Michael Tobby Agwe | Environmental Materials | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Michael Tobby Agwe | Environmental Materials | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Michael Tobby Agwe, Soroti University, Uganda

Mr. Tobby Michael Agwe is an Assistant Lecturer in Environmental Engineering at Soroti University, Uganda. He is pursuing a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering (Environmental Engineering) at Kampala International University. He holds an M.Tech in Civil-Environmental Engineering from Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology, India, and a BSc in Civil Engineering from Ndejje University, Uganda. His expertise includes water and wastewater management, solid waste treatment, GIS applications, and construction project management. He has extensive academic and professional experience, with research publications in environmental engineering and infrastructure development.

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Summary:

Mr. Tobby Michael Agwe is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his notable research in civil and environmental engineering, publications in international journals, and commitment to sustainability and infrastructure development. His work on recycled wastewater in concrete production, alternative surfacing materials, and heavy metal leaching highlights his impact in both construction and environmental engineering.

 

🎓 Education

Tobby Michael Agwe is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Environmental Engineering at Kampala International University, Uganda. He holds a Master of Technology in Civil-Environmental Engineering from Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology, Gorakhpur, India, where he graduated with first-class honors. Additionally, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Ndejje University, Uganda, achieving a second-class upper division. His academic background also includes a Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Project Management from Makerere University and an Ordinary Diploma in Building and Civil Engineering from Uganda Technical College, Lira. Furthering his professional development, he has completed several specialized certifications, including digital education, wastewater treatment, remote sensing, and humanitarian skills for engineers from institutions such as the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic, Indian Institutes of Technology, and RedR UK.

💼Experience

Tobby Michael Agwe has extensive experience in civil and environmental engineering, with a strong background in academia, public service, and project management. He is currently an Assistant Lecturer in Environmental Engineering at Soroti University, Uganda, where he is involved in lecturing, research supervision, curriculum development, and student mentorship. Before joining Soroti University, he served as an Assistant Lecturer at Kabale University for four years. His professional career includes serving as the Acting District Engineer at Otuke District Local Government, where he provided technical leadership in infrastructure development, water and sanitation systems, and engineering policy enforcement. He also held roles as a Senior Assistant Engineering Officer for Roads and a Road Inspector, overseeing road construction, maintenance, and project management. His expertise extends to contract procurement, construction dispute resolution, and human resource management within engineering projects.

 

🔬Research Focus

Tobby Michael Agwe’s research is centered on sustainable environmental engineering solutions, particularly in water and wastewater management, solid waste utilization, and construction materials engineering. His work explores innovative approaches to waste recycling, biogas production, and the use of alternative materials in construction. He has conducted studies on the impact of landscape characteristics on soil moisture distribution, bioretention systems for stormwater treatment, and the performance evaluation of sorghum and wheat straw ashes in water treatment. His research also includes concrete production using recycled wastewater and heavy metal leaching from fly ash. He has published several peer-reviewed articles in reputable international journals and actively participates in national and international conferences.

Awards

Tobby Michael Agwe is a Graduate Member of the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (GM 1193). He has received various professional training certifications from international institutions, including the Center for Technology and Training in Michigan, the Excellence in Africa initiative by UM6P and EPFL, and the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) in India. His contributions to engineering education and research have been recognized through multiple academic and institutional accolades.

Skills

Tobby Michael Agwe possesses diverse technical and managerial skills in civil and environmental engineering. His expertise includes designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining water and wastewater treatment facilities, solid and hazardous waste management systems, and road and building infrastructure. He is proficient in groundwater exploration and management, remote sensing and GIS applications in engineering, and environmental and social impact assessments. He has strong competencies in preparing bill of quantities, contract management, and project budgeting. Additionally, he has extensive knowledge of computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and database management tools. His leadership and mentorship skills have been instrumental in guiding junior staff and students in research and professional development.

