Geoffrey Rothwell | Construction Management | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering

Dr. Geoffrey Rothwell | Construction Management | Best Researcher Award

 Stanford University – United States

AUTHOR PROFILE

Summary

Dr. Geoffrey Rothwell combines rigorous scholarship with demonstrable real‑world impact. Over four decades, he has shaped how governments and industry understand nuclear‑project cost risk and market competition. His record checks every box the Best Researcher Award typically values—productivity, originality, funding success, and societal benefit. Minor enhancements in methodological breadth and fresh competitive recognitions would make an already strong dossier virtually unassailable.

🎓 Education

Dr. Rothwell’s academic journey is both diverse and distinguished. He earned his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley in August 1985, with a dissertation on Electric Utility Power Plant Choice under Investment Regulation under the guidance of Professor Richard Gilbert. He also holds an M.A. in Jurisprudence and Social Policy (1984) and an M.A. in Economics (1981) from UC Berkeley. He was a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the California Institute of Technology from 1985 to 1986 and a Visiting Doctoral Student in Engineering Economic Systems at Stanford University (1982–1983). His undergraduate degree, a B.A. in Political Economy, was awarded by The Evergreen State College in 1975. Additionally, his early education includes studies in France (Université de Nice and Lycée François Premier) and the U.S. (Hanford High School).

🧠 Experience and Skills

Dr. Rothwell has held a wide range of influential academic, advisory, and consulting roles. Notably, he was Principal Economist at the OECD’s Nuclear Energy Agency (2013–2018), and Chief Consulting Economist at Turner|Harris in the UK (2018–2021). He has consulted for leading organizations such as Google, Woodruff Scientific, and Longenecker & Associates. He has also managed multimillion-dollar research grants from the NSF and DOE, serving as Principal Investigator and Co-Principal Investigator on several energy-related research projects. His areas of expertise include nuclear economics, cost estimation, investment analysis, energy policy, and technology assessment.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Rothwell’s research concentrates on the economics of nuclear energy, including power plant cost estimation, fuel cycle sustainability, and nuclear market competition. He is a leading voice on contingency and cost escalation in nuclear remediation and decommissioning, and has published widely on international nuclear policy, uranium enrichment markets, and regulatory economics. His work integrates applied microeconomics, real options analysis, and industrial organization to address critical issues in energy infrastructure and public policy.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Dr. Rothwell’s contributions have been recognized through various accolades. He was featured in “Titans of Nuclear” (Energy Impact, 2018), and his graduate work won the Western Economics Association’s Graduate Student Paper Competition in 1984. As a high school student, he was selected as an AFS foreign exchange scholar to France (1971–1972).

👨‍🏫 Teaching and Academic Leadership

With over three decades of teaching experience, Dr. Rothwell has made significant contributions to higher education. At Stanford University (1996–2012), he was a Senior Lecturer in Economics and Public Policy, Director of Honors Programs, and Associate Director of the Public Policy Program. He taught a wide array of undergraduate and graduate courses, ranging from econometrics and macroeconomic analysis to energy economics and regulation. He also served as a Visiting Professor at EPFL in Switzerland and taught at UC Berkeley, UC Santa Cruz, and the New Economics School in Moscow.

📚 Selected Publications of Dr. Geoffrey Rothwell

Title: Electricity Economics
Author(s): G. Rothwell, T. Gomez
Year: 2003

Title: A Real Options Approach to Evaluating New Nuclear Power Plants
Author(s): G. Rothwell
Year: 2006

Title: A Comparative Institutional Analysis of the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster: Lessons and Policy Implications
Author(s): M. Aoki, G. Rothwell
Year: 2013

Title: Standardization, Diversity and Learning: Strategies for the Coevolution of Technology and Industrial Capacity
Author(s): P.A. David, G.S. Rothwell
Year: 1996

Title: On the Optimal Lifetime of Nuclear Power Plants
Author(s): G. Rothwell, J. Rust
Year: 1997

Title: Economics of Nuclear Power
Author(s): G.S. Rothwell
Year: 2016

Title: Optimal Response to a Shift in Regulatory Regime: The Case of the US Nuclear Power Industry
Author(s): J. Rust, G. Rothwell
Year: 1995

Title: Subsidy to Nuclear Power Through Price-Anderson Liability Limit
Author(s): J.A. Dubin, G.S. Rothwell
Year: 1990

Title: Subsidy to Nuclear Power Through Liability Limits
Author(s): J.A. Dubin, G.S. Rothwell
Year: 1990

Title: Market Power in Uranium Enrichment
Author(s): G. Rothwell
Year: 2009

✅ Conclusion

Given his seminal contributions to nuclear‑energy economics, breadth of policy influence, and ongoing publication momentum, Dr. Rothwell is highly suitable—indeed, a standout candidate—for the Best Researcher Award. Addressing the noted improvement areas will further amplify the long‑term legacy of his work, but they in no way diminish his present qualification for top honors.

