Mahdi Abkar – material management – Best Researcher Award 

Mr. Mahdi Abkar - material management - Best Researcher Award 

Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia - Malaysia

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Mr. Mahdi Mohammed Abdullah Abkar embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in science, evident from his outstanding performance in the Secondary School Scientific Section in Yemen, where he graduated with top honors. His pursuit of excellence continued as he secured a scholarship from the Ministry of Higher Education in Yemen, enabling him to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM).

Throughout his undergraduate years, Mahdi exhibited a keen interest in civil engineering, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors in the field. His academic pursuits were marked by diligence and dedication, which culminated in his graduation with a Second Class Bachelor's degree from UTHM.

Professional Endeavors

Building upon his academic achievements, Mahdi pursued higher education to enhance his expertise in the construction industry. He obtained a Master of Construction Technology Science Management from UTHM, excelling with a remarkable Cumulative Point Average (CPA) of 3.79. This advanced degree equipped him with specialized knowledge in construction technology and management, preparing him for leadership roles in the field.

Mahdi's professional journey also includes teaching experience, where he imparted his knowledge to aspiring engineers. His dedication to education underscores his commitment to nurturing the next generation of construction professionals. Moreover, his role as an editor for prestigious journals such as Frontiers and Heliyon demonstrates his proficiency in academic writing and research dissemination.

Contributions and Research Focus

Mr. Mahdi's research endeavors focus on addressing pressing challenges in the construction industry, particularly in the context of material waste mitigation. His publications in esteemed journals and presentations at international conferences underscore his contributions to advancing knowledge in construction management and technology.

By investigating the adoption of automation technology for material waste mitigation and exploring the influence of supply chain management on sustainable construction practices, Mahdi contributes valuable insights to industry stakeholders. His empirical investigations provide evidence-based solutions for improving construction site performance and promoting sustainability.

Accolades and Recognition

Mr. Mahdi's academic excellence has been consistently recognized throughout his career. From achieving top honors in secondary school to receiving a scholarship for his undergraduate studies, he has been a recipient of prestigious awards that acknowledge his intellectual prowess and dedication to learning.

Notably, Mahdi's first-class performance in his master's degree program further solidifies his status as a high achiever in academia. His exceptional grades reflect his commitment to academic excellence and his ability to excel in rigorous academic environments.

Impact and Influence

Mr. Mahdi's research and academic contributions have the potential to drive positive change in the construction industry. By identifying innovative solutions for material waste mitigation and advocating for sustainable practices, he aims to make a lasting impact on the field of civil engineering.

Moreover, Mahdi's teaching experience and mentorship roles demonstrate his commitment to knowledge dissemination and professional development. Through his guidance and expertise, he inspires future generations of engineers to tackle complex challenges and strive for excellence in their endeavors.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Mahdi continues to pursue his PhD in construction engineering, he remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in his field. With a focus on interdisciplinary research and collaborative partnerships, he aims to address multifaceted challenges facing the construction industry and pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient built environment.

Mahdi's legacy lies in his unwavering commitment to academic excellence, his passion for innovation, and his dedication to making a positive impact on society. As he looks toward the future, he envisions a career marked by continued growth, exploration, and meaningful contributions to the field of civil engineering and construction management.

Evans Simpemba – Process Optimization – Best Researcher Award 

Mr. Evans Simpemba - Process Optimization - Best Researcher Award 

Kansanshi Mining Plc - Zambia

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Mr. Evans Simpemba embarked on his academic journey with a keen interest in the field of minerals and mining. His foundational education at Mpelembe Secondary School in Kitwe, Zambia, where he attained his Grade 12 High School Certificate, laid the groundwork for his future endeavors. Notably, he exhibited leadership qualities as a School Prefect, House Captain, Rugby Vice-Captain, and excelled as a Sportsman of the Year, showcasing a well-rounded personality even in his formative years.

His pursuit of knowledge continued as he earned a Bachelor of Mineral Sciences from The University of Zambia in Lusaka. This academic achievement provided him with a solid understanding of the fundamentals of mineral processing and metallurgy, setting the stage for his professional journey in the mining industry.

Professional Endeavors

Mr. Simpemba's professional journey commenced with roles that allowed him to apply his academic knowledge practically. Starting as an Intern Metallurgist at First Quantum Minerals Kansanshi Mining Plc, he gained hands-on experience in laboratory flotation tests, optimizing metallurgical performance, and familiarizing himself with processing plant operations.

