Francesco De Paola | Engineering | Excellence in Research Award

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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

 

Furkan Aydin | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Furkan Aydin | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Polytechnic of Milan | Italy

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Furkan Aydin’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in civil engineering. He completed his BSc in Civil Engineering from Anadolu University, Eskişehir, Turkey, where he was part of an English education program. His academic excellence was further enriched by an Erasmus+ exchange program at Halmstad University, Sweden. Furkan later pursued an MSc in Civil Engineering for Risk Mitigation at Politecnico di Milano, Italy. His master's thesis focused on a method to process eye-tracker data with image processing algorithms for driver behavior analysis, showcasing his ability to merge traditional engineering with modern technological approaches.

🛠️ Professional Endeavors

Furkan Aydin’s professional career is marked by diverse roles in civil engineering and risk management. His journey started with internships at Yörük Yapı in Istanbul and Gülermak Heavy Industries Construction & Contracting Co. in Warsaw, where he gained hands-on experience in civil engineering. He later transitioned to a Site Civil Engineer role at Yörük Yapı and subsequently worked as a Technical Office Engineer, responsible for tendering and procurement for significant projects like the Annapol Tramline Depot in Warsaw. Currently, Furkan is a Reinsurance Associate Specialist at Anadolu Sigorta in Istanbul, reflecting his versatility in both engineering and financial risk management.

📚 Contributions and Research Focus

Furkan has made notable contributions in the field of civil engineering, particularly in risk management and driver behavior analysis. His research interests are broad, encompassing geospatial data processing, structural assessment, fire and blast safety, and transport management in emergency planning. His work has been recognized in academic publications, including a paper on analyzing driver visual behavior using eye-tracker data, published in Applied Sciences.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Furkan’s academic and professional excellence has been recognized through various certifications and accolades. He has earned certifications in Python programming, data science, and MATLAB, among others. His proficiency in civil engineering tools like AutoCAD, STA4CAD, and SAP2000, coupled with his language skills in English, Italian, and Turkish, positions him as a well-rounded professional in his field.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Furkan Aydin’s work in risk management and civil engineering has had a significant impact on the projects he has been involved in, particularly in the context of infrastructure development and emergency planning. His research on driver behavior analysis using cutting-edge technology contributes to the broader understanding of traffic safety and urban planning.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

As Furkan continues his career, his legacy is likely to be defined by his innovative approach to integrating technology with traditional civil engineering practices. His future contributions will likely focus on advancing the fields of risk management, infrastructure development, and urban planning, making him a pivotal figure in shaping the future of civil engineering.

 

Publications 📚

📄 An Image Processing-Based Method to Analyze Driver Visual Behavior Using Eye-Tracker Data
Authors: Furkan Aydin, Giandomenico Caruso, Lorenzo Mussone
Journal: Applied Sciences
Year: 2024

 

Kai Huang | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Kai Huang | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Southeast University | China

Author Profile

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Kai Huang began his academic journey at the Huaiyin Institute of Technology in China, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Transportation Engineering in 2014, graduating with a GPA of 4.57/5, ranking first in his class. He continued his studies at Southeast University in China, earning a Master's degree in Transportation Engineering in 2016, under the supervision of Prof. Wei Deng. Dr. Huang then pursued a Ph.D. in Transportation Systems at Monash University in Australia, completing his degree in 2020. His Ph.D. research focused on the optimization of transportation systems and shared mobility modeling, with a project on network planning and operation strategies design for one-way carsharing systems, supervised by Prof. Kun An and Prof. Zhiyuan Liu.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Huang has a diverse professional background, including roles as an Assistant Professor at Southeast University, a Post-doctoral Research Fellow at UT Austin, and an Invited Lecturer at Monash University in Suzhou, China. His professional experience also includes research assistant positions at Tongji University and the Transportation Mobility Research Institute (TMRI) in China. His projects span various topics, including smart city projects, driving behavior analysis, and transportation system optimization.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Huang's research interests are in transportation system optimization, shared mobility modeling, and the integration of digital and sustainable solutions in transportation. His significant research projects include the National Natural Science Foundation of China-funded study on shared automated electric vehicle relocation, and various projects focusing on transportation system optimization and smart city models. Dr. Huang has also been involved in research on traffic impedance function models, vehicle relocation in carsharing systems, and the development of intelligent transportation systems.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Huang has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Third Prize of China Communications and Transportation Association Science and Technology Award in 2023, the Second Prize of the 29th World Congress of Intelligent Transportation Innovation Competition in 2022, and the ARRB Group - Monash Transport Research Prize in 2019. He has also been recognized for his outstanding contributions as a reviewer and has received multiple scholarships and travel awards during his academic tenure.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Huang's research has had a significant impact on the field of transportation engineering, particularly in the areas of shared mobility and transportation system optimization. His work on carsharing systems and smart city transportation models has contributed to the development of more efficient and sustainable transportation solutions. Dr. Huang's publications in high-impact journals and his involvement in various international research projects demonstrate his influence in the academic community.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Huang's legacy is characterized by his contributions to the advancement of transportation engineering through innovative research and practical applications. His ongoing research on shared autonomous vehicles and smart transportation systems continues to address the challenges of urban mobility and sustainability. As an active member of the academic and professional community, Dr. Huang is poised to make further significant contributions to the field, influencing future generations of transportation engineers and researchers.

Notable Publications

Short-term and long-term impacts of shared autonomous vehicle choice behavior 2024

Exploring Optimal Signal Plans for Isolated Signalized Intersections with Central Pedestrian Refuges 2024

A Systematic Approach for the Calibration of Route Choice Models Based on Stochastic User Equilibrium 2023 (1)

Innovations impacting the future of transportation: an overview of connected, automated, shared, and electric technologies 2022 (11)

The taxi sharing practices: Matching, routing and pricing methods 2022 (20)