S. Mojtaba Varedi-Koulaei | Engineering | Best Researcher Award | 12980

Dr. S. Mojtaba Varedi-Koulaei | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering , Iran.

Dr. S. Mojtaba Varedi-Koulaei is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Shahrood University of Technology. He completed his PhD in Mechanical Engineering (Applied Design) in 2015 from Babol Noshirvani University of Technology, where he was supervised by Dr. H. Mohammadi Daniali. His doctoral thesis focused on the optimal design of parallel mechanisms considering joints clearances, a subject that highlights his strong expertise in mechanical design. Throughout his academic career, he has made significant contributions to fields like machine learning, neural networks, robotics, and optimization, gaining recognition for his innovative approach to solving complex engineering problems.

Profile

Education

Dr. Varedi-Koulaei holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Babol Noshirvani University of Technology, where he graduated with an impressive GPA of 18.99/20 (3.79/4.00). His research during this period primarily revolved around designing optimal parallel mechanisms. He also earned his M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Mazandaran in 2008, with a GPA of 18.03/20 (3.61/4.00). His master’s thesis explored the analytical-numerical solutions of the forward and inverse kinematic equations of robots, further cementing his interest and skills in robotic mechanisms. His educational journey began with a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, also from the University of Mazandaran, where he graduated in 2006 with a GPA of 17.00/20 (3.4/4.00). His final project involved designing systems for transferring objects in a production line, showcasing his practical engineering skills early on.

Professional Experience

In terms of work experience, Dr. Varedi-Koulaei has been an Associate Professor at Shahrood University of Technology, where he continues to advance the field of mechanical engineering. His role includes not only teaching but also supervising students on various research projects, particularly in applied design, robotics, and optimization. His expertise extends to guiding graduate students in their thesis work, building upon his strong background in both theoretical and practical aspects of mechanical engineering.

 

Membership

Dr. Varedi-Koulaei is also an active member of several professional associations in the field of mechanical engineering, through which he continues to contribute to global research discussions. He regularly shares his work on platforms like Google Scholar and ResearchGate, connecting with a broader academic and professional audience.

 

Research focuses

Dr. Varedi-Koulaei’s research focuses on several key areas, including parallel robots, mechanism design and synthesis, and the application of machine learning and neural networks to optimize mechanical systems. His work in these areas has resulted in numerous publications and ongoing projects, contributing to advancements in both academia and industry.

Award and Recognition

Among his awards and honors, Dr. Varedi-Koulaei is recognized for his high academic achievements, particularly his outstanding GPA during his PhD studies. His innovative research on optimizing mechanical systems and robotic design has earned him respect in the academic community, and he is regarded as a key contributor in his field.

 

Teaching experience

In his teaching experience, Dr. Varedi-Koulaei has taught a range of subjects, including dynamics, dynamics of machinery, mechanism design, robotics, advanced mathematics, mechatronics, neural networks, optimization, and advanced dynamics. His courses are known for their practical applications and integration of cutting-edge research, which reflects his expertise in the field of mechanical engineering.

 

