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

 

Meseret Teweldebrihan | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Meseret Teweldebrihan | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

University of Johannesburg | South Africa

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Early Academic Pursuits 📙

Dr. Meseret Dawit’s academic journey began with a B.Sc. degree in Soil and Water Engineering and Management from Haramaya University, Ethiopia, in 2011. Her passion for water resource management and environmental sustainability led her to pursue an M.Sc. degree in Water Science Engineering, specializing in Hydraulic Engineering Land and Water Development, from UNESCO-IHE, Delft, The Netherlands, in 2014. Dr. Meseret further advanced her academic credentials by completing a Ph.D. in 2022 at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, with a dissertation focused on optimizing irrigation efficiency in the context of climate change and gender sensitivity.

Professional Endeavors 💼

Dr. Meseret Dawit has held various academic and professional roles, starting as a Teaching Assistant at Haramaya University from 2007 to 2011. She then became a Lecturer and Researcher at the same institution from 2014 to 2016, where she was involved in multiple research projects related to climate change and water resources. In 2021, she returned to Haramaya University as a consultant and researcher, continuing her work on climate adaptation and water resource management. Additionally, she served as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Johannesburg from 2022 to 2023.

Contributions and Research Focus 🧪

Dr. Meseret’s research primarily focuses on climate change adaptation, gender-sensitive approaches in hydrology, irrigation optimization, and socio-hydrology. She has led and participated in numerous research projects, including those funded by international organizations like the RAIN Foundation and the International Foundation for Science (IFS). Her work often intersects with climate-relevant development, water resource management, and gender equity, reflecting her commitment to addressing pressing environmental challenges.

Accolades and Recognition 🥇

Throughout her career, Dr. Meseret has received recognition for her contributions to the fields of climate change and water resource management. She has been awarded research grants, including funding from the IFS and RAIN Foundation, and has participated in prestigious international conferences, such as the EGU General Assembly in Vienna, Austria. Her scholarly work is widely recognized, with over 20 peer-reviewed articles published in reputable journals.

Impact and Influence 🎯

Dr. Meseret’s influence extends beyond academia. As an advisor and mentor, she has guided numerous MSc and PhD students, contributing to the development of future leaders in the field of water resources and environmental sustainability. Her involvement in various consultancy projects has also had a tangible impact on local communities, particularly in areas related to rural water supply, irrigation optimization, and climate adaptation strategies.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌱

Dr. Meseret’s work has laid a strong foundation for future research and development in climate adaptation, water resource management, and gender-sensitive approaches in environmental science. She envisions her future work to span across climate interrelated sub-areas, continuing to contribute to sustainable development and economic growth. Her legacy is one of dedication to both scientific advancement and community empowerment, and she remains committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists and engineers.

 

Publications 📚

📝The impact of climate change on the development of water resources
Authors: Teweldebrihan, M.D., Dinka, M.O.
Journal:  Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management
Year: 2024

📝 The application of magnetite biochar composite derived from Parthenium hysterophorus for the adsorption of methylene blue from aqueous solution
Authors: Teweldebrihan, M.D., Gnaro, M.A., Dinka, M.O.
Journal: Frontiers in Environmental Science
Year: 2024

📝Understanding the role of push and pull factors on agricultural land expansion: A case study of Adaba and Adiyo district, Ethiopia
Authors: Teweldebrihan, M.D., Gebehiwot, T., Teklewold, H., Abera, W., Tamene, L.
Journal: Environmental Challenges
Year: 2023

📝Smallholder Farmer's Adaptability to Anthropogenic and Climate-Induced Variability in the Dhidhessa River Sub-basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Teweldebrihan, M.D., Lyu, H., Pande, S., McClain, M.E.
Journal: Frontiers in Water
Year: 2021

📝The dynamics of farmer migration and resettlement in the Dhidhessa River Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Teweldebrihan, M.D., Pande, S., McClain, M.
Journal:  Hydrological Sciences Journal
Year: 2020