Ali Akbarpour | Construction Materials | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Ali Akbarpour, University of Oklahoma, United States.

Ali Akbarpour 🎓 is a Ph.D. student in Structural Engineering at the University of Oklahoma 🏛️, passionate about bridge rehabilitation, construction materials, and structural design 🏗️. With international experience across Iran and the U.S., he has worked on cutting-edge research involving CFRP, GFRP, and polymer concrete. His expertise includes experimental testing, slip-lining, and machine learning applications in geotechnics 🤖. As a dedicated mentor, instructor, and researcher, Ali also plays a vital role in student engagement and education 🌍. He is actively contributing to the academic community through peer-reviewed publications and service as a journal reviewer 📚.

Publication Profiles

Scopus

Orcid

Google Scholar

Education & Experience

🎓 Education:

Ph.D. in Civil Engineering – Structures (Expected Dec 2025) – University of Oklahoma, USA 🇺🇸
M.Sc. in Civil Engineering – Geotechnics (Feb 2018) – Imam Khomeini International University, Iran 🇮🇷
B.Sc. in Civil Engineering – Shahid Beheshti University, Iran 🏛️

💼 Experience:

Research & Teaching Assistant, University of Oklahoma (2022–Present) 👨‍🔬
Civil Engineer, PIANC International Cooperation Commission (2021–2022) 🌍
Civil Engineer, Civil Engineering Firm, Tehran (2012–2015) 🏗️
Intern, Wastewater Treatment Plant 💧
Soil Nailing & Underpass Stabilization Projects 🧱
Teaching Assistant, Soil Mechanics & Concrete Technology, IKIU (2016–2017) 📏

Suitability for the Award

Mr. Ali Akbarpour, a distinguished Ph.D. candidate in Structural Engineering at the University of Oklahoma, is an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With a dynamic portfolio of research in structural design, material innovation, and sustainable engineering practices, he has emerged as a promising leader in civil and structural engineering. His research record, academic excellence, mentorship experience, and recognized scholarly impact make him a standout contender for this prestigious recognition.

Professional Development

Ali Akbarpour continuously enhances his professional development through teaching, mentorship, and interdisciplinary research 🔍. As a Teaching Assistant and mentor at the University of Oklahoma 👨‍🏫, he has guided students in lab-based experiments and supported graduate and undergraduate research efforts. He also participated in NSF’s RET program, mentoring high school STEM teachers 👩‍🔬👨‍🔬. Through his role in the Iranian Student Association 🇮🇷, he has organized events to strengthen academic and cultural networks. Actively reviewing for top journals 📑, he stays engaged with emerging trends and technologies in structural and materials engineering, expanding his academic and professional horizons 🌐.

Research Focus

Ali Akbarpour’s research centers on structural rehabilitation and innovative construction materials 🏗️🧪. He investigates the flexural and shear enhancement of reinforced concrete (RC) beams using CFRP and evaluates GFRP pipes for slip-lining corroded steel pipelines with various grouts 🧱. His work on polymer concrete reinforced with carbon nanotubes contributes to advancements in material performance 💡. Additionally, he applies machine learning models such as ANN and GMDH 🤖 to predict soil-water retention behavior, bridging geotechnical and structural disciplines. His holistic research approach aims to improve infrastructure resilience and durability in aging and critical facilities 🏛️🌉.

Awards & Honors

🏆 Best Reviewer Award (2023) – Materials and Structures journal
🎓 Alumni & Foundation Recruitment Fellowship (2022–2023) – University of Oklahoma (Top Ph.D. student across engineering)
📚 Active Reviewer for 9 international journals including ASCE & Elsevier
🌍 Top 0.21% Civil Engineers Worldwide – Based on citation impact (OpenAlex database)
🥇 Most Cited Paper (Last 12 Months) – Journal of Composite Materials

Publication Top Noted

📘 Mechanical behavior and permeability of plastic concrete containing natural zeolite under triaxial and uniaxial compression – 83 citations, 2022
🌍 Effects of natural zeolite and sulfate environment on mechanical properties and permeability of cement–bentonite cutoff wall – 79 citations, 2023
🔬 Effects of natural zeolite and sulfate ions on the mechanical properties and microstructure of plastic concrete – 71 citations, 2022
🤖 Prediction of stress-dependent Soil Water Retention using machine learning – 24 citations, 2024
🧱 An Experimental study incorporating carbon fiber composite bars and wraps for concrete performance and failure insight – 17 citations, 2024

Sagirul Islam | construction materials | Best Researcher Award

Sagirul Islam, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) , Bangladesh .