Publication Top Notes

  1. Title: Nitrogen-doped graphene and graphene quantum dots: A review on synthesis and applications in energy, sensors and environment
    • Authors: M. Kaur, M. Kaur, V.K. Sharma
    • Journal: Advances in Colloid and Interface Science
    • Year: 2018
    • Volume: 259
    • Pages: 44-64
    • Citations: 376
  2. Title: All-ceramic microfibrous solar steam generator: TiN plasmonic nanoparticle-loaded transparent microfibers
    • Authors: M. Kaur, S. Ishii, S.L. Shinde, T. Nagao
    • Journal: ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering
    • Year: 2017
    • Volume: 5 (10)
    • Pages: 8523-8528
    • Citations: 153
  3. Title: Heteroatom-doped graphene as sensing materials: A mini review
    • Authors: S. Kaushal, M. Kaur, N. Kaur, V. Kumari, P.P. Singh
    • Journal: RSC Advances
    • Year: 2020
    • Volume: 10 (48)
    • Pages: 28608-28629
    • Citations: 112
  4. Title: All‐Ceramic Solar‐Driven Water Purifier Based on Anodized Aluminum Oxide and Plasmonic Titanium Nitride
    • Authors: M. Kaur, S. Ishii, S.L. Shinde, T. Nagao
    • Journal: Advanced Sustainable Systems
    • Year: 2019
    • Volume: 3 (2)
    • Article ID: 1800112
    • Citations: 83
  5. Title: Nanocomposites of carbon quantum dots and graphene quantum dots: Environmental applications as sensors
    • Authors: A. Kaur, K. Pandey, R. Kaur, N. Vashishat, M. Kaur
    • Journal: Chemosensors
    • Year: 2022
    • Volume: 10 (9)
    • Article ID: 367
    • Citations: 57
  6. Title: Synthesis and characterization of graphene oxide using modified Hummer’s method
    • Authors: M. Kaur, H. Kaur, D. Kukkar
    • Journal: AIP Conference Proceedings
    • Year: 2018
    • Volume: 1953 (1)
    • Citations: 44
  7. Title: Boron-and phosphorous-doped graphene nanosheets and quantum dots as sensors and catalysts in environmental applications: A review
    • Authors: M. Kaur, M.K. Ubhi, J.K. Grewal, V.K. Sharma
    • Journal: Environmental Chemistry Letters
    • Year: 2021
    • Volume: 19 (6)
    • Pages: 4375-4392
    • Citations: 34
  8. Title: Solvothermal assisted phosphate functionalized graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots for optical sensing of Fe ions and its thermodynamic aspects
    • Authors: D. Vashisht, E. Sharma, M. Kaur, A. Vashisht, S.K. Mehta, K. Singh
    • Journal: Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy
    • Year: 2020
    • Volume: 228
    • Article ID: 117773
    • Citations: 31
  9. Title: Marimo-bead-supported core–shell nanocomposites of titanium nitride and chromium-doped titanium dioxide as a highly efficient water-floatable green photocatalyst
    • Authors: M. Kaur, S.L. Shinde, S. Ishii, W. Jevasuwan, N. Fukata, M.W. Yu, Y. Li, J. Ye, …
    • Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
    • Year: 2020
    • Volume: 12 (28)
    • Pages: 31327-31339
    • Citations: 27
  10. Title: Hydropower generation by transpiration from microporous alumina
    • Authors: M. Kaur, S. Ishii, R. Nozaki, T. Nagao
    • Journal: Scientific Reports
    • Year: 2021
    • Volume: 11 (1)
    • Article ID: 10954
    • Citations: 17

Manpreet Kaur | Sustainable Energy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Manpreet Kaur | Sustainable Energy | Best Researcher Award

Post Doctoral Researcher of University of Calgary, Canada.

Manpreet Kaur, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Research Associate and Sessional Instructor at the University of Calgary’s Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering. Her research focuses on advancing energy conversion and storage technologies through metal-semiconductor nanostructures. She has a strong background in electrochemistry, nano-material synthesis, and plasmonic catalysis, having worked internationally at institutions such as the Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials (Czech Republic), the University of Turin, and the National Institute for Materials Science (Japan). Dr. Kaur’s work includes the development of core-shell nanomaterials for fuel cells and sensors, catalytic processes for methane and nitrogen upcycling, and hybrid nanostructures for energy applications. She has received several accolades, including the Young Scientist Award from the Japan Society of Vacuum and Surface Science and multiple best presentation awards. Her teaching experience spans courses in engineering materials and nanomaterials.

Profile

Education

Manpreet Kaur completed her Ph.D. in Materials Science with a focus on Condensed Matter Physics at Hokkaido University, Japan, from October 2016 to September 2019. Her doctoral research concentrated on photothermal and photoelectric conversion using plasmonic nanomaterials for water purification and splitting. Prior to this, she earned a Master of Nanotechnology Engineering (a 5-year integrated program) from Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Punjab, India, graduating in 2016 with a CGPA of 8.4/10. Her master’s thesis focused on titanium nitride (TiN) nanoparticles for energy harvesting applications. This strong educational foundation provided her with extensive knowledge and expertise in materials science, nanotechnology, and their applications in energy and environmental technologies.

Professional Experience

Dr. Manpreet Kaur is a distinguished Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Calgary’s Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, specializing in advanced energy conversion and storage technologies. Her current research involves designing and synthesizing nanomaterials for applications in fuel cells, sensors, and batteries, focusing on core-shell and hybrid nanostructures. Prior to this role, Dr. Kaur conducted postdoctoral research at the Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials in the Czech Republic and the University of Turin, where she explored catalytic processes and quantum dot synthesis. She also worked at the National Institute for Materials Science in Japan, investigating plasmonic nanomaterials for energy harvesting. Dr. Kaur’s earlier experience includes a role as a Junior Researcher at the same institute, where she studied photothermal effects in nanocomposites. Her extensive experience spans various research environments and advanced techniques, underscoring her expertise in materials science and energy applications.

