Adeeba Raheem | Engineering | Excellence in Academia Award

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Dr. Adeeba Raheem | Engineering | Excellence in Academia Award

Dr. Adeeba Raheem, The University of Texas at El Paso, United States

Dr. Adeeba A. Raheem is a tenured Associate Professor in Civil Engineering at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), where she also serves as Director of the Construction Safety Program. With a multidisciplinary academic background and rich industry experience, she has been a transformative force in construction engineering education and safety. Her innovative leadership includes developing nationally ranked degree programs, authoring impactful curricula, and securing millions in funding to enhance academic offerings. Passionate about diversity, global collaboration, and peace engineering, Dr. Raheem has spearheaded study abroad initiatives and mentored countless students in STEM. She is an award-winning educator, recognized by organizations such as ASEE, DBIA, and the Texas Women’s Foundation. Her commitment to sustainability, construction safety, and inclusive engineering practices makes her a visionary scholar-educator shaping the future of civil and construction engineering education.

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Suitability Summary for the Research for Excellence in Academia Award

The candidate presents an exemplary academic and professional profile that strongly aligns with the criteria of the Research for Excellence in Academia Award. With a solid foundation in construction management and engineering, as demonstrated by multiple advanced degrees (Ph.D., two M.Sc. degrees) from prestigious institutions including the University of Florida and Harvard School of Public Health, this individual has clearly committed to rigorous scholarly advancement.

The candidate’s academic employment trajectory shows steady progression from graduate assistant roles to a tenured Associate Professorship at the University of Texas, El Paso (UTEP). This progression is further distinguished by leadership roles such as Chair of the ABET Committee for Construction Engineering and Management, Program Advisor, and Director of the Construction Safety Program. These positions reflect not only deep expertise but also recognition by peers and institutional trust in the candidate’s leadership and academic governance capabilities.

🎓 Education 

Dr. Raheem holds a Ph.D. in Construction Management from the University of Florida, where she also earned three master’s degrees: in Construction Engineering & Management, Environmental Engineering, and Building Construction. Her educational foundation also includes a B.Sc. in Architectural Engineering & Design with honors from the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan. She earned a specialized certificate in “Safety in Design and Construction: A Lifecycle Approach” from Harvard School of Public Health. This strong academic portfolio reflects her interdisciplinary mastery and commitment to safety, sustainability, and innovation in the built environment. Her education uniquely equips her to bridge theoretical research with practical, industry-ready solutions, making her a powerful contributor to construction education and safety leadership worldwide.

💼 Professional Experience 

Dr. Raheem has cultivated an illustrious academic career at UTEP since 2014, moving from Clinical Assistant Professor to tenured Associate Professor. She has served as the Program Advisor for Construction Management and currently leads multiple committees including ABET and SACSCOC accreditations. Before academia, she spent several years as a Junior Architectural Engineer in Pakistan, working on infrastructure projects that informed her research interests in safety and sustainable construction. At UTEP, she has advised hundreds of students annually, developed 5 new courses, and revised 4 existing ones. She was instrumental in launching the Online Master of Science in Construction Management, a nationally recognized program. Through her leadership, UTEP’s civil engineering education has seen increased diversity, academic rigor, and industry relevance. Her career is a model of academic innovation, mentorship, and real-world application.

🏅 Awards and Recognition

Dr. Raheem has received widespread recognition for her excellence in teaching, leadership, and impact in STEM. Recent honors include the 2025 Educator’s Award from Women in Engineering ProActive Network, the 2024 Women’s Hall of Fame Inductee by El Paso Commission for Women, and the 2024 Maura Women Helping Women Leadership Award by Texas Women’s Foundation. Her educational excellence earned her the UT Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award (2022) and the GMiS HENAAC Education Award (2022). She has also been nominated as a Texas Piper Professor (2023) and was named an Outstanding Educator by ASC (2023) and ASEE (2021). Additionally, she has earned fellowships from DBIA and ASCE. These accolades highlight her influential role in transforming engineering education through advocacy, innovation, and mentorship—particularly for women and underrepresented groups in STEM.

🌍 Research Skills On Engineering

Dr. Raheem’s research bridges construction safety, sustainable design, and educational innovation. Her expertise lies in integrating construction informatics, safety culture development, and sustainability assessment into engineering curricula and industry practices. She has spearheaded interdisciplinary research projects that examine lifecycle safety design, resilient infrastructure, peace engineering, and equitable workforce training. As an active grant writer and project leader, she has attracted substantial funding to expand UTEP’s research infrastructure. Her scholarly contributions often focus on real-world applications, such as developing construction safety protocols, integrating environmental concerns into design processes, and creating data-driven educational models. Her work is globally relevant, especially in emerging economies and post-conflict zones, aligning engineering practices with social responsibility. She is also deeply invested in mentoring students in research methodology, fostering the next generation of thoughtful, ethical engineers equipped to lead globally.

