Abhay Chavan | Emerging Technologies | Research Excellence Award

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

Huan Wang | Smart Manufacturing | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Huan Wang | Smart Manufacturing | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Huan Wang | sun yat-sen university | China

Huan Wang is a dedicated researcher currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Sun Yat-sen University, building upon a strong academic foundation established during his master’s studies in aerospace engineering at the same institution. His research focuses on advancing sensor technology through innovative approaches in temperature compensation, fault diagnosis, and the reliability assessment of pressure scanners—key components in precision measurement and industrial instrumentation. Over the years, he has contributed significantly to national and industry-driven scientific efforts, including participation in one National Key R&D Program, one National Natural Science Foundation project, and three important commissioned projects involving electronic pressure scanning valves. His expertise extends to instrumentation and measurement consultancy, allowing him to bridge academic research with practical engineering applications. Dr. Wang’s scholarly output includes more than eight peer-reviewed research articles, several of which he authored as first author in highly regarded SCI-indexed journals such as Measurement, Measurement Science and Technology, Micromachines, Instrumentation Science and Technology, and Metrology and Measurement Systems. His research demonstrates a strong commitment to integrating intelligent optimization algorithms with sensor systems to improve accuracy, stability, and reliability in real-world applications. Alongside his research achievements, he is a professional member of AAAS and IEEE, showcasing his active engagement with the global scientific community. Through his interdisciplinary skills, academic rigor, and industry collaborations, Huan Wang continues to make meaningful contributions to the fields of sensor technology, advanced manufacturing, and applied measurement science. His growing body of work reflects not only technical depth but also a forward-looking approach aimed at enhancing next-generation intelligent measurement systems. With a strong commitment to innovation, integrity, and scientific excellence, he stands out as a promising researcher who significantly contributes to the advancement of engineering research and instrumentation technologies.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Wang, H., Chen, X., Xia, J., Zhao, H., & Maddaiah, P. N. (2026). Newton-Raphson-based optimizer combined with LSSVM: Temperature compensation applied to small-range electronic pressure scanners. Flow Measurement and Instrumentation. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.flowmeasinst.2025.103127

Wang, H., Chen, X., Xia, J., Liu, P., & Zhao, H. (2025). A novel model fusing ALA and integrated learning: Temperature compensation for 700 kPa pressure scanners. International Journal of Thermophysics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10765-025-03638-x

Wang, H. (2025). Hybrid mechanism and data driven approach for high-precision modeling of gas flow regulation systems of VFDR. Journal article. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40747-025-01899-5

Wang, H., Wu, T., Liu, P., Zou, Y., & Zeng, Q. (2025). Kernel extreme learning machine combined with gray wolf optimization for temperature compensation in pressure sensors. Metrology and Measurement Systems. https://doi.org/10.24425/mms.2025.152773

Wu, T., Wang, H., Huang, Z., & Maddaiah, P. N. (2025). Optimal tracking differentiator algorithm for accurate pressure scanner measurements. Instrumentation Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1080/10739149.2025.2556107

Liu, C., Wang, H., Zhu, H., Zhou, W., & Zhao, H. (2025). Optimized design of support points in solar panels based on thermal deformation analysis. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 3039(1), 012004. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/3039/1/012004

Sayed Abdul Majid Gilani | Emerging Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sayed Abdul Majid Gilani | Emerging Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sayed Abdul Majid Gilani | Birmingham City University | United Kingdom

Dr. Sayed Abdul Majid Gilani is an accomplished researcher in electrical and electronic engineering, specializing in embedded systems, automation, and control engineering. His multidisciplinary research integrates hardware design, sensor networks, and artificial intelligence to develop innovative and energy-efficient solutions for real-world challenges. With over a decade of experience in academia and applied research, Dr. Gilani has contributed significantly to the advancement of embedded control technologies, renewable energy optimization, and industrial automation systems. His work emphasizes intelligent system design, IoT-based automation, and the integration of machine learning algorithms for enhanced performance and sustainability. Dr. Gilani has published extensively in high-impact journals and presented at leading international conferences, reflecting his global engagement and scientific rigor. He has also supervised numerous research projects and guided students in developing practical applications of emerging technologies. His research outputs demonstrate a strong commitment to technological innovation that bridges the gap between theory and application. Recognized for his academic excellence and collaborative research initiatives, Dr. Gilani continues to advance cutting-edge developments that contribute to the evolution of smart, adaptive, and efficient engineering systems—making him a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | LinkedIn | Research Gate