Ilaria Sebastiani | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering

Mrs. Ilaria Sebastiani | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Structural engineering, Freelance, Italy

Ilaria Sebastiani is a dedicated Civil Engineer with a focus on project management and structural design. Born on May 10, 1995, in Italy, she has developed expertise in managing complex construction projects, integrating advanced technologies like BIM for improved project outcomes. Her commitment to innovation and sustainability in civil engineering has made her a prominent figure in her field. 🌍🏗️

Publication Profile

ORCID

Strengths for the Award

  1. Educational Background:Ilaria has a strong educational foundation, holding a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering with a perfect score and a Master’s in Project Management with BIM, showcasing her expertise in both technical and managerial aspects of engineering projects.
  2. Professional Experience:With extensive hands-on experience as a Designer and Project Manager at Studio Masciotta s.r.l., Ilaria has been involved in significant projects, including seismic verifications and hydraulic tunnel improvements. This practical experience adds to her research credibility.
  3. Research Contributions:Ilaria has contributed to important research projects and has co-authored publications that address contemporary challenges in construction, such as energy analysis and material reusability. Her work is presented at significant conferences, indicating her active participation in the research community.
  4. Technical Skills:Proficiency in structural calculation software and energy analysis tools demonstrates her capability to handle complex engineering problems, which is essential for impactful research.
  5. Certification and Training:Ongoing professional development, evidenced by certifications in confined space work, PPE usage, and open LCA, reflects her commitment to safety and sustainable practices in engineering.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Language Skills:Ilaria’s proficiency in English is at a B1 level. Improving her English language skills could enhance her ability to engage with a broader international research community and present her work more effectively.
  2. Broader Research Experience:While she has solid experience in civil engineering and construction, exploring interdisciplinary research areas or collaborating on projects outside her immediate field could diversify her research portfolio and broaden her impact.
  3. Publication Output:Increasing the number of publications in high-impact journals and participating in more international conferences could elevate her visibility and recognition in the research community.
  4. Networking and Professional Associations:Engaging more with professional associations and attending workshops or seminars could enhance her networking opportunities, leading to potential collaborations and innovative research ideas.

Education

Ilaria obtained her Master’s in Project Management in Construction Works with BIM from Politecnico di Milano in May 2024, achieving a top grade of 110/110. Prior to this, she earned her Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering – Structures (110/110 laude) and her Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering (102/110) from Sapienza University of Rome. She is also registered as a professional engineer in Rome and holds a certification as a Fire Prevention Professional. 🎓✨

Experience

Currently, Ilaria serves as a Project Manager at Studio Masciotta s.r.l., where she oversees various projects, including the seismic verification of dams and the management of construction activities. Her role involves coordinating site activities, liaising with clients, and conducting technical analyses. Previously, she interned at Eurac Research, where she contributed to EU-funded projects focused on energy efficiency in building renovations. 🏢🔧

Research Focus

Ilaria’s research interests lie in energy analysis, thermal bridge impact assessments, and innovative façade systems. She has actively contributed to projects aimed at enhancing building performance through sustainable design and construction practices, emphasizing the importance of integrating environmental considerations into engineering solutions. 🔍📊

Awards and Honours

Ilaria has been recognized for her contributions to civil engineering through various certifications and participation in significant conferences. Her work on energy efficiency and sustainable construction has positioned her as a promising professional in her field. 🥇🎉

Publication Top Notes

Impact of Thermal Bridges on the Energy Response of Building

Timber-based Façades with Different Connections and Claddings: Assessing Materials’ Reusability, Water Use, and Global Warming Potential

Conclusion

Ilaria Sebastiani’s strong educational background, combined with her practical experience and active engagement in research, positions her as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. By focusing on language skills, expanding her research scope, increasing publication output, and enhancing her professional network, she can further solidify her status as a leading researcher in her field. Her commitment to continuous learning and professional development underscores her potential to contribute significantly to civil engineering and sustainable construction practices.