Xu Zhang | Engineering Award | Best Scholar Award

Dr. Xu Zhang | Engineering Award | Best Scholar Award

Associate professor at Hubei University of Technology, China

Xu Zhang is a distinguished scholar specializing in intelligent non-destructive testing (NDT) technologies. With a solid academic foundation in Acoustics, her expertise spans sensor design, guided wave testing, and the integration of artificial intelligence in NDT systems. Zhang has been the principal investigator on several prestigious projects, including National Natural Science Foundation of China and National Key Research and Development Plan projects. She has made significant contributions to the fields of electromagnetic acoustic transducers (EMATs), guided wave detection methods, and corrosion imaging. Her research is not only innovative but also highly relevant to critical industries such as aerospace, automotive, and infrastructure.

Professional Profile

Education

Xu Zhang’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Acoustics from Nanjing University in 2010. She furthered her education with a Master’s and PhD in Acoustics from the prestigious Chinese Academy of Sciences, where she honed her research focus on non-destructive testing technologies. In 2016, she became an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Hubei University of Technology. Xu is currently a Visiting Fellow at the University of Bristol, where she collaborates with global experts on advanced NDT methods. Her academic background has equipped her with a deep understanding of the complexities in material testing, structural health monitoring, and the application of electromagnetic and ultrasonic technologies in engineering.

Experience

Xu Zhang has extensive experience in the field of non-destructive testing and advanced materials inspection. Since 2016, she has served as an Associate Professor at Hubei University of Technology, specializing in intelligent NDT technologies. Zhang has been the Principal Investigator (PI) in numerous high-profile national and provincial projects, focusing on ultrasonic and electromagnetic testing techniques for stress corrosion cracking and high-temperature creep materials. Notable projects she has led include the development of an ultrasonic phased array detection system for automotive steering parts and the creation of technology for pipeline corrosion imaging. Her expertise spans sensor design, guided wave testing, and the integration of artificial intelligence into NDT systems. Zhang is also a Senior Member of the Chinese Mechanical Engineering Society and an active participant in global research discussions on intelligent testing methodologies.

Research Focus

Xu Zhang’s research is primarily focused on intelligent non-destructive testing (NDT) technologies, with a specific emphasis on ultrasonic and electromagnetic guided wave techniques. She is dedicated to the development of advanced sensor systems and diagnostic tools that can detect flaws and assess material integrity in complex engineering structures. One of her key areas of research is the integration of artificial intelligence into NDT methodologies, enabling more efficient and accurate defect detection. Zhang’s work has applications in diverse industries, including automotive, aerospace, and infrastructure, particularly in stress corrosion cracking detection, high-temperature material assessment, and pipeline monitoring. Additionally, her research explores the enhancement of testing systems with electromagnetic transducers and phased array technologies, which improve detection sensitivity and system reliability. Her contributions to NDT technology continue to shape the future of materials testing and structural health monitoring.

Awards and Honors

Xu Zhang has been recognized for her pioneering work in non-destructive testing, particularly in the application of electromagnetic and ultrasonic guided wave technologies. As a Principal Investigator (PI), she has secured several prestigious grants and awards, including the National Key Research and Development Plan Project and the National Natural Science Foundation of China Project. Her research on stress corrosion cracking detection, material assessment, and corrosion imaging has earned her numerous accolades. Zhang has also been honored with key research project leadership positions from the Provincial Science and Technology Department, reflecting her influence in advancing the state of engineering diagnostics. She continues to contribute to the scientific community, and her work in non-destructive testing systems is frequently recognized for its practical applications in the fields of materials science and engineering.

Conclusion

Xu Zhang is a leading figure in the field of intelligent non-destructive testing, with an impressive array of research accomplishments and leadership in cutting-edge projects. Her scholarly work in the development of advanced testing systems and her commitment to pushing the boundaries of engineering innovation make her an outstanding candidate for the Best Scholar Award. With a strong foundation in both academic research and practical applications, Zhang’s continued contributions to the field hold the promise of significant advancements in industrial safety and technology.

