Mr.M. Irsad Ozkaynak | Transportation Geotechnics | Best Researcher Award

Mr.M. Irsad Ozkaynak , General Directorate of Highways of the Republic of Turkiye , Turkey.

M. Irsad Ozkaynak 🇹🇷 is a dedicated civil engineer 🏗️ and PhD candidate 🎓 specializing in transportation geotechnics. With over a decade of experience at the General Directorate of Highways R&D Department, he blends fieldwork, lab analysis, and advanced data modeling to improve highway infrastructure resilience 🛣️. His MSc research focused on strength evaluation through triaxial testing 🧪, while his PhD centers on resilient modulus modeling using AI and FWD data 🤖📊. He also contributed to post-earthquake road and bridge assessments after the 2023 Turkiye earthquakes 🌍⚠️. He actively collaborates with academic institutions and serves as a journal reviewer 📚.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

Education and Experience

🎓 Education:

BSc in Civil Engineering (2009) 🏗️
MSc in Geotechnical Engineering (2017) 🧱
PhD Candidate in Civil Engineering – Focus: Transportation Geotechnics 🎓🛣️

💼 Experience:

Site Engineer – Bechtel-Enka Kosovo Motorway Project (1.5 years) 🏞️
Site Engineer & Chief – Various road and dam projects in Turkiye ⛏️
Engineer to Deputy Director – General Directorate of Highways R&D (2013–present) 🏢
Researcher in resilient modulus models and post-earthquake assessments 🌐📊

Summary Suitability

M. Irsad Ozkaynak, MSc and PhD candidate in Civil Engineering, is nominated for the Best Researcher Award in recognition of his impactful research and professional contributions in geotechnical and highway engineering. With over 15 years of experience, he serves at the General Directorate of Highways R&D Department in Türkiye, combining fieldwork, academic research, and engineering leadership. His work focuses on transportation geotechnics, resilient infrastructure design, and post-earthquake performance assessments, contributing to safer and more durable road networks. His dedication to applied research and innovation makes him a strong candidate for this prestigious award.

Professional Development

M. Irsad Ozkaynak continuously enhances his expertise through active research, collaboration, and professional memberships 👨‍🔬🔍. He has contributed to three R&D projects, including a current transportation geotechnics initiative funded by his institution 🔬🚧. He serves as a peer reviewer for the Journal of Earthquake Engineering 📖 and collaborates with Istanbul and Gazi Universities 🤝. He is an active member of esteemed organizations such as TMMOB-IMO, ISSMGE, IGS, and the Turkish Earthquake Engineering Association 🏛️. His development journey emphasizes interdisciplinary growth, blending academic research, practical applications, and AI-based innovations 🤖📈 for geotechnical and transportation engineering.

Research Focus

Ozkaynak’s research is rooted in transportation geotechnics and geotechnical earthquake engineering 🚧🌍. His work bridges theory and practice, targeting soil behavior, pavement design, and foundation performance under dynamic and static loads 🧱🛤️. He employs both lab techniques (e.g., triaxial tests) and data modeling tools (AI and statistical analysis) 🤖📊 to forecast pavement responses like resilient modulus, using inputs like FWD data. His post-earthquake field assessments aid infrastructure recovery efforts following seismic events ⚠️🛣️. Ozkaynak’s work is highly interdisciplinary, reinforcing safer, cost-effective, and sustainable highways across seismic and variable terrain conditions ♻️🌐.

Awards and Honors

🏅 Participated in nationally recognized R&D projects in collaboration with top Turkish universities 🎓
📣 Reviewer for the Journal of Earthquake Engineering 📝
🛠️ Recognized for contributions to post-earthquake road and bridge evaluations following the 2023 Turkiye earthquakes 🌍
💼 Held leadership roles as Unit Chief and Deputy Director at the General Directorate of Highways R&D Department 🏢

Publication Top Notes

📘 Journal Articles

Ozkaynak, M.I., & Cetin, K.O. (2024). The performance of Karasu Bridge following the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaras-Turkiye earthquake sequence. Engineering Geology, 335, 107512. [Citations: 7]
🔗 [SCI, Q1 Journal] | 🌍 Earthquake Engineering, Structural Analysis
Ozkaynak, M.I., & Yilmaz, Y. (2024). Prediction of resilient modulus with pre-post experimental data of undisturbed subgrade soils using machine learning algorithms. Transportation Geotechnics, 49, 101396. [Citations: 1]
🔗 [SCI, Q1 Journal] | 🛣️ Transportation Geotechnics, AI Modeling

📗 Conference Proceedings:

Ozkaynak, M.I., & Altiok, Ş. (2023). Betonarme Duvarlar İçin Web Tabanlı Yazılım Geliştirme: Tasarımın Güvenliğini ve Verimliliğini İyileştiren Teknolojik Bir Adım. Karayolu 5. Ulusal Kongresi ve Sergisi, 115–124.
💻 Structural Engineering, Software Tools
Ozkaynak, M.I., & Yilmaz, Y. (2018). Farklı Kompaksiyon Enerjilerinde Sıkıştırılan Kilin Serbest Basınç Dayanımının Tahmin Edilmesi. Zemin Mekaniği ve Geoteknik Mühendisliği 17. Ulusal Konferansı.
🧱 Soil Mechanics, Unconfined Compression Strength

📕 Technical Standards/Book Contributions:

Durukan, A., Çevik, Y., Yalçın, B., İlginoğlu, M., Ozkaynak, M.I., Temiz, R., … (2023). Bölüm 250 – Dayanma Yapıları ve Şevlerin Desteklenmesi. In Karayolu Teknik Şartnamesi – 2023.
📘 National Highway Technical Standards, Retaining Structures
Ozkaynak, M.I. (2017). Sıkıştırılmış ara zeminlerin drenajlı ve drenajsız kayma dayanımı parametrelerinin ilişkilendirilmesi / Investigating the correlation between the drained and undrained shear strength parameters of compacted intermediate soils. Master’s Thesis, Gazi Üniversitesi.
📚 Soil Mechanics, Shear Strength

