Danladi Abdu | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Danladi Abdu | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Federal University of Transportation | Nigeria

Mr. Danladi Abdu is a distinguished civil engineering researcher whose work integrates artificial intelligence, data science, and structural engineering to advance the safety and performance of transportation infrastructures. His research focuses on the intelligent assessment and predictive modeling of structural behavior in railway and bridge systems using machine learning algorithms. Through his influential publications in reputable journals such as Structures and the Journal of Railway Science and Technology, Mr. Danladi Abdu has contributed significantly to the development of AI-based approaches for monitoring bridge pier settlements and predicting fire-induced steel beam deformations. His scholarly work bridges the gap between traditional structural analysis and modern computational intelligence, offering innovative methodologies for structural health monitoring and predictive maintenance. Mr. Danladi Abdu’s research interests encompass smart infrastructure systems, railway bridge engineering, machine learning applications in civil engineering, and sustainable design innovations. Recognized for his academic excellence and innovative mindset, he has received multiple awards, including the Class of 2023 Outstanding International Graduate Student Award from Central South University and the Aier Cup Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition Award. His contributions highlight a strong commitment to applying advanced technologies for solving complex engineering challenges, fostering safer, more efficient, and sustainable infrastructure systems. With an expanding research portfolio and a growing impact in structural and transportation engineering, Mr. Danladi Abdu continues to drive forward-thinking solutions that merge artificial intelligence with civil engineering principles to enhance infrastructure reliability and sustainability in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

  • Abdu, D. M., Shedamang, S., Jimoh, J., & Idris, A. (2025). Prediction of fire-induced steel beam deformation using machine learning algorithms. Journal of Railway Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrst.2025.10.001

  • Abdu, D. M., Guo, W., & Wang, Y. (2023). Assessment of railway bridge pier settlement based on train acceleration response using machine learning algorithms. Structures. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.istruc.2023.03.167

Morteza Esmaeili | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Morteza Esmaeili | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Iran University of Science and Technology | Iran

Dr. Morteza Esmaeili is a renowned academic, researcher, and innovator in the field of railway engineering. As a Professor and Director of the Department of Railway Track and Structures at the Iran University of Science and Technology, he has dedicated his career to advancing knowledge in railway geotechnics, dynamic behavior of tracks, and structural vibration analysis. His extensive expertise spans across ballasted and ballastless track systems, seismic design of underground structures, and advanced construction materials for railways. Through a blend of scientific rigor and practical application, Dr. Morteza Esmaeili has made significant contributions to both the academic community and the railway industry, earning international recognition as a leading authority in his discipline.

Professional Profile

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Education

Dr. Morteza Esmaeili began his academic journey with a strong foundation in civil engineering at the Iran University of Science and Technology, where he completed his undergraduate studies. His passion for geotechnics and structural mechanics led him to pursue advanced degrees at the University of Tehran, where he obtained both his Master’s and Doctoral qualifications in geotechnical engineering. This educational background provided him with the analytical and technical skills that have underpinned his research into soil-structure interaction, seismic responses, and railway infrastructure development. His academic path reflects a continuous commitment to deepening his expertise and applying it to the challenges of modern transportation systems.

Experience

Dr. Morteza Esmaeili has an extensive record of academic leadership and professional service. As a faculty member, he has taught a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including statics, structural analysis, reinforced and concrete structures, railway substructure engineering, soil mechanics, and advanced railway substructure systems. He has also guided doctoral-level research on wave propagation theory and finite element modeling. His experience extends to authorship of influential textbooks, development of patents for railway engineering innovations, and supervision of high-impact research projects. Beyond teaching, Prof. Esmaeili has served as reviewer and editorial board member for international journals, contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge and ensuring the quality of research published in leading outlets. His practical contributions include the design of innovative sleepers, ballast systems, and diagnostic devices for railway infrastructure, bridging academic theory with industrial application.

Research Interest

Dr. Morteza Esmaeili’s research interests are focused on the dynamic and vibrational behavior of railway tracks, the geotechnics of ballasted and ballastless systems, and the structural performance of underground constructions. He has worked extensively on modeling train-induced vibrations, analyzing seismic responses of railway structures, and proposing solutions to stabilize embankments and track foundations. His studies also cover advanced applications of asphalt and polymer materials in track design, development of high-performance sleepers, and innovative systems for diagnosing substructure failures. By integrating numerical modeling, experimental investigation, and field application, his research has continuously addressed real-world challenges in railway safety, durability, and efficiency, making a lasting impact on global railway engineering practices.