Publications Top Noted

A novel amplitude enhancement method of EMAT for High-frequency Rayleigh-like waves in Circumferential propagation

Authors: Zhang, X., Li, B., Niu, X., Song, X., Wu, Q.

Citations: 0

Year: 2024

Journal: NDT and E International, 148, 103231

Investigation of an Active Focusing Planar Piezoelectric Ultrasonic Transducer

Authors: Wu, Q., You, B., Zhang, X., Tu, J.

Citations: 0

Year: 2024

Journal: Sensors, 24(13), 4082

Characterization of Small Delamination Defects by Multilayer Flexible EMAT

Authors: Chen, T., Liu, S., Lv, C., Wu, Q., Zhang, X.

Citations: 1

Year: 2024

Journal: IEEE Sensors Journal, 24(12), pp. 19210–19219

Unidirectional focusing Rayleigh waves EMAT for plate surface defect Inspection

Authors: Chen, T., Lou, T., Lv, C., Wu, Q., Zhang, X.

Citations: 0

Year: 2024

Journal: Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation (Article in Press)

Design and experimental study of electromagnetic ultrasonic single-mode guided wave transducer for small-diameter stainless steel tubes

Authors: Tu, J., Zhan, X., Sun, H., Zhang, X., Song, X.

Citations: 3

Year: 2024

Journal: Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation (Article in Press)

Internal and External Pipe Defect Characterization via High-Frequency Lamb Waves Generated by Unidirectional EMAT

Authors: Zhang, X., Li, B., Zhang, X., Yuan, J., Wu, Q.

Citations: 3

Year: 2023

Journal: Sensors (Basel, Switzerland), 23(21)

Bolt Axial Stress Measurement Based on the Dual-Mode Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer

Authors: Zhang, X., Li, W., Wu, Q., Cai, C., Song, X.

Citations: 2

Year: 2023

Journal: IEEE Sensors Journal, 23(13), pp. 13978–13986

Energy Transfer Efficiency Based Nonlinear Ultrasonic Testing Technique for Debonding Defects of Aluminum Alloy Foam Sandwich Panels

Authors: Tu, J., Yao, N., Ling, Y., Zhang, X., Song, X.

Citations: 0

Year: 2023

Journal: Sensors, 23(6), 3008

Optimized Design of Torsional Guided Wave Magnetostrictive Patch Transducer Based on Reversed Wiedemann Effect

Authors: Li, C., Yang, R., Gu, J., Wang, S., Zhang, X.

Citations: 5

Year: 2023

Journal: Journal of Nondestructive Evaluation, 42(1), 26

Enhancing the Lift-Off Performance of EMATs by Applying an Fe3O4 Coating to a Test Specimen

Authors: Liang, B., Li, Z., Zhai, G., Zhang, X., Dixon, S.

Citations: 5

Year: 2023

Journal: IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement, 72, 9502104

 

 

 

Dilliraj Ekambaram | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Dilliraj Ekambaram | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Research Scholar at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, India

Mr. Dilliraj Ekambaram is an innovative educator and researcher with over 10 years of experience in the field of Electronics and Communication Engineering. He has a strong academic foundation, holding a Master’s in Embedded Systems and a Bachelor’s in Electronics & Communication from Anna University. 📚 His research focuses on AI-powered rehabilitation systems for musculoskeletal disorders, evident from his numerous publications, including three SCI-indexed papers and several Scopus-indexed works. 🧠 He has received multiple awards, such as the Best Emerging Technology Performer and Outstanding Oral Presentation Award, and has contributed to patented technologies. 🏆 His expertise extends to machine learning, embedded systems, and digital twin technologies, with a strong dedication to multidisciplinary research that addresses socially relevant issues. Mr. Ekambaram is also an active IEEE member and has organized several workshops, industrial visits, and training programs for students, showcasing his passion for education and technology. 🌟