Featured Publications 

Gilani, S. A. M., & Faccia, A. (2021). Broadband connectivity, government policies, and open innovation: The crucial IT infrastructure contribution in Scotland. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 8(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.3390/joitmc8010001

Gilani, S. A. M., Copiaco, A., Gernal, L., Yasin, N., Nair, G., & Anwar, I. (2023). Savior or distraction for survival: Examining the applicability of machine learning for rural family farms in the United Arab Emirates. Sustainability, 15(4), 3720. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043720

Gilani, S., Gernal, L., Tantry, A., Yasin, N., & Sergio, R. (2022). Leadership styles adopted by Scottish micro-businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Business and Technology (pp. 144–156). Springer.

Al Jaghoub, J., Suleiman, A., Takshe, A. A., Moussa, S., Gilani, S. A. M., Sheikh, S., & others. (2024). The role of innovation in waste management for enterprises: A critical review of the worldwide literature. In Technology-Driven Business Innovation (pp. 453–464). Springer.

Gernal, L., Tantry, A., Gilani, S. A. M., & Peel, R. (2024). The impact of online learning and soft skills on college student satisfaction and course feedback. In Technology-Driven Business Innovation: Unleashing the Digital Advantage (pp. 42–54). Springer.

Gilani, S. A. M., Tantry, A., Askri, S., Gernal, L., & Sergio, R. (2023). Adoption of machine learning by rural farms: A systematic review. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Computing and Informatics (pp. 324–335). Springer.

Shadi Shayan | Emerging Technologies | Best Researcher Award

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

Samia ZAOUI | AI Advancements | Women Researcher Award

Mrs. Samia ZAOUI | AI Advancements | Women Researcher Award

Mrs. Samia ZAOUI | Mohammed VI Foundation of Health and Sciences | Morocco

Dr. Samia Zaoui, based in Rabat, Morocco, is a multidisciplinary researcher and project leader bridging artificial intelligence, aeronautics, and healthcare systems innovation. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Computer Science Engineering (AI & Aeronautics) at the Higher Institute of Aeronautics and Space (ISAE-SUPAERO) and INP Toulouse, France. Her research focuses on the application of AI technologies for supply chain resilience, predictive modeling, and sustainable industrial systems, with a strong emphasis on pharmaceutical and healthcare logistics. Dr. Zaoui has an extensive background in strategic project development, digital transformation, and industrial management, having held leadership roles at the Mohammed VI Foundation of Health and Sciences and the Cheikh Zaid Foundation. She has spearheaded projects in sports medicine innovation, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and medical technology transfer, fostering collaborations with international organizations such as WHO, LCIF, and Smile Train. Her scientific contributions include several peer-reviewed publications in international journals, such as the Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management and Production Planning & Control, covering topics like AI-driven supply chain viability, sustainability in Industry 5.0, and pharmaceutical risk prediction using machine learning. Dr. Zaoui’s research integrates AI-based decision systems with aeronautical and industrial engineering principles, contributing to global efforts in intelligent, resilient, and sustainable supply networks. She also actively participates in international technology exhibitions and collaborative industrial initiatives across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Zaoui, S., Foguem, C., Tchuente, D., Fosso-Wamba, S., & Kamsu-Foguem, B. (2023). The viability of supply chains with interpretable learning systems: The case of COVID-19 vaccine deliveries. Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, 24(4), 633–657. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40171-023-00357-w

Zaoui, S., Foguem, C., Tchuente, D., & Kamsu-Foguem, B. (2025). The application of artificial intelligence technologies in the resilience and the viability of supply chains: A systematic literature review. Production Planning & Control, 1–18.

Zaoui, H., Zaoui, S., Kamsu-Foguem, B., & Tchuente, D. (2024). Sustainability: The main pillar of Industry 5.0. Oklahoma International Publishing (OkIP) Books. https://doi.org/10.55432/978-1-6692-0007-9_13

StEER – Structural Engineering Extreme Event Reconnaissance. (2024). Hualien City, Taiwan Earthquake: Preliminary Virtual Reconnaissance Report (PVRR). https://doi.org/10.17603/ds2-0d2z-9682

Zahra Amini | Emerging Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Zahra Amini | Emerging Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Zahra Amini | Sharif University of Technology | Iran

Dr. Zahra Amini is an Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering at Sharif University of Technology, specializing in intelligent transportation systems, sustainable mobility, and operations research for urban traffic management. She earned her Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and has led impactful projects in Iran and the U.S., ranging from corridor management to urban traffic resilience. With several high-impact publications, awards, and ongoing research on data-driven and machine learning approaches to transportation systems, she is recognized for advancing reliable, sustainable, and intelligent urban mobility solutions.

