Niranjani Premila Kumari Semananda | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Dr. Niranjani Premila Kumari Semananda | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Niranjani Premila Kumari Semananda | Institute of Technology University of Moratuwa | Sri Lanka

Niranjani Premila Kumari Semananda is a Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Technology, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. She holds a PhD in Water Engineering and an MSc in Water Management from the University of South Australia. Her research focuses on sustainable water management, construction waste minimization, and innovative construction materials. With leadership experience as Head of the Civil Engineering Technology Division, she also serves as a mentor and student counsellor, contributing to academic growth and research excellence. She has published in leading journals, co-chaired international conferences, and actively collaborates to enhance research visibility and institutional capacity.

Profiles

Orcid

Google Scholar

Summary

Dr. Semananda combines expertise in civil engineering, water management, and sustainable construction with leadership roles in academia. Her publications address pressing global challenges such as water scarcity, urban agriculture, and sustainable construction practices. She also plays a pivotal role in supporting institutional research growth through collaborations, conference leadership, and mentoring.

Education

Niranjani Premila Kumari Semananda holds a PhD in Water Engineering and an MSc in Water Management from the University of South Australia. Her academic training blends civil engineering with advanced expertise in sustainable water resource management.

Experience

She serves as a Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Technology, University of Moratuwa, where she has also held leadership roles such as Head of the Civil Engineering Technology Division. She contributes to student development as a counsellor and mentor while playing an active role in guiding and strengthening academic research at her institution.

Research Focus

Her research is centered on construction waste management, sustainable water management, corrosion resistance in civil engineering materials, and innovative use of by-products such as rice husk ash in construction. She is particularly noted for her pioneering doctoral research on wicking bed technology, which advanced sustainable water management.

Skills

Her skills include research supervision, water management, sustainable construction practices, waste minimization, and academic leadership. She has expertise in corrosion studies of civil engineering materials, innovative construction materials such as rice husk ash and non-autoclaved aerated concrete blocks, and institutional research coordination, including DOI management and publication partnerships.

Awards

She has been recognized through appointments such as Co-Chair of the International Research Conference at ITUM in 2024 and 2025, editorial membership since 2019, and reviewer roles for MDPI journals. She has also contributed as a reviewer and guest editor, enhancing the visibility and impact of research at ITUM.

Publications

Estimation of Low Flow Statistics for Sustainable Water Resources Management in South Australia
Authors: Niranjani P. K. Semananda, Guna A. Hewa
Journal: Hydrology (MDPI), 2022

Assessing Reliability of Recycled Water in Wicking Beds for Sustainable Urban Agriculture
Authors: Niranjani P. K. Semananda, James D. Ward, Baden R. Myers
Journal: Earth (MDPI), 2021

Experimental Investigation of Wicking Bed Irrigation Using Shallow-Rooted Crops Grown under Glasshouse Conditions
Authors: N. P. K. Semananda, J. D. Ward, B. R. Myers
Journal: Irrigation Science (Springer), 2020

A Semi-Systematic Review of Capillary Irrigation: The Benefits, Limitations, and Opportunities
Authors: N. P. K. Semananda, J. D. Ward, B. R. Myers
Journal: Horticulturae (MDPI), 2018

Evaluating the Efficiency of Wicking Bed Irrigation Systems for Small-Scale Urban Agriculture
Authors: N. P. K. Semananda, J. D. Ward, B. R. Myers
Journal: Horticulturae (MDPI), 2016

Conclusion

Niranjani Premila Kumari Semananda demonstrates strong research capability, leadership, and institutional impact, making her a compelling candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With further expansion of her publication record and engagement in international collaborations, she has the potential to achieve even greater recognition in her field.

Ignacio Valverde Palacios | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Dr. Ignacio Valverde Palacios | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

 Dr. Ignacio Valverde Palacios, University of Granada/ Buildings Construction Department, Spain

Dr. Ignacio Valverde Palacios is a Full Professor at the University of Granada, Spain, specializing in soil mechanics, foundations, and seismic engineering. With over two decades of experience, his research focuses on dynamic and static foundation conditions, seismic microzoning, liquefaction, and sustainable construction materials. He has led several national and international research projects, authored 29 scientific publications, and served as a reviewer for prestigious journals. Currently, he is the Director of the Department of Architectural Constructions and a member of the Andalusian University Research Institute of Geophysics and Seismic Disaster Prevention.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Ignacio Valverde Palacios is a highly qualified researcher whose work spans critical areas like geophysics, sustainable materials, and structural preservation. His interdisciplinary approach and focus on sustainability make his contributions particularly relevant to modern challenges in civil and environmental engineering. His ability to collaborate internationally, publish in reputable journals, and address practical engineering problems solidifies his credentials.

