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

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Education πŸŽ“

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 πŸ’Ό

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 πŸ†

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 πŸ”

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 πŸ“š

  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.

Mahasakti Mahamaya | Geoenvironmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr Mahasakti Mahamaya | Geoenvironmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor, OP Jindal University,Raigarh,Chhattishgarh,India

Dr. Mahasakti Mahamaya is a distinguished faculty member at OP Jindal University, specializing in geotechnical engineering, sustainable structures, and mining. With a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, her work integrates innovative approaches in soil stabilization, waste management, and the use of industrial by-products. Dr. Mahamaya has authored several influential publications on geotechnical materials, biopolymers, and eco-friendly construction materials. Her research aims to optimize geotechnical properties while minimizing environmental impact. She collaborates extensively with experts in the field and contributes actively to advancing the geotechnical engineering domain through research, publications, and industry partnerships. πŸŒπŸ› οΈπŸ”¬

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Strengths for the Award

  1. Innovative and Impactful Research:
    Dr. Mahasakti Mahamaya’s work focuses on critical issues such as sustainable construction, soil stabilization, and waste utilization, all of which are highly relevant to contemporary environmental challenges. Her publications, especially in journals like the Journal of Cleaner Production and the International Journal of Geosynthetics and Ground Engineering, demonstrate a strong commitment to addressing both environmental sustainability and practical engineering applications. πŸŒβ™»οΈ
  2. Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
    Dr. Mahamaya has collaborated with multiple experts in various fields such as geotechnics, mining, and environmental engineering, producing high-impact research with multiple citations. Her work on biopolymers, fly ash, and ferrochrome slag for soil stabilization and sustainable material design positions her as a thought leader in geoenvironmental engineering. πŸ€πŸ”¬
  3. Cited Works and Recognition:
    Several of her publications, such as those on artificial intelligence techniques for predicting soil strength and the use of alkali-activated materials, have been widely cited. This indicates not only the quality but also the global relevance of her research. Her citation count demonstrates recognition from the international scientific community. πŸŒπŸ“ˆ
  4. Commitment to Sustainability:
    Dr. Mahasakti’s consistent focus on sustainable construction materials and her work on mining waste and biopolymer stabilization aligns well with global trends toward sustainability in civil engineering. Her emphasis on eco-friendly solutions to minimize environmental pollution in construction is a major strength. πŸŒ±πŸ—οΈ

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Dissemination in Popular Science:
    While Dr. Mahamaya has numerous publications in reputable academic journals, her research could reach a broader audience by focusing more on outreach and public science communication. Publishing in high-impact journals like Nature Sustainability or engaging in industry-oriented platforms could further expand her influence. πŸŒπŸ“£
  2. Cross-Disciplinary Integration:
    Although Dr. Mahasakti has made notable contributions within geotechnical engineering, her work might benefit from even more cross-disciplinary collaboration, particularly with sociologists or policy experts to better align her research with sustainable policy-making and community-level impact. Such collaboration could further enhance the real-world applicability of her research. πŸ’¬πŸ”„
  3. Focus on Emerging Technologies:
    Given the growing importance of AI and machine learning in material prediction, Dr. Mahasakti could expand her work to integrate advanced computational methods with experimental studies, allowing for more data-driven insights into soil stabilization and material characterization. πŸ“ŠπŸ€–

Education

Dr. Mahasakti Mahamaya holds a PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, focusing on sustainable material development and geotechnical stability. She also completed a Master’s in Civil Engineering, specializing in geotechnics. Over the years, she has participated in numerous national and international conferences to stay updated on the latest research trends and innovations. Her academic training has been complemented by research on stabilization techniques for expansive soils and industrial waste utilization in construction. πŸ“šπŸŽ“πŸŒ

