Abhay Chavan | Emerging Technologies | Research Excellence Award

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Mr. Abhay Chavan | Emerging Technologies | Research Excellence Award

University of Oklahoma, United States

Abhay Chavan is a researcher and educator specializing in construction science, modular construction, sustainability, and digital technologies in the built environment. His academic and professional work integrates architecture, offsite construction, lean construction practices, and immersive technologies such as virtual reality for educational and industry applications. He has contributed to teaching construction management and architectural design courses while actively engaging in research related to workflow optimization, energy-efficient construction, and industrialized building systems. His publications, research grants, and scholarly presentations demonstrate a strong commitment to innovation in construction education and sustainable project delivery within the architecture and construction sectors.

Professional Profile 

Education

Abhay Chavan is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Planning, Design, and Construction at the University of Oklahoma. His doctoral research focuses on modularity and offsite construction, with an emphasis on improving efficiency and innovation in industrialized construction systems. He also earned a Master of Building Construction from Auburn University, where his graduate work addressed infection control during hospital renovation projects. Earlier, he completed a Bachelor of Architecture from Shivaji University, developing a strong foundation in architectural design, sustainability, and built environment planning. His academic background reflects a multidisciplinary integration of architecture, construction management, sustainability, and emerging construction technologies.

Professional Experience

Abhay Chavan has built substantial academic and industry experience in construction science, architecture, sustainability consulting, and educational innovation. He has served as an Instructor of Record at the University of Oklahoma, teaching courses related to construction technology, construction documents, and design fundamentals. His teaching approach integrates digital tools such as Procore, Bluebeam, Revit, Autodesk Construction Cloud, and virtual learning systems to enhance practical learning outcomes. He also contributed as a Teaching Assistant in graduate research methodology, field surveying, and project controls courses. Prior to his academic roles in the United States, he worked as an Assistant Professor at Vishwakarma University, where he taught architectural design studios, sustainability, and architectural graphics while mentoring student research and innovation projects. In industry, he gained expertise in modular construction systems during his internship at Volumod Modular Solutions, contributing to LEED certification processes, production optimization, and waste reduction strategies. He also worked with dbHMS Consultants as an Energy Modeler and Project Manager, focusing on energy simulation, green building certifications, and sustainable design strategies for large-scale projects. His experience combines research-driven thinking with practical implementation in architecture and construction.

Research Interest

Abhay Chavan’s research interests are focused on modular and offsite construction, lean construction practices, sustainable building systems, immersive technologies in education, and digital transformation in the built environment. His doctoral research explores how modularity can improve productivity, efficiency, and scalability in offsite construction systems. He has also conducted significant research on the application of virtual reality in architecture and construction education, examining how immersive technologies can enhance learning, visualization, and student engagement. Additional research areas include value stream mapping, workflow optimization, energy-efficient construction, and sustainability-driven project delivery. His published work demonstrates an interdisciplinary approach that connects construction management, educational technology, sustainability, and industrialized building methods.

Awards and Honors

Abhay Chavan has received multiple academic scholarships, research grants, and professional recognitions for his contributions to construction science and educational innovation. He was awarded the Klay Kimker Student Enrichment Scholarship and the Zee & Madge May Vincent Scholarship at the University of Oklahoma in recognition of his academic and research achievements. He also secured First Place in the Gibbs College of Architecture Graduate Student Showcase for his research presentation. His research initiatives have been further supported through competitive travel grants and a Program for Research Enhancement Grant focused on integrating virtual reality into construction and design education. In addition, his professional qualifications include OSHA-30 certification and registration with the Council of Architecture in India, reflecting his commitment to professional excellence and industry standards.

Publications Top Noted

  • General Contractor Knowledge of Infection Control Requirements on Hospital Renovation Construction Projects
    Authors:     W. Collins, P. Holley, A. Chavan, A. Sattineni
    Year: 2020
  • An Interdisciplinary Pilot Study and Prototype Development for the Containment of Concrete Washout Waste
    Authors:     P. Holley, E. Lynn, B. Bush, A. Chavan
    Year: 2019
  • Virtual Reality as a Supportive Tool for Design Education
    Authors:     A. Chavan, S. Ghosh
    Year: 2024
  • Role of Modularity in Adoption of Offsite Construction
    Authors:     A. Chavan, S. Ghosh
    Year: 2024
  • Optimizing Volumetric Offsite Construction Production Line by Utilization of Value Stream Mapping – A Case Study
    Authors:     A. Chavan, S. Langar, S. Ghosh
    Year: 2025
  • Use of Virtual Reality in Construction Education – USA Educators’ Perspectives
    Authors:     A. P. Chavan, S. Ghosh, T. McCuen
    Year: 2026
  • Use of Virtual Reality in Construction Higher Education in the US
    Authors:     A. Chavan, S. Ghosh, T. McCuen
    Year: 2024

Sonia Abdennadher | Emerging Technologies | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Sonia Abdennadher | Emerging Technologies | Research Excellence Award

The Higher Colleges of Technology | United Arab Emirates

Dr. Sonia Abdennadher, PhD, CMA, is an accomplished Associate Professor of Finance and Accounting at the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, and a tenured Associate Professor at the University of Rouen, France. With over two decades of academic and professional experience across Europe and the Middle East, she has established a strong international reputation in corporate governance, auditing, financial reporting, fintech adoption, and ESG practices. Dr. Abdennadher earned her PhD in Business Administration from Paris-Saclay University, where her doctoral research pioneered the study of technology intermediation in corporate governance, with a particular focus on Internet voting in shareholders’ general meetings. Her academic background is further strengthened by dual master’s degrees in Networks Management and Economics and International Finance, Trading, and Capital Markets, complemented by a solid undergraduate foundation in finance. At HCT, Dr. Abdennadher plays a key leadership role, serving as Chair of Promotion Committees, member of the Higher Faculty Promotion Committee, Applied Research Coordinator, and System Course Team Leader in Sustainable Finance. She has taught a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in finance, accounting, auditing, corporate governance, sustainable finance, and investment analysis, and has extensive experience in executive education and capstone research supervision. Her research portfolio includes numerous high-impact publications in leading Q1 journals such as Journal of Business Ethics, Finance Research Letters, Corporate Governance, Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, and International Journal of Finance & Economics. Her work bridges theory and practice by examining blockchain, artificial intelligence, fintech, and ESG measurement within financial markets and governance systems, particularly in the UAE and MENA region. Dr. Abdennadher has successfully led and co-led multiple competitive research grants exceeding AED 600,000, and actively collaborates with regulators, stock exchanges, and Big Four audit firms. Through her scholarship, leadership, and policy-relevant research, she continues to contribute significantly to the modernization of corporate governance and sustainable finance globally.

 

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View Scopus Profile

Featured Publications


The Effects of Blockchain Technology on the Accounting and Assurance Profession in the UAE: An Exploratory Study


– Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting, Vol. 20(1), pp. 53–71, 2022

Corporate Social Responsibility Antecedents and Practices as a Path to Enhance Organizational Performance: Evidence from SMEs


– Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, Vol. 28(6), pp. 1647–1663, 2021

The Effectiveness of E-Corporate Governance: An Exploratory Study of Internet Voting at Shareholders’ Annual Meetings in France


– Corporate Governance: The International Journal of Business in Society, Vol. 20(4), 2020

Shadi Shayan | Emerging Technologies | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Shadi Shayan | Emerging Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Shadi Shayan | Adelaide University | Australia

Dr. Shadi Shayan’s research lies at the intersection of project management, smart technologies, and social sustainability, focusing on how large-scale urban innovation programs can effectively manage social risks and deliver equitable outcomes. His scholarly work explores the dynamic relationships between technological transformation, social response, and governance frameworks in smart city development. By integrating change management models with risk management processes, Dr. Shayan has developed innovative frameworks that address the socio-demographic dimensions of smart city transitions—bridging theory, practice, and policy. His doctoral research, “Integrating change models and risk management processes: A framework to manage social risks in smart city programs”, provides a comprehensive model for mitigating community resistance and fostering inclusive participation in technologically driven urban initiatives. Dr. Shayan’s publications in leading journals such as Smart Cities, Sustainable Cities and Society, and International Journal of Construction Management advance understanding of how social factors, demographic variables, and stakeholder perceptions influence the success of smart city and infrastructure projects. A consistent theme in his research is the application of systems thinking and socio-technical analysis to enhance decision-making in project and program management. He also examines the evolving roles of professionals, including engineers and quantity surveyors, in adapting to emerging technological and societal challenges. Dr. Shayan’s work has significant implications for both academia and industry. It informs policy frameworks for smart urban governance, supports organizational strategies for managing social risk, and contributes to sustainable and resilient infrastructure planning. Through interdisciplinary collaborations and active engagement with the Smart Cities Council Australia New Zealand, he connects research with real-world impact—helping shape cities that are not only technologically advanced but also socially responsible and inclusive.

Profiles: Google Scholar | LinkedIn

Featured Publications 

Shayan, S., & Kim, K. P. (2025). Social responses and change management strategies in smart city transitions: A socio-demographic perspective. Smart Cities, 8(6), 188. https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities8060188

Shayan, S., & Kim, K. P. (2023). Understanding correlations between social risks and sociodemographic factors in smart city development. Sustainable Cities and Society, 89, 104320. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2022.104320

Shayan, S., & Kim, K. P. (2022). A conceptual framework to manage social risks for smart city development programs. In Resilient and responsible smart cities (pp. 77–86). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-98423-6_6

Shayan, S., Kim, K. P., Ma, T., & Nguyen, T. H. D. (2020). The first two decades of smart city research from a risk perspective. Sustainability, 12(21), 9280. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12219280