📖 Publication Top Notes

  • Title: From occupancy to occupant behavior: An analytical survey of data acquisition technologies, modeling methodologies and simulation coupling mechanisms for building energy efficiency
    Authors: M. Jia, R.S. Srinivasan, A.A. Raheem
    Citation Count: 327
    Year: 2017

  • Title: From simulation to monitoring: Evaluating the potential of mixed-mode ventilation (MMV) systems for integrating natural ventilation in office buildings through a comprehensive …
    Authors: J.C. Salcido, A.A. Raheem, R.R.A. Issa
    Citation Count: 115
    Year: 2016

  • Title: Analysing the underlying factors affecting safety performance in building construction
    Authors: J.B.H. Yap, W.K. Lee
    Citation Count: 105
    Year: 2020

  • Title: Disparity between construction safety standards: A global analysis
    Authors: A.A. Raheem, J.W. Hinze
    Citation Count: 79
    Year: 2014

  • Title: Safety implementation framework for Pakistani construction industry
    Authors: A.A. Raheem, R.R.A. Issa
    Citation Count: 76
    Year: 2016

  • Title: Efficient Procedure of Building University Campus Models for Digital Twin Simulation
    Authors: R.K.R.L.C. T. Azfar, J. Weidner, A. Raheem
    Citation Count: 41
    Year: 2022

  • Title: Comparison of embodied energy and environmental impact of alternative materials used in reticulated dome construction
    Authors: J.C. Salcido, A.A. Raheem, S. Ravi
    Citation Count: 40
    Year: 2016

  • Title: Reasons for the poor implementation of worker safety in the construction industry of Pakistan: A contractor’s prospective
    Authors: A.A. Raheem, J. Hinze
    Citation Count: 29
    Year: 2012

  • Title: Comparative analysis of construction safety in Asian developing countries
    Authors: A.A. Raheem, J.W. Hinze, S. Azhar, R.M. Choudhry, Z. Riaz
    Citation Count: 23
    Year: 2011

  • Title: Environmental Performance Analysis of a Single-Family House using BIM
    Author: A.A. Raheem
    Citation Count: 20
    Year: 2010

David OMOLE | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. David OMOLE | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. David OMOLE, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

Dr. David Olugbenga Omole is a seasoned academic and professional in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, currently serving as Associate Professor at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. With over two decades of experience in engineering education, research, and administration, he has built a strong legacy of innovation and excellence. His previous appointments at Covenant University, Nigeria, included roles such as Dean of the College of Engineering and Director of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office. Dr. Omole’s commitment to sustainable water solutions and environmental stewardship has earned him recognition as a trailblazer in the field. From spearheading outcome-based education frameworks to guiding global university rankings submissions, his contributions are transformative. Known for his multidisciplinary leadership, he also holds an MPA, showcasing his holistic approach to engineering challenges. His research interests and publications demonstrate a profound impact on water quality, sanitation, environmental risk assessment, and infrastructure systems.

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🌟 Assessment for the Research for Best Researcher Award: David Olugbenga Omole

Summary of Suitability:

Dr. David Olugbenga Omole exemplifies the criteria for the Research for Best Researcher Award through his exceptional blend of academic achievement, administrative leadership, and innovative research in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering. With a Ph.D. from Covenant University and a solid engineering and public administration background, Dr. Omole’s interdisciplinary expertise positions him at the forefront of sustainable civil infrastructure development and water resource management in Africa.

Over a two-decade-long career, he has moved steadily through academic ranks—from graduate assistant to full professor—and now serves as Associate Professor of Water Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. This trajectory reflects both academic rigor and a deep commitment to research, teaching, and mentoring.

🎓 Education

Dr. Omole’s academic foundation is grounded in an interdisciplinary blend of civil engineering and public administration. He earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering with a focus on Water Resources & Environmental Engineering from Covenant University, Nigeria, in 2011. Prior to this, he completed his M.Eng. in the same field at Covenant University in 2006, solidifying his expertise in water systems and sustainability. Demonstrating a broader administrative interest, he pursued a Master of Public Administration (MPA) at the University of Ado-Ekiti in 2008, equipping him with strategic leadership and governance skills. His undergraduate education was at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, where he obtained a Second Class Upper Division degree in Civil Engineering in 2000. This blend of technical proficiency and policy awareness has empowered Dr. Omole to navigate academic leadership roles effectively while contributing robustly to applied research in water engineering and environmental development.

