Ige Samuel Ayeni | Materials Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ige Samuel Ayeni | Materials Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at University of  Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

Dr. Ayeni Ige Samuel is a Lecturer I in Civil Engineering at the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. He holds a PhD in Civil Engineering and has extensive academic, industry, and administrative experience. His research focuses on materials and structural engineering, particularly fiber-reinforced concrete and geopolymer concrete, with several publications in Q1 and Scopus-indexed journals.

 

Publication Profile

Scopus Profile

Google Scholar

Education 🎓

Dr. Ayeni earned his PhD in Civil Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (2024) and an M.Eng. in Civil Engineering from Ekiti State University (2019). He holds a PGD in Education (2015) and a PGD in Civil Engineering (2015), both with Upper Credit. His Higher National Diploma (HND) in Civil Engineering (2007) earned Distinction honors, and he completed his National Diploma (ND) in 2003 with Upper Credit. His educational journey began at St. James’ Anglican Primary School and Alamo Grammar School in Ita-Ogbolu, Ondo State, graduating in 1999. This solid academic foundation underpins his expertise in structural and materials engineering.

Experience 💼

Dr. Ayeni has extensive professional and academic experience. Currently, he is a Lecturer I at the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, teaching various courses such as Structural Mechanics and Strength of Materials. His industry experience includes roles as Site Engineer at Dortmund & Company Limited and Arfo Construction Company. Previously, he served as Site Supervisor during his NYSC at the Enugu State Housing Development Corporation. His administrative roles include serving as the Departmental Examination Officer and committee member for accreditation and equipment maintenance. Dr. Ayeni has also led community infrastructure projects, including the design and construction of culverts in Ado-Ekiti.

Honors and Awards 🏆

Dr. Ayeni has received multiple accolades throughout his career. He is a registered engineer with COREN and a corporate member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE). His academic achievements include earning Distinction in his HND program and Upper Credit in PGD courses. Recognized for his community service, Dr. Ayeni has contributed to local infrastructure projects, demonstrating his practical impact beyond academia. His research has been published in prestigious Q1 journals, highlighting his commitment to advancing knowledge in civil engineering. Active participation in international conferences reflects his dedication to continuous learning and professional development.

Research Focus Areas 🔬📚

Dr. Ayeni’s research primarily focuses on structural and materials engineering, with a particular emphasis on fiber-reinforced and geopolymer concrete. His work explores innovative uses of natural fibers and alternative cementitious materials to enhance concrete’s mechanical performance and durability. Recent studies include analyzing the effects of elevated temperatures on geopolymer concrete and the performance of kenaf fiber-reinforced beams. He aims to develop sustainable, high-performance construction materials that address environmental concerns. His research findings, published in high-impact journals like Construction and Building Materials and the Journal of Building Engineering, contribute significantly to the advancement of green and resilient infrastructure technologies.

Skills

Dr. Ayeni is proficient in structural analysis, concrete technology, and project management. He is skilled in using engineering software such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, and STAAD.Pro for structural design and analysis. His teaching experience has honed his abilities in curriculum development, student supervision, and practical laboratory instruction. Strong communication and leadership skills are evident in his administrative roles and community projects. Dr. Ayeni’s technical expertise extends to materials testing, construction site management, and quality control. As a certified member of professional bodies like COREN and NSE, he stays updated with industry standards and best practices, ensuring relevance in both teaching and research.

Conclusion

Dr. Ayeni’s strong research output, teaching experience, and community contributions make him a competitive candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Enhancing international collaborations and demonstrating funding success could further solidify his candidacy.

Publication Top Notes  

Influence of elevated temperatures on the mechanical behavior of one-part coal ash geopolymer concrete with sodium metasilicate pentahydrate and sodium metasilicate anhydrous as alkaline activators

Authors: Samadi, M., Wong, L.S., Murali, G., Lim, N.H.A.S., Ayeni, I.S.

Citations: 6

Year: 2024

Journal: Journal of Building Engineering

DEFLECTION AND STRAINS PERFORMANCE OF KENAF FIBRE-REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMS

Authors: Ayeni, I.S., Jamaludin, Y.M., Shukor Lim, N.H.A.