Awards

Dr. Morteza Esmaeili has been recognized nationally and internationally for his outstanding contributions to railway engineering and geotechnical research. His leadership in developing diagnostic tools, innovative track structures, and advanced construction methodologies highlights his role as a pioneer in bridging academic discovery with industrial application. His commitment to research excellence, teaching innovation, and international collaboration makes him a worthy recipient of the Best Researcher Award, reflecting not only his scholarly distinction but also the practical impact of his work on transportation systems and civil infrastructure.

Publications

Dr. Morteza Esmaeili has authored numerous high-impact journal papers, widely cited in the fields of railway dynamics, geotechnical engineering, and structural vibration analysis. Selected contributions include:

Title: Laboratory study on the effect of polypropylene fiber on durability, and physical and mechanical characteristic of concrete for application in sleepers
Published on: 2013
Citation: 347

Title: Experimental assessment of cyclic behavior of sand-fouled ballast mixed with tire derived aggregates
Published on: 2017
Citation: 127

Title: A numerical investigation on the lateral resistance of frictional sleepers in ballasted railway tracks
Published on: 2016
Citation: 116

Title: Influence of tire-derived aggregates on the properties of railway ballast material
Published on: 2017
Citation: 106

Title: Laboratory and field investigation of the effect of geogrid-reinforced ballast on railway track lateral resistance
Published on: 2017
Citation: 102

Title: Effect of combined carbonation and chloride ion ingress by an accelerated test method on microscopic and mechanical properties of concrete
Published on: 2014
Citation: 102

Title: Experimental comparison of the lateral resistance of tracks with steel slag ballast and limestone ballast materials
Published on: 2017
Citation: 100

Title: Experimental and numerical study of micropiles to reinforce high railway embankments
Published on: 2013
Citation: 92

Conclusion

Dr. Morteza Esmaeili stands as an exemplary researcher whose contributions to railway engineering and geotechnical science are both innovative and impactful. His extensive body of work reflects a balance of academic rigor, practical innovation, and international engagement. By addressing critical issues such as railway vibration, seismic safety, embankment stabilization, and advanced sleeper technologies, he has significantly advanced the field of transportation infrastructure. His leadership as a professor, author, patent-holder, and editor reinforces his position as a global authority in railway engineering. Dr. Morteza Esmaeili’s achievements make him a highly deserving nominee for the Best Researcher Award, honoring his dedication to advancing science and improving railway systems worldwide.

Umar Farooq | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Umar Farooq | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

National Formosa University | Taiwan

Mr. Umar Farooq, is a passionate and versatile Mechanical Engineer currently based at National Formosa University, Taiwan. With a dynamic portfolio spanning thermal analysis, CFD simulations, and innovative engineering design, he has rapidly gained recognition in both academic and industrial spheres. His multidimensional expertise and international exposure underscore his reputation as a forward-thinking researcher and technologist.

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Strengths for the Awards✨

Umar Farooq exemplifies excellence in applied research, particularly in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Heat Transfer, and Smart Manufacturing. With multiple international gold medals and special awards (e.g., American Invention Innovation Expo and Warsaw Invention Show), his contributions have already earned international recognition. His research spans impactful areas such as drug delivery, nanofluid heat transfer, and machine tool precision, showcasing both interdisciplinary knowledge and innovation.

As a first and corresponding author, he has published high-impact journal articles in top-tier publications such as Physics of Fluids, ACS Omega, Journal of Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics, and Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers — collectively cited by dozens of peer-reviewed articles. These works, coupled with his active role in scientific conferences and collaborations with international faculty, reflect a strong global research presence.

Moreover, his hands-on experience with diverse simulation tools (ANSYS, COMSOL, ABAQUS, DIGIMAT), and his role as a Research Assistant in HEC-funded and international projects, demonstrate his technical mastery and practical impact.

🎓 Education

Umar completed his M.Sc. in Mechanical and Computer-Aided Engineering from National Formosa University, Taiwan, His thesis focused on Thermal Modal Analysis for Thermal Response Prediction, showcasing his aptitude for thermal systems engineering. Earlier, he earned his B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from HITEC University, Taxila, where he worked on a stair lift project using rack & pinion systems for enhanced mobility.

