Sidra Riaz | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Sidra Riaz | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Polytechnic of Bari | Italy

Sidra Riaz is a passionate researcher in Aerospace Engineering with a strong foundation in Physics and advanced numerical simulation. Currently based in Bari, Italy, she has cultivated a global academic profile through her PhD at Politecnico di Bari and a research stint at the University of Paris Nanterre, France. Her work primarily explores thermal behavior in composite materials, making valuable contributions to the aerospace and materials science communities.

Professional profile👤

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Awards✨

  • Strong Academic Background

    • PhD in Aerospace Engineering from Politecnico Di Bari, Italy with advanced research on thermal behavior in layered composites—a cutting-edge area with real-world aerospace applications.

    • Internationally trained with a solid foundation in Physics (Bachelor’s and MPhil), indicating interdisciplinary strength.

  • Research & Innovation

    • Published several high-quality papers in thermographic techniques and numerical modeling using advanced simulation tools like COMSOL and Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF).

    • Her work on composite defect analysis through Lock-in Thermography demonstrates originality and relevance to both academic and industrial applications.

  • International Exposure

    • Visiting Researcher at University of Paris Nanterre, France—showing collaboration across borders and involvement with high-end labs (LEME).

    • Attended and presented at over 10+ international conferences across Europe and Asia, proving her active engagement in global scientific communities.

  • Technical & Analytical Skills

    • Proficient in various modeling, simulation, and analysis tools: COMSOL, MATLAB, IRTA, MUL2, PATRAN, NASTRAN, OriginPro.

    • Demonstrates ability to model complex multi-layered composite materials, a skill crucial in aerospace and materials engineering.

  • Academic and Teaching Contributions

    • Prior experience as a Lecturer in Physics and Mechanics Lab supervision highlights her dedication to knowledge dissemination.

    • Supervised undergraduate projects, building a mentoring portfolio alongside her research.

🎓 Education

Sidra began her academic journey with a Bachelor’s in Physics from Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan (CGPA: 3.22/4.00), where she conducted a thesis on plasma properties. She pursued her Master of Philosophy in Physics at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (CGPA: 3.72/4.00), researching carbon nanotube synthesis using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. She then elevated her academic pursuit with a PhD in Aerospace Engineering (2021–2024) from Politecnico Di Bari, Italy. Her doctoral research, supervised by Prof. Umberto Galietti and Prof. Maria Cinefra, focused on dynamic thermal behavior in layered composites. She also worked as a Visiting Researcher at University of Paris Nanterre, under Prof. Michele D’Ottavio, contributing to the LEME Lab.

đź§Ş Experience

Sidra’s professional experience includes a teaching tenure as a Lecturer (2020–2021) at Informatics Group of Colleges & Polytechnic Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan, where she led physics labs and supervised undergraduate projects. Her PhD and international collaborations allowed her to master advanced simulation tools and thermographic techniques. She has participated in numerous workshops and conferences across Europe and the Middle East, showcasing her findings and enhancing her scientific outreach.

🔬 Research Interests On Engineering

Sidra’s core research interests lie in numerical modeling, COMSOL Multiphysics simulations, and thermographic techniques for defect detection in composite materials. Her expertise covers Lock-in Thermography, Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF), and COMSOL-based simulation of layered composites. Her work aims at enhancing non-destructive testing methods to improve aerospace safety and efficiency.

🏆 Awards & Achievements

  • 🎓 Awarded International PhD Scholarship in Aerospace Engineering at Politecnico Di Bari, Italy

  • 🌍 Selected as a Visiting Researcher at University of Paris Nanterre, France

  • 📚 Recipient of Punjab Benevolent Fund Scholarship during undergraduate studies

  • 🏅 Consistent scholarship awardee during intermediate education

📚 Publications

Sidra has authored impactful research publications in reputable journals and conferences. Her publications include:

1. Title: The Intelligent Transportation Systems with Advanced Technology of Sensor and Network

Authors: MT Riaz, SM Aaqib, S Ahmad, S Amin, H Ali, S Husnain, S Riaz
Publication Year: 2021
Citations: 21

2. Title: Investigation of Electrical Properties of Epoxy Resin Composite with the Surface Modification of SiOâ‚‚ Nanoparticles

Authors: MT Riaz, A Zaib, MZ Khan, S Riaz, S Ahmad, H Ali, MM Qureshi
Publication Year: 2021
Citations: 4

3. Title: Effect of Thermal Conductivities and Lay-up Sequence on Defect Detection in Composite Laminate Using Lock-in Thermography Test

Authors: S Riaz, Davide Palumbo, Umberto Galietti, Maria Cinefra
Publication Year: 2024

âś… Conclusion

Sidra Riaz exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated and innovative researcher. With a global academic footprint, a solid technical foundation, and a passion for problem-solving through simulation and thermography, she is an ideal candidate for a Best Researcher Award. Her contributions to aerospace materials and collaborative mindset make her a valuable asset to the scientific community.

