Shadreck Mpanga - Protection of infrastructure - Best Researcher Award

University of Zambia - Zambia

AUTHOR PROFILE

Scopus

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS:

Shadreck Mpanga initiated his academic journey at Solwezi Secondary Technical School, Solwezi, where he completed his Grade 12 School Certificate in 1996. Excelling in subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, Biology, Technical Drawing, and Commerce, he achieved Division I.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS:

With a Bachelor's degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from the University of Zambia in 2004, Shadreck Mpanga ventured into the professional realm. He worked as an Electrical Engineer at Konkola Copper Mines Plc in Chingola, Zambia, from 2005 to 2008, focusing on Tailings Leach Plant & Electrical Power Distribution. Subsequently, he served as a Process Engineer at Zambia Metal Fabricators (ZAMEFA) Limited in Luanshya, Zambia, from 2008 to 2009. Since 2013, he has been contributing to academia as a Lecturer at the University of Zambia, School of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

EDUCATION:

Shadreck Mpanga pursued a Master's degree (M.Eng.) in Electrical Engineering with a concentration in High Voltage and Insulation Technology at Hunan University, China, in 2013. His thesis delved into the theoretical and technical features of the dynamic loading of high voltage overhead transmission lines. Currently, he is engaged in a Ph.D. study in Electrical Engineering at the University of Zambia, focusing on High Voltage and Insulation Technology, specifically enhancing lightning protection systems for legacy buildings in Zambia.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS:

As a Lecturer and Ph.D. student, Shadreck Mpanga's contributions extend to various research projects. Notably, he serves as the Principal Investigator for projects such as "Integration and coordination of earthing systems with lightning protection systems for various buildings in Zambia" and "Using artificial intelligence to determine lightning safety of buildings in Zambia." These initiatives underscore his commitment to advancing knowledge in the field of Electrical Engineering.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE:

Shadreck Mpanga's impact is evident in his involvement in projects sponsored by reputable institutions such as the European Union and the Royal Academy of Engineering, UK. These projects focus on renewable energy, lightning protection, and adaptive education for engineering graduates, showcasing his influence in diverse areas.

ACADEMIC CITES:

As a Ph.D. student and Lecturer, Shadreck Mpanga's research has likely contributed to academic literature and garnered citations within the academic community. His publications and involvement in various research projects indicate a scholarly influence in his field.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS:

Shadreck Mpanga's legacy is evolving through his dual roles as an educator and researcher. His diverse experiences, from industry roles to academic positions, position him to contribute significantly to the future of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. As he progresses in his Ph.D. studies, his potential for leaving a lasting legacy in academia is promising.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Articulating the Threat of the Lightning Phenomenon in Zambia. 2021 (2)

Improved Parameters for Lightning Protection System Designs for Buildings in Zambia. 2022

Enhancing the widespread use of renewable energy resources in the Southern African region. 2016

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS:

Rodolfo Javier Tirado Gutiérrez's academic journey reflects a commitment to seismic and structural engineering. His early academic pursuits include pursuing a Doctoral candidacy in Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Barcelona, with a focus on the probabilistic assessment of tall buildings using advanced non-linear methods. Additionally, his Master's degree from the Industrial University of Santander, Colombia, involved the evaluation of structural reliability, showcasing a foundation in seismic performance and reinforced concrete structures.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS:

Tirado Gutiérrez's professional journey is marked by diverse experiences. As a Design Manager-Director at DIP S.A.S in Bucaramanga, Colombia, he has been actively involved in the design, construction, and supply of pre-stressed systems. His role as a Director of Special Projects at Mekano4 Innovative Solutions in Barcelona, Spain, focuses on the design and construction of materials in projects related to post-tensioning systems. These roles highlight his leadership, strategic decision-making, and technical expertise in structural analysis.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS:

As a passionate researcher, Tirado Gutiérrez has made significant contributions to the field of seismic and structural engineering. His published work in Engineering Structures demonstrates a probabilistic estimation of the dynamic response of high-rise buildings via transfer functions. Ongoing research projects, including the efficiency to predict nonlinear dynamic responses of tall buildings and the importance of structural configuration in seismic performance, indicate a dedication to advancing knowledge in the field.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE:

Tirado Gutiérrez's contributions to conferences, such as COMPDYN 2023, reveal his active engagement with the academic community. Presenting on topics like the estimation of dynamic responses through transfer functions and scaling ground motion records demonstrates an effort to share insights and potentially influence advancements in computational methods for structural dynamics and earthquake engineering.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS:

Tirado Gutiérrez's legacy is shaping up as a dedicated researcher and professional with a strong foundation in seismic and structural engineering. His future contributions may involve further advancements in probabilistic assessments, nonlinear dynamic response predictions, and exploring the intricacies of structural configuration in seismic performance.