💼 Experience

Umar has accumulated rich research and industry experience, including roles as a Research Assistant at NUST under Dr. Adnan Munir, CFD/FEA Expert at CFD Lab, and English Editing Assistant at National Formosa University. He has interned at renowned organizations like Toyota Motors and PTCL, and contributed to innovative projects in FitTech Co., Ltd., Taiwan. His extensive hands-on involvement in simulation and design tools has fueled a variety of cutting-edge projects and research.

🔍 Research Interests On Engineering

Umar’s research interests span Smart Manufacturing, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and Heat Transfer. He demonstrates proficiency in simulation tools like ANSYS, COMSOL, ABAQUS, SolidWorks, and MATLAB/Simulink. His interdisciplinary research connects theory to practical industrial applications—especially in the domain of thermal management and fluid mechanics.

🏆 Awards

Umar has earned several prestigious accolades, including:
Gold Medal at the American Invention Innovation Expo (USA) for an Environment Monitoring System (2024).
Gold Medal at the International Warsaw Invention Show (Poland).
Special Award from TISIAS, Canada, for innovation in environmental monitoring (2024).
3rd Place – Taiwan Industrial Development Agency Talent Rooting Program (2024).
Best Paper Award – 2024 IEEE 6th Eurasia Conference on IoT, Communication & Engineering for a paper on Thermal Modal Analysis.

📚 Publications

  • CFD analysis of hybrid nanofluid-based microchannel heat sink for electronic chips cooling: applications in nano-energy thermal devices
    Authors: YM Chu, U Farooq, NK Mishra, Z Ahmad, F Zulfiqar, S Yasmin, SA Khan
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 38

  • Thermal transport analysis of six circular microchannel heat sink using nanofluid
    Authors: H Waqas, SA Khan, U Farooq, T Muhammad, A Alshehri, S Yasmin
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 26

  • Computational analysis of natural convection with water based nanofluid in a square cavity with partially active side walls: applications to thermal storage
    Authors: SA Khan, S Yasmin, M Imran, T Muhammad, A Alhushaybari, U Farooq, …
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 17

  • Parametric effects on the mixing efficiency of resonant acoustic mixing technology for high-viscosity mixture: A numerical study
    Authors: IU Khan, R Guo, U Farooq, S Adhikari, H Zhou
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 17

  • Computational analysis of MHD MgO− water nanofluid flow inside hexagonal enclosure fitted with fins
    Authors: S Yasmin, SA Khan, N Fatima, M Imran, M Tahir, H Waqas, U Farooq, …
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 16

  • Breathing in danger: mapping microplastic migration in the human respiratory system
    Authors: HH Riaz, AH Lodhi, A Munir, M Zhao, U Farooq, M Qadri, MS Islam
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 13

  • Integrating numerical techniques and predictive diagnosis for precision enhancement in roller cam rotary table
    Authors: TC Chan, SC Wu, A Ullah, U Farooq, IH Wang, SL Chang
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 11

  • Recent progress in melting phenomenon for magnetized hybrid nanofluid flow over a stretching surface with temperature dependent viscosity: a comparative study
    Authors: SA Khan, H Waqas, T Muhammad, U Farooq, M Alghamdi
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 11

  • Application of heliox for optimized drug delivery through respiratory tract
    Authors: U Farooq, HH Riaz, A Munir, M Zhao, A Tariq, MS Islam
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 10

  • Improving machining accuracy of complex precision turning-milling machine tools
    Authors: TC Chan, JD Li, U Farooq, A Ullah
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 7

  • Estimation of heat transfer coefficient and friction factor with showering of aluminum nitride and alumina water based hybrid nanofluid in a tube with twisted tape insert
    Authors: W Chammam, U Farooq, M Sediqmal, H Waqas, S Yasmin, F Zulfiqar, …
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 7

🧾 Conclusion

Umar Farooq stands as a rising star in mechanical and thermal sciences, blending simulation mastery with a creative approach to complex engineering challenges. His record of international awards, high-impact publications, and collaborative research establishes him as an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With a futuristic mindset, cross-cultural experience, and unwavering dedication, Umar continues to contribute to the global scientific community.