Research Interest

Manpreet Kaur’s research interests revolve around advancing energy conversion and storage technologies through innovative material science. Her work focuses on electrochemistry and nanomaterial synthesis, particularly in developing and optimizing metal-semiconductor nanostructures for energy applications. She investigates core-shell nanomaterials and hybrid nanostructures for use in polymer electrolyte fuel cells, electrolysers, and batteries, aiming to enhance their performance and efficiency. Additionally, her research explores electro- and photocatalytic processes to convert methane and nitrogen into valuable chemicals and fuels. She is also involved in the synthesis of advanced materials such as graphene and MXenes for various applications, including ammonia and methanol production. Kaur’s expertise extends to plasmonic catalysis and the use of quantum dots in selective catalytic oxidation, contributing to more sustainable and efficient energy systems. Her work integrates theoretical and practical approaches to address global energy challenges.

Research Skills

Manpreet Kaur, PhD, exhibits a robust set of research skills crucial for advancing the field of materials science and energy conversion. Her expertise in electrochemistry and nano-materials synthesis is demonstrated through her work with core-shell nanomaterials and hybrid nanostructures, essential for applications in fuel cells, electrolysers, and sensors. Proficient in electrochemical measurements using techniques such as Rotating Disk Electrode (RDE) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), she excels in analyzing volatile components and optimizing catalytic reactions. Her skills extend to cleanroom techniques including reactive ion etching and chemical vapor deposition, supporting her research on plasmonic materials and photovoltaics. Additionally, Manpreet is adept in software tools like RSOFT and COMSOL for electromagnetic and energy transfer simulations. Her extensive training in synthesis methods, including wet-chemical and solvothermal techniques, underscores her versatility in developing advanced materials for energy and environmental applications.

Award and Recognition

Dr. Manpreet Kaur has received notable accolades throughout her career, reflecting her significant contributions to materials science and energy research. She was honored with the “Young Researcher Presentation Award” at the 11th Indian Scientist Association in Japan for her work on plasmonic core-shell nanocomposites in 2020. Additionally, she received the Young Scientist Award from the Japan Society of Vacuum and Surface Science in 2020 for her advancements in solar energy harvesting devices. Her achievements also include the Best Oral Presentation Award at the 9th ISAJ symposium and the Excellent Poster Presentation Award at the 10th International MANA Symposium. Dr. Kaur’s innovative work has been highlighted in media, such as TV Tokyo’s World Business Satellite. She has also secured significant research funding, including for seawater desalination and plasma-assisted ammonia production, underscoring her impactful contributions to her field.