Experience

Dr. Mahasakti Mahamaya has over a decade of experience in academia and industry, contributing significantly to geotechnical research and sustainable infrastructure development. She has worked on various projects involving the stabilization of soils and industrial by-products, including fly ash, red mud, and mining waste, for geotechnical applications. In addition to her academic work, she has been part of several interdisciplinary research initiatives aimed at environmental remediation and resource optimization. Dr. Mahasakti is also a sought-after consultant for sustainable construction practices. πŸ› οΈπŸŒ±πŸ’‘

Awards and Honors

Dr. Mahasakti Mahamaya has received numerous accolades for her pioneering research in geotechnical engineering and sustainability. Her work has been widely cited, earning her recognition in international journals. She has also been honored with research grants and fellowships for her contributions to the field. Her excellence in research and innovation has earned her awards at international conferences, and she has been recognized for advancing eco-friendly construction technologies and sustainable geotechnical practices. πŸ…πŸ†πŸŒ

Research Focus

Dr. Mahasakti Mahamaya’s research focuses on geotechnical sustainability, soil stabilization, and industrial waste utilization in construction. She is particularly interested in using biopolymers, geopolymers, and fly ash as alternative materials for soil and waste stabilization. Her work aims to mitigate environmental pollution by developing low-cost, effective, and eco-friendly materials for infrastructure. She also investigates the engineering properties of materials derived from mining and industrial by-products, emphasizing their role in sustainable construction. πŸŒ±πŸ”¬πŸ§ͺ

Publications

  1. Prediction of maximum dry density and unconfined compressive strength of cement stabilised soil using artificial intelligence techniques – International Journal of Geosynthetics and Ground Engineering (2016)
  2. Stabilization of an expansive soil using alkali activated fly ash based geopolymer – Advances in Characterization and Analysis of Expansive Soils and Rocks (2018)
  3. Interaction of biopolymer with dispersive geomaterial and its characterization: An eco-friendly approach for erosion control – Journal of Cleaner Production (2021)
  4. Coal mine overburden soft shale as a controlled low strength material – International Journal of Mining, Reclamation and Environment (2020)
  5. Characterization of ferrochrome slag as a controlled low-strength structural fill material – International Journal of Geotechnical Engineering (2020)
  6. Characterization of mine overburden and fly ash as a stabilized pavement material – Particulate Science and Technology (2017)
  7. Stabilization of pond ash using biopolymer – Procedia Earth and Planetary Science (2015)
  8. Stabilization of dispersive soil using biopolymer – Contemporary Issues in Geoenvironmental Engineering (2018)
  9. Multi-objective feature selection (MOFS) algorithms for prediction of liquefaction susceptibility of soil based on in situ test methods – Natural Hazards (2020)
  10. Engineering properties of cementless alkali activated CLSM using ferrochrome slag – Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering (2023)
  11. Prediction of UCS and CBR values of cement stabilised mine overburden and fly ash mixture – Procedia Earth and Planetary Science (2015)
  12. Estimation of thermal migration around buried coolant ducts with engineered backfill material – Procedia Earth and Planetary Science (2015)
  13. Development and characterization of sustainable geomaterial using mining and industrial wastes – (2018)
  14. Liquefaction susceptibility of soil using multi objective feature selection – Earthquake Geotechnical Engineering for Protection and Development (2019)
  15. Characterization of ferrochrome slag as a controlled low strength material – Transportation Research Board 97th Annual Meeting (2018)
  16. Characterization and design of coal-reject as a Highway Pavement Material – Indian Highways (2016)
  17. Development and characterization of alkali activated controlled low strength material using mining waste – Construction and Building Materials (2024)
  18. Effect of Biopolymer on Water Retention Property of Red Mud – International Conference on Trends and Recent Advances in Civil Engineering (2022) πŸŒπŸ› οΈπŸ“˜

Conclusion

Dr. Mahasakti Mahamaya is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award due to her innovative research in sustainable construction, waste management, and environmentally friendly geotechnical practices. Her strong academic background, consistent publication record, and increasing international recognition make her a leader in her field. While there is room for growth in terms of broader dissemination of her work and interdisciplinary collaborations, her contributions to sustainable infrastructure and materials are both cutting-edge and highly impactful.