Inês Flores-Colen - Environmental - Women Researcher Award

Instituto Superior Técnico - Portugal

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

👷‍♀️ CIVIL ENGINEERING EXPERTISE

Inês Flores-Colen is a Full Professor at the Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, specializing in the Construction Scientific Area of the Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture, and Environment. With a career starting in 1996, she has earned her MSc in 2002 and PhD in Civil Engineering in 2009. Her professional journey has been marked by significant contributions to the fields of construction and civil engineering, making her a leading expert in her domain.

📚 PROLIFIC PUBLISHER AND EDITOR

Inês has an extensive publication record that includes 3 books, 8 book chapters, and over 100 papers in international journals. She has also contributed 60 technical-scientific reports and 35 international congress papers. Her editorial experience includes serving as Editor of International Techitt (2014-2017), and she is currently the Editorial Board Member of three international journals and the Director of the magazine Pedra e Cal, which focuses on conservation and rehabilitation.

🧪 RESEARCH PROGRAM PARTICIPATION

Inês has actively participated in 15 competitively financed research programs, with 4 ongoing international projects. Notably, she is involved in DG4HEALTH (a digital twin platform for hospital facility management) and SHELLTER, which focuses on the reuse of aquaculture waste for construction materials. As a Principal Investigator, her projects include WGB_Shield and Nanorender, and she has led the Instituto Superior Técnico team in two subcontracted projects related to smart roofing systems and advanced waterproofing technologies.

🎓 SUPERVISION OF RESEARCHERS

Inês has a wealth of experience in guiding future engineers and researchers, having supervised 4 Post-doc researchers, 12 PhD students, and 102 Masters students. Her leadership in mentoring emerging scholars has played a vital role in advancing research in civil engineering and construction.

🏗️ RESEARCH INTERESTS IN CONSTRUCTION AND REHABILITATION

Her research interests are diverse and cutting-edge, focusing on innovative and sustainable construction, pathology, inspection, in-situ testing, and rehabilitation of buildings. Inês is a pioneer in the development of aerogel-based renders for thermal rehabilitation, contributing to advancements in mortars and ETICS (External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems). Her work is vital in improving building performance and sustainability.

🏅 INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION AND STANDARDIZATION CONTRIBUTIONS

Inês is an active member of European and international standardization committees, including CEN/TC348, ISO TC 267, and CEN/TC318. She is also part of national committees CT 94 and CT 192, showcasing her influence in shaping industry standards. Her national patent on aerogel-based thermal render, published in 2019, further underscores her innovative contributions to civil engineering.

🔬 LEADER OF THE PERCOAT RESEARCH GROUP

Inês founded the PERCOAT - Performance of Coatings and Buildings Solutions research group in 2020. Through this initiative, she continues to drive forward research in the field of building maintenance and innovative construction solutions. Her leadership has positioned PERCOAT as a key player in developing sustainable building technologies.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Blue Circular Economy—Reuse and Valorization of Bivalve Shells: The Case of Algarve, Portugal
Authors: Magalhães, F.C., Bellei, P., Flores-Colen, I., da Costa, E.M.
Journal: Recycling
Year: 2024

Effects of hygrothermal and natural aging on the durability of multilayer insulation systems incorporating thermal mortars with EPS and aerogel
Authors: Parracha, J.L., Veiga, R., Nunes, L., Flores-Colen, I.
Journal: Cement and Concrete Composites
Year: 2024

Characterization and performance of building composites made from gypsum and woody-biomass ash waste: A product development and application study
Authors: Pedreño-Rojas, M.A., Porras-Amores, C., Villoria-Sáez, P., Morales-Conde, M.J., Flores-Colen, I.
Journal: Construction and Building Materials
Year: 2024

An Evaluation of the Luminous Performance of a School Environment Integrating Artificial Lighting and Daylight
Authors: Miranda, D.T., Barreto, D., Flores-Colen, I.
Journal: Sustainability (Switzerland)
Year: 2024

Guidelines to reduce the effects of urban heat in a changing climate: Green infrastructures and design measures
Authors: Pereira, C., Flores-Colen, I., Mendes, M.P.
Journal: Sustainable Development
Year: 2024

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Fredrick Orori Kengara embarked on an academic journey marked by excellence and dedication. Beginning with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Mathematics from Moi University, Kenya, Fredrick continued to pursue higher education, earning a Master of Science in Analytical Chemistry from Maseno University, Kenya, and ultimately achieving a prestigious Dr.rer.nat. (Magna cum Laude) in Chemistry, Geochemistry & Environmental Protection Engineering from the Technical University of Munich, Germany.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Fredrick Orori Kengara has amassed a wealth of experience in academia and research, holding positions of increasing responsibility and contributing significantly to the fields of Environmental Chemistry and Chemical Sciences. From serving as a Tutorial Fellow and Senior Lecturer at Maseno University to his tenure as an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the African Centre of Excellence, Fredrick's career path underscores his commitment to education and research excellence.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Fredrick's research interests span a wide range of topics within Environmental Chemistry and chemical sciences, including soil remediation, biodiesel production, biogas sustainability, and environmental monitoring. His notable projects, such as the degradation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and the enhancement of DDT degradation in soils, demonstrate his dedication to addressing pressing environmental challenges through innovative research solutions.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Fredrick Orori Kengara's research has made a significant impact on the scientific community, evidenced by his involvement in numerous funded projects and publications in reputable journals. His work on the degradation and sequestration of POPs in tropical environments has contributed valuable insights into soil remediation strategies, while his investigations into biodiesel production and biogas sustainability have implications for renewable energy and environmental conservation efforts.

ACADEMIC CITES

Fredrick's research contributions have garnered attention and recognition within the academic community, with his publications in esteemed journals such as Chemosphere, Science of the Total Environment, and Environmental Pollution. His expertise in Environmental Chemistry and chemical sciences is evidenced by his role as a peer reviewer for various scientific journals, further highlighting his standing as a respected authority in his field.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Fredrick Orori Kengara's vision for academic leadership, innovation, and research mentorship underscores his commitment to making enduring contributions to the fields of Environmental Chemistry and chemical sciences. Through his continued efforts in research, teaching, and community engagement, Fredrick aims to drive sustainable innovations and solutions to environmental challenges, leaving a lasting legacy of impact and excellence in his field.