Sergio Armando Barbosa | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sergio Armando Barbosa | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sergio Armando Barbosa, University of Virginia, United States

Sergio Armando Barbosa Casas is a dedicated hydrologist and civil engineer with a strong background in groundwater modeling, hydrodynamics, and environmental sustainability. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Brigham Young University and currently serves as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Virginia. His research focuses on assessing flooding impacts, coastal sustainability, and groundwater resource management using Earth observations and advanced modeling techniques. With over a decade of experience, he has worked with institutions such as IDEAM, CAR, and Aquaveo, contributing to hydrological forecasting, river basin assessments, and flood risk analysis. His work has been published in high-impact journals, and he has presented at global conferences. Fluent in English and Spanish, he actively collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to address climate resilience and water resource challenges. His contributions to academia and research continue to advance sustainable solutions for environmental and hydrological challenges.

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Suitability for the “Research for Best Researcher Award” – Sergio Armando Barbosa Casas

Dr. Sergio Armando Barbosa Casas is an exceptionally qualified candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award, given his extensive contributions to hydrology, groundwater modeling, and urban flood risk assessment. His research has significantly advanced the understanding of groundwater resource assessment, particularly in West Africa, through Earth observations and modeling. His Ph.D. dissertation at Brigham Young University was a groundbreaking study on groundwater resource assessment, a critical topic for sustainable water management.

Currently serving as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Virginia, Dr. Barbosa is involved in interdisciplinary research on coastal and urban flooding vulnerabilities, sustainability, and salt intrusion in aquifers. His collaboration with government agencies and stakeholders to develop informed decision-making processes for groundwater management highlights his real-world impact. His prior experience as a hydrologist at IDEAM (Colombian Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology, and Environmental Studies) and a design engineer at CAR (Regional Autonomous Corporation) further demonstrate his expertise in hydrological modeling, flood risk assessment, and environmental sustainability.

🎓 Education

Sergio A. Barbosa Casas earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Brigham Young University in 2023, where he conducted groundbreaking research on groundwater resource assessment in West Africa using Earth observations and numerical modeling. His dissertation explored the impact of climate change and human activities on groundwater storage and recharge, providing valuable insights into water management strategies for arid regions. Prior to this, he obtained an M.S. in Civil Engineering from the National University of Colombia in 2014, focusing on water resource management and hydrological modeling. His academic journey began with a B.S. in Agricultural Engineering from the same institution in 2009, where he developed expertise in hydraulic systems and watershed management. Throughout his studies, he actively engaged in research projects, collaborated with international teams, and contributed to policy recommendations. His diverse educational background has equipped him with a solid foundation in hydrology, climate resilience, and engineering solutions.

💼 Professional Experience 

Sergio A. Barbosa Casas has amassed extensive experience in hydrology, groundwater modeling, and environmental engineering. Currently, he is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Virginia, where he leads research on flooding impacts, coastal resilience, and sustainability. Previously, he was a Research Assistant at Brigham Young University, where he developed groundwater models for major aquifers in West Africa, utilizing remote sensing and field data. His industry experience includes working as an Engineering Intern at Aquaveo, where he created 3D groundwater simulations. Additionally, he served as a Hydrologist at IDEAM in Colombia, leading hydrological forecasting and flood risk assessments. As a Design Engineer at CAR, he developed dynamic models to evaluate water quality in the Bogotá River. His expertise spans across academia, government agencies, and private sectors, making him a well-rounded professional in water resource engineering, flood modeling, and climate adaptation strategies.