Md. Sagirul Islam is a Senior Scientific Officer at the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) with extensive expertise in developing sustainable construction materials. Holding an MSc in Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering from the University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh, he has a strong background in research on eco-friendly construction materials, including lightweight concrete and refractory bricks. His work has been published in prominent journals like Heliyon and International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research. With hands-on experience in XRD and XRF analysis, he contributes significantly to advancing sustainable building practices.

Publication Profile

Suitability For The Award

Md. Sagirul Islam, Senior Scientific Officer at the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his significant contributions to the field of sustainable materials and construction technologies. His qualifications and achievements supporting his suitability for this prestigious award include:

Education And Experience

Education

MS/MSc in Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh (2003)
- First Class, Marks: 504 (63%)
BSc in Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh (2002)
- Second Class, Marks: 1600 (50%)
Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC), Rajshahi Board, Bangladesh (1997)
- First Division, Marks: 607 (60.70%)
Secondary School Certificate (SSC), Rajshahi Board, Bangladesh (1995)
- First Division, Marks: 796 (79.60%)

Professional Experience

Senior Scientific Officer, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) (2019 – Present)
Scientist, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) (2006 – 2019)

Professional Development

Md. Sagirul Islam has enhanced his expertise through diverse professional development activities. He completed a three-month training in Refractories and Structural Ceramic Research at Central Glass & Ceramic Research Institute (CGCRI), India. He also attended the 1st Special Foundation Training Course at BPATC, Bangladesh, focusing on institutional management. Additional qualifications include an Office Management Course from NAPD, Dhaka, and a Website Design and Management course at Bangladesh Computer Council. His technical proficiency is complemented by hands-on experience with advanced instruments like XRD, WD-XRF, and ED-XRF. These experiences underscore his commitment to advancing in his field.

Research Focus

Md. Sagirul Islam’s research primarily focuses on the development of eco-friendly construction materials and the utilization of industrial byproducts. His work emphasizes optimizing the sintering temperature of bricks and enhancing the mechanical properties of ceramics and composites. Key areas include the creation of lightweight structural concrete using local clay and solid waste, improving the properties of Portland cement with sodium gluconate, and evaluating the performance of refractory bricks. His research also investigates the use of rice husk ash and other waste materials in brick production, aiming for sustainability and innovation in construction materials.

Publications

“Characterization on the impact load of a local corner region of a liquid tank entering water”
H Xie, J Li, G Shi, D Wang, H Tang
Ocean Engineering, 312, 119030 (2024)
“Experimental study of structural failure and ultimate strength of GFRP girder with hat stiffeners and foams under bending load”
GJ Shi, YH Ji, JB Xu, DY Wang, ZT Xu
Marine Structures, 96, 103607 (2024)
“Experiment Study of Critical Dynamic Loads for Stiffened Panels Under Axial Impact”
G Shi, D Wang
International Conference on Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering, 87790 (2024)
“Impact load identification method based on frequency response pattern recognition and dynamic sensor filter strategy”
L Sun, D Wang, G Shi
Journal of Ocean Engineering and Science (2024)
“Dynamic ultimate capacity analysis of rectangular girder under hammer impact”
G Shi, D Wang
Vibroengineering Procedia, 54, 35-39 (2024)
“Experimental investigation of failure modes and ultimate strength of GFRP structure members under longitudinal compression”
Y Ji, G Shi, D Wang, Z Xu, J Xu
Ocean Engineering, 287, 115778 (2023)

Conclusion

Md. Sagirul Islam’s exceptional research achievements, innovative contributions to sustainable materials, and the significant impact of his work make him a standout candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His dedication to advancing construction technologies through both theoretical research and practical applications exemplifies his qualifications for this prestigious recognition.