Citations: 0

Year: 2024

Journal: ASEAN Engineering Journal

A REVIEW OF HYBRIDISED USE OF FIBRES IN SHEAR BEHAVIOUR OF FIBRE-REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMS

Authors: Ayeni, I.S., Yatim, J.M., Shukor Lim, N.H.A., Alukoa, O.G.

Citations: 1

Year: 2024

Journal: ASEAN Engineering Journal

MODELLING AND INTEGRATING OF EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS FOR PREDICTING THE PARAMETERS OF KENAF FIBRE-REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAM-COLUMN JOINT

Authors: Ayeni, I.S., Jamaludin, Y.M., Lim, N.H.A.S.

Citations: 0

Year: 2024

Journal: Jurnal Teknologi

Short-term Study of the Influence of Aggregate Size on the Fire Resistance of Concrete

Authors: Ayodele, F.O., Olulope, O.R., Ayeni, I.S.

Citations: 0

Year: 2022

Journal: Nigerian Journal of Technological Development

Deborah Biondino | Planetary Sciences | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Deborah Biondino | Planetary Sciences | Women Researcher Award

researcher at University of Calabria/National Research Council – IRPI (Institute for Research on Hydrogeological Protection), Italy

Dr. Deborah Biondino is an accomplished geologist with extensive experience in geological research, consultancy, and project management. Her career spans diverse roles in academia, public sector projects, and private consultancy. She has contributed significantly to geological studies focusing on hydrology, seismic analysis, geotechnical investigations, and environmental risk mitigation. Her involvement in national projects such as PNRR “Tech4You” and UNESCO Geopark initiatives highlights her commitment to advancing geological science.

Publication Profile

Scopus Profile

ORCID

Education 🎓

Dr. Biondino pursued her undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Geological Sciences at the University of Calabria. She has continuously enhanced her skills through numerous certifications, including courses in GIS, seismic risk assessment, and environmental remediation. Her training includes specialized modules in hydrology, geotechnical engineering, and naturalistic engineering. She has also completed professional development programs on civil protection planning, data analysis, and programming for educational applications, reflecting her commitment to interdisciplinary learning and staying updated with evolving geological methodologies.

Experience 💼

Dr. Biondino has held various roles, from academic research to practical consultancy. Since June 2023, she has been a fixed-term researcher at CNR-IRPI. Previously, she contributed to the UNESCO Geopark candidacy project for the Sila Massif and led hydrogeological risk mitigation projects across Calabria. Her consultancy work includes geological assessments for infrastructure projects, seismic evaluations, and environmental impact studies. She also served as a tutor at the University of Calabria, guiding students in Geological Sciences and Cultural Heritage Conservation.

Honors and Awards 🏆

Dr. Biondino has received recognition for her contributions to geological research and environmental sustainability. She has been acknowledged by the University of Calabria for her role in significant regional projects and has earned certifications of excellence from the Italian Geologists’ Association. Her work on seismic safety and hydrogeological studies has also been highlighted in various academic and professional forums, showcasing her dedication to advancing geoscientific knowledge and practical applications.

Research Focus Areas 🔬📚

Dr. Biondino’s research interests encompass geological risk assessment, seismic hazard analysis, and environmental geosciences. She specializes in developing geological databases, assessing hydrogeological risks, and applying geotechnical methodologies to infrastructure projects. Her recent projects involve creating circular knowledge systems for sustainable development and contributing to the UNESCO Geopark initiative. She is particularly passionate about integrating modern geospatial technologies and data-driven approaches into geological research and practical applications.

Skills

Dr. Biondino is proficient in various geoscientific tools and methodologies, including GIS mapping, seismic risk analysis, and geotechnical assessments. She has advanced skills in geological modeling, data interpretation, and environmental impact evaluation. Her technical competencies extend to software like AutoCAD, QGIS, and specialized seismic analysis tools. Additionally, she is skilled in educational technologies, programming for geosciences, and has strong project management capabilities, contributing to both academic and field-based geological initiatives.

