Rafael Natalio Fontana Crespo – Sustainable Development – Young Scientist Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Rafael Natalio Fontana Crespo - Sustainable Development - Young Scientist Award

Young Scientist Award - Italy

AUTHOR PROFILE

ORCID

RAFAEL NATALIO FONTANA CRESPO 🌊

Rafael Natalio Fontana Crespo is a distinguished researcher in the field of power systems and renewable energy forecasting. His expertise lies in applying machine learning techniques to optimize grid power forecasting and improve the reliability of renewable energy systems. He is particularly known for his innovative work in wave energy converters, making him a leader in the intersection of artificial intelligence and sustainable energy technologies.

RESEARCH IN WAVE ENERGY 🔋

Rafael's research primarily focuses on short-term grid power forecasting, where he leverages machine learning techniques to enhance the prediction accuracy of wave energy converters. His recent comparative analysis of these techniques has highlighted new methods for improving uncertainty analysis in energy forecasting, which is crucial for integrating renewable sources into the grid.

EXPERT IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 🤖

With a strong foundation in engineering applications of artificial intelligence, Rafael has made significant contributions to the field. His work on LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory) models for grid power forecasting provides novel insights into how AI can be applied to improve the stability and efficiency of energy systems. His research paves the way for smarter, AI-driven energy management solutions.

INNOVATIONS IN ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING 🛠️

Rafael's contributions extend beyond energy systems to manufacturing technologies. He played a key role in developing a distributed software platform for additive manufacturing, showcased at the IEEE International Conference on Emerging Technologies and Factory Automation. This platform aims to streamline the manufacturing process, pushing forward the boundaries of Industry 4.0.

PUBLICATIONS AND IMPACT 📚

Rafael has authored several influential papers in prestigious journals and conferences. His work on machine learning and energy systems has been widely cited, including his 2024 paper on grid power forecasting published in the Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence journal. He continues to influence the scientific community with his cutting-edge research in AI applications.

CONFERENCE CONTRIBUTIONS 🌍

Rafael regularly presents his research at international conferences, such as the IEEE Annual Computers, Software, and Applications Conference (COMPSAC). His presentations on wave energy forecasting and AI-based solutions for energy grid management have garnered attention, solidifying his reputation as a forward-thinking engineer and researcher in global platforms.

FUTURE-ORIENTED RESEARCH 🧠

With a clear vision for the future, Rafael aims to continue advancing AI-driven solutions for renewable energy systems. His ongoing work explores the integration of artificial intelligence in real-time energy management, making energy grids more adaptive, resilient, and capable of supporting large-scale renewable energy adoption.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Title: A comparative analysis of Machine Learning Techniques for short-term grid power forecasting and uncertainty analysis of Wave Energy Converters
Authors: Rafael Natalio Fontana Crespo, Alessandro Aliberti, Lorenzo Bottaccioli, Edoardo Pasta, Sergej Antonello Sirigu, Enrico Macii, Giuliana Mattiazzo, Edoardo Patti
Year: 2024
Journal: Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence

Title: A Distributed Software Platform for Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Rafael Natalio Fontana Crespo, Davide Cannizzaro, Lorenzo Bottaccioli, Enrico Macii, Edoardo Patti, Santa Di Cataldo
Year: 2023
Conference: 2023 IEEE 28th International Conference on Emerging Technologies and Factory Automation (ETFA)

Title: LSTM for Grid Power Forecasting in Short-Term from Wave Energy Converters
Authors: Rafael Natalio Fontana Crespo, Alessandro Aliberti, Lorenzo Bottaccioli, Enrico Macii, Giorgio Fighera, Edoardo Patti
Year: 2023
Conference: 2023 IEEE 47th Annual Computers, Software, and Applications Conference (COMPSAC)

Rahel Deribe Bekele – Environmental Policy and Management – Women Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Rahel Deribe Bekele - Environmental Policy and Management - Women Researcher Award

Duke University - United States

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

🎓 EDUCATION AND ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

Rahel Deribe Bekele is a distinguished scholar with a strong focus on climate change, sustainable development, and environmental research. With extensive academic training, Rahel has dedicated her research to understanding the nexus between irrigation, energy, and environmental sustainability, particularly in Ethiopia. Her academic journey has equipped her with the expertise to lead impactful studies in the field of environmental policy and development.

🔬 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Currently serving as a Postdoctoral Associate and Research Scientist at the Sanford School of Public Policy & James E. Rogers Energy Access Project at Duke University, Rahel contributes significantly to groundbreaking research. Previously, she worked as a Consultant at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), leading data analysis and research on irrigation and energy in Ethiopia. Rahel has also held positions at the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Environment and Climate Research Center (ECRC), focusing on climate change and sustainable development policies.

📚 RESEARCH FOCUS AND CONTRIBUTIONS

Rahel’s research primarily addresses climate change adaptation, irrigation technologies, and sustainable land management. Her work provides critical insights into how these elements influence rural farming practices and environmental resilience. Notably, her research explores the adoption of sustainable agricultural methods and how gender considerations shape the development of small-scale irrigation technologies, offering inclusive solutions for rural Ethiopia.

