Dr. Zahra Beheshti | AI in Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Zahra Beheshti | AI in Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zahra Beheshti | Islamic Azad University | Iran

Dr. Zahra Beheshti is an Assistant Professor at the Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch, with a distinguished background in computer engineering and artificial intelligence. She holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Computer Engineering (Software) and a Ph.D. in Computer Science with a focus on Artificial Intelligence, followed by postdoctoral research in Soft Computing. Dr. Beheshti has made significant contributions to the field, including the compilation of the book Centripetal Accelerated Particle Swarm Optimization and Applications. Her academic excellence has been recognized through scholarships awarded to top international Ph.D. students. She is actively involved in knowledge dissemination, having conducted multiple workshops on advanced topics such as Machine Learning, Fuzzy Expert Systems and their application in algorithm parameter determination, and Introduction to Fuzzy Logic along with the Design and Implementation of Fuzzy Expert Systems. Her research output includes 34 documents, cited 1,865 times by 1,698 publications, with an h-index of 20, reflecting the significant impact of her work. Through her teaching, research, and publications, Dr. Beheshti demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing computational intelligence, fostering innovation, and mentoring the next generation of researchers in AI and soft computing, combining both academic rigor and practical application.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

  • Z Beheshti, SMH Shamsuddin, A review of population-based meta-heuristic algorithms, Int. J. Adv. Soft Comput. Appl 5 (1), 1-35, 744 citations, 2013

  • H Abedinpourshotorban, SM Shamsuddin, Z Beheshti, DNA Jawawi, Electromagnetic field optimization: a physics-inspired metaheuristic optimization algorithm, Swarm and Evolutionary Computation 26, 8-22, 414 citations, 2016

  • M Jafarzadegan, F Safi-esfahani, Z Beheshti, Combining Hierarchical Clustering approaches using the PCA Method, Expert Systems with Applications 137, 1-10, 156 citations, 2019

  • Z Beheshti, SM Shamsuddin, S Hasan, Memetic binary particle swarm optimization for discrete optimization problems, Information Sciences 299, 58-84, 129 citations, 2015

  • Z Beheshti, SMH Shamsuddin, CAPSO: centripetal accelerated particle swarm optimization, Information Sciences 258, 54-79, 120 citations, 2014

  • M Banaie-Dezfouli, MH Nadimi-Shahraki, Z Beheshti, R-GWO: Representative-based grey wolf optimizer for solving engineering problems, Applied Soft Computing 106, 1-28, 108 citations, 2021

 

 

Dr. Bin Zhang | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Bin Zhang | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Bin Zhang | Chongqing University of Science and Technology | China

Dr. Bin Zhang holds a Doctorate in Engineering and has completed postdoctoral research. He is a lecturer and master’s supervisor in the Department of Road and Bridge Engineering, School of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering, and a youth committee member of the World Transport Convention. His research focuses on the dynamic characteristics of underground and tunnel structures, the development of new materials and technologies for structural reinforcement, and intelligent monitoring of structural health. His research output includes 26 documents, 171 citations, 146 citing documents, and an h-index of 8. He teaches both undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including Tunnel Engineering, Engineering Surveying, Tunnel Mechanics, and Frontier Technologies in Civil Engineering, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical applications to advance innovation in civil and tunnel engineering. Additionally, he has developed advanced experimental methods for studying tunnel lining mechanics, contributing to safer and more efficient tunnel design practices.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

  • Study on the Stability of Buildings During Excavation in Urban Core Areas, Applied Sciences, 2025. Contributors: Kang Liu, Huafeng Liu, Yuntai Gao, Zijian Wang, Yunchuan Wang, Qi Liu, Chaolin Jia, Zihang Huang, Bin Zhang.

  • Experimental Study on Mechanical Differences Between Prefabricated and Cast-In Situ Tunnel Linings Based on a Load-Structure Model, Buildings, 2025. Contributors: Li-Ming Wu, Hong-Kun Li, Feng Gao, Zi-Jian Wang, Bin Zhang, Wen-Jie Luo, Jun-Jie Li.

  • Mechanical Properties of Steel Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Tunnel Secondary Lining Structure and Optimization of Support Parameters, Buildings, 2025. Contributors: Zijian Wang, Yunchuan Wang, Xiaorong Wang, Baosheng Rong, Bin Zhang, Liming Wu, Chaolin Jia, Zihang Huang.

  • Crystallization Blockage in Highway Tunnel Drainage System Based on Molecular Dynamics, AIP Advances, 2025. Contributors: Shiyang Liu, Xuefu Zhang, Bin Zhang.

  • Experimental Study on Grouting Diffusion Law of Tunnel Secondary Lining Cracks Based on Different Slurry Viscosities, Applied Sciences, 2025. Contributors: Bin Zhang, Peng Liu, Yi Wu, Liming Wu, Chen Li, Shiyang Liu, Yuanfu Zhou.

  • Experimental Study on Grouting Diffusion Law of the Different Crack Widths in Tunnel Lining, KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering, 2023. Contributors: Bin Zhang, Yuanfu Zhou, Xuefu Zhang, Zijian Wang, Wei Yang, Yixuan Ban.

