Dr. Nagaraju Kerru | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nagaraju Kerru | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

GITAM University | India

Dr. Nagaraju Kerru, Ph.D., MRSC, is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at GITAM School of Sciences, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, India. With over 15 years of research experience, his expertise spans organic synthesis, spectroscopy, heterogeneous catalysis, and computational chemistry. He earned international recognition through the prestigious Brain Pool (BP) program of the National Research Foundation of Korea and completed 4.5 years of postdoctoral research at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, under Prof. Sreekantha B. Jonnalagadda. Dr. Kerru has an impressive research record, with 99 peer-reviewed publications, 5 book chapters, 1 granted German patent, 3 published patents, and numerous conference proceedings. His work has been widely cited, accumulating 4,794 citations with an h-index of 29 and an i10-index of 68. He also contributes as an editorial board member of Scientific Reports, has served as a guest editor for Molecules (Q1, IF: 4.492), and reviews for several leading journals. His research focuses on biologically active heterocycles, green synthesis protocols, ketene cycloaddition reactions, mixed metal oxide catalysis, and computer-aided drug design. Recipient of a UGC-funded project grant, he has organized conferences, workshops, and FDP programs. Dr. Kerru continues to advance innovative research in organic and physical chemistry, bridging theory with practical applications.

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Featured Publications

Kerru, N., Gummidi, L., Maddila, S., Gangu, K. K., & Jonnalagadda, S. B. (2020). A review on recent advances in nitrogen-containing molecules and their biological applications. Molecules, 25(8), 1909.

Kerru, N., Singh-Pillay, A., Awolade, P., & Singh, P. (2018). Current anti-diabetic agents and their molecular targets: A review. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 152, 436–488.

Kerru, N., Singh, P., Koorbanally, N., Raj, R., & Kumar, V. (2017). Recent advances (2015–2016) in anticancer hybrids. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 142, 179–212.

Kotaiah, Y., Harikrishna, N., Nagaraju, K., & Rao, C. V. (2012). Synthesis and antioxidant activity of 1,3,4-oxadiazole tagged thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 58, 340–345.

Awolade, P., Cele, N., Kerru, N., Gummidi, L., Oluwakemi, E., & Singh, P. (2020). Therapeutic significance of β-glucuronidase activity and its inhibitors: A review. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 187, 111921.

Kerru, N., Bhaskaruni, S. V. H. S., Gummidi, L., Maddila, S. N., Maddila, S., & Jonnalagadda, S. B. (2019). Recent advances in heterogeneous catalysts for the synthesis of imidazole derivatives. Synthetic Communications, 49(19), 2437–2459.

Ms. Meaza Girma Demisa | Natural hazarad | Women Researcher Award

Ms. Meaza Girma Demisa | Natural hazarad | Women Researcher Award

Northeastern University | China

Meaza Girma Demisa is a Ph.D. candidate in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Geotechnical Engineering at Northeastern University, China, where her research focuses on numerical simulations of rainfall-induced landslides, unsaturated soil dynamics, and probabilistic modeling of slope stability under diverse soil and environmental conditions. She earned her M.Sc. in Road and Transport Engineering and B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from Addis Ababa Institute of Technology, Ethiopia, where her master’s thesis examined the effect of speed humps on pavement condition. Professionally, she has served as a Technical and Design Engineer at China State Construction Engineering Ethiopia Company, contributing to structural and road projects, and currently works as a Lead Engineer at Addis Ababa City Road Authority, leading geotechnical investigations, pavement distress studies, and road project management. She has published in reputable journals such as Natural Hazards and SSRN Electronic Journal, with additional works under review in Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, Construction & Building Materials, Tunneling and Underground Space Technology, and Discover Geoscience. Her publications have earned 10 citations with an h-index of 2. Her research interests span geotechnical engineering, pavement performance, landslide modeling, and tunnel stability. She has participated in multiple international conferences and was recognized for her academic contributions, aiming to advance sustainable infrastructure solutions globally.

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Featured Publications

Wang, S., Demisa, M. G., Han, B., Hou, Q., & Zhang, Z. (2024). A material point method analysis of failure mechanism and kinematic behavior of rainfall-induced landslide. Natural Hazards, 120(15), 13875–13897.

Dong, F., Wang, S., Yang, Y., Ren, M., Demisa, M. G., & Zhang, R. (2025). Research on dynamic fuzzy prediction method for surrounding rock stability of mountain tunnels throughout the construction period. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 158, 106390.

