Yun Liu | Material Science | Research Excellence Award

Ms. Yun Liu | Material Science | Research Excellence Award 

Ms. Yun Liu | Beihua University | China

Yun Liu is a materials researcher affiliated with Beihua University, specializing in wood protection, wood anatomy, and weather-resistant material modification. With a strong academic foundation supported by a Master’s degree in Materials and Chemical Engineering, Yun Liu has developed expertise in material characterization, performance testing, and advanced analytical techniques used to evaluate structural, chemical, and aesthetic changes in lignocellulosic materials. A key contribution of Yun Liu’s work is the innovative investigation into the dynamic weathering behavior of heat-treated wood. This research integrates continuous monitoring of visual and structural degradation with in-depth chemical analysis, offering a holistic framework for understanding the durability of modified wood materials. By correlating changes in color, gloss, and surface properties with transformations in lignin, extractives, and microstructural features, the study provides essential insights into how heat treatment influences early-stage weathering. Importantly, the findings reveal that heat treatment adjusts the degradation pathways of lignin, contributing to enhanced color stability rather than merely slowing chemical deterioration. This mechanistic understanding supports the development of targeted modification strategies for improving the long-term service life and aesthetic performance of outdoor wood products. Yun Liu has published as first author in the journal Polymers, where the study on dynamic weathering of heat-treated Chinese fir highlights the scientific and practical relevance of this research. This work establishes a foundation for future advancements in sustainable wood protection technologies and environmentally conscious material engineering. Committed to academic integrity and professional growth, Yun Liu maintains active research links through recognized scholarly platforms and contributes to the broader scientific community through collaboration and knowledge dissemination. With a focus on innovation, material durability, and eco-friendly wood modification, Yun Liu aims to advance high-impact research aligned with the standards of the Research Excellence Award category.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Liu, Y., Gao, C., Wang, Q., Hadili, B., Miao, Y., Cui, X., & Matsumura, J. (2025). Dynamic weathering behavior of heat-treated Chinese fir: Surface properties, chemical composition, and microstructure. Polymers, 17(23), 3143. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17233143

Dr. Sacha Cavelier | Material Science | Best Researcher Award | 2625

Dr. Sacha Cavelier | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sacha Cavelier | Queensland University of Technology | Austria

Dr. Sacha Cavelier is a mechanical engineer and postdoctoral researcher at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), specializing in advanced biomaterials, bone tissue engineering, and biomechanical characterization. Graduating as a biomedical-focused engineer from the École des Mines de Saint-Étienne (France), he advanced his research career through a Master’s and PhD in Mechanical Engineering at McGill University (Canada). His doctoral work introduced innovative strategies for next-generation bone graft materials, including multilayered titanium–calcium sulfate composites with superior strength, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, and led to multiple high-impact publications and patents. With more than seven years dedicated to developing ceramic-titanium bone graft composites, Dr. Cavelier has become a recognized expert in toughened biomaterials and bone regeneration. He further expanded his expertise during his postdoctoral fellowship at Ohio University, where he developed mineralized collagen scaffolds, supervised graduate students, and contributed to grant writing. At the University of Adelaide, he served as a visiting researcher, investigating the mechanical properties of human dura mater and pericranium. Currently at QUT’s ARC Centre for Cell & Tissue Engineering Technologies, Dr. Cavelier leads research on cartilage characterization, antibacterial coatings, and intramedullary implant technologies, including in vivo efficacy studies. He supervises PhD students, contributes to collaborative research programs, and continues to publish in leading journals such as Advanced Materials, Nanomaterials, Bioactive Materials, and Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials. Dr. Cavelier’s technical skillset spans additive manufacturing, finite-element modeling, biochemistry, mechanical testing, microscopy, and high-precision fabrication.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Yu, L., Cavelier, S., Hannon, B., & Wei, M. (2023). Recent development in multizonal scaffolds for osteochondral regeneration. Bioactive Materials, 25, 122–159.

Cavelier, S., Dastjerdi, A. K., McKee, M. D., & Barthelat, F. (2018). Bone toughness at the molecular scale: A model for fracture toughness using crosslinked osteopontin on synthetic and biogenic mineral substrates. Bone, 110, 304–311.

