Jurgita Malaiskiene | Building Materials based on waste | Best Paper Award

Dr Jurgita Malaiskiene | Building Materials based on waste | Best Paper Award

Chief researcher, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Lithuania

Jurgita Malaiškienė is a distinguished researcher affiliated with Vilnius Gediminas Technical University in Lithuania. With a robust academic background, she specializes in materials science, focusing on the innovative use of industrial waste in construction. Her work aims to enhance the sustainability of building materials and improve the durability of concrete. An advocate for environmental stewardship, Jurgita actively engages in projects that promote recycling and the utilization of by-products in civil engineering. Her research has garnered significant attention, leading to numerous publications and collaborations with experts in the field.

Profile

ORCID

SCOPUS

Strengths for the Award

Jurgita Malaiškienė exemplifies excellence in the field of materials science, with a strong focus on sustainability in construction. Her impressive h-index of 11 and 490 citations reflect the significant impact of her research, particularly in utilizing industrial waste to enhance concrete durability. Her recent publications, including studies on the influence of silica fly ash and electronic waste glass, demonstrate her innovative approach and commitment to addressing environmental challenges. Jurgita’s active engagement in collaborative projects further strengthens her profile, as she effectively bridges academia and industry. Additionally, her contributions to open-access research promote knowledge sharing and accessibility in the scientific community.

Areas for Improvement

While Jurgita has a solid foundation in publication and citation metrics, expanding her presence in international conferences and workshops could enhance her visibility and influence. Increasing the diversity of her research topics, such as exploring new materials or technologies, could also broaden her impact. Additionally, establishing mentorship programs for emerging researchers would enrich her contributions to the academic community and foster the next generation of scientists.

Education

Jurgita Malaiškienė earned her Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, where she developed a keen interest in material properties and sustainable construction practices. She subsequently pursued a Ph.D. in Construction Materials, focusing on the durability and performance of concrete incorporating industrial by-products. Her education emphasized both theoretical and practical aspects of civil engineering, equipping her with the knowledge to address contemporary challenges in the field. Through her academic journey, she has gained a comprehensive understanding of material science and engineering principles, which she applies in her research to innovate and improve construction methodologies.

Experience

Jurgita Malaiškienė has extensive experience in both academic and research settings. Currently, she is a researcher and lecturer at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, where she teaches courses on construction materials and sustainability. Over the years, she has participated in various national and international research projects aimed at developing eco-friendly construction solutions. Her role often involves collaboration with industry stakeholders, contributing to applied research that bridges the gap between academia and practice. Jurgita has also served on several committees focused on advancing civil engineering education and research in Lithuania. Her dedication to mentorship and guidance has helped shape the next generation of engineers.

Awards and Honors 

Jurgita Malaiškienė’s contributions to the field of civil engineering have been recognized through various awards and honors. She received the Young Researcher Award from the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences for her innovative work on sustainable materials. Additionally, her research projects have been funded by national grants aimed at promoting environmental sustainability in construction. Jurgita has been invited to present her findings at numerous international conferences, where she has received accolades for her insightful contributions to discussions on recycling and waste management in civil engineering. Her commitment to excellence in research and education continues to inspire her peers and students alike.

Research Focus

Jurgita Malaiškienė’s research primarily focuses on the utilization of industrial waste materials in construction, particularly in the context of concrete durability and sustainability. She explores the effects of various by-products, such as fly ash, slag, and recycled glass, on the mechanical properties and longevity of cementitious materials. Her work aims to innovate recycling methods that enhance the performance of construction materials while minimizing environmental impact. Jurgita also investigates the microstructural changes that occur when integrating waste materials into concrete mixtures, aiming to develop more resilient and eco-friendly building solutions. Through her research, she contributes significantly to advancing sustainable practices within the civil engineering sector.

Publication Top Notes

  • The Influence of Silica Fly Ash and Wood Bottom Ash on Cement Hydration and Durability of Concrete 🌿
  • Possibilities to Recycle Thermal Power Plant By-Products in Refractory Castables ♻️
  • Impact of Electronic Waste Glass on the Properties of Cementitious Materials 💻
  • Lightweight composite materials made of paper sludge and corn starch 📄
  • A Study on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Portland Cement Incorporating Aluminosilicate Waste 🔍
  • Influence of Industrial Waste Pozzolanic Additives on the Structure and Properties of Expanded Glass Granules Cement-Based Composite 🏗️
  • The Metakaolin Waste Effect on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of High-Performance Concrete ⚙️
  • Effect of Low Oxidation Graphene Oxide on Physical and Mechanical Properties of MCC Type Refractory Castable 🧪
  • Analysis of the Structure and Durability of Refractory Castables Impregnated with Sodium Silicate Glass 🧱
  • Bio-colonization layered concrete panel for greening vertical surfaces: A field study 🌱

Conclusion

Jurgita Malaiškienė is a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her pioneering work in sustainable construction materials, coupled with her robust publication record and collaborative spirit, positions her as a leader in her field. By addressing areas for improvement, such as enhancing her international presence and mentoring, she can continue to advance her research and contribute significantly to the global scientific community. Recognizing her achievements through this award would not only honor her contributions but also inspire others in the field.

Rohimatu Toyibah Binti Masyhur – Green Construction – Best Researcher Award

Rohimatu Toyibah Binti Masyhur - Green Construction - Best Researcher Award

Universiti Putra Malaysia - Malaysia

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

📚 PASSIONATE PH.D. CANDIDATE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

Rohimatu Toyibah Binti Masyhur is an enthusiastic second-year Ph.D. student at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), specializing in Project Management within the Civil Engineering field. Her academic journey reflects a deep commitment to understanding and advancing the principles of project management and construction, providing her with a solid foundation for her career. As a registered Graduate Engineer with BEM, she is dedicated to expanding her expertise in civil, structural, and building construction.