Yilmaz, Y., & Ozkaynak, M.I. (2015). Sıkıştırma Enerji Düzeyinin Kohezyonlu Bir Taban Zemininin Esneklik Modülüne Etkisinin Araştırılması. Zemin Mekaniği ve Temel Mühendisliği 15. Ulusal Kongresi, 975–984.
🧪 Soil Compaction, Elastic Modulus

Conclusion

M. Irsad Ozkaynak’s blend of academic excellence, engineering practice, and dedication to infrastructure resilience strongly positions him as a deserving recipient of the Best Researcher Award. His contributions to transportation geotechnics and geotechnical earthquake engineering have advanced both the scientific community and practical applications in Türkiye’s national highway systems. Through innovation, leadership, and collaboration, he continues to make a lasting impact on the field of civil engineering.

Mr.Mohammed Abul Fahed | Transportation | Best Researcher Award

Mr.Mohammed Abul Fahed , Qatar University , Qatar.

Mr.Mohammed Abul Fahed is a dedicated civil engineer from Qatar with a strong academic background and hands-on industry experience. He is currently pursuing his Master of Science in Civil Engineering at Qatar University , specializing in sustainable infrastructure and emerging transit systems . With a passion for innovation, he has worked as a Site Engineer Intern and Research Mentor, contributing to urban development and transportation projects. His expertise spans structural analysis, project management, and advanced research on futuristic mobility solutions like flying taxis . Mohammed is committed to shaping Qatar’s infrastructure landscape through research and practical engineering solutions.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Education & Experience

Education:

Master of Science, Civil Engineering (2023 – Present) – Qatar University
Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering (ABET Accredited) (2018 – 2021) – Qatar University
High School Certificate, Science (2015 – 2017) – Bangladesh M.H.M School & College

Experience:

Graduate Research Assistant (2024 – Present) – Qatar University
Research Mentor (2024) – Qatar University Young Scientists Center
Site Engineer Intern (2021) – MAN Enterprise, Lusail, Qatar

Sutability Summary

Mr.Mohammed Abul Fahed is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his exceptional contributions to civil engineering and transportation research. His dedication to advancing road safety, hybrid transit systems, and urban air mobility has led to impactful findings that address modern infrastructure challenges in Qatar. His ability to conduct extensive literature reviews, develop innovative research methodologies, analyze complex datasets, and mentor aspiring researchers showcases his expertise and leadership in the field.

Professional Development

Mr.Mohammed Abul Fahed has demonstrated a commitment to professional growth through continuous learning and hands-on experience. He holds a Civil Engineering License from the Urban Planning and Development Authority (UPDA) Qatar . His expertise includes site supervision, structural analysis, project planning, and transportation research . He is skilled in data analysis, report writing, and stakeholder collaboration to drive urban infrastructure advancements. His research in hybrid transit systems and flying taxis reflects his vision for the future of mobility in Qatar. With strong leadership and mentoring abilities, he actively contributes to innovative engineering solutions.

Research Focus

Mr.Mohammed Abul Fahed specializes in urban mobility and transportation infrastructure, focusing on sustainable and futuristic transit solutions. His research explores hybrid transit systems like Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) and water taxis , aiming to enhance Qatar’s urban connectivity. Additionally, he is involved in infrastructure planning for flying taxis , analyzing airspace management and urban integration. His work includes data collection, statistical analysis, and stakeholder engagement to develop efficient transit models. By combining engineering expertise with technological advancements, Mohammed is dedicated to shaping smart cities with sustainable, efficient, and innovative transportation networks

Awards & Honors

The Emir’s Distinction – Awarded for academic excellence in Bachelor’s studies.
Graduate Research Grant (GA) Recipient – Recognized for research on hybrid transit systems.
Best Research Mentor Award – Honored for guiding students in innovative infrastructure projects.
UPDA Civil Engineering License – Certified professional in civil engineering practice in Qatar.
High Academic Achievement – Consistently outstanding GPA throughout academic journey.

Publication Top Notes

Nonparametric Comparative Analysis of Driver Behaviors in Signalized and Non-Signalized Roundabouts: A Study on Road Safety in Qatar

Journal: Applied Sciences
Publication Date: March 6, 2025
DOI: 10.3390/app15052856
Authors: Mohammed Abul Fahed, Pilsung Choe, Al-Harith Umlai
Summary: This study analyzes driver behaviors in signalized and non-signalized roundabouts in Qatar using nonparametric statistical methods. It aims to assess road safety factors, driver compliance, and accident risks in different roundabout settings.

Are Professional Drivers more Aggressive than General Drivers? A Case Study from Doha, Qatar

Journal: Procedia Computer Science
Publication Year: 2022
DOI: 10.1016/j.procs.2022.03.005
ISSN: 1877-0509
Author: Mohammed Abul Fahed
Summary: This research examines driving aggression among professional and general drivers in Doha, Qatar. It uses behavioral data and statistical analysis to determine whether professional drivers exhibit more aggressive tendencies, contributing to road safety concerns.

Conclusion

Mr.Mohammed Abul Fahed groundbreaking research, leadership in mentoring young scientists, and commitment to shaping Qatar’s transportation future make him the ideal recipient of the Best Researcher Award. His innovative studies on driver behavior, hybrid transit systems, and urban air mobility have significantly influenced transportation planning and safety. His contributions bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical applications, ensuring a more sustainable and efficient urban infrastructure for Qatar.