Xingwen Luo | Soil Physics | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xingwen Luo | Soil Physics | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xingwen Luo, Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xingwen Luo is a geotechnical engineering expert at the Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China. With over 20 years of experience, his research focuses on subgrade engineering, soil reinforcement, slope stability, and tunnel waterproofing. He has led and contributed to numerous national and provincial research projects, published extensively in high-impact journals, and played a key role in developing technical standards. Dr. Luo has received multiple prestigious awards, including the Hubei Provincial Science and Technology Progress Award and the China Highway and Transportation Society Award. His expertise includes experimental research, numerical modeling, and infrastructure stability analysis.

Profile

Scopus

 

Summary:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xingwen Luo is an accomplished researcher with a strong record of publications, research leadership, and technical contributions to geotechnical engineering. His work in subgrade stability, soil reinforcement, and tunnel waterproofing has significantly impacted infrastructure development. He has received multiple awards, led key research projects, and contributed to engineering standards.

 

🎓 Education

Xingwen Luo holds a Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, which he completed between 2009 and 2014. He also earned a Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering from Wuhan University of Technology (2004-2006) and a Bachelor’s degree in the same field from Central South University (1995-1999).

 

💼Experience

With over 20 years of experience in geotechnical engineering, Xingwen Luo is currently an Associate Researcher at the Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he has been working since 2011. His research focuses on subgrade engineering performance, soil reinforcement, slope stability, and tunnel waterproofing. Before his current role, he served as an Assistant Researcher at the same institute from 2005 to 2011, contributing to research on soft rock subgrade reinforcement and collaborating on major infrastructure projects. His career began as a Research Intern at the Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics from 1999 to 2005, where he gained hands-on experience in soil mechanics and foundation engineering.

 

🔬Research Focus

His research primarily revolves around subgrade performance evolution, soil reinforcement, and stability control technologies. He has made significant contributions to understanding geocell-reinforced subgrade performance, tunnel waterproofing in high-pressure water-rich areas, and soft rock subgrade reinforcement. His work has been widely published in high-impact international journals, and he has played a key role in developing technical standards for geotechnical engineering.

Awards

Xingwen Luo has been recognized for his contributions to geotechnical engineering with multiple prestigious awards. He received the First Prize of the Hubei Provincial Science and Technology Progress Award in 2016 for his work on highway subgrade performance and dynamic design methods. In 2017, he was awarded the Second Prize of the Science and Technology Progress Award by the China Highway and Transportation Society for his research on post-earthquake reconstruction technologies. In 2021, he received the First Prize from the Heilongjiang Hydraulic Engineering Society for his work on river levee risk prevention in cold regions. Additionally, in 2016, he was honored with the First Prize of the Science and Technology Progress Award by the Henan Provincial Department of Transportation for his research on loess landslide disaster mechanisms and stability control.

 

Skills

Xingwen Luo possesses extensive expertise in geotechnical engineering, with specialized skills in subgrade engineering, soil reinforcement technologies, slope stability, and tunnel waterproofing. He is proficient in experimental research, numerical modeling, and the development of engineering standards. His contributions extend to leading and collaborating on national and provincial research projects, particularly in highway and railway engineering.

 

Publications

  • Study on Waterproof and Drainage Technology of Mountain Tunnel in High-Pressure and Water-Rich Region
    • Authors: Luo, X., Zhang, J., Lu, Z., Yao, H.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: European Journal of Environmental and Civil Engineering
    • Citations: 1

 

  • Study on Performance of Geocell-Reinforced Red Clay Subgrade
    • Authors: Luo, X.W., Lu, Z., Zhang, J.B., Yao, H.L.
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: Geosynthetics International
    • Citations: 6

 

  • Study on Subgrade Performance Evolution and Geocell-Reinforcement Effect of Subgrade in a Seasonal Frozen Area
    • Authors: Cheng, M., Li, S., Luo, X., Lu, Z., Yao, H.
    • Year: 2023
    • Book Chapter: Key Engineering Materials
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Experimental Study on Soft Rock Subgrade Reinforced with Geocell
    • Authors: Luo, X., Lu, Z., Yao, H., Zhang, J., Song, W.
    • Year: 2022
    • Journal: Road Materials and Pavement Design
    • Citations: 14

 

  • Inhibition Effect of Swelling Characteristics of Expansive Soil Using Cohesive Non-Swelling Soil Layer Under Unidirectional Seepage
    • Authors: Yao, H., She, J., Lu, Z., Fang, R., Chen, Z.
    • Year: 2020
    • Journal: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering
    • Citations: 17

 

  • Study on Dynamic Responses of Unsaturated Railway Subgrade Subjected to Moving Train Load
    • Authors: Fang, R., Lu, Z., Yao, H., Luo, X., Yang, M.
    • Year: 2018
    • Journal: Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering
    • Citations: 49

 

  • Research on Earth Pressure Behind Row Piles from Clayey Backfill Considering Soil Arching Effect
    • Authors: Yin, Z.-Q., She, C.-X., Yao, H.-L., Lu, Z., Luo, X.-W.
    • Year: 2018
    • Journal: Yantu Lixue / Rock and Soil Mechanics
    • Citations: 3

 

  • Study on the Effect of [Al13]7+ Over the Free Swelling Ratio of Expansive Soil
    • Authors: Liu, L., Yao, H., Lu, Z., Luo, X., Fang, R.
    • Year: 2017
    • Conference Paper: Key Engineering Materials
    • Citations: 3

Conclusion:

Dr. Luo is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his long-standing contributions, leadership in research projects, and recognition through awards. Strengthening international collaborations, innovation-based contributions, and mentorship initiatives would further enhance his profile for future awards. Overall, his expertise and research impact make him a strong contender for this recognition.

