Nikola Vavřínová | Low-carbon Wooden Building | Young Scientist Award

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Ms. Nikola Vavřínová | Low-carbon Wooden Building | Young Scientist Award

Academician at VSB-TU Ostrava, Czech Republic

Dr. Nikola Vavřínová, a dedicated academic and researcher in Civil Engineering, is highly eligible for the Young Scientist Award. At 32 years old, she has already made significant contributions to sustainable construction, particularly in the development and thermal analysis of composite materials and energy-efficient building systems. Her active role as academic staff at VSB – Technical University of Ostrava, along with leadership in multiple funded research projects, demonstrates her strong scientific potential. She has published extensively in international journals and presented at global conferences. In addition to research, she has shown excellence in teaching and mentoring students in both Czech and English. Her accolades, including awards from the dean and city scholarships, highlight her recognized achievements. With advanced technical skills and a growing international research presence, Dr. Vavřínová stands out as a promising young scientist whose work aligns with contemporary challenges in sustainable engineering. She is a deserving candidate for this prestigious award.

Professional Profile

Education🎓

Dr. Nikola Vavřínová has pursued a focused and progressive academic path in the field of Civil Engineering at VSB – Technical University of Ostrava. She began her higher education with a Bachelor’s degree (2012–2016) in Construction Preparation and Implementation, followed by a Master’s degree (2016–2018) in Industrial and Building Construction. She further advanced her expertise by completing a Ph.D. (2018–2024) in the Theory of Constructions, demonstrating a strong commitment to deepening her knowledge and research skills in structural engineering and sustainable building practices. Prior to her university education, she laid a solid foundation at the Secondary Technical School of Construction in Valašské Meziříčí (2008–2012), specializing in Civil Engineering. Her academic journey reflects both consistency and dedication to the built environment, enabling her to gain comprehensive knowledge from practical construction principles to advanced theoretical and research-based approaches. This educational background has well-equipped her for her current academic and research roles.

Professional Experience📝

Dr. Nikola Vavřínová has built a solid professional career centered on academia and practical experience in the construction industry. Since January 2021, she has served as academic staff at the Department of Building Construction, VSB – Technical University of Ostrava, where she is actively involved in teaching, supervising theses, and conducting research in sustainable construction and building technologies. Her role includes delivering lectures in both Czech and English, covering topics such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), building failures, industrial construction, and project design. Prior to this, from May 2016 to February 2018, she worked as a designer in the construction industry at the university’s Research Energy Center, where she gained hands-on experience in practical design and technical solutions. This combination of academic and industry experience has provided her with a well-rounded perspective, enabling her to contribute effectively to both educational and research advancements in civil engineering and energy-efficient building systems.

Research Interest🔎

Dr. Nikola Vavřínová’s research interests lie primarily in sustainable civil engineering, with a strong focus on energy-efficient building design, thermal performance analysis, and the development of eco-friendly construction materials. She has been actively involved in the study of composite materials reinforced with natural fibers, such as gypsum-based materials enhanced with straw or wood fibers, aiming to improve mechanical and thermal properties while promoting environmental sustainability. Her work extends to experimental measurements and modeling of the internal microclimate of historic and modern buildings, contributing valuable insights into building performance and occupant comfort. She is also interested in applying Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies in construction processes to improve design accuracy and energy efficiency. Dr. Vavřínová’s research bridges theoretical concepts and practical applications, supporting innovation in green construction and adaptive reuse of existing structures. Her interdisciplinary approach reflects a commitment to addressing current challenges in sustainable building and modern construction technologies.

Award and Honor🏆

Dr. Nikola Vavřínová has received several awards and honors that highlight her academic excellence and research contributions in civil engineering. She earned 3rd place in the 2016 faculty SVOČ (Student Scientific and Professional Activities) competition, demonstrating early recognition of her research potential. Her diploma thesis was honored by the Dean of the Faculty, acknowledging the quality and impact of her academic work. In the 2019/2020 academic year, she received a prestigious scholarship from the city of Ostrava, awarded to outstanding students for academic merit and achievements. Additionally, she was honored with the Dean’s Prize in the “MSK Construction 2019” competition, specifically for her successful involvement in civil engineering research projects. These accolades reflect her consistent dedication to excellence, innovation, and practical problem-solving in her field. They also underscore her growing reputation as a young leader in sustainable construction and academic research, further supporting her candidacy for prestigious awards.

Research Skill🔬

Dr. Nikola Vavřínová possesses strong and diverse research skills, particularly in the field of sustainable civil engineering and building science. She has demonstrated expertise in experimental research, including the measurement and analysis of thermal and mechanical properties of composite materials reinforced with natural fibers. Her ability to model and simulate building microclimates and thermal behavior reflects a solid command of both theoretical knowledge and practical application. As a principal and co-researcher in multiple funded projects, she has showcased skills in research planning, data interpretation, scientific writing, and team collaboration. Her proficiency in software tools such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Svoboda software, along with basic knowledge of ArchiCAD and advanced use of Microsoft Office, enhances her ability to handle technical aspects of research efficiently. Additionally, her experience in writing and publishing scientific papers, and participating in international conferences, highlights her capability in academic communication and global knowledge exchange.

Conclusion💡

Dr. Nikola Vavřínová is highly suitable for the Young Scientist Award. She demonstrates a solid combination of research excellence, academic dedication, innovation in sustainable civil engineering, and leadership in both research and teaching. With her clear upward trajectory, she is a strong candidate deserving recognition and support to further amplify her contributions to the scientific community.

Publications Top Noted✍

  • Title: Analysis of the Thermal Engineering Properties of Low-Carbon Wooden Buildings Placed Above, Partly Below, and Completely Below Ground Level
    Authors: Kubenková Katerina, Vavřínová Nikola, Fojtík Roman, Plaček Michal
    Year: 2025
    Citation: DOI: 10.1016/j.csite.2025.106566

  • Title: Software for the Multi-Criteria Design of the External Walls Based on User Priority
    Authors: Jiří Majer, Nikola Vavřínová, Kateřina Stejskalová, Lenka Pentková
    Year: 2022
    Citation: DOI: 10.3390/buildings12050647

  • Title: Assessment of the Summer Thermal Stability of the Attic Room Using Two Different Software
    Authors: Kateřina Stejskalová, Nikola Vavřínová
    Year: 2020
    Citation: DOI: 10.2478/cee-2020-0036

  • Title: Assessment of Plinth of Energy-Efficient House Objects
    Authors: Jašek M., Kubenková K., Mynarzová L., Vavřínová N.
    Year: 2019
    Citation: DOI: 10.5593/sgem2019/6.2/S26.005

  • Title: Ignitability Small Attack Flame Fire Test of Gypsum Composite Reinforced with Natural Fibres
    Authors: Teslík J., Hošťálková M., Vavřínová N.
    Year: 2019
    Citation: DOI: 10.1556/1848.2019.0009

  • Title: Mechanical Properties of the Gypsum Composite Reinforcement with Wooden Fibers
    Authors: Hošťálková M., Vavřínová N., Longauerová V.
    Year: 2019
    Citation: DOI: 10.1556/1848.2019.0003

  • Title: The Research of Properties of Composite Materials Based on Plaster with Reinforcement of Natural Fibres
    Authors: Hošťálková M., Vavřínová N., Longauerová V.
    Year: 2018
    Citation: DOI: 10.5593/sgem2018/6.3/S26.055

Odey Alshboul | Construction management | Best Researcher Award

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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.