Frank Ikechukwu Aneke | Geoenvironmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr Frank Ikechukwu Aneke | Geoenvironmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer at University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

Dr. Frank Aneke is a distinguished geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineer with extensive expertise in soil mechanics, ground improvement, and sustainable construction materials. He holds a Doctor of Engineering (DEng) in Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Engineering and has contributed significantly to academia and industry. Currently, he serves as a Senior Lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, where he mentors students and leads groundbreaking research. Dr. Aneke is a member of prestigious organizations like the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering. His work focuses on solving geotechnical challenges using innovative methods, including artificial intelligence and sustainable materials.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar

Orcid

Education 🎓

Dr. Frank Aneke earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Nigeria, in 2004. He pursued a Master of Science in Geotechnical Engineering at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, graduating in 2016. In 2019, he completed his Doctor of Engineering (DEng) in Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Engineering at the Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein, South Africa. His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in geotechnical engineering, with a focus on soil mechanics, pavement design, and sustainable construction materials.

Experience 💼

Dr. Aneke has over 15 years of experience in geotechnical and structural engineering. He has worked as a Structural and Geotechnical Design Engineer at Badip Engineering Consultants and Project Design Consultant, where he led projects like the design of UBA Banking complexes and water-retaining structures. Currently, he is a Senior Lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, mentoring postgraduate students and conducting research. His prior roles include Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Johannesburg and Site Engineer at MotherCat Construction, where he managed large-scale infrastructure projects, including road construction and airport development.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Dr. Aneke has received numerous accolades, including the JW Nelson Productivity Funding (2020-2022) and the National Research Foundation (NRF) Thuthuka Grant (2023). He was awarded the NRF Knowledge, Interchange, and Collaboration Programme (KIC) Grant in 2021 and 2022. His research output has been recognized with Research Output Generated Funds (RIG) in 2021 and 2022. Dr. Aneke is also a leading founding member of the Geomechanics, Geotechnics, and Geomaterials Research Group, showcasing his commitment to advancing geotechnical engineering.

Research Focus 🔍

Dr. Aneke’s research focuses on soil-structure interaction, soil reinforcement, and the application of artificial intelligence in geotechnical engineering. He explores sustainable construction materials, including the use of industrial waste in building materials. His work also addresses geohazards, pavement geotechnics, and the stabilization of expansive soils. Dr. Aneke is particularly interested in the development of green materials and the optimization of soil properties for infrastructure projects, contributing to environmental sustainability and innovative engineering solutions.

Publication Top Notes 📚

  1. “Green-efficient masonry bricks produced from scrap plastic waste and foundry sand”
  2. “Strength and Durability Performance of Masonry Bricks Produced with Crushed Glass and Melted PET Plastics”
  3. “Adsorption of Heavy Metals from Contaminated Water using Leachate Modular Tower”
  4. “Resilient modulus and microstructure of unsaturated expansive subgrade stabilized with activated fly ash”
  5. “Swelling stress effects on shear strength resistance of subgrades”
  6. “Pre-compression and capillarity effect of treated expansive subgrade subjected to compressive and tensile loadings”
  7. “Durability Assessment and Microstructure of High-Strength Performance Bricks Produced from PET Waste and Foundry Sand”
  8. “Predicting Nanobinder-Improved Unsaturated Soil Consistency Limits Using Genetic Programming and Artificial Neural Networks”
  9. “AI (ANN, GP, and EPR)-based predictive models of bulk density, linear-volumetric shrinkage & desiccation cracking of HSDA-treated black cotton soil for sustainable subgrade”
  10. “Assessing the extent of pavement deterioration caused by subgrade volumetric movement through moisture infiltration”

Conclusion 🌟

Dr. Frank Aneke is a leading figure in geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering, with a career marked by academic excellence, innovative research, and impactful industry contributions. His work in sustainable construction materials, soil stabilization, and AI applications in geotechnics has set new benchmarks in the field. Through his teaching, mentorship, and research, Dr. Aneke continues to inspire the next generation of engineers while addressing critical global challenges in infrastructure and environmental sustainability.