Conclusion

Manpreet Kaur is a highly qualified candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her innovative research, strong publication record, and international experience demonstrate her significant contributions to her field. Addressing the areas for improvement could further enhance her impact and recognition in the scientific community. Overall, Kaur’s achievements and dedication to advancing sustainable technologies make her a strong contender for this award.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Title: Nitrogen-doped graphene and graphene quantum dots: A review on synthesis and applications in energy, sensors and environment
    • Authors: M. Kaur, M. Kaur, V.K. Sharma
    • Journal: Advances in Colloid and Interface Science
    • Year: 2018
    • Volume: 259
    • Pages: 44-64
    • Citations: 376
  2. Title: All-ceramic microfibrous solar steam generator: TiN plasmonic nanoparticle-loaded transparent microfibers
    • Authors: M. Kaur, S. Ishii, S.L. Shinde, T. Nagao
    • Journal: ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering
    • Year: 2017
    • Volume: 5 (10)
    • Pages: 8523-8528
    • Citations: 153
  3. Title: Heteroatom-doped graphene as sensing materials: A mini review
    • Authors: S. Kaushal, M. Kaur, N. Kaur, V. Kumari, P.P. Singh
    • Journal: RSC Advances
    • Year: 2020
    • Volume: 10 (48)
    • Pages: 28608-28629
    • Citations: 112
  4. Title: All‐Ceramic Solar‐Driven Water Purifier Based on Anodized Aluminum Oxide and Plasmonic Titanium Nitride
    • Authors: M. Kaur, S. Ishii, S.L. Shinde, T. Nagao
    • Journal: Advanced Sustainable Systems
    • Year: 2019
    • Volume: 3 (2)
    • Article ID: 1800112
    • Citations: 83
  5. Title: Nanocomposites of carbon quantum dots and graphene quantum dots: Environmental applications as sensors
    • Authors: A. Kaur, K. Pandey, R. Kaur, N. Vashishat, M. Kaur
    • Journal: Chemosensors
    • Year: 2022
    • Volume: 10 (9)
    • Article ID: 367
    • Citations: 57
  6. Title: Synthesis and characterization of graphene oxide using modified Hummer’s method
    • Authors: M. Kaur, H. Kaur, D. Kukkar
    • Journal: AIP Conference Proceedings
    • Year: 2018
    • Volume: 1953 (1)
    • Citations: 44
  7. Title: Boron-and phosphorous-doped graphene nanosheets and quantum dots as sensors and catalysts in environmental applications: A review
    • Authors: M. Kaur, M.K. Ubhi, J.K. Grewal, V.K. Sharma
    • Journal: Environmental Chemistry Letters
    • Year: 2021
    • Volume: 19 (6)
    • Pages: 4375-4392
    • Citations: 34
  8. Title: Solvothermal assisted phosphate functionalized graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots for optical sensing of Fe ions and its thermodynamic aspects
    • Authors: D. Vashisht, E. Sharma, M. Kaur, A. Vashisht, S.K. Mehta, K. Singh
    • Journal: Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy
    • Year: 2020
    • Volume: 228
    • Article ID: 117773
    • Citations: 31
  9. Title: Marimo-bead-supported core–shell nanocomposites of titanium nitride and chromium-doped titanium dioxide as a highly efficient water-floatable green photocatalyst
    • Authors: M. Kaur, S.L. Shinde, S. Ishii, W. Jevasuwan, N. Fukata, M.W. Yu, Y. Li, J. Ye, …
    • Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
    • Year: 2020
    • Volume: 12 (28)
    • Pages: 31327-31339
    • Citations: 27
  10. Title: Hydropower generation by transpiration from microporous alumina
    • Authors: M. Kaur, S. Ishii, R. Nozaki, T. Nagao
    • Journal: Scientific Reports
    • Year: 2021
    • Volume: 11 (1)
    • Article ID: 10954
    • Citations: 17

Adel Oulefki | Energy Efficiency | Environmental Engineering Impact Award

Dr. Adel Oulefki | Energy Efficiency | Environmental Engineering Impact Award 

RISE at University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

Dr. Adel Oulefki is a distinguished researcher with a Ph.D. in Computer Science and honors from the University of Bordj Bou Arréridj, Algeria, and an HDR accreditation from IGEE. His academic and professional journey includes significant roles at the Centre de Développement des Technologies Avancées (CDTA) and the University of Sharjah, focusing on computer science and engineering applications in medical, environmental, and security fields. His expertise spans signal and image analysis, data clustering, and pattern recognition. Dr. Oulefki has led innovative projects such as developing algorithms for lung tumor analysis and COVID-19 visualization using virtual reality. His work, recognized with awards like the Best Scientific Work on COVID-19, showcases his contributions to environmental health and waste management through advanced technology. His scholarly output includes numerous publications in prestigious journals and contributions to international conferences.

Profile
Education

Dr. Adel Oulefki holds an extensive academic background with degrees that underline his expertise in electrical engineering and computer science. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Computing from the University of Bordj Bou Arréridj in 2007, where he focused on implementing VHDL designs on FPGA. He continued his studies at the same institution, achieving a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering in 2009, with a thesis on voice codec implementation. Dr. Oulefki completed his Ph.D. in Computer Science at the University of Bordj Bou Arréridj in 2014, with research centered on real-time video classification. In 2018, he obtained an HDR (Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches) from the Institute of Electrical Engineering and Electronics (IGEE), enabling him to supervise research and further his academic contributions. His educational journey underscores his commitment to advancing knowledge in his field.

Professional Experience

Dr. Adel Oulefki has a distinguished career in research and academia, with a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Bordj Bou Arréridj, Algeria, and a habilitation degree from IGEE. Since 2016, he has been a senior researcher at the Centre de Développement des Technologies Avancées (CDTA), leading significant projects in machine vision and image processing. His roles include Research Director at CDTA, where he supervised Ph.D. students and led research on algorithms for lung tumor analysis. Currently, as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Sharjah, he focuses on smart buildings and digital twins technology. Dr. Oulefki’s previous positions include Fulbright Visiting Scholar at CUNY, a Scientific Council member at CDTA, and various roles in teaching and research across multiple institutions, including a visiting scholar stint at Università degli Studi di Trento.

Research Interest

Dr. Adel Oulefki’s research interests are primarily at the intersection of computer science and engineering, focusing on applications in medical, environmental, and agronomic fields. He specializes in signal, image, and video analysis, leveraging advanced techniques in data clustering and pattern recognition. His work includes developing algorithms for image recognition and processing, with notable contributions to medical imaging and environmental monitoring. Dr. Oulefki is particularly engaged in projects related to smart buildings and smart cities, utilizing Digital Twins technology for urban innovation. His research also addresses critical environmental challenges, such as COVID-19 impact analysis and oil spill detection through thermal imagery. With a strong emphasis on applied research, Dr. Oulefki’s projects frequently involve collaborations across disciplines and institutions, aiming to enhance both technological capabilities and practical solutions in various sectors.

Research Skills

Dr. Adel Oulefki possesses a diverse and robust skill set in research, particularly within the domains of signal, image, and video analysis. His expertise in developing advanced algorithms for image recognition and processing, as well as his proficiency in data clustering and pattern recognition using RGB cameras and thermal sensors, underscores his strong technical capabilities. Dr. Oulefki’s skills extend to applied research in smart buildings and smart cities, leveraging Digital Twins technology to enhance urban living. He is adept at supervising Ph.D. students and managing research projects, including the development of innovative solutions for lung tumor analysis and COVID-19 visualization. His command of various programming languages and software tools, such as MATLAB and Python, complements his analytical prowess, enabling him to tackle complex research problems and contribute to significant advancements in his field. Dr. Oulefki’s ability to bridge theoretical concepts with practical applications demonstrates his comprehensive research acumen.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Oulefki has received several prestigious awards and recognitions, including the Best Scientific Work on COVID-19 and the Fulbright Visiting Researcher award. These accolades reflect his exceptional contributions to environmental engineering and related fields.

Conclusion

Dr. Adel Oulefki’s research has significantly impacted environmental engineering through innovative applications of imaging technologies. His contributions to environmental health, vector control, and infectious disease management, coupled with his collaborative efforts and international recognition, make him a highly deserving candidate for the Research for Environmental Engineering Impact Award.

Publications Top Notes

  1. Dataset of IoT-Based Energy and Environmental Parameters in a Smart Building Infrastructure
    • Authors: Oulefki, A., Amira, A., Kurugollu, F., Soudan, B.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  2. Assessing the Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Serious Games in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: A Novel Evaluation Method
    • Authors: Masmoudi, M., Zenati, N., Izountar, Y., Oulefki, A., Hamitouche, C.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  3. Detection and Analysis of Deteriorated Areas in Solar PV Modules Using Unsupervised Sensing Algorithms and 3D Augmented Reality
    • Authors: Oulefki, A., Himeur, Y., Trongtirakul, T., Atalla, S., Mansoor, W.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  4. MEMS-Based Microheater with Virtual Reality for Enhanced Thermal Feedback in Medical Applications
    • Authors: Bakha, Y., Merah, S.M., Benbelkacem, S., Atalla, S., Mansoor, W.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  5. Method for Remote Sensing Oil Spill Applications Over Thermal and Polarimetric Imagery
    • Authors: Trongtirakul, T., Agaian, S., Oulefki, A., Panetta, K.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 4
  6. Tumor Lung Visualization and Localization Through Virtual Reality and Thermal Feedback Interface
    • Authors: Benbelkacem, S., Zenati-Henda, N., Zerrouki, N., Bentaleb, A., Liew, A.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 4
  7. Twining Buildings: A Methodological Framework for Design and Implementation Using Home Assistant Technology
    • Authors: Oulefki, A., Amira, A., Kurugollu, F., Alshoweky, M.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 1
  8. Seamless Decision-Making in the Big Data Era: A Modular Approach to Integrating IoT, Cloud Computing, and Data Lakes
    • Authors: Zemmouri, M., Laalam, F.Z., Kazar, O., Mansoor, W., Attala, S.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 0
  9. Cross Data Analysis Platform Based on Big Data Paradigm
    • Authors: Zemmouri, M., Laalam, F.Z., Himeur, Y., Belhadi, A., Mesbahi, N.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 0
  10. Automated Tumor Segmentation in Thermographic Breast Images
    • Authors: Trongtirakul, T., Agaian, S., Oulefki, A.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 2