🏅 Awards and Recognition

Sergio A. Barbosa Casas has received numerous awards and grants for his contributions to hydrology and environmental engineering. He was awarded the Climate Fellows Postdoctoral Program Fellowship at the University of Virginia in 2024. During his Ph.D., he secured the Civil & Construction Engineering Scholarship Society Award (2019-2022). His research excellence earned him the Bill Stolte Best Student Paper Award at the Canadian Water Resources Association National Conference in 2022. Additionally, he has contributed to prestigious projects funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), with grants exceeding $5 million. His involvement in the NASA/USAID Research Grant on sustainable groundwater management in West Africa further highlights his global impact. Recognized for his interdisciplinary approach and innovative methodologies, his work continues to shape water resource sustainability and climate resilience. His expertise is sought after in academic and professional circles worldwide.

🌍 Research Skills On Engineering

Sergio A. Barbosa Casas is an expert in hydrological modeling, groundwater resource management, and climate resilience. His research integrates Earth observations, GIS, and remote sensing with hydrodynamic and groundwater modeling tools such as MODFLOW, HEC-RAS, and TUFLOW. He specializes in analyzing flood risks, coastal vulnerabilities, and sustainable water management strategies. His technical skills include numerical simulations, Python programming, and machine learning applications in hydrology. He has worked extensively with stakeholders, translating complex hydrological data into actionable policies. His work on urban flooding, saltwater intrusion, and groundwater sustainability has been published in high-impact journals and presented at global conferences. With a keen interest in data-driven solutions for climate adaptation, he collaborates across disciplines to develop innovative approaches for managing water resources in changing environments. His research continues to influence sustainable development, providing practical solutions for water security challenges.

Publication Top Notes

  • Deep learning-based downscaling of global digital elevation models for enhanced urban flood modeling

    • Author(s): Zanko Zandsalimi, Sergio A. Barbosa, Negin Alemazkoor, Jonathan L. Goodall, Majid Shafiee-Jood
    • Citation: Journal of Hydrology, 2025-06
    • DOI: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2025.132687
    • Year: 2025

  • Exploring infiltration effects on coastal urban flooding: Insights from nuisance to extreme events using 2D/1D hydrodynamic modeling and crowdsourced flood reports

    • Author(s): Sergio A. Barbosa, Yidi Wang, Jonathan L. Goodall
    • Citation: Science of The Total Environment, 2025-03
    • DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.178908
    • Year: 2025

  • Exploiting Earth Observations to Enable Groundwater Modeling in the Data-Sparse Region of Goulbi Maradi, Niger

    • Author(s): Sergio A. Barbosa, Norman L. Jones, Gustavious P. Williams, Bako Mamane, Jamila Begou, E. James Nelson, Daniel P. Ames
    • Citation: Remote Sensing, 2023-11-01
    • DOI: 10.3390/rs15215199
    • Year: 2023

  • Exploiting Earth Observations to Enable Groundwater Modeling in the Data-Sparse Region of Goulbi Maradi, Niger (Preprint)

    • Author(s): Sergio A. Barbosa, Norman L. Jones, Gustavious P. Williams, Bako Mamane, Jamila Begou, E. James Nelson, Daniel P. Ames
    • Citation: Preprint, 2023-08-30
    • DOI: 10.20944/preprints202308.2021.v1
    • Year: 2023

  • Correction: Barbosa et al. Evaluating Groundwater Storage Change and Recharge Using GRACE Data: A Case Study of Aquifers in Niger, West Africa. Remote Sens. 2022, 14, 1532

    • Author(s): Sergio A. Barbosa, Sarva T. Pulla, Gustavious P. Williams, Norman L. Jones, Bako Mamane, Jorge L. Sanchez
    • Citation: Remote Sensing, 2023-03-03
    • DOI: 10.3390/rs15051435
    • Year: 2023

Yakshansh Kumar | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Yakshansh Kumar | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Yakshansh Kumar, Delhi Technological University, India

Yakshansh Kumar is a highly motivated researcher and academician in the field of Civil Engineering, with a specialization in Pavement-Soil Dynamics. Currently pursuing his PhD at Delhi Technological University, he focuses on dynamic response analysis of pavement-soil systems using piezo sensors. He has actively contributed to several publications and international conferences, establishing himself as a promising expert in geotechnical engineering. Passionate about advancing knowledge and fostering innovation, Yakshansh is also involved in mentoring students and advancing research projects. His dedication and commitment are evident in his academic achievements and research pursuits.

