Marianna Rotilio – Machine learning for Buildings – Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Marianna Rotilio - Machine learning for Buildings - Best Researcher Award 

University of L'Aquila - Italy

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Marianna Rotilio's academic journey began with her Scientific High School Diploma from the Andrea Bafile Scientific High School in L'Aquila, Italy, where she achieved a perfect score of 100/100. This strong foundation laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in academia. She went on to pursue a five-year degree in Building-Architectural Engineering at the University of L'Aquila, graduating with top honors and a score of 110/110 in 2005. Her thesis titled "Recupero e Sostenibilità. Caso di studio: Civitaretenga" exemplified her early interest in sustainable architecture and restoration.

In 2006, Marianna embarked on a collaborative journey with various prestigious institutions, including the University of Pavia and the University of Rome "La Sapienza", as part of her research doctorate in EU Building-Architecture. This collaborative approach marked the beginning of her interdisciplinary approach to research, a characteristic that would define her future academic pursuits.

Professional Endeavors

Prof. Marianna's professional journey is marked by a series of research grants and appointments that underscore her expertise in sustainable building practices and architectural heritage preservation. Her involvement in projects such as the PRIN 2009 project on "Dry technologies for energy recovery and requalification" and the development of strategic plans for student housing demonstrates her commitment to addressing real-world challenges through research.

Her engagement as a contract lecturer and participation in international research groups further enriched her professional repertoire, allowing her to contribute to the academic community while also staying connected to practical applications of her research.

Contributions and Research Focus

Throughout her career, Marianna's research has focused on several key areas, including spatial planning and post-earthquake reconstruction, the study of building components, public lighting efficiency, and the redevelopment of historical buildings. Her interdisciplinary approach, combining elements of architecture, engineering, and sustainability, has led to impactful contributions in each of these domains.

Her work on developing guidelines for energy-efficient renovation of historical buildings and her research on the hygrothermal behavior of ancient walls have been particularly noteworthy. These contributions have not only advanced the field of sustainable architecture but also provided practical insights for policymakers and practitioners involved in heritage conservation and urban planning.

Accolades and Recognition

Prof. Marianna's dedication to research and academic excellence has been recognized through various accolades and appointments, including her qualifications as both a first-level and second-level university professor in the Design and Technological Planning of Architecture sector. Her involvement in prestigious research projects funded by entities such as Horizon Europe and the European CBHE Program speaks to the high regard in which her expertise is held within the academic community.

Impact and Influence

Prof. Marianna's research has had a significant impact on both academia and practice. By addressing pressing challenges such as energy efficiency in historical buildings and sustainable urban development, she has contributed to advancing knowledge in these areas while also informing real-world decision-making processes. Her collaborations with international research groups and her role as a founding partner of a university spin-off further underscore her influence within the academic and professional spheres.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Marianna continues her academic journey, her legacy is one of interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative research, and a commitment to sustainability in the built environment. Her future contributions are likely to further shape the field of architectural engineering, with a focus on addressing emerging challenges such as climate change and urbanization. By inspiring future generations of researchers and practitioners, Marianna is poised to leave a lasting impact on the field for years to come.

Notable Publication

 

Umair Jalil Malik – Application of ML in Civil Engineering – Young Scientist Award 

Mr. Umair Jalil Malik - Application of ML in Civil Engineering - Young Scientist Award 

National University of Sciences & Technology - Pakistan

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Mr. Umair Jalil Malik embarked on his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the prestigious National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan. During his undergraduate years from September 2019 to June 2023, he demonstrated exceptional aptitude in structural engineering, majoring in Structural Engineering, and maintained an outstanding CGPA of 3.81/4.00. His academic pursuits were characterized by a keen interest in innovative and sustainable concrete technology, evidenced by his thesis titled "Evaluation of Effective Stiffness of High-performance Fiber reinforced cement composites (HPFRCC)/Engineered Cementitious Composite at the Material Level, cross-section Level, and Structural Level."

Professional Endeavors

Mr. Umair's professional journey reflects a commitment to excellence and a passion for research and development in civil engineering. He engaged in various roles, including his current position as a Laboratory Engineer at NUST, Pakistan, where he delivers lectures, advises students, and manages lab operations. His tenure as a Junior Engineer at INN Consulting Engineers and a Research Assistant under the supervision of Dr. Rao Arsalan Khushnood showcased his versatility and capacity for in-depth research, data analysis, and project documentation.

Contributions and Research Focus

Mr. Umair's research interests span a wide array of topics crucial to advancing civil engineering practices. Notably, his research articles and publications demonstrate a focus on cutting-edge areas such as High-performance Fiber reinforced cement composites (HPFRCC)/Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC), Engineering Geopolymer Composite (EGC), innovative and sustainable concrete technology including 3D Printed Concrete, Micro-Mechanical Modeling, and applications of Machine Learning in civil engineering. His contributions to journals and ongoing research projects underscore his dedication to advancing knowledge and technology in these critical domains.

Accolades and Recognition

Mr. Umair's academic and professional achievements have been recognized through various honors and awards. He secured the 5th position in the National Competition on Design of long-span buildings organized by NED UET Karachi, Pakistan, showcasing his prowess in structural design and seismic evaluation. Additionally, his consistent academic performance earned him multiple merit-based scholarships at NUST. Furthermore, he received research funding for his Final Year Project from Prime Engineering & Testing Consultants, further validating the significance of his work in the industry.

Impact and Influence

Mr. Umair's contributions extend beyond academic and professional realms, as evidenced by his active involvement in volunteer experiences and leadership roles within various societies and organizations. His commitment to social responsibility, evident through initiatives such as providing education to street children and organizing donation drives, highlights his holistic approach to making a positive impact on society.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Umair is poised to continue making significant contributions to the field of civil engineering. His diverse skill set, encompassing technical expertise, research acumen, and leadership abilities, positions him as a catalyst for innovation and progress in the industry. Through ongoing research endeavors, collaborative projects, and mentorship roles, Umair is set to leave a lasting legacy in advancing sustainable infrastructure development, seismic resilience, and cutting-edge construction technologies, thereby shaping the future landscape of civil engineering both locally and globally.

Notable Publication