Faustyn Recha | Civil Engineering | Academic Achievement in Civil Engineering Award

Dr. Faustyn Recha | Civil Engineering | Academic Achievement in Civil Engineering Award

Assistant professor at Academy of Silesia, Poland.

Dr. Faustyn Recha, PhD, C.Eng, is a passionate civil engineering researcher and practitioner from Poland ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ. With expertise in reinforced concrete durability and structural mechanics ๐Ÿ—๏ธ, he merges academic rigor with practical design. He earned his PhD in Civil Engineering and Transport in 2021, focusing on modeling reinforcement corrosion ๐Ÿงช. Currently, he serves as an Assistant Professor at the Academy of Silesia, where he teaches and conducts innovative research ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿซ. Dr. Recha is the author of over 200 technical designs and multiple scientific publications ๐Ÿ“š. He collaborates internationally with institutions in Germany, Slovakia, China, and the USA ๐ŸŒ. In addition to research, he is involved in structural inspections, prefabrication innovations, and has developed a patented balcony slab connection system ๐Ÿ”ง. His career is a blend of science, teaching, and hands-on engineering โ€” continuously pushing boundaries in civil infrastructure ๐Ÿ’ก.

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Suitability for Academic Achievement in Civil Engineering Award – Dr. Faustyn Recha

Dr. Faustyn Recha exemplifies what this award represents โ€” exceptional academic performance, original research, and meaningful impact on civil engineering education and practice. He demonstrates consistent scholarly excellence, leadership in academic settings, and contributions that merge scientific advancement with industry relevance. From high-level research to real-world design, his career highlights a dedication to elevating civil engineering standards.

Educationย 

Dr. Faustyn Recha began his academic journey by graduating with distinction from high school in Psary in 2010 ๐ŸŽ“. He earned his B.Eng. (2014) and M.Sc. (2015) in Civil Engineering from the Czฤ™stochowa University of Technology ๐Ÿซ, specializing in Building and Engineering Structures ๐Ÿ—๏ธ. Passionate about deeper inquiry, he pursued a PhD at the Silesian University of Technology, completing it in 2021 ๐Ÿง . His doctoral thesis focused on modeling the degradation of reinforced concrete due to reinforcement corrosion, combining thermomechanical theory and experimental verification ๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ“. This solid educational foundation underpins his academic and engineering expertise.

Professional Developmentย 

Dr. Rechaโ€™s professional journey began in 2015 in a reinforced concrete design studio ๐Ÿข. Alongside his doctoral studies from 2016, he gained hands-on experience in design offices and achieved full construction qualifications in 2018 ๐Ÿ”ง๐Ÿ“. Since 2021, he has served as an Assistant Professor at the Academy of Silesia, teaching subjects such as concrete structures, mechanics, and corrosion science ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿซ. He has also coordinated the Civil Engineering discipline at the academy since 2022 ๐Ÿ›๏ธ. Internationally active, Dr. Recha completed scientific internships in Germany ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช and Slovakia ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ, and maintains collaborations with researchers in China and the USA ๐ŸŒ. His dual role as an academic and practicing engineer bridges research with real-world construction applications. As a designer, he has authored over 200 construction designs, assessments, and structural analyses ๐Ÿงฑ๐Ÿงฎ. His contributions reflect a dynamic blend of research, education, and professional engineering excellence ๐Ÿ’ผ๐Ÿ“Š.

Research Focus Areaย 

Dr. Faustyn Rechaโ€™s research primarily focuses on the durability and degradation of reinforced concrete structures under corrosion effects ๐Ÿ—๏ธโš™๏ธ. His work centers around modeling corrosion-induced damage in reinforced concrete elements, with an emphasis on thermomechanical and electrochemical processes ๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿงช. He has developed advanced numerical models to predict crack propagation and structural degradation using parameters like corrosion current density and volumetric strain tensors ๐Ÿ’ก๐Ÿ“Š. Dr. Rechaโ€™s studies also include non-invasive diagnostic methods, aiming to estimate corrosion current based on deflection โ€“ a significant step in preventive infrastructure maintenance ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ. His research is deeply relevant to sustainable construction, extending the life of concrete structures and reducing repair costs ๐Ÿ”โ™ป๏ธ. With collaborations across Europe and Asia ๐ŸŒ, he bridges scientific theory with structural safety and real-world application, ensuring his research contributes meaningfully to the field of civil engineering infrastructure and materials science ๐Ÿงฑ๐ŸŒ.