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Summary of Suitability for the “Research for Best Researcher Award”

Yakshansh Kumar is a promising and dedicated researcher with a strong academic foundation and a demonstrated commitment to advancing the field of civil and geotechnical engineering, particularly in pavement-soil dynamics. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Delhi Technological University, his research focus on dynamic response analysis of pavement-soil systems using piezo sensors exemplifies his innovative approach to solving complex engineering challenges. His research is not only theoretically robust but also applied, with funding from the university’s IRD and the use of experimental testing and finite element analysis in his investigations.

Kumar’s publication record is impressive, with multiple articles in high-impact journals such as International Journal of Non-Linear Mechanics (SCIE, Q1) and Journal of Vibration Engineering and Technologies (SCIE, Q2). He has contributed to the scientific community with key insights on dynamic load vibrations, piezo-dynamics, and the role of machine learning in geotechnical analysis. His research has garnered attention on both national and international platforms, demonstrated by his active participation in numerous conferences, where he has won awards for best technical papers.

🎓  Education

Yakshansh Kumar holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from Delhi Technological University (DTU), where he is conducting research on the dynamic analysis of pavement-soil systems. He earned his Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering from DTU, achieving a CGPA of 7.49. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at Hindu College of Engineering (affiliated with DCRUSTM) with a CGPA of 6.37. Throughout his academic career, Yakshansh has demonstrated a strong foundation in engineering principles, with a specific interest in soil dynamics and pavement systems. His rigorous research work has led to multiple scholarly contributions in well-regarded journals and international conferences.

💼 Professional Experience

Yakshansh Kumar has an extensive academic and research background. He is currently working on his PhD project, funded by the IRD-DTU, which focuses on pavement-soil dynamics using piezo sensors for experimental testing and finite element analysis. As part of his professional journey, Yakshansh has contributed to several research papers, conferences, and has collaborated with experts in geotechnical engineering. He has also participated as a reviewer in esteemed journals such as Transportation Infrastructure Geotechnology. In addition to his research, he has attended workshops and seminars, including a national seminar on Science Day and faculty development programs, showcasing his dedication to continuous learning. His involvement in teaching and research continues to shape his career path.

🏅  Awards and Recognition

Yakshansh Kumar has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to research and academic excellence. He was awarded the Best Technical Paper Award for his work on “Velocity Induced Post Elastic Response of Pavements” presented at the Sustainable Infrastructure: Innovations, Opportunities, and Challenges (SIIOC 2024). In addition, his paper on “Post Elastic Response of Pavement Subjected to Moving Load” received the Best Paper Award at the International Online Conference on Energy Science (ICES 2021). His work has been published in high-impact journals such as the International Journal of Non-Linear Mechanics and Journal of Vibration Engineering and Technologies. He has also been recognized as a reviewer for journals and international conferences, reflecting his academic credibility and recognition in the field of geotechnical engineering.

🌍 Research Skills On Engineering

Yakshansh Kumar possesses strong research skills, particularly in the areas of pavement-soil dynamics, finite element analysis, and piezo-dynamics of geomaterials. His expertise lies in dynamic response analysis using experimental testing and numerical modeling. His ongoing PhD project focuses on piezo sensors and their application to pavement systems, supported by funding from IRD-DTU. Yakshansh has demonstrated his proficiency in using advanced software for computational modeling and simulations, as well as conducting real-world experimental tests. His research contributes to understanding the behavior of pavements under dynamic loads, which is vital for improving infrastructure performance. His skills are complemented by his ability to collaborate with peers, present research at conferences, and publish in well-regarded journals.

