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.