Research Skillsย 

Dr. Recha brings an impressive array of research skills to the civil engineering domain ๐Ÿ“˜๐Ÿงช. He excels in numerical modeling, particularly Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations for analyzing stress, deflection, and crack propagation in reinforced concrete elements ๐Ÿ’ป๐Ÿ”. He is skilled in experimental verification, having conducted advanced lab testing to correlate corrosion levels with structural behavior โš—๏ธ๐Ÿ“. His work in thermo-mechanical coupling and electrochemical modeling reflects high proficiency in cross-disciplinary research ๐Ÿ”„๐Ÿง . Dr. Recha is also proficient in probabilistic simulation methods such as Monte Carlo analysis for assessing model sensitivity under uncertainty ๐ŸŽฒ๐Ÿ“ˆ. In addition to technical modeling, he demonstrates strong analytical writing, technical reporting, and journal publication skills ๐Ÿ“๐Ÿ“š. His ability to integrate theoretical models with real-world applications โ€” including construction diagnostics and structural design โ€” makes him a rare blend of researcher and practitioner โš™๏ธ๐Ÿ—๏ธ. He also actively contributes to academic peer review and interdisciplinary collaborations ๐Ÿค๐ŸŒ.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Faustyn Rechaโ€™s dedication to civil engineering has earned him multiple honors and recognitions ๐Ÿ†. He received a prestigious Rectorโ€™s Scholarship from the Silesian University of Technology for academic excellence ๐ŸŽ“๐ŸŒŸ. In 2020, he was awarded second place in the poster session for young scientists at the 66th Conference of the Polish Academy of Sciences ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ๐Ÿฅˆ. His achievements also include top placements in the โ€œModern Engineerโ€ competition organized by the Silesian Chamber of Construction Engineers, securing 4th and 7th places in 2018 and 2019 respectively ๐Ÿ—๏ธ๐ŸŽฏ. His growing reputation as a researcher and educator has led to international internship invitations and reviewer roles in scientific journals ๐Ÿ“„๐ŸŒ. In addition, his patent-pending innovation for prefabricated slab connections underlines his contribution to practical engineering and technological advancement โš™๏ธ๐Ÿ“‘. These awards reflect his consistent pursuit of excellence in both academic and industrial domains.

Publication Top Notes

1. A Cracking Model for Reinforced Concrete Cover Taking Account of the Accumulation of Corrosion Products in the ITZ Layer, and Including Computational and Experimental Verification
  • Authors: T. Krykowski, T. Jaล›niok, F. Recha, M. Karolak

  • Journal: Materials, 13(23), Article 5375

  • Year: 2020

  • Citations: 16

  • Summary:
    This paper presents a comprehensive model for simulating the cracking of reinforced concrete (RC) covers, with special attention to the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between the steel and concrete. It accounts for the accumulation of corrosion products, which induces expansive stresses leading to cracking. Both computational simulations and experimental results are provided, confirming the modelโ€™s effectiveness in predicting crack initiation and propagation due to rebar corrosion.

2. The Simulation of Corrosion Degradation of Concrete Specimen in Stationary Heat and Moisture Conditions
  • Authors: F. Recha, T. Jaล›niok, T. Krykowski

  • Journal: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Environment, 10(4)

  • Year: 2018

  • Citations: 6

  • Summary:
    This study uses numerical simulations to analyze the degradation of concrete due to corrosion under constant thermal and moisture conditions. The results show how environmental stability influences the rate of corrosion and crack formation. The simulation helps in understanding the long-term performance of RC structures exposed to consistent environmental stressors.

3. Estimation Method of Corrosion Current Density of RC Elements
  • Author: F. Recha

  • Journal: Open Engineering, 13(1), Article 20220430

  • Year: 2023

  • Citations: 4

  • Summary:
    The paper introduces a new method to estimate corrosion current density in RC elements. The method is based on measurable physical parameters and provides a practical tool for engineers to assess corrosion levels without invasive testing. It contributes to better monitoring and prediction of RC degradation.

4.Numerical simulation of the load-bearing capacity decrease of reinforced concrete structure due to reinforcement corrosion
  • Authors: F. Recha, T.J. Krykowski, T. Jaล›niok

  • Conference: 15th Int. Conf. on New Trends in Statics and Dynamics of Buildings

  • Year: 2017

  • Citations: 4

  • Summary:
    This conference paper details a numerical study of how reinforcement corrosion reduces the load-bearing capacity of RC structures over time. The simulation includes the progressive loss of cross-section and bond strength, providing insight into long-term structural performance and failure risks due to corrosion.

5.Principles for conducting periodic technical inspections of buildings in terms of safety and use
  • Authors: F. Recha, P. Nagel

  • Journal: BUILDER, 295(2), pp. 12โ€“14

  • Year: 2022

  • Citations: 3

  • Summary:
    A practical article outlining procedures and legal requirements for routine inspections of buildings. It emphasizes safety, usability, and the early detection of degradation phenomena such as corrosion. The paper serves as a guideline for engineers and inspectors to ensure compliance and structural integrity.

6. Application of Interval Analysis to Assess Concrete Cover Degradation in Accelerated Corrosion Tests
  • Authors: F. Recha, K. Yurkova, T. Krykowski

  • Journal: Materials

  • Year: 2023

  • Citations: 2

  • Summary:
    This research explores the use of interval analysis to model and evaluate the degradation of concrete covers during accelerated corrosion testing. The interval approach allows for uncertainty in material properties and measurement data, offering a more robust assessment tool for interpreting test results in corrosion studies.