Priyanka Salunkhe | Engineering | Women Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Priyanka Salunkhe | Engineering | Women Researcher Award

Terna Engineering college, Nerul, Navi Mumbai | India

Dr. Priyanka Vijay Salunkhe serves as the Head and Associate Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at Terna Engineering College, Nerul, Navi Mumbai. With a deep-rooted passion for structural engineering, she has dedicated her career to enhancing civil infrastructure through innovation and quality monitoring. Her expertise spans research, consultancy, and academic leadership, making significant contributions to engineering education and practice.

Professional profile👤

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Awards✨

  • Diverse Research Portfolio: Dr. Salunkhe has led projects involving advanced materials like Shape Memory Alloys and High-Strength Concrete, showcasing innovation in enhancing civil infrastructure performance and safety.
  • Industry Collaboration: Her involvement in multiple consultancy projects, structural audits, and construction quality monitoring demonstrates strong industry engagement and practical application of research.
  • Patent Achievements: Two patents, including one on water purification, highlight her ability to translate research into tangible innovations.
  • Publication Record: She has authored numerous papers in respected journals, including Springer publications, reflecting a consistent contribution to scientific literature.
  • Mentorship and Leadership: As Head & Associate Professor, she plays a key role in guiding students and leading her department, reflecting leadership and academic mentorship.

Education 🎓

Dr. Salunkhe holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, where her research focused on advancing construction materials and techniques to improve infrastructure resilience. Her academic journey reflects a strong commitment to integrating theoretical knowledge with practical applications.

Experience

Dr. Salunkhe has led numerous structural audits, consultancy projects, and quality monitoring initiatives across Maharashtra. Notable projects include construction quality monitoring for model school buildings, structural audits for military and municipal infrastructure, and proof-checking for bridges and buildings. She has been empaneled as a Structural Quality Monitor (SQM) with the Tribal Development Department and contributed to projects undertaken by IIT Bombay.

Research Interests On Engineering 🔬

Her research interests lie in structural health monitoring, shape memory alloys, high-strength concrete, and sustainable construction materials. She actively explores innovative solutions for enhancing infrastructure safety and performance under extreme conditions.

Awards 🏆

  • Recipient of a Minor Research Grant from Mumbai University (2017-18) for her work on iron-based shape memory alloys.
  • Recognized for her consultancy contributions in construction quality monitoring and structural auditing.

Publications đź“–

Dr. Salunkhe has an extensive publication record, with works featured in esteemed journals and international conferences. Notable publications include:

  • Title: Effect of replacement of natural sand by manufactured sand on the properties of cement mortar
    Authors: P Jadhav, D Kulkarni
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 102

  • Title: An Experimental Investigation on the Properties of Concrete Containing Manufactured Sand
    Authors: P Jadhav, D Kulkarni
    Year: 2012
    Citations: 67

  • Title: Free and forced vibration control of piezoelectric FGM plate subjected to electro-mechanical loading
    Authors: PA Jadhav, KM Bajoria
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 39

  • Title: Buckling of piezoelectric functionally graded plate subjected to electro-mechanical loading
    Authors: PA Jadhav, KM Bajoria
    Year: 2012
    Citations: 24

  • Title: Stability analysis of piezoelectric FGM plate subjected to electro-mechanical loading using finite element method
    Authors: P Jadhav, K Bajoria
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 13

  • Title: Optimization of seismic response of steel structure using negative stiffness damper
    Authors: PA Jadhav, SA Shaikh
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 9

  • Title: Role of manufactured sand on the strength properties of concrete
    Authors: D Kulkarni, P Jadhav
    Year: 2009
    Citations: 7

  • Title: Buckling of Simply Supported Piezoelectric FGM Plates Subjected to Electro-Mechanical loading using Higher-order Shear Deformation Theory
    Authors: KM Bajoria, PA Jadhav
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 4

  • Title: Stability analysis of functionally graded plate integrated with piezoelectric actuator and sensor subjected to electro-mechanical loading
    Authors: P Jadhav, K Bajoria
    Year: 2012
    Citations: 4

  • Title: A review on stability and vibration control of piezolaminated composite/FGM plate structures
    Authors: PA Jadhav, KM Bajoria
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 3

Conclusion đź”—

Dr. Priyanka Vijay Salunkhe’s work exemplifies a seamless blend of research, innovation, and practical application. Her contributions to civil engineering, particularly in structural health monitoring and sustainable construction, have earned her recognition in academia and industry alike. As she continues to push the boundaries of engineering knowledge, her work paves the way for safer, more resilient infrastructure.