Progressing through various roles within the same organization, he demonstrated a consistent commitment to excellence. From Project Metallurgist, where he championed the commissioning of cutting-edge bulk ore sorting technology, to his current position as Plant Metallurgist - Operations, overseeing the daily operations of a concentrator process plant, Simpemba has continually pushed the boundaries of innovation and efficiency in mineral processing operations.

Contributions and Research Focus

Throughout his career, Simpemba has been dedicated to enhancing process efficiency and optimizing flotation operations. His expertise spans a wide range of areas, including flotation optimization, data analysis, project supervision, and troubleshooting. Noteworthy contributions include spearheading flotation plant surveys for process optimization, conducting reagent trials to improve recovery rates, and training interns to ensure the transfer of knowledge within the organization.

Moreover, his involvement in projects such as the Sulphide circuit S3 expansion project and the commissioning of NextOre's MRA bulk ore sorting technology underscores his commitment to embracing technological advancements in the mining industry. Simpemba's research focus lies in continuously improving process efficiency, enhancing product quality, and implementing sustainable practices within mineral processing operations.

Accolades and Recognition

Mr. Simpemba's dedication and expertise have not gone unnoticed within the industry. He has received recognition for his contributions to plant safety, process optimization, and project management. His ability to foster a collaborative work environment, train and mentor interns, and effectively manage daily operations has earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and superiors alike.

Impact and Influence

As a dependable Metallurgist with a high level of integrity, Simpemba has made a significant impact on the organizations he has been a part of. Through his proactive approach to problem-solving, attention to detail, and commitment to continuous improvement, he has played a pivotal role in optimizing plant performance, maximizing efficiency, and ensuring adherence to safety standards.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Simpemba's legacy lies in his dedication to excellence, innovation, and professionalism in the field of metallurgy and mineral processing. His commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in terms of process optimization and technological advancement sets a high standard for future generations of metallurgists. As he continues to grow and evolve in his career, his focus on delivering exceptional quality service and driving positive change within the industry will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the field of mining and metallurgy.

Notable Publication

David Gillen – economic and logistics modelling – Excellence in Research 

Prof Dr David Gillen - economic and logistics modelling - Excellence in Research 

University of British Columbia - Canada 

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Prof Dr David W. Gillen holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Toronto, earned in 1975. His academic journey has been characterized by a focus on Industrial Organization, Competition Policy, Transportation, and Regulatory Economics.

Professional Endeavors

Over the course of his career, Prof Dr Gillen has held positions at various esteemed institutions. He has been associated with the University of Alberta, Wilfrid Laurier University, University of California (Berkeley), and currently serves as Professor Emeritus at the University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business. Notably, he has also held the Vancouver International Airport Chair in Transportation Policy and Management.

Contributions and Research Focus

Prof Dr Gillen's contributions to academia are reflected in his diverse areas of research and expertise. His work spans Industrial Organization, Competition Policy, Transportation and Regulatory Economics, with a particular emphasis on Aviation and Air Transport Economics, Travel Demand Analysis, Choice Modeling, and Performance and Productivity Analysis. He has made significant contributions to the field of Transportation Economics, as acknowledged by the American Economic Association.

Accolades and Recognition

His dedication to teaching excellence and student involvement has been acknowledged with the Len Henricksson Award for Teaching Excellence and Student Involvement in 2016. Gillen's impact on the field of Transportation Economics is further evident in the Distinguished Member Award from the American Economic Association's Transportation & Public Utilities Group in 2016.

Impact and Influence

Prof Dr Gillen's influence extends beyond academia, as he has served as a consultant to various government bodies, including Transport Canada, Canadian National Railways, and the Governments of Ontario and Canada. His expertise has been sought by international entities, such as the Governments of Thailand, Ghana, Germany, and the UK, as well as private sector clients including Air Canada, British Airways, and WestJet.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof Dr Gillen's lasting legacy is evident in his directorship of the Centre for Transportation Studies at Sauder School of Business and his editorial roles in prestigious journals. His substantial research grant awards, including a $2.49 million SSHRC Partnership Grant for Green Shipping, reflect his ongoing commitment to advancing knowledge and addressing contemporary challenges in transportation economics. As he continues to contribute to the field, Gillen's legacy is marked by a multidimensional impact on academia, policy, and industry.

Notable Publication