Professional Profile

Education

Mr. Dilliraj Ekambaram has a robust academic background in Electronics and Communication Engineering. He earned his Master’s degree in Embedded Systems 🎓 from Anna University, where he gained expertise in advanced technological systems and embedded solutions. Prior to that, he completed his Bachelor’s degree in Electronics & Communication from the same prestigious institution, building a solid foundation in digital systems and communications. 📡 His academic journey is marked by dedication and a passion for innovation, equipping him with the knowledge and skills that have driven his successful research career. 📚 Throughout his education, he actively engaged in hands-on projects, collaborative research, and cutting-edge technology exploration, setting the stage for his expertise in AI-powered rehabilitation systems and machine learning applications. 🤖

Professional Experience

Mr. Dilliraj Ekambaram boasts over 12 years of dynamic professional experience in cutting-edge technology and research. 🛠️ Currently, he is a Senior Research Fellow at IIT-Madras, where he leads AI-powered rehabilitation systems and works extensively on machine learning and embedded systems. 🤖 His journey also includes significant roles in R&D at prestigious institutions like Anna University, where he contributed to healthcare innovations through the development of smart devices and systems. 💡 His professional repertoire covers expertise in designing and developing embedded systems, signal processing, and creating impactful solutions for real-world problems. 🌍 With a keen interest in AI applications, especially in the medical field, Mr. Ekambaram’s work has consistently pushed the boundaries of technology, earning him recognition in his field. 📈 He is a forward-thinking professional with a passion for creating technology-driven solutions that have a lasting social impact. 👨‍💻

Research Interest

Mr. Dilliraj Ekambaram’s research interests are deeply rooted in the convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Embedded Systems. 🤖 He is passionate about developing AI-powered rehabilitation technologies that can revolutionize healthcare. 💡 His focus includes designing smart medical devices and assistive systems for enhanced patient care and rehabilitation. 🏥 Mr. Ekambaram is also interested in signal processing and its application in creating adaptive systems for real-time analysis. 📊 Furthermore, his work extends to edge computing, where he integrates AI into compact, efficient embedded systems, making cutting-edge technology more accessible and practical for everyday use. 💻 His commitment to innovation reflects his drive to solve complex real-world problems, particularly in the medical and healthcare domains, using AI-driven solutions. 🌍

Award and Honor

Mr. Dilliraj Ekambaram has earned numerous awards and honors that recognize his contributions to the fields of Artificial Intelligence and Embedded Systems. 🏆 He has been honored with the prestigious “Best Research Paper Award” at multiple international conferences for his groundbreaking work in AI-powered rehabilitation systems. 📜 His innovative contributions in the field of healthcare technology also earned him the “Innovative Researcher Award” from esteemed institutions. 🏅 Additionally, he received the “Excellence in Teaching Award” for his dedication and impact as an educator, shaping the minds of future engineers. 🎓 His consistent achievements in research and teaching continue to earn him recognition within the academic and professional communities. 🌟

Conclusion

Dilliraj Ekambaram is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his extensive research experience, interdisciplinary approach, and demonstrated impact in areas such as AI-assisted rehabilitation. His contributions to both academia and industry, along with his focus on solving socially relevant issues, make him well-suited for the award. However, expanding his global visibility, securing more high-impact publications, and obtaining further research funding could enhance his competitiveness for such accolades.

