Dr. Ambareen Khan | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ambareen Khan | University Sains Malaysia (USM) | Malaysia

Dr. Ambareen Khan is an accomplished researcher in aerospace engineering and artificial intelligence, currently serving as a Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence at the Centre for Instructional Technology & Multimedia (PTPM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Her interdisciplinary research integrates computational fluid dynamics (CFD), machine learning, and experimental aerodynamics, with a focus on supersonic flow control, ANN modeling, and data-driven simulations.

Author Profile

Scopus 

Education

Dr. Ambareen Khan earned her Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from Universiti Sains Malaysia, where her thesis investigated passive flow control using rib geometries in sonic and supersonic flow conditions. She holds a Master of Science (Research) in Aerospace Engineering from USM and a second Master’s degree in International Business from the University of Nottingham, Malaysia. She completed her undergraduate studies in Computer Science Engineering under Visvesvaraya Technological University.

Professional Experience

Dr. Ambareen Khan currently lectures and supervises research projects in artificial intelligence applications in engineering. She previously completed a postdoctoral fellowship at USM’s School of Management, contributing to machine learning models for traffic behavior analysis in industrial zones. As a Graduate Research Assistant from 2020 to 2023, she conducted advanced simulations and wind tunnel experiments related to supersonic aerodynamics and base pressure control mechanisms.

Her industry-relevant skill set spans both engineering and AI, enabling her to work across disciplines such as CFD modeling, deep learning for flow prediction, and hybrid simulation methods.

Research Skills

Dr. Ambareen Khan expertise includes computational fluid dynamics (CFD), wind tunnel testing, supersonic jet analysis, and base pressure optimization. Her AI proficiency includes artificial neural networks (ANN), deep learning (CNN, SLNN), and data modeling using Python, TensorFlow, Keras, and C++. Her interdisciplinary capabilities are further supported by project experience in business analytics and systems modeling.

Selected Publications

Ambareen Khan, A., Rajendran, P., Khan, S.A., et al. (2025). Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Suddenly Expanded Flow at Sonic Mach Number. Scientific Reports.

Jamadar, I.S., Kumar, K., Ambareen Khan, A., et al. (2025). Quantum Pressure and Memory Effects in Cancer Modeling: A Fractional Calculus Neural Network Approach. Results in Engineering.

Ambareen Khan, A., Aabid, A., Akhtar, M.N., et al. (2025). Supersonic Flow Control with Quarter Rib in a Duct: An Extensive CFD Study. International Journal of Thermofluids.

Ambareen Khan, A., Rajendran, P., Sidhu, J.S.S., et al. (2023). CNN Modeling and Response Surface Analysis of Compressible Flow at Sonic and Supersonic Mach Numbers. Alexandria Engineering Journal.

Ambareen Khan, A., Mazlan, N.M., Ismail, M.A. (2022). Velocity Distribution and Base Pressure Analysis of Under Expanded Nozzle Flow at Mach 1.0. JARFMTS. (Scopus)

Ambareen Khan, A., Ismail, M.A., Mazlan, N.M. (2020). Numerical Simulation of Suddenly Expanded Flow from Converging Nozzle at Sonic Mach Number. Springer Proceedings, AeroMech 2019.

Conclusion

Dr. Ambareen Khan is a multidisciplinary researcher at the intersection of aerospace engineering and artificial intelligence. Her expertise in CFD, machine learning, and high-speed flow control has resulted in high-impact publications and real-world research applications. Through her innovative approach and academic leadership, Dr. Khan continues to make significant contributions to future aerospace technologies and intelligent systems.

Mr. Rached Ben Mehrez | Best Researcher Award

Rached Ben Mehrez | National Engineering School of Tunis (ENIT) | Tunisia

Dr. Rached Ben Mehrez is a researcher in electrical engineering at the National Engineering School of Tunis (ENIT), specializing in renewable energy systems, power electronics, and hydrogen storage technologies. His research explores advanced energy systems, including the electromagnetic optimization of automotive technologies and the integration of hybrid renewable sources with intelligent energy storage solutions. Dr. Ben Mehrez’s work bridges theoretical modeling, experimental validation, and applied system design for sustainable power generation.

Author Profile

ORCID

Education

Dr. Ben Mehrez earned his PhD in Electrical Engineering from the National Engineering School of Tunis (ENIT), where his dissertation focused on the electromagnetic optimization and aging analysis of steer-by-wire systems for electric vehicles. He holds two master’s degrees—one in Power Systems from ENIT and another in Industrial Computing from the Higher School of Computer and Technology in Tunis. His academic background forms the basis of his multidisciplinary expertise in energy systems and control technologies.

