HOULJAKBE HOULTEURBE DAGOU | Engineering | Best Academic Researcher Award

Published on by Citation Awards

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

google scholar

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)

Ismail Fidan | Engineering | Innovative Research Award

Published on by Citation Awards

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

orcid

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) 🔥