Nadia Abdelwahed | Green Infrastructure | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nadia Abdelwahed | Green Infrastructure | Best Researcher Award

Reseach Fellow | College of Business Management/King Faisal University | Saudi Arabia

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nadia Abdelwahed is an accomplished academic and researcher with extensive expertise in Business Management, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainability, currently serving as an Associate Professor at the College of Business Administration, King Faisal University. With a Ph.D. in Business Management and Entrepreneurship from Kingston University, United Kingdom, she has built a distinguished academic career spanning over two decades across leading institutions in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UK. Dr. Abdelwahed has authored and co-authored more than 35 research publications covering a broad spectrum of topics, including gender studies, digital economics, sustainability, education transformation post-COVID-19, and managerial innovation, many of which have been supported by the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Faisal University. Her work has contributed to advancing institutional performance and securing national accreditation for business programs, reflecting her strategic leadership and commitment to academic excellence. She has played an instrumental role in curriculum development, quality assurance, and strategic planning initiatives, enhancing both teaching standards and student learning outcomes. Beyond academia, Dr. Abdelwahed’s societal impact is evident through her active engagement in community development initiatives, organizing training programs and workshops on Total Quality Management, Sustainability, Managerial Skills, and Entrepreneurship, which have empowered students, employees, and marginalized groups such as women breadwinners and single mothers. Her professional collaborations span interdisciplinary and cross-institutional research projects, contributing to global knowledge dissemination and fostering innovation in business education. As a mentor and educator, she emphasizes pedagogical innovation, academic integrity, and the holistic development of students, ensuring they are equipped with leadership, analytical, and ethical competencies essential for modern business environments. With her dedication to research, education, and social empowerment, Dr. Abdelwahed continues to make a meaningful contribution to academia and the broader community through her vision of sustainable and inclusive business development.

Profile: Google Scholar | Scopus
Featured Publications:

Radovan Stojanovic – Green Infrastructure – Best Innovation Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Radovan Stojanovic - Green Infrastructure - Best Innovation Award

University of Montenegro - Montenegro

Radovan Stojanović is a distinguished academic and innovator with extensive expertise in electrical engineering, embedded systems, and medical electronics. With a track record of leadership in numerous international and national projects, he has significantly contributed to both academic and industrial innovation. His entrepreneurial ventures and academic initiatives showcase a commitment to integrating education, technology, and innovation. A respected member of several scientific bodies, he is renowned for establishing impactful conferences and research centers. Stojanović’s influence spans sectors from healthcare to environmental systems, promoting sustainability and advanced technologies through interdisciplinary approaches.

Professional Profile

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

SCOPUS

Education

Academic achievements include a PhD from the University of Patras, Greece, focused on electrical engineering and computer technologies. His foundational studies began at the University of Montenegro, where he earned Dipl. and Mr. El. Ing. degrees in electrical engineering. The structured educational path laid a strong technical base that underpins his innovations and leadership in engineering. Stojanović's educational progression highlights a consistent engagement with advanced technical knowledge and global academic standards. His international academic exposure has played a critical role in shaping his multidisciplinary perspective and cross-border collaborations.

Professional Experience

Stojanović has served as a full professor at the University of Montenegro, contributing extensively to academic development and technological innovation. His roles include co-founding MECOnet and leading several research-focused institutions. He has held various academic titles, including associate and assistant professor, and gained international experience at the University of Patras and the Industrial Systems Institute in Greece. Additional roles include engineering and academic administration, positioning him as a key figure in Montenegro's academic landscape. His leadership extends to national scientific organizations and numerous editorial and technical boards.

Research Interest

Research interests center around embedded systems, medical electronics, cyber-physical systems, and environmental monitoring. Projects such as SMART4ALL and ARCA underscore a dedication to cutting-edge technological solutions addressing real-world challenges. Stojanović’s focus spans health technology innovations, sustainable development, and advanced signal processing. He integrates hardware-software design to improve healthcare and public systems. His broad interest in interdisciplinary applications has enabled him to contribute to both scientific theory and its practical implementation. This versatility ensures the continued relevance and societal impact of his research efforts.