Publications Top Noted

  1. Ekambaram, D., & Ponnusamy, V. (2024). “Real-Time Monitoring and Assessment of Rehabilitation Exercises for Low Back Pain through Interactive Dashboard Pose Analysis Using Streamlit—A Pilot Study.” Electronics (Switzerland), 13(18), 3782.
    • Citations: 0
  2. Ekambaram, D., & Ponnusamy, V. (2024). “Real-time AI-assisted visual exercise pose correctness during rehabilitation training for musculoskeletal disorder.” Journal of Real-Time Image Processing, 21(1), 2.
    • Citations: 4
  3. Ponnusamy, V., Ekambaram, D., & Zdravkovic, N. (2024). “Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Enabled Digital Twin Technology in Smart Manufacturing.” In Industry 4.0, Smart Manufacturing, and Industrial Engineering: Challenges and Opportunities, pp. 248–270.
    • Citations: 0
  4. Ekambaram, D., & Ponnusamy, V. (2023). “A Comparative Review on Artificial Intelligence for Exercise-Based Self-Recuperation Training to Musculoskeletal Disorder Patients.” AIP Conference Proceedings, 2946(1), 050001.
    • Citations: 0
  5. Ponnusamy, V., & Ekambaram, D. (2023). “Image analysis approaches for fault detection in quality assurance in manufacturing industries.” In Computational Intelligence based Optimization of Manufacturing Process for Sustainable Materials, pp. 35–66.
    • Citations: 0
  6. Ekambaram, D., & Ponnusamy, V. (2023). “AI-assisted Physical Therapy for Post-injury Rehabilitation: Current State of the Art.” IEIE Transactions on Smart Processing and Computing, 12(3), pp. 234–242.
    • Citations: 3
  7. Ekambaram, D., Ponnusamy, V., Natarajan, S.T., & Khan, M.F.S.F. (2023). “Artificial Intelligence (AI) Powered Precise Classification of Recuperation Exercises for Musculoskeletal Disorders.” Traitement du Signal, 40(2), pp. 767–773.
    • Citations: 2
  8. Ekambaram, D., & Ponnusamy, V. (2023). “Acceleration Techniques for Video-Based Self-Recuperation Training – State-of-the-Art Review.” 2023 Intelligent Computing and Control for Engineering and Business Systems, ICCEBS 2023.
    • Citations: 0
  9. Ponnusamy, V., Ekambaram, D., Suresh, T.N., Mariyam Farzana, S.F., & Ahanger, T.A. (2023). “Overview of Immersive Environment Exercise Pose Analysis for Self-Rehabilitation Training of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Pains.” In Technologies for Healthcare 4.0: From AI and IoT to Blockchain, pp. 181–197.
    • Citations: 0
  10. Ekambaram, D., & Ponnusamy, V. (2022). “Identification of Defects in Casting Products by using a Convolutional Neural Network.” IEIE Transactions on Smart Processing and Computing, 11(3), pp. 149–155.
  • Citations: 4

Noorullah Kuchai | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Noorullah Kuchai | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at University of Bath, United Kingdom

Noorullah Kuchai is a highly experienced civil engineer, construction project manager, and researcher with extensive expertise in post-conflict and disaster-affected regions. He holds a PhD in Decarbonisation of the Built Environment from the University of Bath and has contributed to the design and implementation of sustainable housing solutions for displaced populations in countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Nepal. With a solid background in project management, he has led large-scale construction projects, including shelters, community centers, and infrastructure aimed at empowering communities and promoting peaceful reintegration. Noorullah has published several research articles on sustainable construction, thermal comfort, and housing for the displaced, and has been actively involved in global capacity-building initiatives. His leadership in disaster recovery, climate resilience, and sustainable housing make him a key contributor to both academic and humanitarian efforts, earning recognition such as the University of Bath’s Doctoral Recognition Award.

Professional Profile

Education

Noorullah Kuchai has a strong academic background in civil engineering and project management, with a focus on sustainable construction and post-conflict housing solutions. He earned his PhD from the University of Bath, UK, specializing in Decarbonisation of the Built Environment, where he researched the use of computational tools to design healthy housing for displaced populations. His PhD work was supported by the University of Bath and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), leading to several publications on topics like sustainability, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality in shelters. Noorullah also holds a Master’s degree in Construction Project Management from the University of South Wales, where he graduated with distinction and focused on post-conflict social housing in his dissertation. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Nangarhar University, Afghanistan, with first-class honors. This robust educational foundation has been pivotal in shaping his expertise in sustainable development and humanitarian construction projects.