  • Anti Crystallization Blocking of Flocking Drainage Pipe Based on Natural Phenomenon, Materials Science, 2022. Contributors: Xuefu Zhang, Shiyang Liu, Feng Gao, Yuanfu Zhou, Bin Zhang.

Prof. Dr. Pablo Torres Rodas | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Pablo Torres Rodas | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Pablo Torres Rodas , Universidad San Francisco de Quito , Ecuador.

Dr. Pablo Torres Rodas 🇪🇨 is a civil and structural engineering expert with deep roots in academia and industry. Currently a professor at Universidad San Francisco de Quito 🎓, he earned his Ph.D. from the University of California, Irvine 🇺🇸, where he also served as a teaching assistant. His work blends theory and practice, focusing on performance-based earthquake engineering 🌍⚙️. With experience spanning construction inspection, design, and education, Dr. Torres Rodas has contributed significantly through research publications and teaching 📚. His dedication to seismic safety and structural reliability positions him as a leader in engineering resilience 🏗️🔬.

Publication Profile

Scopus
Google Scholar

Education & Experience 

🎓 Education:
👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience:

  • 📐 Geometry TA – Universidad de Cuenca (2005–2007)

  • 🧱 Lecturer: Concrete & Statistics – Universidad de Cuenca (2013)

  • 🌍 Earthquake Eng. TA – UC Irvine (2016)

  • 🏗️ Steel Design TA – UC Irvine (2017)

  • 🌲 Timber Design TA – UC Irvine (2018)

  • 🎓 Structural Engineering Lecturer – USFQ (2018–present)

👷‍♂️ Professional Experience:

  • 🛠️ Civil Construction Inspector – Coca-Codo-Sinclair Dam

  • 🧱 Construction Supervisor – Municipio de Nabón

  • 🚧 Infrastructure Projects – Cuenca, Ecuador

  • 🏢 Structural Design – Various buildings in Cuenca

Summary Suitability

Dr. Pablo Torres Rodas is a leading candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his exceptional contributions to the field of structural and earthquake engineering. As a professor at Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Dr. Torres Rodas has consistently demonstrated research excellence, academic leadership, and impactful innovation. His work focuses on the development of analytical and numerical models that advance Performance-Based Earthquake Engineering (PBEE) — a critical area for building resilience in seismic-prone regions.

Professional Development 

Dr. Torres Rodas is committed to ongoing professional growth through teaching, research, and real-world structural engineering 🌐🏗️. At Universidad San Francisco de Quito, he educates future engineers while advancing analytical and numerical modeling in seismic performance studies 📊📘. His international academic journey, from Ecuador to the U.S., reflects a dedication to excellence and cross-cultural collaboration 🌎🤝. His published research in leading ASCE journals 📄🧠 contributes to safer, more resilient structures. He actively bridges theoretical knowledge with applied engineering, emphasizing innovative methods in structural analysis and design under seismic loading conditions 🌋📐.

Research Focus 

Dr. Torres Rodas’s research lies in Performance-Based Earthquake Engineering (PBEE), a field that seeks to enhance structural safety and resilience during seismic events 🌍🏢. His work centers on developing both analytical and numerical models to simulate how structures respond to earthquake-induced forces 📉💥. By exploring column base connection behaviors and embedded connection stiffness, he contributes critical knowledge to structural engineering design standards 📚⚙️. His insights help engineers design buildings that can better withstand tremors, minimizing damage and saving lives. His goal is to merge academic rigor with real-world safety innovation 🔬🏗️.

Awards and Honors

  • 🎓 SENESCYT Scholarship – Awarded by the Ecuadorian government for doctoral studies abroad (2013–2017)

  • 🏅 Best Lecturer Award – College of Science and Engineering, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (2019–2020)

Publication Top Notes

  • Torres-Rodas, P., Fayaz, J., Medalla, M. (2024). Statistical evaluation of steel moment frames response under crustal and subduction seismic environments. Journal of Building Engineering.

  • Torres-Rodas, P., Flores, F., Pozo, S., Astudillo, B.X. (2021). Seismic performance of steel moment frames considering the effects of column-base hysteretic behavior and gravity framing system. Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, 144, 106654.

  • Hassan, A.S., Torres-Rodas, P., Giulietti, L., Kanvinde, A. (2021). Strength characterization of exposed column base plates subjected to axial force and biaxial bending. Engineering Structures, 237, 112165.

  • Torres-Rodas, P., Fayaz, J., Zareian, F. (2020). Strength resistance factors for seismic design of exposed base plate connections in special steel moment resisting frames. Earthquake Spectra, 36(2), 537–553.

  • Villacreses, J.P., Granados, J., Caicedo, B., Torres-Rodas, P., Yépez, F. (2021). Seismic and hydromechanical performance of rammed earth walls under changing environmental conditions. Construction and Building Materials, 300, 124331.

Conclusion

Dr. Torres Rodas exemplifies the qualities of a best-in-class researcher: innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and societal impact. His groundbreaking work enhances the global understanding of seismic design, making infrastructure safer and more resilient. With a strong publication record, international engagement, and ongoing contributions to engineering science, he is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award.