Award And Honor

Stojanović received accolades for research excellence, including best paper awards at MECO&CPSIoT2023 in smart systems and energy harvesting. He is a Fellow of IIAS and a member of prestigious organizations like IEEE, IFMBE, and EuroMicro. His innovations have won medals and recognition since the 1980s, reflecting a lifelong commitment to creativity and invention. Additional honors include leadership positions in international academic boards and as founder of advanced research centers. Stojanović’s legacy is further solidified through his pioneering work in sustainable PhD programs and as a mentor to emerging engineers and scientists.

Research Skill

Stojanović’s research skills encompass system design, project coordination, international collaboration, and academic entrepreneurship. He is adept in leading large-scale, multi-partner research initiatives funded by EU programs like Horizon 2020, FP7, and ERASMUS+. Stojanović has demonstrated strategic foresight in conceptualizing and implementing complex engineering solutions. His expertise in technological entrepreneurship and development of novel curricula highlights a skillset geared toward innovation and knowledge dissemination. Active across theoretical and applied domains, his skills bridge academia, industry, and policy-making. His contributions ensure the practical relevance of academic inquiry.

Publications

Publications span embedded systems, healthcare technologies, and ICT. His papers have received recognition for excellence in innovation, with works featured in major international conferences. Stojanović’s involvement in editorial boards of journals such as Microprocessors and Microsystems underscores his influence in shaping scientific discourse. Numerous project outputs have also resulted in published methodologies and applications. These scholarly contributions reflect his interdisciplinary interests and ability to link academic research with technological advancement. His published work supports knowledge transfer and capacity building across Europe and the Western Balkans.

Title: Real-time vision-based system for textile fabric inspection
Authors: R. Stojanovic, P. Mitropulos, C. Koulamas, Y. Karayiannis, S. Koubias, ...
Journal: Real-time Imaging, Volume 7, Issue 6, Pages 507–518 (2001)

Title: Defect detection and classification on web textile fabric using multiresolution decomposition and neural networks
Authors: Y.A. Karayiannis, R. Stojanovic, P. Mitropoulos, C. Koulamas, T. Stouraitis, ...
Journal: ICECS'99 – 6th IEEE International Conference on Electronics, Circuits and Systems (1999)

Title: Prototype of group heart rate monitoring with NODEMCU ESP8266
Authors: A. Škraba, A. Kolozvari, D. Kofjač, R. Stojanović, V. Stanovov, E. Semenkin
Journal: 2017 6th Mediterranean Conference on Embedded Computing (MECO), Pages 1–4

Title: A headset like wearable device to track COVID-19 symptoms
Authors: R. Stojanović, A. Škraba, B. Lutovac
Journal: 2020 9th Mediterranean Conference on Embedded Computing (MECO), Pages 1–4

Title: Streaming pulse data to the cloud with Bluetooth LE or NODEMCU ESP8266
Authors: A. Škraba, A. Kolozvari, D. Kofjač, R. Stojanović, V. Stanovov, E. Semenkin
Journal: 2016 5th Mediterranean Conference on Embedded Computing (MECO), Pages 428–431

Title: A LED–LED-based photoplethysmography sensor
Authors: R. Stojanovic, D. Karadaglic
Journal: Physiological Measurement, Volume 28, Issue 6, Page N19 (2007)

Conclusion

Stojanović embodies the fusion of academic rigor and innovative spirit. His career reflects a dedication to knowledge creation, education, and problem-solving through technology. With leadership across academia, research, and industry, he remains a driving force in Montenegro's scientific community. Stojanović has pioneered initiatives that uplift both national and regional innovation ecosystems. His lifelong pursuit of excellence, combined with collaborative ethos, has created lasting academic and societal impact. Future contributions are likely to continue this trajectory of innovation and educational empowerment across various global platforms.

Xin (Cissy) Ma – Water Resources Engineering – Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Xin (Cissy) Ma - Water Resources Engineering - Best Researcher Award

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - United States

AUTHOR PROFILE

ORCID
SCOPUS

SUMMARY

Xin (Cissy) Ma is a leading environmental engineer at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with a strong record in sustainable water systems, life cycle assessment, and resource recovery. With decades of experience in federal research, Ma has played a crucial role in developing tools and strategies to inform urban water reuse, address emerging contaminants, and enhance wastewater treatment. She is widely recognized for her contributions to systems analysis, policy engagement, and interagency collaboration, significantly advancing national efforts toward a net-zero water economy and climate resilience in environmental infrastructure.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Serving as a senior research environmental engineer at the EPA, Xin Ma has progressed through a distinguished federal career. Her work spans technical research, strategic program leadership, and stakeholder engagement. At the EPA's Cincinnati and Athens labs, she has led numerous research initiatives focused on decentralized water reuse, nutrient recovery, and emergy accounting. She has also served as a Contracting Officer’s Representative and Principal Investigator on major projects, advancing sustainability goals across multiple EPA programs. Her extensive involvement in grant reviews, technical writing, and expert panels further reflects a comprehensive and impactful professional journey.