Professional Experience

Noorullah Kuchai has extensive professional experience in civil engineering, project management, and humanitarian construction, with a focus on post-conflict reconstruction. Currently, he serves as a Senior Technical Programmes Coordinator at RedR UK, where he leads global post-conflict engineering projects in countries like Afghanistan, Sudan, Ukraine, and Morocco. He specializes in housing reconstruction, rapid damage assessments, and capacity-building training for local technical teams. Prior to this, Noorullah worked as a Senior Infrastructure Consultant at IMC Worldwide, leading large-scale infrastructure projects in Africa and the Caribbean, including water supply systems, waste management, and disaster response. His experience includes working with UNHCR on shelter projects for refugees and displaced populations, managing the construction of over 3,000 shelters in remote areas of Afghanistan. His research experience is equally vast, having led a PhD project that developed design tools for sustainable housing in displaced communities. Noorullah’s diverse experience reflects his expertise in engineering solutions for humanitarian challenges.

Research Interest

Noorullah Kuchai’s research interests focus on the intersection of sustainable construction, post-disaster housing, and humanitarian engineering. His work primarily explores the use of computational tools to enhance the design of healthy and sustainable housing for displaced populations. Through his PhD at the University of Bath, he developed and tested several innovative design tools that address crucial aspects such as structural stability, thermal comfort, indoor air quality, and environmental impact. Noorullah’s research also includes the use of Social Network Analysis (SNA) to examine material and knowledge flow networks in post-disaster construction, providing insights into optimizing shelter design and implementation in disaster relief contexts. His work spans across diverse geographic regions, including Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Nepal, and integrates sustainability, resilience, and socio-cultural factors into housing design. Noorullah’s research not only advances academic understanding but also directly contributes to improving housing solutions for vulnerable populations in crisis situations.

Award and Honor

Noorullah Kuchai has received several prestigious awards and honors throughout his academic and professional career. Notably, he was awarded the University of Bath’s 2021 Doctoral Recognition Award for his exceptional contributions to research during his PhD. His research on computational tools for designing healthy and resilient housing for displaced populations gained international recognition, leading to the publication of nine research articles in highly regarded journals. Noorullah’s ability to combine academic rigor with practical fieldwork in post-disaster and conflict zones has distinguished him as a leader in his field. He has also been recognized for his efforts in integrating sustainable and locally appropriate construction techniques into humanitarian projects. Additionally, his extensive involvement in humanitarian engineering and disaster relief programs, including collaboration with global organizations like the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), further underscores his commitment to impactful research and project delivery.

Conclusion

Noorullah Kuchai demonstrates strong qualifications for the Best Researcher Award due to his impactful contributions to sustainable housing for displaced populations and his global research experience. His combination of research innovation, field experience, and leadership in humanitarian projects positions him as a highly suitable candidate for this award. Expanding his research scope and increasing publication output could further strengthen his candidacy.

Publications Top Noted

  • Improving the shelter design process via a shelter assessment matrix
    • Kuchai, N., Albadra, D., Lo, S., Adeyeye, K., Coley, D.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0️⃣
  • Narrative modelling: A comparison of high and low mass dwelling solutions in Afghanistan and Peru
    • Eltaweel, A., Kuchai, N., Albadra, D., Acevedo-De-los-Ríos, A., Rondinel-Oviedo, D.R.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 2️⃣
  • Understanding material and supplier networks in the construction of disaster-relief shelters: the feasibility of using social network analysis as a decision-making tool
    • Copping, A., Kuchai, N., Hattam, L., Sahin Burat, E., Coley, D.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 5️⃣
  • ShelTherm: An aid-centric thermal model for shelter design
    • de Castro, M., Kuchai, N., Natarajan, S., Wang, Z., Coley, D.
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 3️⃣
  • Reduced-parameter wind loading methodology, tool, and test protocol for refugee shelter deployment
    • Coley, D., Kuchai, N., Wang, J., Islam, S., Woodbridge, S.
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 0️⃣
  • Measurement and analysis of air quality in temporary shelters on three continents
    • Albadra, D., Kuchai, N., Acevedo-De-los-Ríos, A., Maskell, D., Ball, R.J.
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 1️⃣2️⃣