Demisa, M. G., Taddesse, E., Tegegne, T. G., & Almeneh, A. (2023). Speed hump effect on pavement condition for Addis Ababa city roads: Case study. SSRN Electronic Journal.

Demisa, M. G., Wang, S., Hou, Q., Wenpan, S., Dong, F., & Han, B. (2025). A probabilistic framework for rainfall-induced instability in unsaturated slopes using bivariate rainfall and multivariate soil random fields. Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, 84(4), 207.

Mr. Mohsen bagheri | Civil Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Mohsen bagheri | Civil Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Babol Noshirvani University of Technology | Iran

Mohsen Bagheri is a civil engineer and independent researcher with over a decade of expertise in geotechnical and earthquake engineering. He holds an M.Sc. in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering from Babol Noshirvani University of Technology and has collaborated extensively with international institutions including Aalborg University, Virginia Tech, Newcastle University, and Western Sydney University. His research focuses on soil-structure interaction, liquefaction, breakwater stability, foundation design, and offshore geotechnical structures, contributing to advancements in both theory and practice. Bagheri has successfully completed or contributed to more than 10 major research projects, while also providing geotechnical consulting services for landmark projects such as the Arak Car Manufacturing Tower and South Pars LNG Breakwater. He has published over 10 peer-reviewed articles in SCI and Scopus-indexed journals, including Q1-ranked outlets like International Journal of Geomechanics and Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering. His scholarly impact is reflected in a Google Scholar h-index of 8, Scopus h-index of 7, Publons h-index of 6, and total citations reaching 463 across 110 documents. Recognized with multiple distinguished engineer awards, Bagheri continues to drive innovation in geotechnical solutions with a strong focus on soil improvement, sustainable infrastructure, and earthquake resilience, positioning his work at the intersection of research and industry application.

Profile:  Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

“Numerical simulation of improvement of a liquefiable soil layer using stone column and pile-pinning techniques”

“Effect of Seismic Soil–Pile–Structure Interaction on Mid- and High-Rise Steel Buildings Resting on a Group of Pile Foundations”

“Deformation mechanisms for offshore monopile foundations accounting for cyclic mobility effects””Advanced seismic analysis of soil-foundation-structure interaction for shallow and pile foundations in saturated and dry deposits: Insights from 3D parallel finite element modeling”

“Numerical evaluation of seismic response of shallow foundation on loose silt and silty sand”

“Seismic resilience of pile groups to lateral spreading in liquefiable soils: 3D parallel finite element modeling”

“Response of monopiles in sand subjected to one-way and transient cyclic lateral loading”

Mrs. Sadri Shadabi | Thermal performance and operational strategies of energy geostructure | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Sadri Shadabi | Thermal Performance and Operational Strategies of Energy Geostructure | Best Researcher Award

Aston University | United Kingdom

Author Profile

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits

From the beginning of his academic journey, Sadri Shadabi demonstrated a strong interest in the field of civil engineering, laying the foundation for his future research and professional achievements. His undergraduate and master’s studies in civil engineering and geotechnical engineering provided him with rigorous training in soil mechanics, foundation engineering, structural behavior, and seismic analysis. His master’s thesis on the seismic behavior of tunnels with geofoam embankments introduced him to the complexities of numerical modeling, while simultaneously equipping him with specialized expertise in geotechnical resilience under earthquake conditions. These formative years instilled in him not only a deep technical knowledge but also the discipline to explore complex engineering challenges through both theoretical frameworks and applied methodologies. His transition into doctoral studies marked the natural progression of his scholarly pursuits, centering his focus on thermo-hydro-mechanical modeling of energy piles—an area bridging sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy integration.

Professional Endeavors

Alongside his academic studies, Shadabi has pursued diverse professional roles that blend teaching, research, and applied practice in civil engineering. As a research assistant and laboratory demonstrator at Aston University, he has contributed significantly to both experimental and computational projects in geotechnical engineering. His responsibilities in laboratory settings included performing and supervising critical geotechnical tests such as triaxial, oedometer, direct shear, and permeability tests, thereby ensuring precision in data collection and analysis. In addition, his role as a graduate teaching assistant has enabled him to foster student learning in advanced geotechnics, soil mechanics, statics, and foundation engineering, cultivating the next generation of civil engineers. Beyond formal teaching, he has also engaged with Engineers Without Borders projects, contributing to sustainable development initiatives while mentoring students in socially responsible engineering practices. These experiences highlight his commitment to connecting academic expertise with practical applications that benefit both students and society.

