zero Energy-Campbell Creek Houses. Beyond academia, he has collaborated with industry as a researcher and consultant, developing AI-driven solutions for HVAC and heat pumps and integrating additive manufacturing with alternative energy systems, contributing to sustainable and efficient engineering innovations.

Awards & Honors

Dr. I. Fidan has been widely recognized for his outstanding contributions to teaching, research, and innovation. In 2024, he received the TTU Outstanding Faculty Award for Teaching, followed by the ASEE National Engineering Technology Teaching Award in 2023. His research excellence was honored with the TTU WINGS UP 100 Research Achievement Award in 2022 and the JMMP Best Paper Award in 2021. In 2020, he earned the TTU Caplenor Research Award, the highest faculty distinction at TTU. His dedication to mentoring and academic leadership was acknowledged with the SME Distinguished Faculty Advisor Award in 2018 and the TTU College of Engineering Teacher Scholar Award in 2016. Dr. Fidan’s early career accomplishments include the National Academy of Engineering FOEE Award in 2013, the US Fulbright Senior Scholar Award in 2010, and the SME Jiri Tlusty Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award in 2003. With over 40 additional awards, he remains a leader in engineering education and research.

Research Focus

Dr. Fidan’s research focuses on advanced manufacturing, robotics, energy systems, and computational modeling, driving innovation in multiple engineering fields. His expertise spans additive manufacturing and 3D printing, where he pioneers smart materials and composite structures. In automation and robotics, he enhances efficiency in manufacturing processes. His work in material science and metamaterials explores functionally graded materials and nanotechnology applications. Leveraging machine learning in engineering, he develops AI-driven solutions for HVAC and heat pump systems. His contributions to sustainable energy systems involve alternative energy applications and energy-efficient designs. Additionally, his research in computational optimization applies simulated annealing and genetic algorithms to improve drilling processes. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, Dr. Fidan has produced high-impact publications in top-tier journals, contributing to significant advancements in manufacturing, automation, and smart materials.

Publication Top Notes

1️⃣ Optimum Cutting Parameters for CFRP Composites – Processes (2024) 📖
2️⃣ Functionally Graded Metamaterials: Fabrication & Modeling – (2024) 🏗️
3️⃣ Energy Efficiency in HVAC Systems Using AI – (2023) ❄️
4️⃣ Advancements in 3D-Printed Smart Materials – (2023) 🏭
5️⃣ Machine Learning in Additive Manufacturing – (2023) 🤖
6️⃣ Simulation of Zero-Energy Buildings – (2022) 🏡
7️⃣ AI-Based Predictive Maintenance for Heat Pumps – (2022) 🔥