Professional Experience

Dr. Ben Mehrez has been actively involved in research since 2010 at the Electrical Systems Laboratory of ENIT and the Advanced Systems in Electrical Engineering Laboratory at the National Engineering School of Carthage (ENICar). After completing his PhD, he contributed to research in the field of renewable energy with a focus on hybrid systems combining wind and photovoltaic generation integrated with hybrid energy storage systems (HESS).

His work has addressed critical challenges in energy management, system optimization, and hydrogen storage, with specific emphasis on modeling, control strategies, and simulation of decentralized energy systems. Dr. Ben Mehrez has also collaborated on multiple doctoral projects, guiding advanced studies on energy conversion and storage technologies.

Research Skills

Dr. Rached Ben Mehrez possesses a strong multidisciplinary skill set in electrical engineering and renewable energy technologies. His core competencies include renewable energy systems such as photovoltaic, thermal solar, wind, and tidal energy, along with the integration of hybrid storage solutions. He has extensive expertise in power and industrial electronics, including inverters, rectifiers, choppers, switched-mode power supplies, and variable-speed drives. In the field of electrotechnics, he is proficient in the operation and control of rotating machines, optimization of electrical networks, and the design of energy distribution and protection systems. His experience in control and automation encompasses industrial sensors, PLCs, real-time regulation, and advanced control system design. Dr. Ben Mehrez has also conducted significant research in hydrogen storage, particularly in thermodynamic and electrochemical modeling and alloy optimization for hydrogen absorption and discharge. His technical proficiency is further supported by a broad command of engineering and simulation tools such as MATLAB, Feko, Orcad, Simplorer, Python, Scilab, Pspice, VHDL, C/C++, and Workbench.

Selected Publications

Ben Mehrez, R., Briki, C., Beagan, A.M., et al. (2025). A study on the experimental and theoretical aspects of hydrogen absorption by the LmNi₄.₉₁Sn₀.₁₅ alloy. Journal of Alloys and Compounds.

Ben Mehrez, R., Briki, C., El Amraoui, L., et al. (2025). Integrated Theoretical and Experimental Study of Hydrogen Absorption in Pd-Al₂O₃ Pellets. SSRN.

Bahri, H., Ben Mehrez, R., Nasri, F., et al. (2025). The Impact of Temperature Variations on the Electrical Performance of SOI FinFET Devices. International Journal of Numerical Modelling: Electronic Networks Devices and Fields.

Ben Mehrez, R., Almoneef, M., Briki, C., et al. (2024). Experimental and theoretical study of hydrogen electrochemical discharging by MmNi₃.₆Co₀.₆Al₀.₈ alloy. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy.

Abbassi, A., Ben Mehrez, R., Abbassi, R., et al. (2022). Eco-feasibility study of a distributed power generation system driven by renewable green energy sources. Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects.

Conclusion

Dr. Rached Ben Mehrez is a multidisciplinary researcher contributing significantly to the development of sustainable and intelligent energy systems. His work integrates electrical engineering, materials science, and renewable energy technologies to address emerging challenges in energy optimization and hydrogen storage. Through his academic and applied contributions, he continues to influence Tunisia’s renewable energy research landscape and beyond.

Mr. Joel Filho | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Joel Filho | University of Coimbra | Portugal

Joel Alves Costa Filho is a doctoral researcher in Physical Engineering with a specialization in instrumentation at the University of Coimbra, Portugal. Co-funded by the European Space Agency (ESA), his PhD research investigates novel approaches to space debris detection using compact and intelligent satellite systems. With a background in aerospace engineering and astrophysical instrumentation, Filho’s work integrates simulation, sensor design, and mission analysis to improve space situational awareness and debris mitigation efforts.

Author Profile

ORCID

Education

Joel Alves Costa Filho earned his Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Brasília, where he focused on chemical propulsion and CFD modeling. He later completed a Master of Science in Astrophysical and Instrumentation for Space at the University of Coimbra, with a thesis titled “Feasibility Study of Using a Satellite Star Tracker for Space Debris Detection on LEO Orbits.” Currently, he is pursuing his PhD in Physical Engineering at the University of Coimbra, conducting advanced research on space-based surveillance systems.

Professional Experience

Filho serves as a fellow researcher at both the Instituto de Astrofísica e Ciências do Espaço (IA) and the Laboratório de Instrumentação e Física Experimental de Partículas (LIP). He has also held principal investigator roles on ESA-funded projects at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC), where he led studies on space debris detection and instrumentation.