🏗️ EXPERIENCED PROJECT ENGINEER

Currently serving as a Project Engineer for the Marriott Executive Apartment project with Infra Segi Sdn. Bhd. (ISSB), Rohimatu has gained significant experience in managing complex projects. Her responsibilities include preparing Main Work Programs, supervising site work, and ensuring the quality and progress of construction. Her role involves meticulous documentation, including Requests for Information and Site Progress Reports, and collaborating closely with clients and consultants to address drawing discrepancies and project challenges.

📊 PLANNING ENGINEER TRAINEE

During her tenure as a Planning Engineer Trainee at Trans Resources Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (TRC), Rohimatu contributed to the 8MD3 Mixed Development project in Putrajaya. She assisted in monitoring daily work progress, performing quantity measurements, and preparing Weekly Progress Reports. This experience allowed her to develop strong skills in project coordination and progress reporting, essential for successful project management.

🔧 HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE IN CONSTRUCTION

Rohimatu's hands-on experience began as a Trainee at Infra Segi Sdn. Bhd., where she was involved in various construction projects, including the Nucleus Tower. She assisted in daily work inspections, joint inspections with engineers and consultants, and monitored concrete testing procedures. This early exposure to practical aspects of construction laid the groundwork for her future roles in project management.

🏅 RECOGNIZED FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Throughout her academic career, Rohimatu has earned several accolades, including a Silver Medal Award for her Final Year Project at Universiti Putra Malaysia in 2021. Her achievements also include a Gold Award for her Final Year Project at Politeknik Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah and recognition for her innovative contributions to various competitions. Her dedication to excellence is evident in her impressive list of awards and honors.

🎭 LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS

Rohimatu has demonstrated strong leadership and organizational skills through her roles in various committees and events. She was a committee member for the Kumpulan Perangsang Selangor (KPS) Sustainability Challenge 2020 and the Civil Engineering Student Club (CESC) at UPM. Her roles as Director for the Intercollege English Drama Festival in both 2019 and 2020 highlight her ability to manage and lead successful projects outside the academic sphere.

🌟 INNOVATIVE AND CREATIVE CONTRIBUTIONS

Rohimatu's creativity was showcased through her involvement in the IJM Green Building Innovation Competition, where she earned the Second Runner-up position, and her Best Leading Actress Award at the Intercollege Theatre Festival UPM. Her innovative approach and artistic talents complement her technical skills, making her a well-rounded professional in the field of civil engineering.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

A Systematic Review on Green Practices in the Malaysian Construction Industry: Status, Challenges, Key Motivations, Rating Systems and Technology Evolution
Authors: Masyhur, R.T., Alias, A.H., Haron, N.A., Zulkafli, Z.
Year: 2024
Journal: Energy and Buildings

Cenker Aktemur – Energy management in buildings – Best Researcher Award

Cenker Aktemur - Energy management in buildings - Best Researcher Award

Sivas University of Science and Technology - Turkey

AUTHOR PROFILE

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

CENKER AKTEMUR

Cenker Aktemur is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Sivas University of Science and Technology in Turkey. He completed his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at Kocaeli University in 2023, where he specialized in enhancing the thermodynamic performance of solar-assisted absorption and vapor compression cascade refrigeration cycles. He holds an MSc and BSc in Mechanical Engineering from Eastern Mediterranean University.

ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE

Dr. Aktemur's academic journey is marked by consistent excellence. During his Ph.D., he maintained a GPA of 3.52/4 and was awarded a prestigious Ph.D. scholarship by the Council of Higher Education (CoHE) in the field of Renewable Energy and Energy Storage, under the 100/2000 Program. His master's thesis focused on the energy and economic analyses of natural gas heating systems, while his undergraduate capstone project involved the design and manufacturing of a reverse shoulder prosthesis.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Dr. Aktemur has diverse work experience, including a role as an R&D Engineer at CMAK Crane Systems and a compulsory internship at Yılmazlar Steel Construction and Machinery Manufacturing. His professional expertise extends to advanced software skills in AutoCAD, CATIA, SolidWorks, and Siemens NX, among others.

HONORS AND AWARDS

Dr. Aktemur has received numerous honors and awards, including a Ph.D. scholarship for his research in renewable energy, and consistent recognition for academic excellence during his undergraduate and master's studies. He has also completed several advanced courses and certifications in engineering software and tools.

SCIENTIFIC CONTRIBUTIONS

An active researcher, Dr. Aktemur has contributed to the scientific community through his publications and role as a scientific referee for several high-impact journals, including Applied Thermal Engineering, Solar Energy, and Energy & Environment. His ORCID ID is 0000-0001-9045-832X, and his research profiles are accessible on platforms such as Google Scholar, WoS, and Scopus.

Dr. Aktemur's dedication to advancing the field of mechanical engineering, particularly in renewable energy and refrigeration systems, underscores his commitment to academic and professional excellence.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS

Optimising of thermal insulation thickness based on wall orientations and solar radiation using heating-degree hour method 2024

Thermodynamic Optimization of Utilization LiBr + LiCl/H2O Solution Mixture on a Single-Effect Absorption Chiller Driven by Solar Energy 2023 (2)

Thermodynamic optimisation of a booster-ejector vapour compression refrigeration system using solar energy and R152a/Cu nano-refrigerant 2023 (5)

Thermodynamic performance enhancement booster assisted ejector expansion refrigeration systems with R1270/CuO nano-refrigerant 2022 (12)

Comparative energy and exergy analysis of a subcritical cascade refrigeration system using low global warming potential refrigerants 2021 (52)

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)