Liang Luo| Civil Engineering | Best Scholar Award

Dr. Liang Luo| Civil Engineering | Best Scholar Award

Luo Liang is a dedicated PhD student at the School of Civil Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, China. His work integrates cutting-edge research in structural engineering, focusing on bridge performance, concrete innovation, and seismic resilience. With a Master’s degree in Engineering and a robust academic trajectory, he has published 18 peer-reviewed articles, reflecting his deep expertise in structural stress analysis, recycled concrete materials, and bridge operation decision-making. Luo’s contributions span from experimental investigations to advanced finite element modeling, aiming to enhance infrastructure durability and sustainability. His research is both practical and forward-thinking, addressing challenges in modern construction through innovative material modification techniques such as nano-silica and mixed fibers. As a rising scholar in civil engineering, he demonstrates strong analytical skills, experimental precision, and a commitment to sustainable urban development, making notable impacts in the field of bridge engineering and green construction technologies.

Profile

🎓 Education

Luo Liang earned his Master of Engineering with a concentration in structural engineering, where he built a strong foundation in material mechanics, design principles, and infrastructure systems. Currently pursuing a PhD at the School of Civil Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), China, he is engaged in rigorous academic research that combines theoretical modeling with real-world applications. HIT, a prestigious institution ranked among China’s top engineering universities, provides Luo access to advanced laboratories and interdisciplinary collaboration. His doctoral studies focus on developing sustainable construction materials, evaluating seismic behavior of bridge structures, and decision-making for bridge operation and maintenance. Through his coursework, research projects, and collaborative publications, Luo has cultivated advanced knowledge in concrete technology, stress analysis, and infrastructure resiliency. His educational journey reflects his deep interest in structural innovation and environmental sustainability, with academic milestones consistently marked by technical excellence and research productivity in peer-reviewed platforms.

🧪 Experience

As a PhD researcher at Harbin Institute of Technology, Luo Liang brings several years of intensive academic and experimental experience in structural engineering. His work emphasizes hands-on analysis of bridge performance, material enhancement, and stress-state behavior under dynamic loads. Luo has co-authored 18 peer-reviewed research papers, collaborating with prominent scholars in experimental and numerical studies, including investigations on ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) and recycled aggregate concrete (RAC). His expertise extends to finite element modeling, ensemble learning methods for seismic performance prediction, and structural behavior simulations under vehicle-bridge interaction (VBI). Luo’s involvement in laboratory testing and real-world case studies has shaped his comprehensive understanding of civil infrastructure performance and control. Beyond technical execution, he has contributed to multidisciplinary research teams focused on resilience and sustainability in transportation systems. Through consistent innovation and application-driven research, Luo has emerged as a critical thinker and proactive contributor to the civil engineering research community.

🏅 Awards and Honors

While specific awards are not listed, Luo Liang’s academic recognition is evident in his publication record and research influence. With 18 peer-reviewed journal articles and over 2,900 citations (as of June 2025), his scholarly output speaks to the impact and quality of his contributions. He has been instrumental in projects that received institutional and departmental support for sustainable construction research, seismic performance analysis, and intelligent bridge monitoring. His high citation count and authorship in impactful studies on UHPC, recycled materials, and bridge seismic resilience suggest consistent acknowledgment by the global research community. Luo’s inclusion in collaborative research with well-established authors and reputable journals implies a strong academic reputation. As he advances in his career, he is likely to receive further accolades tied to green engineering, infrastructure resilience, and computational modeling. His rapid academic progression and scholarly productivity place him on a promising trajectory for future national and international recognition.

🔬 Research Focus

Luo Liang’s research focuses on advancing the durability, sustainability, and safety of civil infrastructure. His core interests include bridge operation and maintenance decision-making, structural stress-state analysis, seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) and steel-concrete composite bridges, and advanced concrete material modification. He investigates the mechanical properties and microstructural behavior of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC), enhanced using nano-silica and mixed fibers, aiming to improve emergency repair performance and reduce environmental impact. Luo also explores the dynamic interaction between vehicles and bridge systems (VBI), developing surrogate models using ensemble learning to predict seismic behavior more accurately. His methodological approach blends experimental techniques with finite element simulations, offering insights into load-bearing mechanisms and performance optimization. By addressing challenges in aging infrastructure and sustainability, Luo’s work contributes to safer, greener, and smarter structural systems, aligning with global priorities in civil engineering and disaster resilience. His research holds high relevance for both academia and practical infrastructure policy.

Conclusion

Luo Liang is a promising structural engineering researcher whose work in sustainable materials, seismic modeling, and bridge maintenance significantly contributes to resilient and eco-efficient infrastructure systems, making him a valuable asset to the global civil engineering community.