RESEARCH INTEREST

Ma's research focuses on sustainable urban water systems, water reuse, life cycle and cost assessment, and nutrient recovery. Her investigations aim to optimize the environmental and economic performance of water and wastewater treatment technologies. With a multidisciplinary systems approach, she explores how emerging contaminants, climate variability, and circular resource flows impact water infrastructure. A significant emphasis is placed on integrating ecological accounting metrics like emergy into life cycle thinking. Her work supports resilient infrastructure development, particularly in decentralized and fit-for-purpose water reuse strategies, promoting equity, efficiency, and sustainability in environmental decision-making.

AWARD AND HONOR

Xin Ma has received numerous accolades, including the 2025 AWWA ACE Water 2050 MVP for Net Zero Water Economy and multiple U.S. EPA Scientific and Technological Achievement Awards. Her service has been recognized with honors from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy for contributions to IPCC reviews. A consistent recipient of superior performance awards across various EPA divisions, her recognition spans over a decade. These honors reflect the national and international impact of her technical leadership, scientific excellence, and commitment to environmental innovation and sustainable development.

RESEARCH SKILL

Ma possesses expert-level skills in life cycle assessment, cost-benefit analysis, emergy accounting, and sustainability metrics. Her capabilities include modeling water reuse systems, evaluating environmental tradeoffs, and using integrated decision-support tools. She has led interdisciplinary teams in developing EPA-endorsed software such as the NEWR Calculator and the UEV Library. Her research integrates quantitative and qualitative metrics, blending environmental science, policy, and engineering. With a solid foundation in experimental design, data interpretation, and regulatory alignment, Ma excels in translating complex data into practical solutions for federal policy and sustainable infrastructure planning.

PUBLICATIONS

Title: Environmental Impacts and Cost of a Water Quality Trading Approach for NPDES Nutrient Permit Compliance in a Rural Watershed
Authors: Sam Arden; Ben Morelli; Joe Miller; Sagarika Rath; Jennifer Ferrando; George Azevedo; Smiti Nepal; Bayou Demeke; Xin (Cissy) Ma
Journal: Water Research X, 2025

Title: Onsite Non-potable Reuse for Large Buildings: Environmental and Economic Suitability as a Function of Building Characteristics and Location
Authors: Sam Arden; Ben Morelli; Sarah Cashman; Xin (Cissy) Ma; Michael Jahne; Jay Garland
Journal: Water Research, 2021

Title: Human Health, Economic and Environmental Assessment of Onsite Non-Potable Water Reuse Systems for a Large, Mixed-Use Urban Building
Authors: Sam Arden; Ben Morelli; Mary Schoen; Sarah Cashman; Michael Jahne; Xin (Cissy) Ma; Jay Garland
Journal: Sustainability, 2020

Title: Holistic Analysis of Urban Water Systems in the Greater Cincinnati Region: (1) Life Cycle Assessment and Cost Implications
Authors: Xiaobo Xue; Sarah Cashman; Anthony Gaglione; Janet Mosley; Lori Weiss; Xin Cissy Ma; Jennifer Cashdollar; Jay Garland
Journal: Water Research X, 2019

Title: Holistic Analysis of Urban Water Systems in the Greater Cincinnati Region: (2) Resource Use Profiles by Emergy Accounting Approach
Authors: Sam Arden; Xin (Cissy) Ma; Mark Brown
Journal: Water Research X, 2019

 

CONCLUSION

Through a career grounded in research excellence and public service, Xin Ma exemplifies leadership in sustainable water infrastructure and environmental systems thinking. Her contributions have driven forward national priorities in climate adaptation, water reuse, and resource efficiency. By integrating science, engineering, and policy, she delivers solutions that support resilient communities and ecological health. From tool development to global collaboration on climate reports, her influence spans local, national, and international levels. Xin Ma continues to shape the future of environmental engineering through rigorous analysis, stakeholder engagement, and innovation in sustainability practices.