Cavelier, S., Mirmohammadi, S. A., & Barthelat, F. (2021). Titanium mesh-reinforced calcium sulfate for structural bone grafts. Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 118, 104461.

Cavelier, S., Quarrington, R. D., & Jones, C. F. (2022). Mechanical properties of porcine spinal dura mater and pericranium. Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 126, 105056.

Cavelier, S., Quarrington, R. D., & Jones, C. F. (2022). Tensile properties of human spinal dura mater and pericranium. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine, 34(1), Article 4.

Cavelier, S., Tanzer, M., & Barthelat, F. (2020). Maximizing the strength of calcium sulfate for structural bone grafts. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A, 108(4), 963–971.

Noboru Konda | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Noboru Konda | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Noboru Konda | Ryukoku University | Japan

Prof. Noboru Konda is a distinguished materials science expert whose career spans academia, advanced engineering, and applied industrial research. Trained at Kyoto University and later awarded a doctorate from Osaka University, he established a strong foundation in metallurgical engineering early in his career. His professional journey began in the steel industry, where he contributed to the structural assessment and performance evaluation of thick steel plates. This experience deepened his understanding of material behavior under demanding conditions and guided his ongoing commitment to developing stronger and more reliable materials. Prof. Konda has made significant contributions to the study of fatigue crack growth, particularly in base materials and welded joints. His work explores how materials behave in both normal and corrosive environments, and he has successfully identified structural characteristics that enhance durability and resistance to failure. His research approach combines experimental investigations with advanced evaluation techniques, offering valuable insights for industries that rely on the long-term stability of metals and other structural components. At Ryukoku University, Prof. Konda continues to expand his research by investigating the strength, soundness, and degradation mechanisms of a broad range of materials, including metals, resin composites, wood, and rubber. His interdisciplinary focus addresses real-world challenges encountered in manufacturing, infrastructure, and product development. Beyond research, he actively mentors students, engages in collaborative projects, and contributes to the academic community through publications, expert reviews, and knowledge-sharing activities. His academic and industrial background allows him to bridge scientific innovation with practical application. With a career dedicated to understanding and improving material performance, Prof. Konda remains committed to advancing safe, efficient, and reliable engineering solutions. His work continues to support scientific progress, industrial development, and the broader field of materials engineering.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Konda, N., & Kayamori, Y. (2025). Fatigue properties of welded structural steels initiated from long-term corroded surfaces. Solid State Phenomena, Trans Tech Publications

Konda, N., Mori, M., Shindoh, Y., & Kitamura, T. (2025). Fatigue strength evaluation of linear friction welded joints for S55C steel plates. Welding International. Taylor & Francis.

Hadiel Zamzam | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hadiel Zamzam | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hadiel Zamzam | Suez University | Egypt

Dr. Hadiel Zamzam is a highly accomplished prosthodontist with a German educational foundation and American postdoctoral research experience. She currently serves as a Lecturer in Fixed Prosthodontics at Suez University and Misr International University (MIU), and as a Researcher at Egypt’s National Research Center (NRC). A meticulous clinician and innovative academic, Dr. Zamzam’s expertise spans fixed prosthodontics, esthetic rehabilitation, CAD/CAM restorative materials, and dental biomechanics. Their studies have been cited by 14 scientific documents, reflecting a growing impact within the dental research community. With an h-index of 1, the researcher’s work demonstrates an emerging academic influence supported by collaborative projects and experimental investigations on occlusal veneer durability, resin cement bonding, and surface treatment optimization. The publications showcase a strong integration of biomechanical analysis and material science, contributing to advancements in evidence-based restorative dentistry and digital dental technology.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Zamzam, H., Moussa, A., Zohdy, M., Morsi, T., Olivares, A., & Fok, A. (2025). Accelerated bruxism-simulating fatigue test of occlusal veneers. Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 157, 107243. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmbbm.2025.107243

Zamzam, H., Olivares, A., & Fok, A. (2021). Load capacity of occlusal veneers of different restorative CAD/CAM materials under lateral static loading. Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 115, 104290. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmbbm.2020.104290