Odey Alshboul | Construction management | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr Odey Alshboul | Construction management | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr, THE HASHEMITE UNIVERSITY, Jordan

Dr. Odey AlShboul is an Associate Professor and Department Head of Civil Engineering at The Hashemite University, Jordan. With a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Central Florida (2019), he has extensive academic and professional experience in construction engineering and management. Dr. AlShboul’s career spans various academic roles, including research and teaching assistant positions at international universities. He is dedicated to enhancing the civil engineering field through leadership in education, research, and industry collaborations.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award

  1. Strong Educational Background: Dr. Odey AlShboul has a robust academic foundation, holding a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering with a focus on Construction Engineering and Management from the University of Central Florida, alongside multiple relevant master’s degrees from prestigious institutions. This background positions him well for research and teaching excellence.
  2. Leadership and Management Experience: Dr. AlShboul is currently serving as the Civil Engineering Department Head at The Hashemite University, Jordan. His responsibilities include strategic direction, faculty management, ABET accreditation, and curriculum development. This leadership experience demonstrates his ability to guide academic and research teams, further enhancing his qualifications for a research-focused award.
  3. Research Excellence: Dr. AlShboul has made significant contributions to the field, with several influential publications in journals such as Automation in Construction, Sustainability, and Construction and Building Materials. His work in machine learning applications for construction management, geopolymer concrete, and risk assessment in construction is groundbreaking. His published works are highly cited, with contributions to both theory and practical applications in construction engineering.
  4. Innovative Use of Technology: His focus on machine learning, artificial intelligence, and predictive models for construction management and structural performance is notable. Dr. AlShboul’s work in applying these technologies to construction conflicts, cost prediction, and construction equipment residual value is a testament to his innovative approach.
  5. Collaboration and Networking: He has demonstrated his ability to establish research collaborations with various institutions and industry partners, enhancing his research output and the impact of his work.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broadening Interdisciplinary Collaboration: While Dr. AlShboul has a strong foundation in civil engineering, particularly in construction management and machine learning, there is potential to expand his research into more interdisciplinary fields, such as sustainability, environmental impact, or smart infrastructure. This could further diversify the scope and reach of his work.
  2. Grant Acquisition and Funding: Although Dr. AlShboul has experience managing departmental budgets and seeking funding, his record of securing research grants could be further enhanced. Increased focus on securing funding for innovative research could elevate his career and broaden the scope of his projects.
  3. Industry Application: While his research is highly valuable to academia, further emphasis on translating his findings into industry practices could further strengthen the practical impact of his work. Increased collaboration with industry partners and government agencies might allow for greater real-world application of his research.

Education

Dr. AlShboul holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering (Construction Engineering and Management) from the University of Central Florida (2019). He also earned two M.S. degrees, one in Civil Engineering (Construction Engineering and Management) from the University of Central Florida (2018), and another in Civil Engineering (Structural) from Jordan University of Science and Technology (2014). His undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering is also from Jordan University of Science and Technology, obtained in 2012.

Experience

Dr. AlShboul’s professional experience includes roles as a Site Engineer and Assistant Project Manager in Jordan, where he managed project planning, budgeting, and scheduling. In academia, he has served as a teaching assistant, lecturer, and researcher in various prestigious institutions. At The Hashemite University, he is the Department Head, overseeing strategic direction, curriculum development, faculty management, and accreditation. He also provides consulting services in construction engineering.

Awards and Honors

Dr. AlShboul has received recognition for his significant contributions to construction engineering research, particularly in machine learning applications for construction management. His work has been cited extensively in academic journals. Additionally, his contributions to teaching, mentoring, and curriculum development have earned him awards and honors, highlighting his role as a thought leader in his field.

Research Focus

Dr. AlShboul’s research focuses on the intersection of construction engineering and machine learning, particularly in areas like construction equipment management, green building cost prediction, and structural optimization. He is deeply involved in using AI and data-driven approaches to enhance construction efficiency and sustainability. His recent studies explore forecasting residual values, predicting construction costs, and improving material performance.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Machine learning models for predicting the residual value of heavy construction equipment: An evaluation of modified decision tree, LightGBM, and XGBoost regression 📊
  2. Production of geopolymer concrete using natural pozzolan: A parametric study 🏗️
  3. Extreme gradient boosting-based machine learning approach for green building cost prediction 🌱
  4. Selection of heavy machinery for earthwork activities: A multi-objective optimization approach using a genetic algorithm 🛠️
  5. Risk assessment model for optimal gain–pain share ratio in target cost contract for construction projects ⚖️
  6. Evaluating the impact of external support on green building construction cost 🌍
  7. Deep and machine learning approaches for forecasting the residual value of heavy construction equipment: A management decision support model 📉
  8. Forecasting liquidated damages via machine learning-based modified regression models for highway construction projects 🛣️
  9. Prediction liquidated damages via ensemble machine learning model: Towards sustainable highway construction projects 🔮
  10. Machine learning algorithm for shear strength prediction of short links for steel buildings 🏗️

