Zakaria OUAOUJA | Sustainable Thermal Energy Storage | Best Researcher Award

Posted on 18/01/202518/01/2025 by Civil

Mr Zakaria OUAOUJA | Sustainable Thermal Energy Storage | Best Researcher Award

PhD, ONIRIS VetAgroBio, France

Zakaria Ouaouja is a dedicated researcher specializing in energy optimization and phase change materials (PCMs) for cold thermal energy storage and energy-efficient building systems. Currently pursuing a PhD in Engineering and Systems Sciences at ONIRIS VetAgroBio Nantes Atlantique in France, Zakaria’s work focuses on integrating PCMs into cold storage applications to enhance energy efficiency. With a Master’s degree in Advanced Materials and Renewable Energies, he has contributed significantly to the development of PCM solutions for sustainable energy practices. His research includes numerically analyzing the energy impact of PCM integration in buildings and reviewing bio-based PCM alternatives. Zakaria’s commitment to advancing energy solutions is demonstrated through various publications and ongoing projects in renewable energy and thermal management.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Orcid

STRENGTHS FOR THE AWARDS

Zakaria Ouaouja’s research stands out in several key areas, particularly in the innovative integration of phase change materials (PCMs) for energy optimization in cold storage and building systems. His focus on PCM for energy storage, coupled with his work on bio-based alternatives, addresses both environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. Zakaria’s ability to collaborate with experts across disciplines is evident in his publications, such as those in the Journal of Energy Storage and Journal of Atomic, Molecular, Condensed Matter and Nano Physics. His research has significant practical implications, offering solutions for reducing energy consumption in refrigeration and building systems, crucial for advancing renewable energy technologies. His academic trajectory, from his Master’s to his current PhD, and his presence at international conferences further underline his dedication and expertise in the field.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENTS

While Zakaria has shown commendable promise in his research contributions, there are areas where further development could enhance his profile for the Best Researcher Award. Expanding the scope of his research to include more real-world applications or pilot projects of PCM integration would provide a stronger demonstration of the impact of his work. Collaborating with industry professionals to implement his findings in actual energy systems could solidify his standing in both academia and industry. Additionally, increasing the frequency of high-impact publications and seeking more interdisciplinary collaborations could elevate the visibility and impact of his research.

EDUCATION

Zakaria Ouaouja is currently pursuing a PhD in Engineering and Systems Sciences (2022 – Present) at ONIRIS VetAgroBio Nantes Atlantique, Nantes, France. His research centers on “Energy optimization of cold rooms through integration of phase change material.” Prior to his PhD, he earned a Master’s degree in Advanced Materials and Renewable Energies (2019) from Moulay Ismail University, Meknes, Morocco. His Master’s thesis was titled “Phase Change Materials: Towards energy efficiency in buildings, a parametric study.” Zakaria also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fundamental Physics from the same university (2013–2017). His academic journey demonstrates his strong foundation in renewable energy, advanced materials, and energy-efficient technologies.

EXPERIENCE

Zakaria Ouaouja has gained extensive experience in the field of energy optimization and phase change materials (PCMs). His current PhD research focuses on optimizing cold room energy systems through the integration of PCMs. Prior to this, he worked on various projects related to the application of PCMs in building energy efficiency during his Master’s studies. His work involves theoretical analysis, numerical modeling, and practical applications of energy-saving materials. Zakaria’s research also includes the review of bio-based PCMs as alternatives to conventional materials in thermal energy storage applications. His collaborations with leading experts and contributions to various conferences and publications demonstrate his proficiency in applying advanced materials and renewable energy solutions to real-world problems.

AWARDS AND HONORS

Zakaria Ouaouja has received recognition for his outstanding contributions to the field of energy optimization and renewable materials. He has been recognized for his innovative research on phase change materials and energy efficiency. His work has led to multiple publication opportunities in high-impact journals, such as the Journal of Energy Storage and Journal of Atomic, Molecular, Condensed Matter and Nano Physics. He has also been invited to present at international conferences, showcasing his research on energy-efficient technologies and PCM applications. Zakaria’s dedication to research excellence continues to earn him accolades and opportunities to collaborate with global experts in sustainable energy solutions.

RESEARCH FOCUS

Zakaria Ouaouja’s research focuses on the integration of phase change materials (PCMs) for energy optimization in cold storage and building systems. His PhD research aims to enhance the energy efficiency of cold rooms by integrating PCMs, while his Master’s thesis explored PCM applications for improving energy efficiency in buildings. Zakaria also investigates bio-based alternatives to conventional PCMs, contributing to the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly materials for thermal energy storage. His work is central to advancing the practical use of renewable energy materials in the fields of energy storage, refrigeration, and building energy optimization, offering innovative solutions for global energy challenges.

PUBLICATION TOP NOTES

“Phase Change Materials for Cold Thermal Energy Storage Applications: A Critical Review of Conventional Materials and the Potential of Bio-based Alternatives.” Journal of Energy Storage, 2025. 🌱💡
“Inverse Method for Estimating Thermal Properties of Phase Change Material Using Levenberg-Marquardt Method.” 4th International Conference on Innovative Research in Applied Science, Engineering, and Technology (IRASET), 2024. 🔍📊
“Energy Efficiency in Buildings: Numerical Study of the Impact of Integrating Phase Change Materials Into the Walls.” Journal of Atomic, Molecular, Condensed Matter and Nano Physics, 2020. 🏢🌡

CONCLUSION

Zakaria Ouaouja is a promising researcher with a clear commitment to solving energy efficiency challenges through phase change materials. His research contributions, particularly in bio-based PCM alternatives, have the potential to shape the future of energy storage and building systems. While there are opportunities for broader application and visibility, his current achievements demonstrate his strong candidacy for the Best Researcher Award. His innovative approach to sustainable energy solutions, coupled with a strong academic foundation, places him on a trajectory toward continued success and recognition in the field.

Wenbo Zhao – Construction waste management – Best Researcher Award

Posted on 19/09/202419/09/2024 by Civil

Wenbo Zhao - Construction waste management - Best Researcher Award

Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University - China

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

WENBO ZHAO - CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT EXPERT 🏗️

Wenbo Zhao is a distinguished scholar in the field of construction management, having earned an MSc with distinction from the University of Liverpool. His academic journey has been marked by exceptional performance, consistently ranking first in his class. Wenbo's passion lies in creating sustainable solutions for the built environment, with a focus on reducing the carbon footprint of construction projects. His research aims to address global climate change through innovative strategies in waste management and sustainable construction practices.

RESEARCH IN CONSTRUCTION WASTE ♻️

Wenbo’s research interests revolve around construction waste management, decarbonization, and the circular economy. His work has extensively explored the potential of prefabrication in minimizing waste and reducing carbon emissions. He is committed to applying digital technologies to revolutionize the construction industry and promote industrial ecology. His academic endeavors are driven by a desire to make the construction sector more sustainable and resilient.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE 🎓

With a Bachelor's degree in Engineering Cost from Shenyang Jianzhu University, Wenbo graduated with honors, securing top rankings. His graduation project, focused on the Pinghe Hospital construction, earned him an Excellent Graduation Project Award. His MSc thesis also highlighted his expertise, achieving a top grade. Throughout his academic journey, Wenbo demonstrated strong research and independent learning skills, distinguishing himself as a leading student in his cohort.

PUBLICATIONS AND IMPACT 📚

Wenbo has contributed significantly to scientific literature with publications in high-impact journals. His research on decarbonizing prefabricated building waste and integrating digital technologies into waste management reflects his focus on sustainability. His papers, published in leading journals such as the Journal of Cleaner Production and Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy, have garnered attention for their innovative approaches to reducing construction waste.

TEACHING AND MENTORING 👨‍🏫

As a teaching assistant at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Wenbo has guided students in advanced construction management, project planning, and sustainable project management. His teaching efforts have been recognized with awards such as the Best Taught Module Prize. Through his role, he imparts his knowledge on sustainable practices and digital technologies, preparing the next generation of engineers for a more eco-conscious construction industry.

CONFERENCE CONTRIBUTIONS 🌍

Wenbo has actively presented his research at prestigious conferences worldwide, including in Shanghai and Montreal. His presentations, focusing on the environmental impacts of construction and the role of residents in carbon emissions, have earned him accolades like the Excellent Oral Presentation Award. His participation in these events reflects his dedication to sharing insights and advancing global sustainability goals in construction.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION 🏅

Wenbo’s achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, both at the national and university levels. Notably, he earned second prize in the prestigious "Luban Cup" University BIM Graduation Design Competition and several accolades for his innovative approaches in engineering competitions. His commitment to excellence and sustainability continues to drive his contributions to the field of construction management.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Title: Catalyzing Sustainability through Prefabrication: Integrating BIM-LCA for Assessing Embodied Carbon in Timber Formwork Waste
Authors: Hao, J.L., Zhao, W., Gong, G., Li, L., Zhang, Y.
Journal: Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy
Year: 2024
Title: Decarbonizing Prefabricated Building Waste: Scenario Simulation of Policies in China
Authors: Zhao, W., Hao, J.L., Gong, G., Zuo, J., Di Sarno, L.
Journal: Journal of Cleaner Production
Year: 2024

Feng Chen – Underground energy storage – Best Researcher Award

Posted on 19/09/202419/09/2024 by Civil

Feng Chen - Underground energy storage - Best Researcher Award

State Key Laboratory of Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering - China

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

🏗️ RESEARCH IN GEOTECHNICS

Feng Chen is a distinguished researcher primarily engaged in geotechnical mechanics and nonlinear numerical simulation of geotechnical engineering. His work focuses on stability assessment techniques for deep underground spaces, providing valuable insights for industries and governments alike. With a sharp focus on solving complex geotechnical problems, his research contributes significantly to the safety of underground structures.

📚 PROJECT LEADER

Feng Chen has led several major research projects, including the prestigious 973 Program and key initiatives supported by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the National Natural Science Foundation of China. His leadership extends to critical projects such as salt cavern gas storage and helium storage, advancing cutting-edge solutions in energy and infrastructure safety.

