Chien-Yu Tseng | Materials Science and Engineering  | Research Excellence Award

Ms. Chien-Yu Tseng | Materials Science and Engineering  | Research Excellence Award

National Taiwan University | Taiwan

Chien-Yu Tseng is a materials science researcher specializing in microstructural evolution, phase transformations, and advanced electron microscopy of steels and alloys. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at National Taiwan University, where she previously completed both her M.S. and B.S. degrees, consistently ranking first in her cohort and receiving the President’s Award for Academic Excellence. Her expertise spans SEM, EBSD, TEM/STEM, XRD, alloy design, heat treatment, and mechanical testing, with extensive experience analyzing precipitation-hardening stainless steels, duplex stainless steels, interstitial-free steels, medium-entropy alloys, and 22MnB5 steel. She has led microstructural characterization in a multi-year industry–academia collaboration and contributed to several academic studies involving martensitic transformation, austenite stability, ferrite formation, deformation twinning, and precipitation mechanisms. Her research integrates experimental metallurgy with advanced microscopy to correlate processing, microstructure, and mechanical behavior, offering insights that support alloy development and performance optimization. Through investigations on repeated tempering, thermo-mechanical processing, and hierarchical martensite structures, she aims to advance the understanding of structure–property relationships in complex metallic systems. Her long-term goal is to contribute to next-generation alloy design and high-performance materials engineering through rigorous characterization and mechanistic interpretation.

Profile : Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Hsiao, T.J., Chiu, P.H., Tai, C.L., Tsao, T.C., Tseng, C.Y., Lin, Y.X., Chen, H.R., … (2022). “Effect of Cu additions on the evolution of eta-prime precipitates in aged AA 7075 Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloys” in Metals.

Tai, C.L., Tai, P.J., Hsiao, T.J., Chiu, P.H., Tseng, C.Y., Tsao, T.C., Chung, T.F., … (2022). “Effect of natural ageing on subsequent artificial ageing of AA7075 aluminum alloy” in Metals.

Tseng, C.Y., Lin, J.W., Tai, C.L., Chung, T.F., Yang, Y.L., Tsao, T.C., Lu, S.Y., Chen, J.J., … (2024). “Effect of repeated-tempering induced martensite on the microstructural evolution in 17–7 PH stainless steel” in Materials Characterization.

Chen, J.J., Chiu, P.H., Chen, T.J., Tsao, T.C., Chen, Y.A., Lu, S.Y., Tseng, C.Y., Tai, C.L., … (2024). “Evolution of deformation structures in CrCoNiSi0.3 medium entropy alloy subjected to high-strain-rate and quasi-static compressive deformation” in Materials Characterization.

Tai, C.L., Lin, Y.X., Tseng, C.Y., Chung, T.F., Yang, Y.L., Tsao, T.C., Lu, S.Y., Chiu, P.H., … (2024). “Effects of different combinations of artificial ageing and warm forming on Ω phase and S phase evolutions in an Al-5.1Cu-1.0Mg-0.4Ag high strength aluminum alloy” in Materials Science and Engineering: A.

Sang Soo Shin | Materials Science and Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Sang Soo Shin | Materials Science and Engineering | Research Excellence Award

OHSUNG TECH R&D Center | South Korea

Dr. Sang Soo Shin is a materials scientist and engineer specializing in advanced casting, molding, and joining technologies. He earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Pusan National University in 2016, following an M.S. in Advanced Materials Engineering from Korea University in 2008, and a B.E. in Materials Science and Engineering from Pukyoung National University in 2004. With extensive experience in both academia and applied research, Dr. Shin has contributed to over 20 research and development projects, including initiatives supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy. His research focuses on high-strength lightweight alloys, mechanically workable composites, and innovative joining techniques for industrial applications. He has authored 17 SCI papers and 10 domestic publications, amassing 304 citations from 236 documents and achieving an h-index of 7, reflecting significant impact in his field. Dr. Shin holds eight patents and has been recognized with multiple prestigious awards, including the Korea Engineer Award (2021), commendations from the Korea Industrial Complex Corporation (2023), and the Korean Society of Welding and Joining Engineers Award for Excellence in Presentation (2021). His expertise in materials processing and engineering has contributed to both fundamental research and technological advancements in metallurgy and manufacturing. Dr. Shin continues to drive innovation in materials engineering, bridging academic research with industrial application.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publication