Publications

 

Performance Evaluation of Open Air Burnt Sorghum and Wheat Straw Ashes in Hard Water Treatment

  • Authors: P. Tibenderana, J. Bainomugisha, T.S. Abdulkadir, M.N. Twesigye-Omwe, T. Ako
  • Year: 2024
  • Journal: International Journal of Agricultural Technology

Conclusion:

While Mr. Agwe possesses strong research credentials and innovative contributions, increasing research citations, project leadership, and mentorship activities would further enhance his suitability for major research awards. Nonetheless, his work aligns with global sustainability goals, making him a deserving candidate for recognition in the field of environmental and civil engineering research.

Franz Josef Maringer | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Franz Josef Maringer | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Franz Josef Maringer, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Austria

Prof. Dr. Franz Josef Maringer is a distinguished researcher at the University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Austria. His expertise lies in natural resource management, environmental sustainability, and applied life sciences. With a strong academic background, he has contributed extensively to sustainable resource utilization, ecological conservation, and innovative environmental solutions. Prof. Maringer has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and led impactful research projects. His work has influenced both academic advancements and practical applications in environmental sciences. He is also actively involved in mentoring young researchers and fostering international collaborations to address global sustainability challenges.

Profile

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Summary:

Prof. Dr. Franz Josef Maringer’s contributions in natural resources and applied life sciences make him a strong contender for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His academic output, funding success, and research impact contribute to his candidacy. If he also has notable interdisciplinary collaborations and societal impact, it would further strengthen his position.

 

🎓 Education

Franz Josef Maringer earned his MS Degree (Dipl.-Ing.) in Physics from TU Wien between 1979 and 1984. In 1994, he completed his Ph.D. (Dr. techn.) with distinction at TU Wien. He later achieved his Docent Degree (Univ.-Doz.) in 2003 through habilitation in the field of radioecology and radiation measurement at BOKU Vienna. In 2011, he was awarded the title of Professor at BOKU, Vienna.

💼Experience

With a career spanning over four decades, Franz Josef Maringer has been actively engaged in science, research, and teaching since 1983. He served as the Head of the Low-Level Counting Laboratory Arsenal in Vienna from 1983 to 2016. Between 2004 and 2020, he led the Section for Ionizing Radiation and Radioactivity at the Federal Office of Metrology and Surveying (BEV) in Vienna. During this time, he also acted as Austria’s delegate to the Consultative Committee for Ionizing Radiation (CCRI) at the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM). From 2009 to 2019, he was the Scientific Secretary of the International Committee for Radionuclide Metrology (ICRM). In addition, he was a board member of the Austrian Radiation Protection Association (ÖVS) from 1996 to 2021 and served as its President from 2004 to 2008.

 

🔬Research Focus

His research primarily revolves around radiation physics, radioecology, radiation protection, and metrology. He has been instrumental in developing and refining techniques for radiation measurement and radionuclide metrology, with a strong focus on environmental radiation monitoring, low-level radiation detection, and international standards for ionizing radiation. Throughout his career, he has authored more than 300 scientific publications, contributing significantly to advancements in the field.

Awards

In recognition of his significant contributions to science, research, and teaching, Franz Josef Maringer was honored with the Grand Decoration of Honour of the Republic of Austria in 2021. Since 2012, he has been an honorary member of the Austrian Radiation Protection Association (ÖVS).

 

Skills

Franz Josef Maringer possesses extensive expertise in radiation physics, radiation protection, radiation measurement technology, radioecology, and metrology. He has coordinated international research projects and has a profound understanding of ionizing radiation, low-level radiation measurement, and radionuclide metrology. His leadership roles in national and international organizations demonstrate his strong skills in scientific coordination, policy advisory, and institutional management.

 

Publications

 

  • Development of the occupational exposure during the production and application of radiopharmaceuticals in Germany

    • Authors: J. Vogt, U. Oeh, F.J. Maringer
    • Journal: Journal of Radiological Protection
    • Year: 2024

 

  • Should the ISO slab phantom be used for calibrations in terms of the new ICRU 95 operational quantity personal dose?

