laila taoufiq | Earthquake Engineering | Women Researcher Award

Ms . laila taoufiq | Earthquake Engineering | Women Researcher Award

professor at ecole polytechnique d’agadir , Morocco

Dr. Laila Taoufiq is a highly capable and dedicated researcher in the field of materials physics, with a strong focus on sustainable construction and environmental engineering. Her work addresses pressing issues such as structural resilience, indoor air quality, and the recycling of industrial waste in building materials. With six peer-reviewed publications, including recent contributions on the 2023 Al Haouz earthquake and radioactivity in indoor environments, her research demonstrates both scientific relevance and societal impact. Dr. Taoufiq combines academic rigor with practical teaching across multiple engineering institutions, bringing valuable expertise in structural modeling and materials testing. While her international exposure and publication volume could be further developed, her contributions to applied research and education are commendable. She stands out as a strong candidate for a Best Researcher Award, particularly where the focus is on research impact, sustainability, and innovation in engineering practices. Her academic dedication and real-world focus merit formal recognition.

Professional Profile

Education🎓

Dr. Laila Taoufiq has a solid and multidisciplinary academic background in engineering and materials science. She earned her Doctorate in Materials Physics from the University Chouaib Doukkali, El Jadida, in 2018, where she conducted extensive research on the environmental and technical feasibility of recycling industrial waste, such as ash, in construction materials. Her doctoral thesis was awarded with high honors and jury congratulations. Prior to that, she completed her engineering degree in 2011 from the prestigious Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Rabat (ENIM), specializing in materials and structural engineering. Her academic journey began with a Master’s degree in Materials Science from the Faculty of Sciences and Technologies (FST) in Settat between 2005 and 2009. This well-rounded education has equipped her with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in material behavior, structural analysis, and sustainable engineering, forming a strong foundation for her current research and teaching activities.

Professional Experience📝

Dr. Laila Taoufiq has accumulated extensive professional experience in both research and higher education. Since September 2022, she has been serving as a lecturer and researcher at the École Polytechnique d’Agadir, where she teaches key engineering subjects such as reinforced and prestressed concrete, structural analysis, and modeling using structural software like Robot. Her teaching approach is highly practical, incorporating lab work and applied mechanics. Prior to this, she held teaching positions at several respected institutions, including ENSA Agadir, ESEFA, and ENSAM Casablanca, where she led courses and laboratory sessions in construction materials, solid mechanics, and resistance of materials. Her hands-on teaching style involves conducting a wide range of technical experiments in concrete behavior, materials testing, and structural analysis. Dr. Taoufiq’s professional experience reflects a strong integration of academic knowledge and real-world application, making her a valuable contributor to engineering education and applied research in sustainable building practices.

Research Interest🔎

Dr. Laila Taoufiq’s research interests lie at the intersection of sustainable construction, environmental engineering, and materials science. She focuses on the reuse and valorization of industrial by-products, such as coal ash and bottom ash, in concrete manufacturing to promote eco-friendly and cost-effective construction solutions. Her work aims to reduce environmental impact while improving the mechanical and radiological properties of construction materials. She is also deeply engaged in structural safety research, as evidenced by her recent study on building failures during the 2023 Al Haouz earthquake. Additionally, Dr. Taoufiq investigates indoor air quality and natural radioactivity exposure in built environments, contributing to public health and safety. Her research combines experimental lab work, field assessments, and structural modeling to develop practical solutions for current engineering challenges. Through these interdisciplinary efforts, she strives to enhance building performance, environmental sustainability, and resilience, making her work highly relevant to modern civil and environmental engineering needs.

Award and Honor🏆

Dr. Laila Taoufiq has been recognized for her academic excellence and research contributions throughout her career. Most notably, she was awarded a Doctorate in Materials Physics with the highest distinction—“Très Honorable avec Félicitations du Jury”—by the University Chouaib Doukkali in 2018, a clear acknowledgment of the quality, relevance, and originality of her doctoral research. Her thesis on the technical and environmental feasibility of valorizing industrial ashes in construction materials earned praise for its innovative approach to sustainability in civil engineering. While no specific awards beyond her doctoral honors are listed, her consistent involvement in impactful research and her active teaching roles at prominent Moroccan engineering institutions demonstrate professional recognition and trust in her expertise. Dr. Taoufiq’s growing portfolio of peer-reviewed publications, particularly on high-impact topics such as earthquake resilience and indoor environmental health, further establishes her as a respected figure in her field and a deserving candidate for future academic and research honors.