Conclusion

Dr. Deborah Biondino’s extensive experience, dedication to education, and significant contributions to geological research make her a strong candidate for the Women Researcher Award. By enhancing her publication output and pursuing more international collaborations, she can further solidify her status as a leading researcher in the field. Her work exemplifies the impact women can have in advancing geosciences, making her a deserving nominee for this prestigious recognition.

Publication Top Notes  

Geoheritage of the Sila National Park and Surrounding Areas
Journal: Journal of Maps, 2024
DOI: 10.1080/17445647.2024.2411787
Focus: Geosites and geological significance of Sila National Park.

Pages of Earth History in an Exceptional Uniqueness: The Geo-Heritage of the Sila National Park and its Spheroidal Boulders Geosite
Journal: Geoheritage, 2024
DOI: 10.1007/s12371-024-00937-x
Focus: Uniqueness and conservation of geoheritage sites, particularly spheroidal boulders.

The Use of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for First-Failure Landslide Detection
Journal: GeoHazards, 2024
DOI: 10.3390/geohazards5030035
Focus: UAV applications in early landslide detection.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Investigate Weathering Processes Affecting Gneissic Rocks
Journal: CATENA, 2020
DOI: 10.1016/j.catena.2019.104372
Focus: Weathering processes in Calabria’s gneissic formations.

The Interplay of Structural Pathway and Weathering Intensity in Forming Mass-Wasting Processes
Journal: Journal of Maps, 2018
DOI: 10.1080/17445647.2018.1456489
Focus: Structural and weathering interactions in the Sila Massif region​

Alicia Prithiraj | Material-life Science Award | Women Researcher Award

Mrs. Alicia Prithiraj | Material-life Science Award | Women Researcher Award

Mrs. Alicia Prithiraj, University of Pretoria, South Africa

Alicia Prithiraj is a seasoned Senior Reliability Engineer and PhD candidate with expertise in chemical engineering, particularly in reliability engineering, data analysis, and risk management. 🛠️ With a background in materials science and environmental engineering, she has made significant contributions to industry, notably in combating biofilm-related corrosion. Alicia’s dedication to solving complex industry challenges is evident in her extensive research, academic publications, and presentations at global conferences. 🌐 Her dynamic approach, coupled with hands-on experience at Sasol Chemicals, reflects her commitment to driving innovation and efficiency in plant operations. 🌱🔬

 

Publication Profile

Education

Alicia Prithiraj’s educational journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and expertise in chemical engineering. 📚 Starting from her secondary education at Hoerskool Secunda, where she excelled academically while actively participating in extramural activities like tennis and science expos. She further honed her skills at Vaal University of Technology, completing a Chemical Engineering Diploma with in-service training. 🎓 Subsequently, she earned a Bachelor’s in Technology and a Master’s degree, graduating with distinction, focusing on materials science, water systems, and microbial corrosion. Currently, she is on the cusp of completing her PhD at the University of Pretoria, specializing in industrial water systems and biofilm-related corrosion. 🌱🔬

 

Professional Experience

Alicia Prithiraj served as a dedicated Reliability Engineer, demonstrating exceptional proficiency and leadership. 🏭 Her responsibilities encompassed a wide array of critical tasks, including the use of monitoring tools to devise effective strategies, managing spares studies, and preparing comprehensive monthly reports on reliability engineering. 📊 Alicia’s expertise extended to asset management, risk-based inspections, and root cause failure analysis, contributing significantly to enhancing plant reliability and operational efficiency. 💼 Additionally, her involvement in chemical engineering tasks, project management, and her groundbreaking PhD work showcases her multifaceted capabilities and commitment to excellence. 🌟

Research Focus

Alicia Prithiraj’s research focus primarily revolves around the intricate interplay between microbiology and materials science in industrial settings, particularly in the context of heat exchangers. 🔬 Her studies delve into multispecies colonization and surface erosion on industry-finished steel, such as A106 GB steel, shedding light on the corrosion mechanisms and metabolic effects of bacterial consortia commonly found in petrochemical processing plants. 🌱 Through her investigations, she aims to develop kinetic growth models, understand corrosion behaviors of various steel types, and propose mitigation strategies to combat biofouling and corrosion, ultimately contributing to the advancement of materials engineering in challenging environments. 🛠️