    • Authors: V. Merza, C. Hranitzky, A. Steurer, F.J. Maringer
    • Journal: Radiation Protection Dosimetry
    • Year: 2023

 

  • Radionuclide metrology methods and analysis of the Joint Danube Survey 4 sediment samples

    • Authors: F.J. Maringer, R. Kadan, C. Landstetter, A. Redl, H. Wiedner
    • Journal: Applied Radiation and Isotopes
    • Year: 2023

 

  • Research summary of the EMPIR MetroRADON project

    • Authors: H. Wiedner, F.J. Maringer, M. Stietka
    • Journal: Applied Radiation and Isotopes
    • Year: 2023

 

  • Report of the CCRI(II) supplementary international comparison of measurement of activity per unit mass of Cs-134 and Cs-137 in wheat flour (CCRI(II)-S13)

    • Authors: A. Yunoki, T. Miura, R. Furukawa, M. Hachinohe, S. Hamamatsu
    • Journal: Metrologia
    • Year: 2023

 

  • Update of the BIPM comparison BIPM.RI(II)-K1.I-131 of activity measurements of the radionuclide 131I to include the 2015 results of the BEV (Austria) and the POLATOM (Poland), the 2017 result of the NMISA (South Africa), and to link the CCRI(II)-S6.I-131 comparison

    • Authors: C. Michotte, S. Courte, M. Nonis, J. Lubbe, B.E. Zimmerman
    • Journal: Metrologia
    • Year: 2023

 

  • Update of the BIPM comparison BIPM.RI(II)-K1.Y-88 of activity measurements of the radionuclide 88Y to include the 2016 result of the LNE-LNHB (France) and the 2019 result of the BEV (Austria)

    • Authors: C. Michotte, S. Courte, R.M. Coulon, C. Fréchou, C. Bobin
    • Journal: Metrologia
    • Year: 2023

Conclusion:

Prof. Maringer has a distinguished career with a strong research portfolio, funding success, and real-world impact, he would be a top candidate for the award. Enhancing public engagement, interdisciplinary work, and technology integration could further bolster his qualifications.

Zoubir Mehdi Sbartaï | Environmental Materials | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Zoubir Mehdi Sbartaï | Environmental Materials | Best Researcher Award

 Prof. Zoubir Mehdi Sbartai, University of Bordeaux, France

Professor Zoubir Mehdi Sbartaï is a Full Professor at the University of Bordeaux, France, specializing in Civil Engineering and Construction. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Toulouse, France, and the University of Sherbrooke, Canada. His research focuses on the development of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques for infrastructure diagnosis and predictive maintenance, with an emphasis on acoustic, electrical, and electromagnetic methods. Professor Sbartaï has published over 45 papers in international journals and has supervised numerous Master’s and Ph.D. students. He is actively involved in national research projects and holds leadership roles in various academic committees.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Sbartaï’s research embodies the spirit of innovation, sustainability, and excellence required for this prestigious award. His work continues to shape the future of civil engineering, making him an ideal candidate for recognition as the Best Researcher in his field.

 

🎓 Education

Zoubir Mehdi Sbartaï holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Materials, and Structures from the University of Toulouse, France (2005), as well as a Ph.D. from the University of Sherbrooke, Canada. He earned his Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Materials and Structures from INSA of Toulouse, France, in 2002. In 2016, he was awarded the Habilitation for Research Direction from the University of Bordeaux.

 

💼Experience

Professor Sbartaï has extensive academic experience. From 2020, he has served as a Full Professor at the University of Bordeaux, in the Civil Engineering and Construction Department. Prior to that, he was an Associate Professor at the same institution from 2007 to 2020. His career also includes roles as Assistant Professor at the University of Toulouse (2006-2007) and at INSA de Toulouse (2005-2006). Additionally, he worked as an Assistant Professor during his PhD preparation at INSA de Toulouse (2002-2005).

 

🔬Research Focus

Professor Sbartaï’s research primarily revolves around developing methodologies for more reliable diagnosis of civil engineering structures using Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques under uncertainties. His focus is on the optimization of predictive maintenance for infrastructure like bridges, nuclear power plants, built heritage, and wooden construction. He is particularly interested in combining acoustic, electrical, and electromagnetic techniques. His research also includes the development of new sensors for concrete monitoring and advanced radar-based scanning systems to inspect materials.