Research Skill🔬

Dr. Laila Taoufiq possesses a diverse and well-developed set of research skills that span experimental work, data analysis, and applied engineering. She is highly skilled in the characterization of construction materials, particularly in assessing mechanical, environmental, and radiological properties. Her expertise includes designing and conducting laboratory experiments, such as concrete strength testing, adsorption of heavy metals, and evaluating the performance of recycled materials like coal ash in construction applications. Dr. Taoufiq is proficient in using analytical tools and structural modeling software, such as Autodesk Robot, for simulating and analyzing the behavior of concrete and steel structures under different loading conditions. Her research is grounded in real-world applications, often addressing critical challenges such as earthquake damage assessment, indoor air quality, and sustainable construction practices. She also demonstrates strong abilities in academic writing, data interpretation, and interdisciplinary collaboration, making her a capable and solution-oriented researcher in materials science and structural engineering.

Conclusionđź’ˇ

Dr. Laila Taoufiq is a strong candidate for the Women Researcher Award, especially in contexts that emphasize research relevance, societal impact, sustainability, and interdisciplinary contributions. Her work is technically sound, environmentally significant, and aligned with global development goals. With greater international engagement and expanded publication output, she has the potential to emerge as a leading figure in her field. Her combination of academic excellence, teaching, and research makes her highly deserving of recognition under this award.

Publications Top Noted✍

  • Title: Structural failure of reinforced concrete buildings: The case of Al Haouz earthquake on 8 September 2023, Morocco

  • Authors:

    • L. Taoufiq, Laila

    • M. Chourak, Mimoun

    • E.M. Guendouli, El Mehdi

    • F.Z. Arrakhiz, Fatimaezzahra Z.

  • Journal: Structures (Published by Elsevier)

  • Year: 2025

  • Citation Format (APA Style):
    Taoufiq, L., Chourak, M., Guendouli, E. M., & Arrakhiz, F. Z. (2025). Structural failure of reinforced concrete buildings: The case of Al Haouz earthquake on 8 September 2023, Morocco. Structures. (Link not available)

 

Chito Villanueva | Earthquake Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr Chito Villanueva | Earthquake Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Student at Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Philippines

Chito M. Villanueva is a highly accomplished Structural Engineer and Technical & QA/QC Manager with over 20 years of experience in the design and construction industry. Based in Dubai, he holds multiple professional memberships, including ASCE-SEI, ACI, AISC, and PICE-UAE. He is a licensed civil engineer in the Philippines and Dubai, with expertise in seismic design, resilience-based engineering, and structural analysis. Chito is proficient in various engineering software and has contributed to high-profile projects such as Damac Heights Tower and Al Ghurair Mall Expansion. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Civil Engineering at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, specializing in Structural Engineering. A dedicated professional, Chito is passionate about integrating practical site execution with innovative design solutions to deliver cost-effective and timely projects.

Professional Profile

Orcid

Education 🎓

Chito Villanueva is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Civil Engineering at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, specializing in Structural Engineering (2022–present). He earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the Technological Institute of the Philippines, Manila (1998–2003), where he graduated as a scholar of Makati. His technical foundation was laid at Don Bosco Technical Institute, Makati City (1993–1998), where he completed his high school education with a focus on Industrial Drafting Technology, earning him four consecutive Top 10 Technical awards. Chito’s academic journey reflects his strong commitment to technical excellence and continuous learning in the field of structural engineering.

Experience đź’Ľ

With over 20 years of experience, Chito Villanueva has held key roles in prominent organizations. Currently, he serves as Technical & QA/QC Manager – Structural Engineer at Bu Haleeba Contracting L.L.C., Dubai (2018–present), overseeing quality management and value engineering. Previously, he worked as a Technical Engineer – Structural at Al Rostamani Pegel L.L.C. (2016–2017) and as a Structural Engineer at Arabtec Construction L.L.C. (2011–2016), contributing to projects like Damac Heights Tower and Tiarra Tower. He also served at Habtoor Leighton Group (2008–2011) and Prisma Spaceframe (2005–2008), specializing in glazing structures and high-rise designs. His expertise spans structural design, site supervision, and interdisciplinary coordination, ensuring project success.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Chito Villanueva has been recognized for his technical prowess and academic excellence. During high school at Don Bosco Technical Institute, he was a 4-time consecutive Top 10 Technical awardee and a Don Bosco Youth Center Scholar. He graduated as a scholar of Makati during his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at the Technological Institute of the Philippines. His professional achievements include holding a Dubai Municipality License (U/L) and being an IRCA CQI Certified Lead Auditor for ISO 9001:2015. Chito’s dedication to continuous learning is evident through his active participation in seminars and webinars offered by ASCE, ACI, AISC, and PICE.

Research Focus 🔍

Chito Villanueva’s research focuses on resilience-based seismic design and the application of nonlinear fluid viscous dampers in structural engineering. He is particularly interested in linear and nonlinear modeling, LRHA (Linear Response History Analysis), and NLRHA (Nonlinear Response History Analysis). His work emphasizes integrating practical site execution with advanced structural design solutions to enhance building resilience against seismic events. Chito’s research aims to bridge the gap between theoretical design and real-world applications, ensuring cost-effective and sustainable construction practices.

Publication Top Notes 📚

  1. The application of nonlinear fluid viscous dampers in resilience-based seismic design: A systematic review (Structures, 2025)

Conclusion 🌟

Chito M. Villanueva is a seasoned Structural Engineer with a proven track record in design, construction, and quality management. His extensive experience, coupled with his academic pursuits and research focus on seismic resilience, positions him as a valuable contributor to the engineering field. Chito’s dedication to innovation, practical solutions, and continuous learning makes him a standout professional in the industry.

 

Nurhan Ecemis | Earthquake Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof Nurhan Ecemis | Earthquake Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Civil Engineering, Izmir Institute of technology, Turkey

Dr. Nurhan Ecemis is a distinguished professor in Civil Engineering, specializing in Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering. He earned his Ph.D. from the State University of New York at Buffalo and has made significant contributions to soil liquefaction, soil dynamics, and earthquake engineering. With extensive academic and industry experience, Dr. Ecemis has worked as a professor at Izmir Institute of Technology and a visiting professor at the University of British Columbia. His research has been published in leading journals, focusing on seismic liquefaction, numerical modeling, and geotechnical applications.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Google Scholar

Orcid

Scopus

EDUCATION 🎓

  • Ph.D. in Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering (Geotechnical Engineering), State University of New York at Buffalo, USA (2004-2008)
  • M.S. in Civil Engineering (Geotechnical Engineering), Istanbul Technical University, Turkey (2001-2003)
  • B.S. in Civil Engineering (Geotechnical Engineering, First-Class Honors), Istanbul Kultur University, Turkey (1997-2001)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 🏗️

  • Professor & Department Chair (from August 2024), Civil Engineering, Izmir Institute of Technology, Turkey (2021-Present)
  • Visiting Professor, Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, Canada (2022-2023)
  • Associate Professor, Izmir Institute of Technology, Turkey (2015-2021)
  • Assistant Professor, Izmir Institute of Technology, Turkey (2009-2015)
  • Staff Engineer III, LANGAN Engineering and Environmental Services, USA (2008-2009)
  • Research & Teaching Assistant, State University of New York at Buffalo, USA (2004-2008)
  • Geotechnical Engineer, ENAR Geotechnical Engineering, Turkey (2002-2003)

AWARDS & HONORS 🏅

  • Recognized for outstanding research in Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering
  • Multiple Best Paper Awards in top geotechnical and earthquake engineering journals
  • Recipient of Marie Curie Fellowship under the EU 7th Framework Program
  • Acknowledged for contributions to seismic liquefaction modeling & soil dynamics

RESEARCH FOCUS 🔬

Dr. Ecemis focuses on geotechnical earthquake engineering, soil liquefaction, seismic soil behavior, and numerical modeling. His expertise includes experimental and computational studies on liquefaction resistance, seismic-induced ground deformation, and geotechnical hazard mitigation. His work aims to develop innovative solutions for earthquake resilience in infrastructure.

PUBLICATION TOP NOTES 📚

  • Laminar box system for 1-g physical modeling of liquefaction and lateral spreading
  • Simulation of seismic liquefaction: 1-g model testing system and shaking table tests
  • Time-dependent physicochemical characteristics of Malaysian residual soil stabilized with magnesium chloride solution
  • Sand-granulated rubber mixture to prevent liquefaction-induced uplift of buried pipes: a shaking table study
  • The use of neural networks for CPT-based liquefaction screening
  • Experimental and numerical modeling on the liquefaction potential and ground settlement of silt-interlayered stratified sands
  • Influence of consolidation properties on the cyclic re-liquefaction potential of sands
  • Influence of non-/low plastic fines on cone penetration and liquefaction resistance
  • The use of neural networks for the prediction of cone penetration resistance of silty sands
  • Soil liquefaction-induced uplift of buried pipes in sand-granulated-rubber mixture: Numerical modeling
  • Effects of permeability on liquefaction resistance and cone resistance
  • Effects of permeability and compressibility on liquefaction screening using cone penetration resistance
  • Effect of soil-type and fines content on liquefaction resistance—shear-wave velocity correlation
  • Liquefaction remediation in silty soils using dynamic compaction and stone columns
  • Geotechnical reconnaissance findings of the October 30, 2020, Mw7.0 Samos Island (Aegean Sea) earthquake
  • Usage of Tyre Derived Aggregates as backfill around buried pipelines crossing strike-slip faults; model tests
  • CPT-based liquefaction resistance of clean and silty sands: a drainage conditions-based approach
  • Validation of porosity in 2D-DEM CPT model using large-scale shaking table tests in saturated sands
  • Effects of permeability and compressibility on liquefaction assessment of silty soils using cone penetration resistance
  • Effects of fines on liquefaction screening using penetration resistance

Silvia Pinasco | Earthquake Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mrs Silvia Pinasco | Earthquake Engineering | Best Researcher Award

PhD student,University of Genoa, Italy

Silvia Pinasco is a dedicated researcher in civil engineering, specializing in risk and resilience engineering for natural, industrialized, and built environments. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at the University of Genoa, focusing on structural vulnerability and seismic risk assessment of masonry buildings. She has actively contributed to multiple research projects and conferences in the field of earthquake engineering. With a strong academic background and professional experience in structural analysis, she has worked on building modeling, cost estimation, and engineering assessments. Her research is published in high-impact journals and presented at international conferences. Silvia’s expertise lies in numerical simulations, seismic fragility assessment, and machine learning applications for structural vulnerability analysis. Her commitment to advancing knowledge in earthquake engineering is evident in her numerous contributions to academia.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Scopus

STRENGTHS FOR THE AWARD

  1. Strong Educational Background 🎓 – Silvia Pinasco holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering with top honors (110/110) and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Risk and Resilience Engineering, demonstrating academic excellence.
  2. Specialized Research Focus 📚 – Her research on seismic vulnerability, risk assessment, and machine learning applications in structural engineering is crucial for disaster resilience.
  3. High-Impact Publications 📖 – She has authored multiple papers in reputed journals and conferences, such as Procedia Structural Integrity, Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering, and WCEE.
  4. Practical Experience 🏗️ – Hands-on work in building modeling and cost estimation complements her academic research, bridging theory with real-world applications.
  5. International Recognition 🌍 – Collaborations with international researchers and participation in global conferences position her research at a high level.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENTS

  • Broader Application of Research 🔬 – Expanding her work beyond seismic vulnerability to include climate resilience or AI-driven predictive models could enhance impact.
  • Industry Collaborations 🤝 – Strengthening partnerships with engineering firms and government agencies can increase the practical applications of her findings.
  • Funding & Leadership Roles đź’° – Leading large-scale funded research projects or mentoring young researchers would solidify her reputation.

EDUCATION 🎓

  • Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering – University of Genoa, Department of Civil, Chemical, and Environmental Engineering (Graduated: March 30, 2021, Final Grade: 110/110)
  • State Examination for Civil and Environmental Engineer Qualification – University of Genoa (First session, 2021, Final Score: 50/50)
  • Certification of 24 CFU for Teaching – University of Genoa (Completed: July 15, 2020)
  • Ph.D. in Risk and Resilience Engineering for the Natural, Industrialized, and Built Environments – University of Genoa, Department of Civil, Chemical, and Environmental Engineering (37th Cycle, Ongoing since November 2021)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 🏗️

  • Building Modeling & Structural Analysis – Utilized Edilclima software for structural modeling and analysis.
  • Cost Estimation & Metric Calculations – Conducted financial assessments and material calculations for construction projects.
  • Engineering Consultancy – Worked at General Engineering SRL, Genoa, Italy (April 2021 – October 2021), contributing to various civil engineering projects.
  • Seismic Vulnerability Studies – Focused on earthquake engineering, particularly seismic fragility and resilience of masonry structures.
  • Numerical Simulations & Machine Learning – Applied computational techniques for structural safety assessments.

