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

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 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

1. 📘 Mechanical behavior and permeability of plastic concrete containing natural zeolite under triaxial and uniaxial compression – 83 citations, 2022

2. 🌍 Effects of natural zeolite and sulfate environment on mechanical properties and permeability of cement–bentonite cutoff wall – 79 citations, 2023

3. 🔬 Effects of natural zeolite and sulfate ions on the mechanical properties and microstructure of plastic concrete – 71 citations, 2022

4. 🤖 Prediction of stress-dependent Soil Water Retention using machine learning – 24 citations, 2024

5. 🧱 An Experimental study incorporating carbon fiber composite bars and wraps for concrete performance and failure insight – 17 citations, 2024