Previously, he contributed to CFD-based product development as an engineer at S&DG Consulting Unipessoal and worked on space weathering studies at the Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory of the University of Coimbra. His early research foundations were built through an internship at the Chemical Propulsion Laboratory at the University of Brasília, where he focused on ignition system modeling using CH₄/O₂ combustion.

Awards and Recognition

Filho received a prestigious ESA co-funding grant for his doctoral research in physical engineering. He was also selected for participation in the ISSO 2023 Specialization Course at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), Netherlands, which reflects his growing reputation in the field of aerospace instrumentation and miniaturized payloads.

Research Skills

His core competencies include computational fluid dynamics (CFD), satellite instrumentation, star tracker systems, space surveillance, and mission analysis. He is proficient in space weather modeling, numerical simulation, payload prototyping, and sensor algorithm development. His interdisciplinary approach bridges aerospace engineering, physics, and instrumentation to address emerging challenges in low-Earth orbit (LEO) debris monitoring.

Publications

• Filho, J., Gordo, P., Peixinho, N., Melicio, R., Garcia, P., Flohrer, T. (2025). Mission analysis of space-based small camera for space debris detection. Advances in Space Research.

• Filho, J., et al. (2025). Dual-Purpose Star Tracker and Space Debris Detector: Miniature Instrument for Small Satellites. Journal of Sensor and Actuator Networks.

• Filho, J., et al. (2025). SUB-10 CM SPACE DEBRIS: Detection and Initial Orbit Determination with a Star Tracker. 9th European Conference on Space Debris.

• Filho, J., et al. (2023). Space Surveillance Payload Camera Breadboard: Star Tracking and Debris Detection Algorithms. Advances in Space Research.

• Filho, J., et al. (2023). Payload Camera Breadboard for Space Surveillance—Part I: Breadboard Design and Implementation. Applied Sciences.

Conclusion

Joel Alves Costa Filho is an emerging figure in aerospace systems engineering and space instrumentation, particularly in the domain of debris tracking technologies. His research bridges theoretical modeling and practical deployment of advanced sensors for orbital monitoring. With a strong technical foundation and active collaboration with European research institutes and space agencies, Filho is contributing to safer and more sustainable space operations.

Mr. Muhammad Usama Haroon | Best Researcher Award

Middle East Technical University | Turkey

Muhammad Usama Haroon is a graduate researcher in Sustainable Environment and Energy Systems at Middle East Technical University (METU), where he also serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Department of Chemistry. A rising voice in sustainable geotechnics, Haroon’s research explores the reuse of sewage sludge and industrial waste for the eco-friendly stabilization of soft soils. His work integrates environmental analysis, material science, and civil engineering to reduce cement dependency and promote circular construction practices. With a strong foundation in chemical engineering and hands-on teaching experience, Haroon contributes to both academic instruction and applied sustainability research in soil improvement, solid waste reuse, and environmental durability assessment.

Author Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Muhammad Usama Haroon earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering Technology from the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore. He is currently pursuing his Master of Science in Sustainable Environment and Energy Systems at Middle East Technical University, Turkey. His master’s thesis, titled Eco-Friendly Stabilization of Soft Clays: Utilizing Sewage Sludge as a Sustainable Alternative to Cement, investigates the mechanical and microstructural behavior of clay composites treated with sewage sludge and sewage sludge ash. His academic background combines theoretical engineering principles with practical experience in laboratory testing and environmental applications.

Professional Experience

Haroon currently serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at METU, contributing to undergraduate education in General Chemistry and Physical Chemistry. He supports laboratory instruction, prepares recitation materials, supervises student projects, and offers one-on-one tutoring and academic guidance. Prior to joining METU, he taught Chemistry and Mathematics at The City School (DHA Campus) in Pakistan, where he conducted labs, designed course materials, and mentored students in secondary and higher secondary education. Earlier, as Academic Coordinator at Allied School, he led academic planning, coordinated assessments, implemented curricula, and managed faculty schedules—developing leadership skills in both academic operations and instructional design.

Awards and Recognition

Haroon received a full graduate scholarship from Middle East Technical University in recognition of his academic excellence and research potential. In 2024, he was awarded a certificate for presenting his paper Sustainable Water Utilization and Wastewater Reuse in Pakistan’s Dairy Industry: A Review at the NISE Conference in Kyrenia, Cyprus. His work in sustainability and environmental engineering has been recognized by academic peers and institutions across research and education platforms.