Jose Angel Rueda – Environmental Engineering – Best Researcher Award

Jose Angel Rueda - Environmental Engineering - Best Researcher Award

Universidad del Papaloapan - Mexico

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS
ORCID

🎓 EXPERT IN LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION ENGINEERING

Jose Angel Rueda Barrientos, Ph.D., is a highly skilled Livestock Production Engineer with a rich academic background, including a Master’s Degree in Quantitative Genetics and a Ph.D. focusing on Forages Intended as Energy Crops. He obtained his education from prestigious institutions like Universidad Autónoma Chapingo and Colegio de Posgraduados, where he developed a deep understanding of genetics, livestock production, and sustainable agriculture.

📚 PROFESSOR AT UNIVERSIDAD DEL PAPALOAPAN

Since 2005, Dr. Rueda has been a dedicated professor at Universidad del Papaloapan in Loma Bonita, Oaxaca, Mexico. His teaching repertoire includes subjects like Probability and Statistics, Design of Experiments, Genetics of Livestock, and Facilities for Animal Production. Through his academic role, he has influenced many students and contributed significantly to the field of agricultural sciences.

🔬 PIONEERING RESEARCH IN GENETICS AND AGRICULTURE

Dr. Rueda’s research is renowned for its focus on the genetic and morphological aspects of livestock and crops. He has published extensively in high-impact journals such as Scientific Reports and Biomass and Bioenergy. His work on topics like Sun Declination, Natural Beam Irradiance, and the genetic study of Pelibuey Sheep demonstrates his commitment to advancing knowledge in agriculture and livestock genetics.

🌾 INNOVATIONS IN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

A significant portion of Dr. Rueda's research is dedicated to sustainable agriculture, specifically the use of forages as energy crops. His studies on elephant grass and Cenchrus purpureus have provided valuable insights into their potential for ethanol production and biomass energy, contributing to the development of renewable energy sources in agriculture.

🏆 RECOGNIZED EXPERT IN THE SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY

Dr. Rueda's expertise has earned him recognition within the scientific community. He is a member of the National System for Recognition of Researchers in Mexico (SNII CONHACyT), where he has held Level I recognition terms from 2018 to 2020 and 2023 to 2027. This honor underscores his contributions to agricultural science and his standing as a leading researcher in his field.

📖 MENTORSHIP AND THESIS SUPERVISION

Dr. Rueda has mentored numerous students, guiding their research and thesis work in areas such as solar declination, maize yield, and the performance of elephant grass varieties. His direction has helped shape the next generation of researchers, ensuring the continued growth and innovation in agricultural sciences.

🌍 CONTRIBUTIONS TO GLOBAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Through his international collaborations and publications, Dr. Rueda has contributed to the global body of knowledge in agricultural research. His studies have had a significant impact on understanding the dynamics of plant and livestock production, making him a vital contributor to the advancement of sustainable agricultural practices worldwide.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

"TILLER DYNAMICS OF Urochloa HYBRID GRASS CV COBRA IN RESPONSE TO CUTTING TIME | DINÁMICA DE TALLOS DEL PASTO Urochloa HÍBRIDO CV COBRA EN RESPUESTA AL TIEMPO DE CORTE"
Authors: Cámara-Acosta, J., Enríquez-Quiroz, J.F., Rueda-Barrientos, J.Á., Ramírez-Bribiesca, J.E., Guerrero-Rodríguez, J.D.D.
Year: 2022
Published in: Revista Fitotecnia Mexicana, 45(3), pp. 303–311

"Morphological composition and fiber partitioning along regrowth in elephant grass CT115 intended for ethanol production"
Authors: Rueda, J.A., Guerrero-Rodríguez, J.D., Ramírez-Ordoñes, S., Hernández-Montiel, W., Ortega-Jiménez, E.
Year: 2020
Published in: Scientific Reports, 10(1), 15118

"Tiller population dynamics in eight cultivars of elephant grass during undisturbed growth"
Authors: Rueda, J.A., Ortega-Jiménez, E., Enríquez-Quiroz, J.F., Palacios-Torres, R.E., Ramírez-Ordoñes, S.
Year: 2018
Published in: African Journal of Range and Forage Science, 35(2), pp. 109–119

"Growth, yield, fiber content and lodging resistance in eight varieties of Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone intended as energy crop"
Authors: Rueda, J.A., Ortega-Jiménez, E., Hernández-Garay, A., Guerrero-Rodríguez, J.D., Quero-Carrillo, A.R.
Year: 2016
Published in: Biomass and Bioenergy, 88, pp. 59–65