📖 Publication Top Notes

  • Damage evaluation in pavement-geomaterial system using finite element-scaled accelerated pavement testing

    • Authors: Y Kumar, A Trivedi, SK Shukla
    • Citation: Kumar, Y., Trivedi, A., & Shukla, S. K. (2023). Damage evaluation in pavement-geomaterial system using finite element-scaled accelerated pavement testing. Transportation Infrastructure Geotechnology, 11(3), 922-933.
    • Year: 2023

  • Damage evaluation in pavement-geomaterial system using finite element-scaled accelerated pavement testing

    • Authors: Y Kumar, A Trivedi, SK Shukla
    • Citation: Kumar, Y., Trivedi, A., & Shukla, S. K. (2024). Damage evaluation in pavement-geomaterial system using finite element-scaled accelerated pavement testing. Transportation Infrastructure Geotechnology, 11(3), 922-933.
    • Year: 2024

  • Deflections governed by the cyclic strength of rigid pavement subjected to structural vibration due to high-velocity moving loads

    • Authors: Y Kumar, A Trivedi, SK Shukla
    • Citation: Kumar, Y., Trivedi, A., & Shukla, S. K. (2024). Deflections governed by the cyclic strength of rigid pavement subjected to structural vibration due to high-velocity moving loads. Journal of Vibration Engineering & Technologies, 12(3), 3543-3562.
    • Year: 2024

  • Investigating the Influence of Frequency on Piezo-dynamics of Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) Films Embedded in Confined Geomaterials

    • Authors: Y Kumar, A Trivedi, SK Shukla
    • Citation: Kumar, Y., Trivedi, A., & Shukla, S. K. (2024). Investigating the Influence of Frequency on Piezo-dynamics of Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) Films Embedded in Confined Geomaterials. Journal of Vibration Engineering & Technologies, 1-20.
    • Year: 2024

  • Application of machine learning technique for dynamic analysis of confined geomaterial subjected to vibratory load

    • Authors: A Boban, P Pateriya, Y Kumar, K Gaur, A Trivedi
    • Citation: Boban, A., Pateriya, P., Kumar, Y., Gaur, K., & Trivedi, A. (2024). Application of machine learning technique for dynamic analysis of confined geomaterial subjected to vibratory load. AI in Civil Engineering, 3(1), 2.
    • Year: 2024

  • Influence of Jute Reinforcement on the Stiffness Capacity of Cohesionless Pavement Geomaterials

    • Authors: P Kumar, Y Kumar, A Trivedi
    • Citation: Kumar, P., Kumar, Y., & Trivedi, A. (2023). Influence of Jute Reinforcement on the Stiffness Capacity of Cohesionless Pavement Geomaterials. International Conference on Interdisciplinary Approaches in Civil Engineering.
    • Year: 2023

  • Numerical and Experimental Investigation of a Confined Geomaterial Subjected to Vibratory Load

    • Authors: A Boban, Y Kumar, A Trivedi
    • Citation: Boban, A., Kumar, Y., & Trivedi, A. (2023). Numerical and Experimental Investigation of a Confined Geomaterial Subjected to Vibratory Load. International Conference on Sustainable Infrastructure: Innovation.
    • Year: 2023

  • Impact of Moving Load Vibrations on Pavement Damage Supported by Flow-Controlled Geomaterials

    • Authors: Y Kumar, A Trivedi, SK Shukla
    • Citation: Kumar, Y., Trivedi, A., & Shukla, S. K. (2024). Impact of Moving Load Vibrations on Pavement Damage Supported by Flow-Controlled Geomaterials. Available at SSRN 5002829.
    • Year: 2024

H M IMRAN KAYS | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. H M IMRAN KAYS | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. H M IMRAN KAYS, University of Oklahoma, United States

H.M. Imran Kays is a PhD candidate at the University of Oklahoma’s School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science. He specializes in transportation engineering, particularly in flood propagation and cascading failures in interdependent transportation and stormwater networks. Imran’s research integrates socio-technical systems and crisis response communities, contributing to transportation resilience. His career includes work as a graduate research assistant at renowned institutions, with a solid background in transportation system modeling. Imran also serves as a major in the Corps of Engineers, Bangladesh Army, bringing a unique blend of academic rigor and practical experience. Throughout his career, he has earned numerous awards, including the 2024 Best Poster Award at the Oklahoma Transportation Symposium and various scholarships and fellowships. His innovative work is highly regarded in his field, influencing both academic research and real-world infrastructure solutions.