Shayan, S., & Kim, K. P., & Tam, V. (2019). Critical success factor analysis for effective risk management at the execution stage of a construction project. International Journal of Construction Management, 22(3), 379–386. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2019.1624678

Uzair Ishtiaq | Industry Collaboration | Best Industrial Research Award

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Mr. Uzair Ishtiaq | Industry Collaboration | Best Industrial Research Award

Mr. Uzair Ishtiaq | Paktex Industries | Pakistan

Mr. Uzair Ishtiaq is a dedicated biochemist with hands-on experience in enzyme bioproduction, microbial testing, and quality control processes within the medical devices industry. With expertise in QC analysis, sterilization monitoring, and tender management, he has developed strong problem-solving and team collaboration skills. His background reflects adaptability, technical proficiency, and a commitment to maintaining high-quality standards in both laboratory and industrial settings.

Academic Profile 

Orcid | Scopus

Education

Uzair Ishtiaq has pursued a strong academic foundation in the field of life sciences, beginning with a focus on pre-medical studies at Punjab College Kamoke. He later enrolled in the University of Management and Technology Lahore, initially in the BS Forensic Sciences program. Due to program restructuring, he transitioned into the BS Biochemistry program, where he completed his undergraduate studies. This academic background provided him with a solid understanding of biochemistry, microbiology, enzymology, and laboratory practices, shaping the basis for his later professional and research pursuits.

Experience

Uzair gained practical industry experience through his role as a QC Analyst at Paktex Industries Kamoke. His responsibilities included analysis of raw materials, in-process monitoring, and finished product testing for medical devices. He played a crucial role in sterility testing, microbial analysis, and monitoring the ethylene oxide sterilization process along with its biological indicators. In addition to laboratory duties, he was also actively involved in tender management, including the preparation of technical and financial bids, evaluating submissions, and addressing grievances in official meetings. His exposure to both scientific and administrative tasks demonstrates his versatility and ability to adapt across laboratory and corporate settings.

Research Interests

Uzair’s research interests lie in the fields of industrial biotechnology, enzyme production, and microbial applications. His early work focused on the bioproduction of pectinase enzyme using rotten lemon and lemon peels with Aspergillus niger through fermentation techniques, reflecting his interest in waste-to-value approaches and sustainable biotechnology. He is also interested in microbial fermentation, quality assurance in bioprocesses, and applied microbiology in industrial and medical device production. These interests highlight his passion for bridging scientific innovation with practical industry needs.

Awards

Uzair has been recognized for his dedication and contribution in academic and professional environments. His consistent performance in quality control and tender management earned him appreciation for maintaining accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in a challenging industrial setting. His ability to balance technical laboratory work with administrative responsibilities reflects a commendable achievement that has set him apart as a reliable and skilled professional.

Publications

Potent antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of citric acid coated magnetite nanoparticles for leather preservation
Author: Amina Hayat; Asma Irshad; Uzair Ishtiaq; Qudsia Mushtaq; Alexis Spalletta; Patrick Martin; Rabbia Jawad; Tahira Batool
Journal: Scientific Reports
Year: 2025

Nature-Inspired Antimicrobial Agents: Cinnamon-Derived Copper Oxide Nanoparticles for Effective Aspergillus Niger Control
Author: Zunaira Iram; Asma Irshad; Alexis Spalletta; Rabbia Jawad; Qudsia Mushtaq; Nicolas Joly; Patrick Martin; Uzair Ishtiaq
Journal: Current Microbiology
Year: 2025

Determination of antibacterial and antioxidant potential of organic crude extracts from Malus domestica, Cinnamomum verum and Trachyspermum ammi
Author: Asma Irshad; Rabbia Jawad; Qudsia Mushtaq; Alexis Spalletta; Patrick Martin; Uzair Ishtiaq
Journal: Scientific Reports
Year: 2025

Amylase and Cellulase Production from Newly Isolated Bacillus subtilis Using Acid Treated Potato Peel Waste
Author: Qudsia Mushtaq; Uzair Ishtiaq; Nicolas Joly; J.I. Qazi; Patrick Martin
Journal: Microorganisms
Year: 2024

Bioengineering of glucan coated silver nanoparticles as dynamic biomedical compound; in vitro and in vivo studies
Author: Asma Irshad; Rabbia Jawad; S. Sharif; Nicolas Joly; Uzair Ishtiaq; Patrick Martin; Qudsia Mushtaq
Journal: Microbial Pathogenesis
Year: 2024

Conclusion

Uzair Ishtiaq’s journey reflects a unique balance of academic knowledge, industrial expertise, and research-driven innovation. His contributions to enzyme bioproduction, quality control in medical devices, and effective tender management highlight his ability to connect science with real-world applications. With continuous growth and a commitment to excellence, he emerges as a highly deserving and suitable candidate for the Best Industrial Research Award.