"Morphology of the Eggs Chorion of Pachycoris klugii Burmeister and P. torridus (Scopoli), Pest of Jatropha curcas | Morfología del Corion de Huevos de Pachycoris klugii Burmeister y P. torridus (Scopoli), Plagas de Jatropha curcas"
Authors: Lopez, G.G., Palacios, T.R.E., Bustamante, O.A.G., Rueda, J.A., Ramírez, S.A.R.
Year: 2016
Published in: Southwestern Entomologist, 41(1), pp. 133–144

Samer Fikry Ahmed – Environmental Engineering – Best Researcher Award

Samer Fikry Ahmed - Environmental Engineering - Best Researcher Award

Qatar University - Qatar

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

DISTINGUISHED EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Samer Fikry Ahmed holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering from the University of Cambridge, where his thesis focused on "Spark Ignition of Turbulent Non-Premixed Flames" (2007). He also earned a Master of Engineering from the University of Helwan, concentrating on thermal loading and emissions of diesel engines (2002), and a Bachelor of Engineering from the same institution (1997).

AWARD-WINNING INNOVATOR

Ahmed has been recognized for his groundbreaking work with several awards, including the Qatar University Innovation Award (2023) and the ASME ISHOW Global Winner title for his startup "ClearExhaust" (2023). His entrepreneurial achievements also include winning the Qatar Development Bank Hackathon for his invention "A Smokeless Exhaust Tube" (2021).

EXPERTISE IN COMBUSTION AND ENERGY CONVERSION

His research expertise spans energy conversion technologies, combustion, and experimental methods for flames and fluid mechanics. Ahmed has contributed significantly to the fields of gas turbine combustion and internal combustion engine science, particularly focusing on alternative fuels such as biofuels.

FOUNDER AND CEO OF CLEAREXHAUST LLC

As the Founder and CEO of ClearExhaust LLC since 2022, Ahmed has led innovative projects aimed at reducing emissions and improving environmental sustainability. His leadership in this startup has garnered global recognition and numerous accolades.

PROFESSOR AT QATAR UNIVERSITY

Ahmed has been a Full Professor at Qatar University's Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering since 2020. His academic career at the university includes roles as Associate Professor (2014-2020) and Assistant Professor (2011-2014), along with serving as the Graduate Program Coordinator (2015-2017).

CONSULTANT FOR INDUSTRY LEADERS

Ahmed's consulting experience includes working with prominent organizations such as General Electric, Shell, and Oryx GTL in Doha, Qatar. His research for these companies has focused on spray combustion, ignition of GTL fuels, and testing performance and emissions of fuel technologies.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CONTRIBUTIONS

Ahmed's contributions to research and development include facilitating experimental work for the Ministry of Municipal and Environment in Qatar to convert trucks to biogas. His collaboration with various industry partners highlights his commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Nozzle Effects on Spray Combustion and Emissions in Compression Ignition Engines Using Waste Cooking Oil Biodiesel: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis at Varying Injection Pressures.
Authors: P.S. Yadav, S.F.A. Ahmed, R. Gautam, N. Caliskan, H. Hong
Year: 2024
Journal: IET Renewable Power Generation

Modelling of Multiple Biodiesel-Emitted Nitrogen Oxides Using ANN Approach.
Authors: S. Sayyed, R. Kumar Das, S.F. Ahmed, T. Alam, S.M. Eldin
Year: 2023
Journal: Alexandria Engineering Journal, 79, pp. 116–125

Development of an Air-Cooled Induction Manifold for Diesel Engines in Hot and Humid Climate.
Authors: M.H. Elrentisy, Y.M. Abdellatif, A.M. Elbashir, S.F. Ahmed
Year: 2022
Journal: Journal of Energy Resources Technology, Transactions of the ASME, 144(7), 072303

An Experimental and Numerical Investigation of the Effects of the Diaphragm Pressure Ratio and Its Position on a Heated Shock Tube Performance.
Authors: Y. Badri, A. Elbashir, A. Saker, S.F. Ahmed
Year: 2022
Journal: Energy Science and Engineering, 10(4), pp. 1177–1188

Investigating the Potential of Recycling Flare-Source Hydrocarbon Gases in an Industrial Burner.
Authors: F.M. Mohamed, F.T. Eljack, S.F. Ahmed, S.A. Ghani
Year: 2022
Journal: Journal of Energy Resources Technology, Transactions of the ASME, 144(2), 022309