Conclusion

Dr. Faustyn Recha is an ideal recipient of the Academic Achievement in Civil Engineering Award. His blend of rigorous research, innovative thinking, and educational leadership defines him as a transformative figure in modern civil engineering academia. With a PhD that breaks new ground, significant teaching responsibilities, and global collaboration, Dr. Recha not only achieves academic excellence โ€” he inspires it in others. Recognizing his work would honor a career committed to advancing civil engineering knowledge, resilience, and practice.

Magdalini Dapsopoulou | Urban Planning | Best Researcher Award

Mrs Magdalini Dapsopoulou | Urban Planning | Best Researcher Award

PhD candidate, AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY of ATHENS DEPT. FORESTRY & MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL ENVIRONMENT, Greece

Magdalini Dapsopoulou is a PhD candidate in Forestry & Management of the Natural Environment at the Agricultural University of Athens. With a strong foundation in forestry, green space management, and waste management, she currently works as a Forestry Technologist at the Municipality of Athens. Magdalini has contributed to multiple EU projects focusing on environmental sustainability, particularly in green waste management. Her interdisciplinary work merges ecological, technological, and policy aspects to foster sustainable urban solutions. ๐ŸŒณ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ“š

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Strengths for the Award

Magdalini Dapsopoulou is a highly qualified and dedicated researcher with extensive experience in forestry, environmental management, and green waste management. Her academic background, with a PhD in Forestry & Management of the Natural Environment (2023-Present) and an MSc in Waste Management (2020), underpins her knowledge and expertise in sustainable urban forestry and environmental solutions. Her professional work at the Municipality of Athens and her contributions to EU forestry projects demonstrate a strong commitment to practical applications in urban environmental management. Furthermore, her recent research, particularly her work on the sustainable management of green waste in Athens, highlights her ability to innovate by integrating energy recovery and heating solutions into urban sustainability. Her publications, such as the recent journal article on energy recovery in green waste, further reinforce her academic and professional impact. ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ†

Areas for Improvement

While Magdalini has made significant contributions to the field, one area for further development could be the expansion of her research scope. Diversifying her research to cover a broader range of global urban sustainability practices or exploring the comparative analysis of green space management in different countries could enhance the impact and relevance of her work on a larger scale. Additionally, increasing the visibility of her research through international collaborations and conferences would further solidify her position as a thought leader in sustainable urban forestry. ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ’ก

Education

Magdalini is pursuing a PhD in Forestry & Management of the Natural Environment at the Agricultural University of Athens (2023-Present). She holds an MSc in Waste Management from the Hellenic Open University (2020), graduating with high distinction (Grade: 9.57/10). Magdalini completed her BSc in Forestry at the Technological Educational Institute of Larissa in 2002, where she earned a Grade of 7.1/10. She also obtained her High School Diploma from the 38th General Lyceum of Athens in 1996, scoring 17.1/20. ๐ŸŽ“๐ŸŒฑ

Experience

Magdalini has extensive experience in the field of forestry and environmental management. She has worked at the Municipality of Athens since 2008 as a Forestry Technologist, managing green spaces and urban fauna. Her role includes overseeing urban sustainability projects. In 2007, she contributed to digital forest registry projects at the Ministry of Rural Development & Food. She has also worked with companies like Intel, Motorola, and Oracle in various administrative roles. ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ™๏ธ๐Ÿ’ผ

Awards and Honors

Magdalini received a Certificate of Appreciation from Motorola S.A. for her support during the Athens Olympics in 2004, assisting with security systems. Her academic excellence is reflected in her outstanding MSc grade of 9.57/10 in Waste Management, awarded by the Hellenic Open University. She has contributed significantly to EU projects in forestry data, underscoring her commitment to environmental sustainability and research. ๐Ÿ†๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŒ

Research Focus

Magdalini’s research centers on sustainable urban forestry, green waste management, and energy recovery solutions. She focuses on innovative methods for managing green spaces in urban environments, particularly through the recovery and repurposing of green waste. Her research aims to explore energy solutions in municipalities, such as heating systems derived from urban waste. This contributes to reducing environmental impacts and promoting circular economy practices. ๐ŸŒฑ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ”ฌ

Publication Top Notes

  • Sustainable Management of Green Waste in Urban Settings: A Case Study on Energy Recovery and Heating Solutions in the Municipality of Athens (Greece), Recycling, 2024-12-01. ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ’ก
  • Sustainable Management of Green Waste in Urban Settings: A Case Study on Energy Recovery and Heating Solutions in the Municipality of Athens (Greece), Preprint, 2024-10-09. ๐Ÿ”„โ™ป๏ธ

Conclusion

Magdalini Dapsopoulou has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the fields of forestry, waste management, and sustainable urban solutions. With her practical experience, commitment to innovative research, and ongoing contributions to environmental sustainability, she is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her ability to combine academic rigor with real-world applications makes her a valuable asset to the field of environmental science and urban management. The future potential for her work is significant, with opportunities for further impact in global sustainability efforts. ๐ŸŒฟ๐ŸŒ๐ŸŒŸ