🌱 CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

In her role as a Climate Change and Development Co-operation Analyst at UNDP, Rahel worked on integrating climate-resilient policies within Ethiopia’s development framework. She has made significant contributions to understanding how climate change impacts agriculture, particularly through her research on crop-livestock interlinkages and their implications for Ethiopia’s farming systems in a changing climate.

💡 PUBLICATIONS AND INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS

Rahel has authored numerous publications in prestigious journals, focusing on sustainable land management, gender inclusivity in irrigation, and environmental policies. Her recent work, including publications in Agricultural Water Management and Land Degradation & Development, reflects her commitment to finding practical, data-driven solutions to some of the most pressing environmental challenges in Ethiopia and beyond.

🌍 GENDER AND INCLUSIVE IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT

Rahel has made a profound impact in addressing gender disparities in rural Ethiopia, especially in the context of energy and irrigation technologies. Her research emphasizes the importance of including women in the development and adoption of these technologies, ensuring that interventions are not only effective but also equitable.

🏆 AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

Rahel’s work has earned her recognition in the field of climate and environmental research. Her dedication to improving the resilience of rural communities and advancing sustainable environmental policies has positioned her as a thought leader in the areas of climate adaptation and environmental management.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Title: Local empowerment and irrigation devolution in Ethiopia
Authors: R.D. Bekele, D. Mekonnen
Journal: International Journal of Water Resources Development
Year: 2022

Title: Adoption of multiple sustainable land management practices among irrigator rural farm households of Ethiopia
Authors: R.D. Bekele, A. Mirzabaev, D. Mekonnen
Journal: Land Degradation and Development
Year: 2021

Title: Crop-Livestock Inter-linkages and Climate Change Implications for Ethiopia’s Agriculture: A Ricardian Approach
Authors: Z. Gebreegziabher, A. Mekonnen, R.D. Bekele, S.A. Zewdie, M.M. Kassahun
Book: Climate Change Management
Year: 2020

Title: User-Centered Design in Developing Countries: A Case Study of a Sustainable Intercultural Healthcare Platform in Ethiopia
Authors: R. Bekele, I. Groher, J. Sametinger, G. Pomberger, P. Oppelt
Conference: Proceedings - 2019 IEEE/ACM Symposium on Software Engineering in Africa, SEiA 2019
Year: 2019

Ahmad Shaabani – Sustainable Development – Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Ahmad Shaabani - Sustainable Development - Best Researcher Award

Shahid Beheshti University - Iran

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

ACADEMIC CAREER

Ahmad Shaabani is a renowned Professor of Organic Chemistry at Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, Iran. He began his academic journey as an Assistant Professor from 1994 to 1998, progressed to an Associate Professor from 1998 to 2002, and has been a full Professor since 2003. His academic career is marked by his dedication to teaching and research in organic chemistry.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Ahmad's research focuses on the discovery and design of novel isocyanide-based multi-component reactions (I-MCRs) for synthesizing biologically important heterocyclic compounds. He also works on creating neoteric functional materials with functionalized/modified nanomaterials and natural polymers via I-MCRs, which are applied in drug delivery and biomedical platforms. His interests extend to the synthesis of methalophtalocyanines and developing new synthetic methods through heterogeneous catalysts in chemical transformations.

HONORS AND AWARDS

Ahmad has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including being named Distinguished Professor of Shahid Beheshti University multiple times (2002, 2006, 2007) and being selected as the Distinguished Professor of Iranian Universities by the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology of Iran in 2003. He was awarded the prestigious prize of the International Kharazmi Festival in Basic Science in 2009 and was recognized as the Iranian Chemical Society’s Distinguished Chemist in 2010.

SABBATICAL LEAVES

Ahmad has taken sabbatical leaves to advance his research at prominent institutions, including the University of Regina in Canada (2000-2001) under the mentorship of Prof. Donald G. Lee, and the University of California, USA, in 2018, working with Prof. Shaowei Chen. These experiences have significantly contributed to his professional development and research output.

TRAINING PROGRAMS

Ahmad has participated in various training programs to enhance his expertise, including the UNIDO Group Training Program on the Utilization of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Pharmaceutical and Related Industries in 1996 in Eskisehir, Turkey, and the HIJ-COMSATS Workshop on the Use of Spectroscopic Techniques in Structural Organic Chemistry in 2000 in Karachi, Pakistan.

MEMBERSHIPS

Ahmad is a fellow of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) for the advancement of science in developing countries, and a member of the Academy of Sciences in Iran. He is also an active member of the Iranian Chemical Society and the Scientific Committee of the Chemistry Olympiad. Furthermore, he serves on the editorial advisory board of ACS Combinatorial Science and the editorial boards of the Journal of the Iranian Chemical Society and the Journal of Current Green Chemistry.

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Ahmad contributes his expertise to the scientific community through his editorial roles. He is on the editorial advisory board of ACS Combinatorial Science (ACS) and serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of the Iranian Chemical Society (Springer) and the Journal of Current Green Chemistry (Bentham Science), where he helps guide the direction of research in these fields.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION