Francesco De Paola | Engineering | Excellence in Research Award

Prof. Francesco De Paola | Engineering | Excellence in Research Award

Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II | Italy

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🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Francesco De Paola’s academic journey began in Caserta, Italy. His passion for engineering took root early, culminating in his graduation with highest honors in Civil Engineering from the Second University of Naples in 1997. His academic curiosity was further fueled by a pivotal Erasmus experience at the University of Glasgow, where he completed part of his thesis work. In 2002, he earned a Ph.D. in Hydraulic Engineering from the University of Naples Federico II, defending a distinguished dissertation on hydraulic flood protection infrastructure. This formative period laid a strong foundation for what would become a prolific academic and research career.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

Prof. De Paola began his professional journey in the technical division of SADImpianti, applying his skills in fire safety infrastructure. Soon after, he transitioned into academia, winning competitive positions and contributing significantly at the University of Naples Federico II. From 2002 to 2018, he served as a University Researcher in Hydraulic Engineering, eventually rising to the role of Associate Professor. His roles have expanded to include department governance, national and international academic collaborations, and supervisory positions for PhD candidates. His career reflects a seamless blend of scholarly rigor and professional service.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. De Paola’s research is both expansive and impactful, rooted in real-world challenges and cutting-edge innovation. His work spans critical areas such as seismic reliability of hydraulic structures, urban water pollution mitigation, flood risk management, and the integration of low-impact development techniques in urban planning. He has spearheaded studies on energy recovery in aqueducts using Pump-as-Turbine systems, contributing to sustainability and efficiency in water systems. His research into ancient hydraulic systems in the archaeological site of Cuma has also bridged engineering with cultural heritage. His projects often combine theoretical models, numerical simulations, and large-scale experimental setups—making his contributions both practical and pioneering.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Prof. De Paola has earned numerous distinctions throughout his career. He obtained the National Scientific Qualification for Associate Professor in 2016 and Full Professor in 2020. He has served as a reviewer for top-tier journals like Water, Science of the Total Environment, and Journal of Hydraulic Engineering. His leadership roles in EU-funded projects such as Horizon 2020, PRIN, and Smart Cities further underscore his academic prestige. He has been invited as a Visiting Professor in the U.S., India, and Greece and served as a delegate at high-level international conferences, including the IORA forums in Africa. These recognitions reflect his stature in both national and global academic circles.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Prof. De Paola’s work has had a profound impact on the field of hydraulic engineering, influencing policy, infrastructure design, and sustainability practices. His research has informed regional flood management strategies, optimized urban drainage systems, and introduced innovative models for energy conservation in water distribution. Through mentorship, he has guided emerging scholars, including international doctoral candidates, and helped shape the next generation of engineers. His involvement in global projects addressing climate change and urban vulnerability has extended his influence well beyond Italy, touching communities and ecosystems in Africa and Europe.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

As a scholar, engineer, mentor, and thought leader, Prof. Francesco De Paola is building a lasting legacy grounded in innovation, integrity, and impact. His ability to navigate both the complexities of modern engineering and the nuances of historical systems positions him uniquely for future contributions. With continued focus on climate resilience, sustainable water systems, and cross-disciplinary integration, he is poised to address the most pressing challenges of our time. His legacy will not only be found in his publications and projects but also in the minds and careers of those he continues to inspire.

Publications


📄 DyEHS: An Integrated Dynamo–EPANET–Harmony Search Framework for the Optimal Design of Water Distribution Networks

  • Authors: Francesco De Paola, Giuseppe Speranza, Giuseppe Ascione, Nunzio Marrone

  • Journal: Buildings

  • Year: 2025


📄 New Digital Tool for Optimal Design of Water Distribution Network: Integration of Dynamo-Epanet-Harmony Search Algorithm (DyEHS)

  • Authors: Francesco De Paola, Giuseppe Speranza, Giuseppe Ascione, Nunzio Marrone

  • Type: Preprint

  • Year: 2025


📄 Dam-Break Waves Over Mobile Bed

  • Authors: Andrea Del Gaudio, Giovanni La Forgia, Francesco De Paola, Cristiana Di Cristo, Michele Iervolino, Angelo Leopardi, Andrea Vacca

  • Journal: Advances in Water Resources

  • Year: 2024


📄 Energy Recovery Strategies in Water Distribution Networks: Literature Review and Future Directions in the Net-Zero Transition

  • Authors: C. Giudicianni, D. Mitrovic, W. Wu, G. Ferrarese, F. Pugliese, I. Fernández-García, A. Campisano, Francesco De Paola, S. Malavasi, H.R. Maier et al.

  • Journal: Urban Water Journal

  • Year: 2024


📄 Large Eddy Simulation of Power-Law Fluid Dam Break Wave Impacting Against a Vertical Wall

  • Authors: Andrea Del Gaudio, George Constantinescu, Cristiana Di Cristo, Francesco De Paola, Andrea Vacca

  • Journal: Physical Review Fluids

  • Year: 2024


 

Noorfidza Yub Harun | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Noorfidza Yub Harun | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Universiti Teknologi Petronas | Malaysia

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Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Noorfidza Yub Harun's academic journey is marked by a strong foundation in both chemical and mechanical engineering. She earned her PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Brunswick, where she also obtained a Diploma in University Teaching. Her earlier academic qualifications include an MSc in Forest Engineering, another MSc in Environmental Energy Engineering from the University of Sheffield, and a BEng in Chemical and Process Engineering from the National University of Malaysia. These diverse academic experiences have provided her with a broad and deep understanding of engineering principles, particularly in the fields of environmental and mechanical engineering.

Professional Endeavors 💼

As a Senior Lecturer at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Dr. Noorfidza has made significant contributions to the field of chemical engineering through her teaching and research. Her professional endeavors include leading numerous research projects, such as the synthesis of mechanical characteristics and ash fusion temperature of krafts-based pellet fuel and the development of biochar-based adsorbents for heavy metals remediation. These projects not only highlight her expertise but also her commitment to advancing sustainable and environmentally friendly engineering solutions.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Noorfidza's research primarily focuses on the intersection of environmental sustainability and engineering. Her work on ash fusion behavior, biochar development, and the incorporation of glycerol as a compatibilizer in biopolymer matrices are particularly noteworthy. These projects demonstrate her ability to address complex environmental challenges through innovative engineering solutions. Her research has significant implications for the fields of energy production, waste management, and environmental remediation, making her a key contributor to sustainable engineering practices.

Accolades and Recognition 🏅

Throughout her career, Dr. Noorfidza has been recognized for her contributions to academia and research. Her role as the principal investigator in several high-impact research projects is a testament to her leadership and expertise. Her work has garnered attention within the academic community, particularly for its focus on sustainable engineering solutions. While specific awards and accolades are not detailed here, her ongoing research projects and the respect she commands in her field suggest a scholar of high repute.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Noorfidza's impact extends beyond her immediate academic environment. Through her research, she has contributed to the development of sustainable engineering practices that have the potential to address global environmental challenges. Her work on biochar-based adsorbents and renewable energy sources like biomass and sludge-derived fuels has influenced both the academic community and industry practices. Additionally, her teaching has shaped the next generation of engineers, instilling in them the importance of environmental sustainability in engineering.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟

As Dr. Noorfidza continues her work at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, her legacy is likely to be one of innovation and dedication to sustainable engineering. Her ongoing research and teaching efforts ensure that she will continue to contribute significantly to the field. Her work not only addresses current environmental challenges but also lays the groundwork for future advancements in chemical and environmental engineering. Dr. Noorfidza's career thus far suggests that her future contributions will continue to impact the field positively, making her a worthy candidate for recognition as an outstanding scholar.

 

Publications  📚


📄 Title: Response Surface Methodology and Artificial Neural Network Modelling of Palm Oil Decanter Cake and Alum Sludge Co-Gasification for Syngas (CO+H2) Production
Authors: Kunmi Joshua Abioye, Noorfidza Yub Harun, Ushtar Arshad, Suriati Sufian, Mohammad Yusuf, Ahmad Hussaini Jagaba, Joshua O. Ighalo, Abdullah A. Al-Kahtani, Hesam Kamyab, Ashok Kumar, Chander Prakash, Jude A. Okolie, Hussameldin Ibrahim
Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
Year: 2024


📄 Title: Optimization of Operational Parameters Using Artificial Neural Network and Support Vector Machine for Bio-oil Extracted from Rice Husk
Authors: Ahmed, A., Yub Harun, N., Waqas, S., Arshad, U., Ghalib, S.A.
Journal: ACS Omega
Year: 2024


📄 Title: Optimization of Syngas Production from Co-Gasification of Palm Oil Decanter Cake and Alum Sludge: An RSM Approach with Char Characterization
Authors: Abioye, K.J., Harun, N.Y., Sufian, S., Chelliapan, S., Kang, K.
Journal: Environmental Research
Year: 2024


📄 Title: Energy-Efficient Single-Stage Membrane Rotating Biological Contactor for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Waqas, S., Harun, N.Y., Lock, S.S.M., Alsaadi, A.S.
Journal: Bioresource Technology Reports
Year: 2024


📄 Title: Optimization of Operational Parameters Using RSM, ANN, and SVM in Membrane Integrated with Rotating Biological Contactor
Authors: Waqas, S., Harun, N.Y., Arshad, U., Nordin, N.A.H., Alsaadi, A.S.
Journal: Chemosphere
Year: 2024