Academic Profile 

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Zahra Amini completed her higher education in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, where she advanced her expertise in transportation systems and sustainable infrastructure. Alongside her major studies, she pursued minors in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, and City and Regional Planning, which provided her with a strong interdisciplinary foundation. Her doctoral thesis focused on data-driven approaches for developing robust signal plans in urban transportation networks, reflecting her commitment to integrating advanced analytical methods with practical engineering challenges. This academic background equipped her with the technical knowledge and research skills that now define her scholarly and professional contributions.

Professional Experience

Dr. Amini serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at Sharif University of Technology, where she teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses. Her teaching portfolio includes systems engineering, traffic engineering, and advanced transportation analysis, complemented by the design of a specialized course in Intelligent Transportation Systems. In addition to her academic role, she manages several research and development projects aimed at improving urban transportation and logistics planning. She has also gained international experience through her work at California Partners for Advanced Transportation Technology, contributing to projects focused on corridor management and traffic system optimization.

Research Interests

Dr. Amini’s research is centered on intelligent transportation systems, sustainable mobility solutions, and operations research applications in transportation system design. She focuses on integrating data-driven and machine learning methods to analyze and improve urban traffic flow, evaluate network resilience, and design reliable transport strategies. Her work also explores the operational sustainability of urban traffic networks and the role of intelligent systems in shaping resilient cities. By bridging theoretical models with applied research, she contributes innovative solutions to the pressing challenges of modern transportation.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Amini has received recognition for her teaching and research contributions through multiple awards. She has been honored for designing innovative courses in Intelligent Transportation Systems and has secured research grants supporting the development of advanced mobility solutions. Her scholarly excellence has been acknowledged with distinctions such as best paper and best presentation awards at international conferences. Additionally, she has been awarded prestigious fellowships that supported her academic journey and research endeavors, reflecting her status as a promising leader in the field of transportation engineering.

Publications

Agent-Based Modeling for Sustainable Urban Passenger Vehicle Mobility: A Case of Tehran
Author: M.E. Doraki, A. Avami, M. Boroushaki, Z. Amini
Journal: Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment
Year: 2024

Optimizing offsets in signalized traffic networks: A case study
Author: Z. Amini, S. Coogan, C. Flores, A. Skabardonis, P. Varaiya
Journal: IEEE Conference on Control Technology and Applications (CCTA)
Year: 2018

The Impact of Network Indices Integration on Traffic Flow Imputation Accuracy: A Machine Learning Approach
Author:  S. Sabzekar, A. Roudbari, A. Dehghani, A. Safaeiestalkhzir, Z. Amini
Journal: IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems
Year: 2025

Using neural network for predicting hourly origin-destination matrices from trip data and environmental information
Author: E. Hassanzadeh, Z. Amini
Journal: Scientia Iranica
Year: 2024

Unsupervised learning for topological classification of transportation networks
Author: S. Sabzekar, M.R.V. Malakshah, Z. Amini
Journal: arXiv preprint
Year: 2023

Data-Driven Approaches for Robust Signal Plans in Urban Transportation Networks
Author: Z. Amini
Journal:  University of California, Berkeley (Thesis)
Year: 2018

Spatial network-wide traffic flow imputation with graph neural network
Author: S. Sabzekar, R. Bahmani, M. Ghasemi, Z. Amini
Journal:  International Journal of Intelligent Transportation Systems Research
Year: 2025

Analyzing the impacts of gasoline price change on nationwide trip demand and drivers’ behavior using regression discontinuity design
Author: S. Saeidi, Z. Amini
Journal: Scientia Iranica
Year: 2024

Conclusion

Dr. Zahra Amini’s distinguished academic background, impactful research in intelligent and sustainable transportation systems, and recognized leadership in advancing innovative solutions firmly establish her as an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her dedication to bridging research, education, and real-world applications makes her not only deserving of this recognition but also a valuable contributor to the global scientific community.