Conclusion

Dr. Odey AlShboul is an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award, based on his significant academic achievements, strong leadership, and impactful research contributions in construction engineering and management. His work demonstrates an innovative use of technology, particularly in machine learning, which sets him apart from many other researchers in the field. By focusing on expanding interdisciplinary collaborations and securing more industry partnerships, Dr. AlShboul could further amplify the practical significance and global reach of his work. With his proven track record and ongoing contributions to advancing construction technology, he is well-deserving of recognition through such an award.

Florindo Gaspar | Civil Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Florindo Gaspar | Civil Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Professor, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Portugal

🌍 Florindo Gaspar is a Professor at the Civil Engineering Department, School of Technology and Management (Polytechnic Institute of Leiria – IPLeiria). With a strong academic and professional background, he is also a researcher at the Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Product Development (CDRsp). His work is dedicated to wood and masonry structures, as well as innovative building processes, making substantial contributions to the field of Civil Engineering.

Publication Profile

Strengths for the Award:

Florindo Gaspar is highly suitable for the Research for Best Researcher Award due to several key strengths:

  • Diverse Research Portfolio: His work spans various areas including sustainable construction materials, rehabilitation of wood and masonry structures, and 3D printing technologies. This demonstrates versatility and relevance to modern civil engineering challenges.
  • Extensive Publication Record: With over 122 works, including journal articles and patents, his research impact is broad, covering material science, sustainable construction, and additive manufacturing. Recent publications in prestigious journals like Construction and Building Materials and Sustainability reinforce his scientific authority.
  • Research Leadership: He has been involved in various large-scale, international projects, such as Forest for the Future and CircularSeas, showcasing his capability to lead and contribute to high-impact research initiatives.
  • Innovative Contributions: His research in developing sustainable materials (e.g., thermal insulation from natural fibers and geopolymer mortars) directly contributes to eco-friendly construction practices, which are critical in today’s environmental context.
  • Active Collaborations and Funding: He has secured significant research funding from national and international agencies, reflecting his ability to attract resources to advance his research.

Areas for Improvement:

  • International Visibility: Although he has been involved in notable European projects, further collaborations or leadership roles in international, cross-disciplinary consortia could enhance his global presence.
  • Outreach and Industry Applications: While his consultancy work and practical projects show applied research, increasing engagement in public dissemination (through workshops, conferences, or industry white papers) would further highlight the societal impact of his work.

 

Education

🎓 Florindo holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering (2010) and a MSc in Construction (2006) from the Instituto Superior Técnico at the University of Lisbon. He completed his Graduation in Civil Engineering in 2000 from the University of Coimbra, and earlier obtained a Bachelor’s degree from the Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon in 1996.

Experience

🏗️ Florindo has been a Professor at IPLeiria since 2001, teaching subjects related to wood and masonry structures, building materials, and construction processes. He has also held roles as a Technical Manager at Gasmenfil, Project Designer, and Construction Supervisor in various firms, accumulating a wealth of hands-on industry experience.

Research Focus

🔬 His research focuses on the monitoring, rehabilitation, and conservation of wood and masonry structures, with a keen interest in sustainability and innovative construction techniques. He has supervised multiple MSc projects in these areas, contributing to practical advancements in civil engineering.

Awards and Honours

🏆 Florindo has been involved in numerous research and consultancy projects, securing funding from prestigious organizations like the European Social Fund and Agência Nacional de Inovação SA. His commitment to advancing civil engineering is recognized in the various contracts and projects he’s participated in.