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Suitability for the “Research for Best Researcher Award” – H.M. Imran Kays

H.M. Imran Kays, a PhD candidate in Civil Engineering at the University of Oklahoma, stands out as an exceptional candidate for the “Research for Best Researcher Award” due to his impactful research in transportation engineering, particularly focusing on interdependencies between transportation and stormwater networks, resilience frameworks, and the modeling of cascading failures in critical infrastructure systems. His multidisciplinary approach, blending engineering with risk and resilience studies, has led to several high-quality publications, including journal articles and conference proceedings, which reflect his deep understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of civil engineering and transportation.

Kays’ ongoing work, including his involvement in projects like “Modeling Flood Propagation and Cascading Failures in Interdependent Transportation and Stormwater Networks,” showcases his ability to address pressing global challenges like climate change and infrastructure resilience. His research bridges critical gaps in understanding the vulnerabilities of interconnected systems under stress, making it highly relevant to contemporary issues. Additionally, his impressive list of awards—such as the Best Poster Award at the 2024 Oklahoma Transportation Symposium and several prestigious scholarships—demonstrates recognition of his contributions from the academic community.

🎓 Education 

Imran Kays is currently pursuing his PhD in Civil Engineering at the University of Oklahoma, specializing in transportation engineering. He earned his MSc and BSc in Civil Engineering from the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), Bangladesh, where he focused on transportation systems and their resilience. His academic journey includes distinguished research in socio-geographic monitoring, transportation policies, and infrastructure utilization metrics. Imran’s advanced education has been supported by several prestigious scholarships, including the 2024 Donald E Hall Scholarship and the Walt Kolb Civil Engineering Graduate Fellowship. His strong academic foundation underpins his research focus on transportation system modeling, including flood propagation and cascading failures in interdependent systems. The expertise gained during his PhD research is coupled with hands-on experience in major engineering projects, ensuring his work bridges theoretical knowledge with practical solutions in civil engineering.

💼 Professional Experience 

Imran Kays has substantial professional experience, including roles as a Graduate Research Assistant and PhD student at the University of Oklahoma’s School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science, the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Florida International University, and Georgia Southern University. His research primarily focuses on transportation engineering, with key studies on the interdependencies between transportation and stormwater networks. As a graduate research assistant, Imran has contributed to numerous high-impact projects, applying his expertise in flood modeling, traffic management, and crisis response frameworks. In addition to his academic work, Imran serves as a Major in the Corps of Engineers, Bangladesh Army, where he applies his engineering knowledge to real-world infrastructure and crisis management challenges. His professional experience spans a broad spectrum, from hands-on traffic analysis to sophisticated modeling and resilience planning, which has shaped his approach to solving complex engineering problems.

🏅 Awards and Recognition

Imran Kays has received multiple awards and recognitions throughout his academic career. He was honored with the Best Poster Award at the 2024 Oklahoma Transportation Symposium and has been awarded the 2024 Donald E Hall Scholarship and the 2024 Cleo Cross Scholarship. His academic excellence is further acknowledged by the 2024 Walt Kolb Civil Engineering Graduate Fellowship and the 2024 Bullard Dissertation Completion Fellowship. These accolades underscore his outstanding contributions to transportation research. Imran’s dedication to his field has also earned him the 2024 Robberson Travel Grant and the 2023 Gallogly College of Engineering Scholarship, among others. In addition to academic scholarships, Imran has been recognized for his work on the intersection of transportation and stormwater systems, with multiple publications and presentations at prestigious conferences. His achievements reflect his leadership in the field and his commitment to advancing transportation engineering.