High-strength Al–Zn–Cu casting alloy with Zn supersaturation: A lightweight alternative to Al-Si and cast iron components , 2025

Hassan Abdollah-Pour | Materials Failure Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hassan Abdollah-Pour | Materials Failure Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Semnan University | Iran

Assoc Prof Dr. Hassan Abdollah-Pour is a distinguished scholar and Associate Professor at the Faculty of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, Semnan University, Iran. With a prolific record of publications in high-impact journals, he has established himself as an expert in advanced materials engineering, surface coatings, corrosion resistance, and metallurgical innovations. Over the course of his academic and research career, he has contributed significantly to the development of novel materials, high-performance coatings, and innovative processing techniques, advancing both theoretical knowledge and industrial applications in materials science.

Professional Profile

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

Education

Dr. Abdollah-Pour has received extensive academic training in materials and metallurgical engineering from leading Iranian institutions. He earned his Ph.D. in Materials Engineering from the Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST), where his doctoral research focused on the thermal stability and mechanical properties of aluminum matrix composites reinforced with intermetallic compound particles. Prior to that, he completed his Master’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering at Amir Kabir University of Technology, concentrating on plasma nitriding of austenitic stainless steels, and his Bachelor’s degree in Materials Engineering from Sahand University of Technology, where he conducted research on the metallurgical applications of Iranian chromite ores.

Experience

As an Associate Professor, Dr. Abdollah-Pour has played an instrumental role in academic leadership, research mentorship, and industrial collaboration. His academic journey includes years of teaching and supervising research projects related to materials characterization, coating technologies, and metallurgical process optimization. He has contributed as a principal investigator and co-investigator in numerous projects involving advanced coatings, additive manufacturing, spark plasma sintering, laser cladding, and friction stir processing. He has extensive experience working with surface engineering, nano-structured materials, and tribological performance of advanced alloys, particularly in high-temperature and corrosive environments. His collaborations span across interdisciplinary fields including mechanical engineering, surface science, and nanotechnology.

Research Interests

Dr. Abdollah-Pour’s research interests are multifaceted and span across materials design, surface modification, and performance optimization of engineering alloys and composites. He focuses on the development and characterization of protective coatings such as MCrAlY and MAX phase coatings for turbine blades, exploration of plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) techniques for zirconium and magnesium-based alloys, and enhancement of corrosion, wear, and thermal resistance in critical components. His works on aluminum matrix composites, titanium carbide (TiC) reinforced materials, and Cr2AlC coatings have contributed to improving the lifespan and mechanical performance of industrial components. He is also actively involved in friction stir welding, laser cladding, powder metallurgy, and the synthesis of nano/ultrafine-grained materials with tailored microstructures.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his academic career, Dr. Abdollah-Pour has received recognition for his outstanding research contributions and publications. His extensive work in materials engineering has been published in reputed journals including Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance, Surface and Coatings Technology, Oxidation of Metals, and Materials. He has been involved in several funded projects and has received institutional and collaborative research support for advancing material science innovations. His scholarly influence is evident through numerous citations and collaborations with international and national research teams, reflecting the practical impact of his studies in aerospace, energy, and biomedical industries.

Publications

Pour, H.A., Lieblich, M., Lopez, A.J., Rams, J., Salehi, M.T., Shabestari, S.G. (2007). “Assessment of tensile behaviour of an Al–Mg alloy composite reinforced with NiAl and oxidized NiAl powder particles helped by nanoindentation” in Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing.

Kazempour-Liasi, H., Tajally, M., Abdollah-Pour, H. (2019). “Effects of pre-and post-weld heat treatment cycles on the liquation and strain-age cracking of IN939 superalloy” in Engineering Research Express.

Bakhshinezhad, H., Honarbakhshraouf, A., Abdollah-Pour, H. (2019). “A study of effect of vanadium on microstructure and mechanical properties of as-cast and austempered ductile iron” in Physics of Metals and Metallography.

Alvand, M., Naseri, M., Borhani, E., Abdollah, P.H. (2018). “Microstructure and crystallographic texture characterization of friction stir welded thin AA2024 Aluminum alloy” in Iranian Journal of Materials Science and Engineering.

Nazarian-Samani, M., Abdollah-Pour, H., Mirzaee, O., Kamali, A.R., et al. (2013). “Effects of Ni addition on the microstructure and properties of nanostructured copper–germanium alloys” in Intermetallics.