Publication Top Notes

Rheology Assessment of Mortar Materials for Additive Manufacturing – Published in Current Materials Science, 2024. DOI: 10.2174/2666145417666230801093723

Thermal Insulation Materials Based on Eucalyptus Bark Fibres – Published in Construction and Building Materials, 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.138559

Optimization of Formulation Ratios of Geopolymer Mortar Based on Metakaolin and Biomass Fly Ash – Published in Construction and Building Materials, 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.134846

Recycling Ophthalmic Lens Wastewater in a Circular Economy Context: A Case Study with Microalgae Integration – Published in Materials, 2023. DOI: 10.3390/ma17010075

Comprehensive Design Methodology for 3D Printing Mortars – Published in Construction and Building Materials, 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.132804

Conclusion:

Florindo Gaspar’s robust academic and research profile, combined with his contributions to sustainable construction and innovation in civil engineering, makes him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. Expanding his global outreach and continuing his innovative work in sustainable materials will only enhance his standing in the research community.

Ahmed Manni – Construction – Best Researcher Award

Ahmed Manni - Construction - Best Researcher Award

University Hassan II of Casablanca - Morocco

AUTHOR PROFILE

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

AHMED MANNI: EXPERT IN MATERIALS SCIENCES AND CHEMISTRY 🧪

EDUCATION AND ACADEMIC JOURNEY 📚

Ahmed Manni, a distinguished researcher in Materials Sciences, earned his Doctorate in Chemistry with a focus on Research & Development from Hassan II University, Morocco, in 2021. His doctoral research contributed significantly to the valorization of geomaterials from the Moroccan Rif, particularly in ceramics, refractory materials, membranes, and composites. Manni's academic journey also includes a Master’s degree in Materials Engineering from the same institution, where he explored the stability of ceramic tiles. His foundational education began with a Bachelor's degree in Material Science, Chemistry, and a Baccalaureate in Experimental Sciences.

TEACHING AND ACADEMIC CONTRIBUTIONS 🎓

Ahmed has actively contributed to academia as a part-time teacher at the Ain Chock Faculty of Sciences and Ben M’sik Faculty of Sciences in Casablanca. He has taught courses in crystallography, crystallochemistry, cement chemistry, electrochemistry, and practical work modules in glass and ceramics. His dedication to education extends to supervising Master’s dissertations in Materials and Energy Engineering, showcasing his commitment to nurturing future scientists.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN MATERIALS SCIENCES 🔬

Ahmed's research interests are deeply rooted in the synthesis and characterization of refractory ceramics, ceramic membranes, and biosourced composites. He has pioneered the development of low-cost ultrafiltration and microfiltration membranes for industrial wastewater treatment and seawater desalination. His innovative approach uses natural materials like lizardite and Moroccan pyroclast, emphasizing sustainable and cost-effective solutions.

SCIENTIFIC ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNITY SERVICE 🌍

Ahmed is an active participant in the scientific community, serving on review committees for journals indexed in Scopus, such as the Iranian Journal of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Sciendo. He has moderated sessions and been a committee member for the African Science Week and various workshops on renewable energy and smart grids. His contributions to scientific events highlight his leadership and dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and collaboration.

INDUSTRIAL COLLABORATIONS AND INTERNSHIPS 🏭

During his academic career, Ahmed gained valuable industry experience through internships, such as his role at Cristal Cérame Company in Berrechid, Morocco. There, he focused on the reformulation of constituents in ceramic tile production, bridging the gap between academic research and practical industrial applications.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS 🏅

Ahmed’s excellence in academia and research has been recognized through various awards and honors. His proactive involvement in scientific activities and his contributions to the field of materials science have earned him a reputation as a dedicated and innovative researcher.

FUTURE PERSPECTIVES AND IMPACT 🚀

Ahmed Manni aims to continue his groundbreaking research in materials sciences, focusing on developing sustainable solutions for industrial and environmental challenges. His future projects include advancing the technology of ceramic membranes and exploring new applications for Moroccan geomaterials in various industrial sectors. Ahmed’s work promises to make significant contributions to the fields of chemistry and materials engineering, paving the way for new innovations and sustainable practices.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Effect of Zr-glass fibers waste on the mechanical, structural, and durability of eco-friendly geopolymers based on natural pozzolan: A Box-Behnken design approach 2024

A Sensitive Electrochemical Sensor Using a Dolomite-Graphite Composite for the Simultaneous Detection of Pb2+ and Cd2 2023 (1)

Mineralogical and physico-chemical characterization of bentonite materials from the Oued Zemmour area (Oriental Rif, Nador-Morocco): valorization in ceramic field 2023 (5)

Akermanite-based ceramics from Moroccan dolomite and perlite: Characterization and in vitro bioactivity assessment 2022 (8)

Elaboration of a high mechanical performance refractory from halloysite and recycled alumina 2020 (1)