Dr. Yuhua Zheng | Engineering | Best Researcher Award 

Second Institute of Oceanography | China

Author Profile

Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Yuhua Zheng embarked on an exceptional academic journey, demonstrating brilliance from an early stage. She earned her B.S. in Water Supply and Drainage Engineering from Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, ranking among the top 5% of her class. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to Shanghai Ocean University, where she completed her M.S. in Environmental Science and Engineering with an outstanding GPA of 4.5/5. Her research ambitions took her further to Tongji University for her Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, where she continued to shine under the guidance of Prof. Cuiping Kuang, securing a top 10% rank. Additionally, she expanded her global research exposure as a joint Ph.D. student at RWTH Aachen University, Germany, working with renowned scholar Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Schüttrumpf.

Professional Endeavors and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Zheng’s research expertise spans environmental fluid mechanics, fluid-structure interactions, and numerical modeling techniques such as Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH). Her studies delve into the impact of hydraulic structures—bridge piers, groins, spur dikes, and breakwaters—on local hydrodynamic environments. Her doctoral research focuses on the response mechanisms of wave-current interactions with submerged reef-type breakwaters, a crucial area for coastal engineering and sustainability.

Contributions to Science and Innovation 🚀

With numerous high-impact publications, Dr. Zheng has made remarkable contributions to hydrodynamics and environmental engineering. Her work has been featured in esteemed journals such as Ocean Engineering and Applied Sciences. She has also presented at prestigious conferences, including the IAHR World Congress. Her research provides critical insights into ecological restoration, pollutant transport, and coastal protection strategies. Beyond publications, Dr. Zheng holds multiple patents related to innovative hydrodynamic measurement techniques, showcasing her commitment to advancing experimental methodologies. Her patented technologies aid in accurate velocity and water level measurements, proving invaluable to the field.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Zheng’s excellence has been recognized through numerous awards, including the Doctoral Freshman Scholarship from Tongji University, where she ranked in the top 3%. She was also honored as an Outstanding Graduate Student of Shanghai, placing in the top 5%, and received the prestigious National Graduate Scholarship. Her academic achievements were further highlighted when she won the Outstanding Graduates Award at Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology. Throughout her academic journey, she earned multiple Merit Student and National Encouragement Scholarships, consistently ranking among the top 5%. Her competitive spirit also extends beyond academics, as she has won accolades in debate competitions, academic festivals, photography contests, and badminton tournaments. Her active engagement in extracurricular activities highlights her well-rounded personality and dedication to excellence in every sphere.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Zheng’s work has had a profound impact on environmental engineering and coastal protection strategies. Her studies on artificial reefs, hydraulic gradients, and sediment transport offer sustainable solutions for mitigating coastal erosion and improving marine ecosystems. Her research also contributes to climate resilience by enhancing our understanding of fluid dynamics in natural and engineered environments. Through active participation in conferences and academic communities, she continues to inspire young researchers. Her role in organizing English speech contests, debates, and student activities further highlights her leadership and mentorship qualities. She has not only contributed scientifically but has also nurtured a culture of academic excellence and knowledge sharing.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

As a trailblazer in environmental fluid mechanics, Dr. Zheng’s future contributions are expected to shape the next generation of hydrodynamic research. With her innovative approaches to modeling and experimental analysis, she aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications in water resource management. Her ongoing work in sustainable hydraulic engineering, combined with her multidisciplinary expertise, positions her as a key figure in addressing global challenges related to coastal resilience and water infrastructure. As she continues her academic and professional journey, Dr. Zheng remains dedicated to pioneering research that safeguards our aquatic ecosystems and enhances engineering solutions worldwide.

Publications

📄 Effects of Artificial Reef Array Configuration on Turbulent Flow: PIV Experiment and Numerical Simulation

• Authors: Cuiping Kuang, Wei Xing, Yuhua Zheng, Xin Cong, Dan Wang, Qingping Zou
• Journal: Water
• Year: 2025

📄 Current and Turbulence Characteristics of Perforated Box-Type Artificial Reefs in a Constant Water Depth

• • Authors: Zheng, Y.H., Kuang, C.P., Zhang, J.B., Gu, J., Chen, K., Liu, X.
  • Journal: Ocean Engineering
  • Year: 2022

📄 Study on Simulation Method of Inner Flow Field and Flow Characteristics Induced by Perforated Reef-Type Breakwater

• • Authors: Kuang, C.P., Zheng, Y.H.*, Gu, J., Han, X.J.
  • Journal: Journal of Tongji University (Ei Compendex)
  • Year: 2022

📄 Impact of Ecological Restoration Project on Hydrodynamic and Pollutant Transport of Qilihai Lagoon

• • Authors: Zheng, Y.H., Kuang, C.P., Liu, H.X., Xing, R.R.
  • Journal: Proceedings of the 16th National Congress on Hydrodynamics & the 32nd National Conference on Hydrodynamics
  • Year: 2021

📄Experimental Study on Backflow Patterns Induced by a Bilateral Groin Pair with Different Spacing

• • Authors: Kuang, C.P., Zheng, Y.H.*, Gu, J., Zou, Q., Han, X.
  • Journal: Applied Sciences
  • Year: 2021