Rezaeian-Delouei, M., Abdollah-Pour, H., Tajally, M., Mousavizade, S.M. (2020). “An investigation of microstructure, wear and corrosion resistance of AZ31B–SiO₂–graphite hybrid surface composite produced by friction stir processing” in Materials Research Express.

Conclusion

Assoc Prof Dr. Hassan Abdollah-Pour is a leading figure in the field of materials and metallurgical engineering, known for his pioneering work in protective coatings, composite materials, and advanced surface treatments. His research has not only contributed to the academic body of knowledge but has also provided practical solutions for industries demanding enhanced performance under extreme conditions. With his commitment to innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and academic excellence, he continues to shape the future of materials engineering, guiding young researchers and driving forward industrially relevant scientific advancements.

Ahmed Degnah – Metallurgical Engineering – Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Ahmed Degnah - Metallurgical Engineering - Best Researcher Award 

King Abdulaziz City for Science & Technology - Saudi Arabia

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Ahmed Abdulaziz Degnah began his academic journey with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Umm Al-Qura University (KSA) in 2010. During his undergraduate studies, he demonstrated exceptional skills and dedication, evidenced by his GPA of 3.32/4.0 with Second Honor. His graduation project on Torsional Vibration & Fault Diagnosis showcased his early interest in engineering research and problem-solving.

Building on his undergraduate success, Ahmed pursued a Master's degree in Materials Science & Engineering from Rutgers University New Brunswick (USA), graduating in 2015 with a commendable GPA of 3.323/4.0. His master's thesis, focusing on the Effect of Solvent on Melting Gel Behavior, delved into the intricate properties of materials, laying the groundwork for his future research endeavors.

His academic pursuits culminated in a Doctorate of Philosophy in Metallurgical Engineering from The University of Utah (USA) in 2019. With an outstanding GPA of 3.96/4.0, Ahmed showcased his dedication to academic excellence. His Ph.D. dissertation, titled "Design, Synthesis, and Properties of Titanium Metal Matrix Composites Based on Ti-B-Fe System," underscored his expertise in metallurgical engineering and materials science.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Ahmed's professional journey reflects a commitment to research and academic excellence. He commenced his career as a Research Assistant at the National Center for Aeronautical Technology, KACST, from January 2011 to August 2013. This role provided him with invaluable experience in conducting research and contributing to cutting-edge projects in the field of aeronautical technology.

His academic prowess led him to serve as a Teaching Assistant at The University of Utah from August to December 2019, where he imparted knowledge in Mechanical Metallurgy. Additionally, he assumed the role of Assistant Professor at KACST, first in the National Center for Aeronautical Technology from February 2020 to April 2022, and currently in the National Center for Advanced Materials Technologies since April 2022. As an Assistant Professor, Ahmed plays a pivotal role in shaping the minds of future engineers and researchers while actively contributing to groundbreaking research projects.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Ahmed's research contributions are significant and far-reaching. His publications span various prestigious journals and conferences, demonstrating the breadth and depth of his expertise. His research interests encompass diverse areas such as additive manufacturing, alloy design, materials characterization, and composite materials.

He has made notable contributions to understanding the micro-scale deformation behavior of additively manufactured alloys, investigating the role of precipitation and solute segregation on material properties, and exploring novel powder metallurgy processing techniques for titanium alloys. Moreover, his research on high-entropy alloys, polymer matrix composites, and advanced materials for high-temperature applications showcases his versatility and innovation in materials science and engineering.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his career, Ahmed has garnered recognition for his outstanding contributions. He has received numerous appreciation certificates, underscoring his excellence in academia and research. His dedication to teaching and mentoring is evident through the workshops and short courses he has taught, aimed at enriching the knowledge and skills of aspiring engineers and researchers.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Ahmed's work has had a profound impact on the field of materials science and engineering. His research findings have contributed to advancing the understanding of material properties and processing techniques, paving the way for innovations in various industries including aerospace, automotive, and biomedical.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Ahmed continues to pursue excellence in academia and research, his legacy is one of innovation, mentorship, and academic leadership. With a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and pushing the boundaries of materials science, he is poised to make significant contributions to solving complex engineering challenges and shaping the future of advanced materials technologies. Through his dedication to education, research, and professional development, Ahmed Abdulaziz Degnah is an inspiring figure whose contributions will continue to resonate within the scientific community for years to come.