💼 Professional Experience 

Dr. David Omole brings a wealth of experience from both academic and industrial spheres. He currently serves as Associate Professor of Water Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. Previously, he was a Professor at Covenant University, where he also held administrative leadership roles such as Dean, Sub-Dean, and Director in the Vice-Chancellor’s Office. His professional journey spans positions from Graduate Assistant to Professor, marking a steady rise through teaching, mentoring, research, and innovation. Notably, he contributed significantly during his postdoctoral tenure at Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria. Earlier in his career, he worked as a Resident Engineer at Yebason Nigeria Ltd, gaining hands-on engineering experience. In these diverse roles, Dr. Omole has led curriculum reforms, implemented outcome-based education, initiated industry collaborations, and contributed to university ranking strategies, establishing him as a multidimensional leader in civil and environmental engineering education and research.

🏅 Awards and Recognition 

Dr. Omole has received several accolades and held prestigious leadership roles in academia. As Dean of the College of Engineering at Covenant University, he initiated Nigeria’s first Industry Board for engineering faculties, setting a benchmark nationwide. He also pioneered outcome-based education strategies at Covenant University, helping align the institution with the Washington Accord. His tenure as Director in the Vice-Chancellor’s Office was marked by groundbreaking contributions, including designing the university’s promotion system based on SCOPUS metrics and coordinating the university’s entry into global rankings via Times Higher Education, which placed Covenant University at the top in Nigeria. A member of the Global Engineering Deans Council and CODET, his work bridges academic theory and industrial practice. His strategic leadership and dedication to research excellence have earned him accolades and widespread recognition for advancing engineering education, sustainability, and institutional excellence.

🌍 Research Skill On Engineering

Dr. Omole is a multidisciplinary researcher with a keen focus on Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Risk Assessment, Urban Water Management, and Sustainability in Infrastructure. His research skillset blends field expertise with data analytics, environmental modeling, water quality monitoring, and stakeholder engagement. He has investigated pressing issues such as access to clean water in Sub-Saharan Africa, ceramic waste reuse in concrete, and the impacts of land use on water systems. An advocate of applied research, Dr. Omole’s work often intersects policy, engineering innovation, and societal needs. His approach integrates empirical data collection with advanced simulations and decision-support frameworks. He has also published extensively on waste management, groundwater contamination, and water purification technologies. With a deep understanding of sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), his work contributes directly to both academic advancement and practical implementation of water resource solutions.

 📖  Publication Top Notes

  • Characterization of ceramic waste aggregate concrete 🧱
    Authors: P.O. Awoyera, J.M. Ndambuki, J.O. Akinmusuru, D.O. Omole
    Citation: 216 | Year: 2018

  • Accessing safe drinking water in sub-Saharan Africa: Issues and challenges in South–West Nigeria 💧🌍
    Authors: C.P. Emenike, I.T. Tenebe, D.O. Omole, B.U. Ngene, B.I. Oniemayin, O. Maxwell, …
    Citation: 169 | Year: 2017

  • An Assessment of the Impact of Abattoir Effluents on River Illo, Ota, Nigeria 🐄🌊
    Authors: D.O. Omole, E.O. Longe
    Citation: 119 | Year: 2008

  • An integrated assessment of land-use change impact, seasonal variation of pollution indices and human health risk… 🧪📊
    Authors: P.G.C. Emenike, I.T. Tenebe, J.B. Neris, D.O. Omole, O. Afolayan, C.U. Okeke, …
    Citation: 113 | Year: 2020

  • Geopolymer concrete incorporating agro-industrial wastes… 🏗️🌾
    Authors: S. Oyebisi, A. Ede, F. Olutoge, D. Omole
    Citation: 108 | Year: 2020

  • Assessment of the impact of abattoir effluent on groundwater in Omu-Aran, Nigeria 💧🐖
    Authors: O.O. Elemile, D.O. Raphael, D.O. Omole, E.O. Oloruntoba, E.O. Ajayi, …
    Citation: 106 | Year: 2019

  • Assessing the public perceptions of treated wastewater reuse… ♻️👥
    Authors: V.E. Akpan, D.O. Omole, D.E. Bassey
    Citation: 105 | Year: 2020

  • Potentiality of agricultural adsorbent for metal ion removal from wastewater 🌽🧲
    Authors: P.C. Emenike, D.O. Omole, B.U. Ngene, I.T. Tenebe
    Citation: 96 | Year: 2016

  • Health risk and environmental assessment of cement production in Nigeria 🏭⚠️
    Authors: M.A. Etim, K. Babaremu, J. Lazarus, D. Omole
    Citation: 91 | Year: 2021

  • Wind Energy Study and Energy Cost in Nigeria: A Case for South West Nigeria 🌬️⚡
    Authors: O.O. Ajayi, R.O. Fagbenle, J. Katende, J.M. Ndambuki, D.O. Omole, A.A. Badejo
    Citation: 82 | Year: 2014