Research Skills

Haroon’s research focuses on the stabilization of soft soils using sustainable materials such as sewage sludge and silkworm cocoon fibers. His expertise spans experimental geotechnics, unconfined compressive strength (UCS) testing, freeze–thaw durability assessment, pozzolanic reactivity, and advanced material characterization techniques such as SEM and XRD. He is proficient in data analysis using Statgraphics and environmental simulation tools, and has demonstrated interdisciplinary knowledge in waste valorization, sustainable construction, and environmental resource management. His work emphasizes the development of low-carbon materials for infrastructure, aligned with the principles of circular economy and environmental resilience.

Publications

Haroon, M. U., Ekinci, A., & Balkis, A. P. (2025). Sustainable strength enhancement of cement-clay composites through partial replacement with sewage sludge and sewage sludge ash. Construction and Building Materials, 489.

Al-Subari, L., Haroon, M. U., & Ekinci, A. (2024). Utilizing silkworm cocoon fibres for improving strength of clay: An experimental study. In Innovative Geo-Environmental Engineering.

Conclusion

Muhammad Usama Haroon is a promising environmental engineer and researcher whose work reflects a deep commitment to sustainable development and green innovation in geotechnical engineering. His leadership in research, dedication to academic teaching, and contributions to low-carbon construction practices make him an ideal candidate for recognition in sustainability-focused academic and professional circles. With a strong interdisciplinary foundation and a forward-looking research agenda, Haroon continues to advance eco-efficient solutions that integrate environmental responsibility with engineering performance.

Ms. Zahra Esmaeili | Best Researcher Award

Zahra Esmaeili | Power Systems Engineering | Best Researcher Award Nominee

Zahra Esmaeili is an emerging expert in electrical engineering with a focus on power systems, smart grid optimization, and renewable energy integration. Currently a Ph.D. candidate in Electrical Engineering (Power) at Iran University of Science and Technology, Zahra is recognized for her work on advanced control strategies for interconnected power systems and her contributions to microgrid stability and planning.

A highly accomplished scholar, Zahra has held competitive academic positions through national talent initiatives and has delivered lectures as a visiting professor at IUST. Her research addresses urgent global energy challenges—ranging from the design of intelligent load frequency control systems to the application of fault current limiters in improving power system reliability. She has published in several prestigious journals and serves as a reviewer for major international publications in power electronics and renewable energy.

Publication Profile

ORCID

Education

Zahra Esmaeili holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering (Power) from Iran University of Science and Technology, where she is currently conducting advanced research in power system dynamics and control. She earned her M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Power Systems from Sharif University of Technology, focusing on optimal energy management in microgrids. Her academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from Urmia University, where she graduated as the top student in her cohort.

Professional and Academic Experience

Zahra has served as a teaching assistant in multiple core courses in power systems analysis, electrical machines, and energy conversion. She is currently involved in undergraduate instruction as a visiting professor, contributing to foundational education in electrical engineering.

Her research includes hybrid modeling for load frequency and voltage regulation, intelligent control techniques for microgrids, and analysis of energy storage planning in active distribution networks. Zahra has also presented her findings at national engineering conferences, emphasizing innovation in both modeling and simulation environments.

Research Interests

Zahra Esmaeili’s research interests lie at the intersection of advanced power system control and sustainable energy integration. Her work focuses on power system dynamics and stability, with particular emphasis on load frequency control (LFC) and automatic voltage regulation (AVR) in interconnected networks. She is deeply engaged in the modeling and optimization of microgrids and distributed generation systems, aiming to enhance the reliability and efficiency of renewable energy integration. Her expertise extends to power system planning and optimization, electricity market operations, and the application of virtual inertia and control strategies for improved grid performance. She is also interested in the deployment of Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) to support dynamic stability in modern power systems.

Selected Publications

Esmaeili, Z. et al., “Energy Storage Systems Planning in Active Distribution Networks,” Journal of Iranian Association of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Esmaeili, Z. et al., “Optimal Energy Management of Microgrids using Quantum Teaching Learning Based Algorithm,” AUT Journal of Electrical Engineering
Esmaeili, Z. et al., “Two-Stage Lead-Lag PSS in Combined LFC-AVR Models for Multi-Area Systems,” Journal of Operation and Automation in Power Engineering
Esmaeili, Z. et al., “Review of Fault Current Limiters on Power Systems Reliability,” IET The Journal of Engineering
Esmaeili, Z. et al., “Virtual Inertia Control in Interconnected Microgrids,” International Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems (Accepted)

Conclusion

Zahra Esmaeili is a dedicated and innovative researcher whose work spans the frontiers of intelligent power system control and energy optimization. Her commitment to advancing energy resilience through smart technologies makes her a standout candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her career exemplifies academic rigor, technical depth, and applied impact in the evolving field of sustainable power engineering.