🌍 Research Skills On Engineering

Imran Kays is a skilled researcher with a focus on transportation system modeling, resilience frameworks, and socio-technical systems in infrastructure. His expertise lies in analyzing and modeling the interdependencies between transportation and stormwater networks, exploring cascading failures during natural disasters. Imran has developed advanced resilience frameworks for transportation systems, incorporating data-driven approaches to assess infrastructure vulnerability and develop adaptive strategies. His work on integrating socio-geographic monitoring with transportation policies has received significant attention for its potential to shape future urban transportation planning. Additionally, Imran’s research includes flood modeling, crisis response communities, and risk perception analysis in online social networks. He employs a combination of AI, machine learning, and GIS to predict long-term traffic patterns and assess infrastructure resilience under varying conditions. Imran’s research contributes to the practical application of civil engineering in managing disasters and enhancing the resilience of transportation networks.

 📖 Publication Top Notes

  • H-CTM for simulating non-lane-based heterogeneous traffic
    Authors: HMI Kays, TH Shimu, M Hadiuzzaman, SM Muniruzzaman, …
    Citation: Transportation Letters, 11 (7), 382-390
    Year: 2019
  • Identifying crisis response communities in online social networks for compound disasters: the case of hurricane Laura and COVID-19
    Authors: KA Momin, HMI Kays, AM Sadri
    Citation: Transportation Research Record, 03611981231168120
    Year: 2023
  • Centrality-based lane interventions in road networks for improved level of service: the case of downtown Boise, Idaho
    Authors: MA Ahmed, HMI Kays, AM Sadri
    Citation: Applied Network Science, 8 (1), 2
    Year: 2023
  • Exploring the interdependencies between transportation and stormwater networks: The case of Norman, Oklahoma
    Authors: HMI Kays, AM Sadri, KKM Muraleetharan, PS Harvey, GA Miller
    Citation: Transportation Research Record, 2678 (5), 491-513
    Year: 2024
  • Towards Unifying Resilience and Sustainability for Transportation Infrastructure Systems: Conceptual Framework, Critical Indicators, and Research Needs
    Authors: HM Kays, AM Sadri
    Citation: arXiv preprint arXiv:2208.10039
    Year: 2022
  • Translating Social Media Crisis Narratives into Road Network Utilization Metrics: The Case of 2020 Oklahoma Ice Storm
    Authors: HM Kays, KA Momin, MB Thwala, KK Muraleetharan, AM Sadri
    Citation: arXiv preprint arXiv:2212.08616
    Year: 2022
  • Modeling Flood Propagation and Cascading Failures in Interdependent Transportation and Stormwater Networks
    Authors: HMI Kays, AM Sadri, PS Harvey, GA Miller
    Citation: International Journal of Critical Infrastructure Protection, 100741
    Year: 2025
  • Translating Risk Narratives in Socio-Technical Systems into Infrastructure Utilization Metrics During Compounding Hazard Events
    Authors: HMI Kays, KA Momin, KK Muraleetharan, AM Sadri
    Citation: Arif, Translating Risk Narratives in Socio-Technical Systems into …
    Year: 2024
  • A Data-driven Resilience Framework of Directionality Configuration based on Topological Credentials in Road Networks
    Authors: HM Kays, KA Momin, KK Muraleetharan, AM Sadri
    Citation: arXiv preprint arXiv:2401.07371
    Year: 2024
  • A Structural Equation Modeling Approach to Understand User’s Perceptions of Acceptance of Ride-Sharing Services in Dhaka City
    Authors: MMI Sourav, MR Islam, HM Kays, M Hadiuzzaman
    Citation: arXiv preprint arXiv:2210.04086
    Year: 2022