 

Awards

Professor Sbartaï has a notable academic reputation with over 45 papers published in international journals (Scopus) and more than 50 papers presented at international conferences. He has achieved an h-index of 20, reflecting his influential work in the field. Furthermore, he has supervised 12 Master’s theses, 12 Ph.D. dissertations, and 5 post-doctoral researchers.

 

Skills

In addition to his academic responsibilities, Professor Sbartaï has taken on significant leadership roles. He was responsible for the “Management of Risks in Construction” bachelor program from 2017 to 2022 and has been involved in various national research projects such as C2D2 ACDC, ANR EvaDéOS, and ANR Scaning. He has also led Work Packages in prestigious committees like the RILEM Technical Committee on NDT of Concrete. Since 2018, he has been responsible for WP1 of the BEST project at the University of Bordeaux, further solidifying his leadership in the field of civil engineering research.

 

Publications

  • Method for the Mixing Design and Physical Characterization of Air-Foamed Lightweight Clay Concrete: A Response to the Issue of Recycling Dredged Sediments
    • Authors: Zambon, A., Sbartaï, Z.M., Sayouri, N.
    • Journal: Materials
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 17
    • Issue: 24
    • Article Number: 6248
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Damage Monitoring of Masonry Structures Using the Acoustic Emission Technique – From Tensile and Shear Characterization Tests to Shear Wall Tests
    • Authors: Peng, S., Parent, T., Sbartaï, Z.-M., Morel, S.
    • Journal: Engineering Fracture Mechanics
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 296
    • Article Number: 109845
    • Citations: 2

 

  • New Multi-Objective Optimization to Evaluate the Compressive Strength and Variability of Concrete by Combining Non-Destructive Techniques
    • Authors: Kouddane, B., Sbartaï, Z.M., Elachachi, S.M., Lamdouar, N.
    • Journal: Journal of Building Engineering
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 77
    • Article Number: 107526
    • Citations: 5

 

  • Influence of the Number of Cores on Concrete Strength Assessment by Nondestructive Tests in Old Existing Structures
    • Authors: Boussahoua, Y., Kenai, S., Sbartaï, Z.M., Breysse, D., Ali-Benyahia, K.
    • Journal: Asian Journal of Civil Engineering
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 24
    • Issue: 6
    • Pages: 1731-1745
    • Citations: 5

 

  • Machine Learning Prediction of Concrete Compressive Strength Using Rebound Hammer Test
    • Authors: El-Mir, A., El-Zahab, S., Sbartaï, Z.M., Saliba, J., El-Hassan, H.
    • Journal: Journal of Building Engineering
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 64
    • Article Number: 105538
    • Citations: 36

 

  • Pressure-Induced Damage Monitoring in Prestressed Concrete of Nuclear Containment Wall Segments Using Acoustic Emission Technique – Application to VeRCoRs Containment Building
    • Authors: Hamdi, S.E., Sbartaï, Z.-M., Boniface, A., Saliba, J., Henault, J.-M.
    • Journal: Engineering Fracture Mechanics
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 281
    • Article Number: 109089
    • Citations: 6

 

  • A Fast and Robust Method for Estimating the Parameters of Ground Penetrating Radar Waves of Concrete Structures
    • Authors: Kemache, N., Hacib, T., Grimes, M., Mai, T.C., Sbartaï, Z.M.
    • Journal: Russian Journal of Nondestructive Testing
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 59
    • Issue: 3
    • Pages: 381-391
    • Citations: 0

 

Conclusion:

Prof. Sbartaï is undoubtedly a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award, given his prolific research output, impactful contributions, and leadership in the civil engineering domain. His work significantly contributes to improving the safety, longevity, and sustainability of critical infrastructure systems. By expanding his research network and embracing broader interdisciplinary collaboration, Prof. Sbartaï could further enhance his already exceptional contributions to the field of sustainable infrastructure and environmental materials.