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Busra Buran | Decision Making | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Busra Buran | Decision Making | Best Researcher Award

Research Scholar| Istanbul Technical University, Turkey

Dr. Büşra Buran, born on August 13, 1988, in Kocaeli, Turkey, is a prominent expert in management engineering with a career deeply rooted in public transportation strategy and optimization. She currently serves as the Head of Strategy Development at IETT, Istanbul’s public transport authority. With over a decade of professional experience, Dr. Buran has successfully led numerous projects involving strategic planning, quality management, service improvement, and international collaboration. Her academic achievements include a Ph.D. in Management Engineering from Istanbul Technical University, an M.Sc. in Industrial Engineering from Galatasaray University, and a B.Eng. in Industrial Engineering from Yıldız Technical University. Fluent in English, she combines technical expertise with leadership capabilities, supported by various certifications in project management, quality control, and innovation. Her work has been recognized internationally, and she actively contributes to research with several publications focusing on fuzzy logic applications, transportation models, and digital transformation strategies in public transit systems.

Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Büşra Buran holds a robust academic background in industrial and management engineering. She completed her Ph.D. in Business Management Engineering at Istanbul Technical University (2018–2023), graduating with a GPA of 3.5/4. Her doctoral research focused on advanced decision-making methods and innovation in public transportation. Prior to that, she earned her Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from Galatasaray University (2010–2012), achieving a GPA of 3.5/4. She began her academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Yıldız Technical University (2007–2010), graduating with distinction (3.4/4). Her academic excellence is complemented by certifications in project management, innovation, quality systems, and team leadership. Dr. Buran’s education is deeply integrated with applied engineering practices, statistical modeling (SPSS, Minitab), simulation tools (Simul8), and machine learning (R), equipping her with a strong foundation in both theory and practice. Her studies enabled her to apply analytical, technical, and managerial skills to large-scale public service systems.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Büşra Buran has extensive professional experience in the public transportation sector, primarily at IETT, Istanbul’s leading transit authority. Since 2017, she has been serving as the Head of Strategy Development, where she manages strategic planning, performance metrics, quality systems, corporate innovation, and international partnerships. From 2014 to 2017, she was the Manager of Service Improvement, leading the development of a service quality model, auditing standards, and benchmarking global practices. Between 2013 and 2014, she worked as the Manager of Operation Planning, handling performance analysis and optimization of bus networks, including collaborative projects with TÜBİTAK. Her career began in 2010 as a Consultant for Istanbul’s Bus Rapid Transit system, optimizing routes and managing training for international BRT implementations. She is experienced in project management, process auditing, KPI reporting, and digital transformation. Her leadership has significantly enhanced the efficiency and global standing of Istanbul’s public transport network.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Büşra Buran has consistently demonstrated academic and professional excellence throughout her career. She graduated with honors at every level—achieving GPAs of 3.4/4 in her undergraduate studies, 3.5/4 in her master’s, and 3.5/4 during her Ph.D. She has also been recognized for her contributions to transportation planning and quality improvement at IETT, receiving internal commendations for successful project outcomes and strategic innovations. Her scientific research on fuzzy logic applications in public transport and sentiment analysis during the COVID-19 pandemic has been published in prestigious journals and international conferences by Springer and Elsevier. She has also earned certifications in Project Management, Corporate Quality, Risk & Process Management, and Leadership Innovation, strengthening her credentials as a thought leader in urban mobility systems. Her scholarly achievements, combined with her impactful real-world projects, highlight her as a distinguished figure in engineering management and urban transportation.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Buran’s research centers on the intersection of engineering management, public transportation systems, and fuzzy decision-making models. Her Ph.D. work and subsequent publications explore advanced methodologies such as Spherical and Intuitionistic Fuzzy AHP, hybrid fuzzy systems, sentiment analysis, and business model frameworks tailored for urban transport. She has published widely on topics such as bus type selection, public transport quality modeling, and global benchmarking of transit business models. Her studies frequently employ machine learning and simulation tools like R and Simul8, along with statistical software for system optimization. A significant part of her work also delves into digital transformation, strategic innovation, and service efficiency in public bus systems, particularly in mega-cities like Istanbul. Her research not only contributes theoretical advancements in engineering management but also provides practical insights for decision-makers in transit agencies, enhancing transportation planning, passenger satisfaction, and sustainable mobility strategies.

Conclusion

Dr. Büşra Buran exemplifies the synergy between academic research and public sector innovation. With her strong background in industrial and management engineering, she has driven strategic advancements in Istanbul’s public transportation. Her work is a testament to effective leadership, data-driven decision-making, and continuous quality improvement in urban mobility systems.

Publications