🏅 AWARDS AND HONORS

Chen’s contributions have earned him notable recognition, including a National Science and Technology Progress Award (Second Prize) and a Hubei Province Science and Technology Progress Award (First Prize). His consistent achievements highlight his excellence in both research and practical applications within his field.

🛠️ INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES

Feng Chen has developed innovative technologies for safety supervision and testing of gas storage systems. His patents, such as the salt rock dissolution law test device, showcase his ability to create practical solutions that are transforming geotechnical practices. His research directly impacts safety and operational efficiency in underground storage systems.

🔬 SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS

With over 20 papers published in prestigious journals, Feng Chen has contributed to understanding underground storage systems, surface subsidence, and viscoelastic theory. His work enhances the reliability of energy storage solutions, providing essential knowledge to ensure the stability of geological formations and infrastructure.

📖 BOOK AUTHOR

Feng Chen co-authored the book "Mechanics Theory and Engineering of Layered Salt Rock," a comprehensive text that serves as a crucial resource for geotechnical engineering students and professionals. His expertise is deeply rooted in both academic research and its practical implementation in the engineering industry.

🌍 GLOBAL IMPACT

Chen's research extends globally, particularly in the area of renewable energy integration through underground salt cavern storage. His work addresses critical challenges in energy storage, contributing to the future of sustainable energy solutions by enhancing the safety and efficiency of large-scale energy storage projects.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Title: Viscoelastic Analysis of Surface Deformation Above Salt Caverns for Gas Storage Based on Semi-Infinite Space
Authors: Ye, L., Chen, F., Chen, J., Chen, X., Yang, C.
Journal: Journal of Energy Storage
Year: 2023

Title: Subsidence Above Gas Storage in Salt Caverns Predicted with Viscoelastic Theory
Authors: Chen, F., Ye, L., Ma, H., Liu, H., Yang, C.
Journal: Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering
Year: 2022

Title: Subsidence Above Rock Salt Caverns Predicted with Elastic Plate Theory
Authors: Ye, L., Chen, F., Ma, H., Li, H., Yang, C.
Journal: Environmental Earth Sciences
Year: 2022

Title: Study on Strength of Rock Salt with Mudstone Based on the Hoek-Brown Criterion
Authors: Ye, L., Chen, F., Xue, T., Wang, W.
Conference: 56th U.S. Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium
Year: 2022

Title: Acoustic Emission Activity and Damage Evolution Characteristics of Marble Under Triaxial Stress at High Temperatures
Authors: Li, H.-R., Wang, Z.-H., Meng, S.-R., Zhao, W.-G., Chen, F.
Journal: Yantu Lixue/Rock and Soil Mechanics
Year: 2021

Rawdah Whba – energy storage – Best Researcher Award

Posted on 05/02/202405/02/2024 by Civil

Ms. Rawdah Whba - energy storage - Best Researcher Award

Taiz University & Istanbul medeniyet üniversitesi - Yemen

AUTHOR PROFILE

Scopus

Google Scholar

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS:

Ms. Rawdah Whba's academic journey began with distinction, completing her first bachelor's degree in Chemistry at Taiz University, Yemen, with an impressive cumulative grade of 91.12%. She continued her pursuit of knowledge, obtaining a second bachelor's degree, this time from the Faculty of Applied Science at Taiz University, with an exceptional cumulative grade of 93.18%. Her academic excellence was recognized with prizes from the President of Yemen and the National Organization for Community Development.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS:

Following her academic achievements, Ms. Whba served as a lecturer in the Chemistry Department at Taiz University from 2009 to 2014. During this period, she received numerous distinctions and certificates of appreciation. Notably, she represented the syndicate of Taiz University staff in Yemen from 2014 onwards, showcasing her leadership and collaborative skills.

RESEARCH FOCUS AND CONTRIBUTIONS:

Ms. Whba's research journey began with a scholarship from the Yemeni government to pursue a master's and Ph.D. In 2017, she earned her master's degree in Chemistry Science from the University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and in 2022, she completed her Ph.D. in Chemistry at the same institution. Her research interests span polymer chemistry and physical chemistry, with a focus on electrochemistry. Notably, her work includes the synthesis of grafted polymers based on epoxidized natural rubber and the characterization of energy storage devices.

PUBLICATIONS AND ACADEMIC CITES:

Ms. Whba's contributions to the field are evident through her publications in international refereed journals. These publications cover topics such as electroconductivity of composite membranes and the synthesis and characterization of solid biopolymer electrolytes. As a reviewer, she has evaluated research articles and book chapters, showcasing her expertise in the field.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS:

Ms. Rawdah Whba's legacy is marked by her academic achievements, research contributions, and active involvement in professional memberships. Her continuous pursuit of knowledge, evident from her undergraduate studies to her postdoctoral fellowship at Istanbul Medeniyet University (IMU) in Turkey, positions her as a dynamic and promising scholar. With proficiency in various analytical and research techniques, she is poised to make significant contributions to the fields of polymer chemistry and electrochemistry in the future.