Contributions and Research Focus

Shadabi’s research portfolio reflects his strong alignment with sustainability-driven civil engineering, particularly through the study of energy geostructures. His doctoral research emphasizes numerical and experimental modeling of energy piles, focusing on their thermal, hydraulic, and mechanical performance under varied operational conditions. His work extends to life cycle assessment, where he applies computational tools like COMSOL, FLAC, and SimaPro to optimize the design of energy piles for net-zero energy buildings. He has co-authored and presented research at prestigious international conferences, addressing themes such as thermal efficiency, soil recovery, resilience of geo-structures, and the integration of digital twin technology in geotechnical engineering. His earlier work on seismic resilience of tunnels using geofoam backfill has also been widely acknowledged, appearing in well-regarded journals and conference proceedings. This trajectory positions him as a researcher at the intersection of geotechnical innovation, sustainability, and renewable energy integration.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his academic and professional career, Shadabi has been the recipient of multiple honors that underscore his scholarly excellence and research promise. He was awarded a fully funded doctoral studentship by Aston University, supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), which recognizes his innovative contributions to sustainable geotechnical engineering. In addition, he secured a separate doctoral studentship opportunity in the United States, affirming his international standing and the relevance of his work beyond national boundaries. His earlier recognition includes distinction as an outstanding graduate student and high ranking within his master’s program, both of which signified his academic dedication and early research potential. More recently, his membership in professional organizations such as the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the European FOLIAGE network for energy geostructures reflects his active involvement in global scientific communities. These accolades highlight not only his personal achievements but also the value of his contributions to advancing civil and geotechnical engineering.

Impact and Influence

The impact of Shadabi’s work extends across research, education, and professional practice. His research on energy piles contributes to global efforts toward sustainable construction and renewable energy integration, offering practical solutions for reducing the carbon footprint of building foundations. Through publications in leading journals and participation in international conferences, he influences scholarly dialogue in geotechnical sustainability and energy geostructures. His teaching and mentoring roles amplify this impact by equipping students with technical knowledge, critical thinking, and awareness of sustainable practices. Furthermore, his involvement in Engineers Without Borders demonstrates a commitment to ensuring engineering innovations are aligned with community needs, thereby influencing engineering beyond academia. By integrating technical expertise, sustainability, and pedagogy, he is shaping a multifaceted influence that resonates within both scholarly circles and real-world applications.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Shadabi’s legacy is set to be defined by his contributions to sustainable geotechnical engineering and his role as a bridge between academic research and industry application. His continued work on energy geostructures holds promise for advancing the integration of renewable energy technologies into built environments, addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change and urban sustainability. Through his international collaborations, conference participation, and professional memberships, he is establishing a global presence that will likely shape new research directions and best practices in energy-efficient infrastructure. His dedication to teaching and mentoring ensures that his influence extends beyond his immediate research, creating ripple effects through the students and colleagues he supports. In the future, his research is poised to drive innovations that enhance the resilience and sustainability of civil infrastructure, solidifying his role as a thought leader in his field.

Notable Publications

Effect of geofoam as cover material in cut and cover tunnels on the seismic response of ground surface

Authors: S. Shadabi, M. R. Moghadam, M. Parvizi
Journal: Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Vibration
Year: 2022

Attenuation potential of geofoam as cover material in cut and cover tunnels during earthquakes

Authors: S. Shadabi, M. Parvizi, M. Rabeti Moghadam, …
Journal: Journal of Earthquake Engineering
Year: 2022

Evaluating Long-Term Thermal Performance and Soil Recovery in Energy Piles Under Various Operational Modes

Authors: S. Shadabi, M. Mehravar, A. Rezk, F. Ardakani, P. Thornley
Journal: Renewable Energy
Year: 2025

Numerical investigation of geofoam effect on the internal forces of cut and cover tunnels during earthquakes

Authors: S. Shadabi, M. Rabeti Moghadam, M. Parvizi, M. Zamani Lenjani
Journal: Bulletin of Earthquake Science and Engineering
Year: 2020

Conclusion

In sum, Sadri Shadabi’s academic and professional journey exemplifies a dynamic blend of scholarship, teaching, and impactful research in civil and geotechnical engineering. From his early academic pursuits and innovative research focus to his professional endeavors in teaching and sustainable projects, he has consistently contributed to advancing knowledge and practice in his field. His accolades and recognition reflect both national and international appreciation of his work, while his influence as a researcher and mentor underscores his growing impact on the engineering community. With his commitment to sustainability and forward-looking research on energy geostructures, Shadabi’s legacy is one of innovation, relevance, and lasting contributions to both academia and industry.