 

🎓 Education

Ignacio Valverde Palacios holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geology (2001) and a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Technology (2006) from the University of Granada. He also earned a Doctorate in 2010, specializing in engineering and construction sciences.

đź’ĽExperience

Dr. Valverde has been a professor at the Department of Architectural Constructions, University of Granada, since 2003 and has served as a Full Professor since 2018. His administrative roles include being Secretary of the Department (2017–2021) and its current Director (since 2021). He is also a research member of the Andalusian University Research Institute of Geophysics and Prevention of Seismic Disasters (since 2016). Over the years, he has contributed extensively to teaching innovation, participating in eight projects and leading one.

 

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Valverde specializes in soil mechanics and foundations under static and dynamic conditions, seismic engineering, and construction materials, including their reuse and sustainability. His research also explores seismic microzoning, liquefaction, densification settlements, and geotechnical effects on urban areas. He is actively involved in studying new engineering applications, such as integrating construction and demolition waste into sustainable practices.

 

Awards

He has received an “Excellent” rating twice in the Certificate on the Quality of Teaching Activity from the Vice-Rectorate for Quality Assurance, University of Granada. Additionally, he has been recognized for his contributions as a regular reviewer for prestigious journals in geological engineering and construction materials.

Skills

Dr. Valverde excels in geotechnics, seismic risk assessment, construction material characterization, project management, and collaborative research. His technical expertise includes indirect geophysical methods, soil-structure interaction, and innovative engineering practices. He is a skilled mentor, guiding doctoral theses, undergraduate, and master’s projects, particularly in architecture and geophysics.

Publications

  • Mechanical Behaviour and Microstructural Analysis of Earthen Materials Reinforced with Intensive Agricultural By-Products and Binders
    • Authors: Cervilla-Maldonado, A., Valverde-Palacios, I., MartĂ­n-Villegas, F., Fuentes-GarcĂ­a, R.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • A Geophysical Investigation in Which 3D Electrical Resistivity Tomography and Ground-Penetrating Radar Are Used to Determine Singularities in the Foundations of the Protected Historic Tower of Murcia Cathedral (Spain)
    • Authors: GarcĂ­a-Nieto, M.C., MartĂ­nez-Segura, M.A., Navarro, M., Valverde-Palacios, I., MartĂ­nez-Pagán, P.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1

 

  • Seismic Microzonation Geotechnical and Geophysical Tests: A Case Study of Granada (Spain) Focused on Seismic Risk
    • Authors: Valverde-Palacios, I., MartĂ­nez-Pagán, P., GarcĂ­a-Jerez, A., Suto, K., Hayashi, K.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Geophysical Methods for Mining Tailings Deposits Closure: A Case Study at the Lirio Mining Deposit (SE Spain)
    • Authors: Capa Camacho, X.K., HellĂ­n-RodrĂ­guez, J.J., Valverde-Palacios, I., MartĂ­nez-Segura, M.A., Mollehuara-Canales, R.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • A Joint Analysis of Rayleigh and Love Waves Using MASW for Site Characterization
    • Authors: HellĂ­n-RodrĂ­guez, J.J., MartĂ­nez-Pagán, P., Valverde-Palacios, I., MartĂ­nez-Segura, M.A., Hayashi, K.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • The Use of Sierra Elvira Stone According to the Spanish Technical Code
    • Authors: Fuentes-GarcĂ­a, R., Valverde-Palacios, I., Valverde-Espinosa, I., RodrĂ­guez, M.A.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Earth as a Sustainable Construction Material: Characterization of Different Mixtures and Implementation Using the Projected Earth System
    • Authors: Valverde-Palacios, I., Fuentes-GarcĂ­a, R., Cervilla-Maldonado, A., Valverde-Espinosa, I.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 1

 

  • Improving Ductility and Bending Features of Poplar Glued Laminated Beams by Means of Embedded Carbon Material
    • Authors: Rescalvo, F.J., Timbolmas, C., Bravo, R., Valverde-Palacios, I., Gallego, A.
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 15

Conclusion:

Dr. Valverde-Palacios is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his significant contributions to applied research and sustainability, demonstrated through his interdisciplinary work in geophysics, sustainable construction materials, and structural preservation. To further enhance his candidacy, he could focus on increasing the visibility of his recent works through improved citation impact, broader collaborations, and active participation in high-profile research initiatives and leadership roles in major projects, which would amplify his overall academic and practical influence.