Khandakar Islam | Soil | Award for Soil Education

Dr. Khandakar Islam | Soil | Award for Soil Education

Dr. Khandakar Islam, Ohio State University, United States

Dr. Khandakar Rafiq Islam is a Program Director of Soil, Water, and Bioenergy Resources at The Ohio State University South Centers. He specializes in climate-smart agriculture, soil health, water management, organic farming, carbon sequestration, and phytoremediation. With a Ph.D. in Soil and Environmental Quality from the University of Maryland, he has extensive experience in research, teaching, and international collaboration. A Fulbright Teaching Fellow and recipient of multiple awards, including the Mandela Washington Reciprocal Fellowship, he has led numerous projects on sustainable agriculture and published widely in peer-reviewed journals.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Khandakar Rafiq Islam is an exceptional candidate for the Award for Soil Education due to his extensive teaching, research, mentorship, and international outreach. His expertise in climate-smart agriculture, soil health, and sustainable land management has contributed significantly to soil science education globally. While he has received multiple awards for his research and mentoring, expanding his digital education footprint and public outreach could further strengthen his candidacy.

 

🎓 Education

Rafiq Islam holds a Ph.D. in Soil and Environmental Quality from the University of Maryland, USA. He earned an M.S. in Soil and Water Engineering from the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, and a B.S. in Soil and Environmental Sciences from Dhaka University, Bangladesh.

 

💼Experience

Dr. Islam has been the Program Director for Soil, Water, and Bioenergy Resources at The Ohio State University South Centers since 2002. He is also a Faculty Affiliate at the Ohio Sustainability Institute and the School of Environment and Natural Resources. He has taught undergraduate and graduate courses, supervised graduate students, and served as a technical resource person for Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center and OSU Extension Outreach. He has extensive international experience, including serving as a Fulbright Teaching Fellow in Turkey and a Visiting Professor at Satbayev University, Kazakhstan.

 

🔬Research Focus

His research focuses on climate-smart agriculture, sustainable soil and water management, organic farming, biochar applications, carbon sequestration, and phytoremediation of contaminated soils. He has led numerous projects on soil fertility, nutrient management, and conservation agriculture while collaborating internationally on sustainable agricultural initiatives.

 

Awards

Dr. Islam has received numerous honors, including the Mandela Washington Reciprocal Fellowship Award (2024), Washington-Mandela Fellowship Ringleader Award (2023), American Council for International Education Awards (2021, 2019), and the USDA-Borlaug Mentor Award for visits to multiple countries. He was also a Fulbright Teaching Fellow in Turkey and a recipient of the No-Till Researcher and Educator Award from the Ohio No-Till Council.

 

Skills

Dr. Islam specializes in climate-smart agriculture, soil health and water management, organic farming, carbon sequestration, tillage, cover crops, marginal soil restoration, and biomaterial production. His expertise includes plant-induced abiotic and biocontrol services, agricultural research, and mentoring.

 

Publications

  • Impact of gypsum applications and cover crop on soybean (Glycine max) elemental composition
    • Authors: Gonzalez, J.M., Dick, W.A., Watts, D.B., Reeder, R.C., Shedekar, V.S.
    • Journal: Agricultural and Environmental Letters
    • Year: 2025
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Assessing Heavy Metal Contamination for Soil Reclamation: Implications for Sustainable Urban Development
    • Authors: Saparov, G., Dutbayev, Y., Amanzholkyzy, A., Trushin, M., Kozlov, A.
    • Journal: International Journal of Design and Nature and Ecodynamics
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Predicting Accumulation and Potential Edge-of-Field Loss of Phosphorus to Surface Water from Diverse Ecosystems
    • Authors: Rahman, A., Islam, K.R., Ahsan, S., Didenko, N.O., Sundermeier, A.P.
    • Journal: Water, Air, and Soil Pollution
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Increased humic materials explain aggregate-protected carbon and nitrogen accumulation in biochar-amended tropical soils
    • Authors: Amoakwah, E., Rahman, M.A., Islam, K.R., Asirifi, I., Arthur, E.
    • Journal: Pedosphere
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1

 

  • Phytoremediation of contaminated urban soils spiked with heavy metals
    • Authors: Yelikbayev, B.K., Imanbek, F., Jamalova, G.A., Kalogerakis, N.E., Islam, K.R.
    • Journal: Eurasian Journal of Soil Science
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Cover crops, crop rotation, and gypsum, as conservation practices, impact Mehlich-3 extractable plant nutrients and trace metals
    • Authors: Gonzalez, J.M., Dick, W.A., Islam, K.R., Reeder, R.C., Shedekar, V.S.
    • Journal: International Soil and Water Conservation Research
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 2
  • Forty-two years impact of chemical fertilization on soil phosphorus partition and distribution under rice-based cropping systems
    • Authors: Biswas, C., Ferdous, J., Sarker, R.R., Islam, K.R., Jahangir, M.M.R.
    • Journal: PLoS ONE
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Mulching to improve sweet potato production
    • Authors: Sapakhova, Z., Islam, K.R., Toishimanov, M., Shamekova, M., Zhambakin, K.
    • Journal: Journal of Agriculture and Food Research
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1

 

Conclusion:

Dr. Islam’s proven track record in soil science education, mentorship, curriculum development, and international collaboration makes him a highly deserving candidate for the Research Award for Soil Education. His work has empowered students, researchers, and professionals worldwide, ensuring a lasting impact on soil education, sustainability, and global food security. Strengthening digital education and public advocacy could further enhance his contributions to the field.