AWARDS AND HONORS 🏅

  • Best Research Contribution Award – Recognized for outstanding work in earthquake engineering.
  • Scholarship for Doctoral Studies – Awarded funding for Ph.D. research in seismic vulnerability.
  • Conference Presentation Recognition – Acknowledged for high-impact presentations at international conferences.
  • Top Performer in Civil Engineering – Achieved top academic ranking in master’s degree (110/110).
  • Publication Excellence Award – Recognized for contributions to computational modeling and structural risk assessment.

RESEARCH FOCUS 🔬

Silvia Pinasco’s research primarily focuses on seismic vulnerability assessment of historical masonry buildings, with a special emphasis on structures in urban aggregates. She applies numerical simulations, fragility curves, and machine learning to predict structural behavior under seismic loads. Her work aims to develop resilient engineering solutions for mitigating earthquake damage. She collaborates on international research projects addressing earthquake-induced risks, structural dynamics, and safety assessments. Her research contributions are widely recognized in earthquake engineering conferences and journals, helping advance structural resilience methodologies.

PUBLICATION TOP NOTES📚

  • On the vulnerability features of historical masonry buildings in aggregate – Procedia Structural Integrity, 2023
  • Numerical investigation of the seismic response of an unreinforced masonry residential building hit by the Zagreb earthquake in 2020 – 2CroCEE, 2023
  • Machine learning-based identification of vulnerability factors for masonry buildings in aggregate: The historical centre of Casentino hit by the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake – COMPDYN 2023
  • Development of fragility curves of masonry buildings built in a regular row aggregate – 18th WCEE, 2024
  • Seismic fragility assessment of existing masonry buildings in aggregate located in Zagreb – Under review, Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering, Springer
  • Unreinforced Masonry Buildings in Aggregate of Urban Settlements: Current Approaches and Critical Issues for the Seismic Vulnerability Assessment – Under review, Structures, Elsevier

CONCLUSION

Silvia Pinasco is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her expertise in structural dynamics, seismic risk assessment, and advanced engineering methodologies. While expanding her research scope and industry ties could further elevate her profile, her current achievements already place her among the top researchers in her field. 🚀

Ahmed Elbady – Structural Engineering – Best Researcher Award

Ahmed Elbady - Structural Engineering - Best Researcher Award

Sherbrooke University - Canada

AUTHOR PROFILE

Scopus

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Ahmed Elbady's academic journey began with a strong foundation in Civil Engineering, culminating in multiple degrees including a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Sherbrooke University, Canada, and two M.Sc. degrees from Helwan University, Egypt. His academic pursuits provided him with comprehensive knowledge and expertise in Structural Engineering.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Ahmed Elbady has amassed over eight years of professional experience in Structural Engineering, working on diverse projects ranging from institutional and residential buildings to industrial facilities and infrastructure projects. His roles in various engineering consultant offices in Egypt involved structural analysis, design, and supervision, showcasing his proficiency in utilizing software such as ETABS, CSI-Column, and AutoCAD.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Elbady's research focus lies in the field of Structural Engineering, particularly in the behavior and performance of precast concrete tunnel segments reinforced with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymers (GFRP) bars under various loading conditions. His doctoral thesis and numerous publications in reputed journals and conference proceedings highlight his contributions to advancing knowledge in this specialized area of Structural Engineering.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Elbady's research findings have had a significant impact on the understanding of punching-shear behavior and the effectiveness of GFRP reinforcement in precast concrete tunnel segments. His technical presentations and reports have disseminated valuable insights to the academic and engineering communities, contributing to the adoption of innovative materials and design practices in the field of Structural Engineering.

ACADEMIC CITATIONS

Elbady's publications in prestigious journals and conferences have garnered academic citations, attesting to the relevance and scholarly impact of his research in Structural Engineering. His contributions have advanced the knowledge frontier in precast concrete tunnel segment design and reinforced concrete structures.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Elbady's dedication to advancing knowledge and practice in Structural Engineering ensures a lasting legacy in the field. His ongoing research endeavors and commitment to mentoring future generations of engineers will continue to shape the future of Structural Engineering, fostering innovation and excellence in the built environment.

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

Ahmed Elbady's expertise in Structural Engineering is evident throughout his academic pursuits, professional endeavors, and research focus. His contributions to the field have enhanced understanding and practice in structural analysis, design, and performance evaluation, cementing his reputation as a prominent figure in Structural Engineering.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION