Leyla Akbulut | Energy | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Leyla Akbulut | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Leyla Akbulut | Energy | Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University | Turkey

Leyla Akbulut is an accomplished academic and energy researcher specializing in electrical and electronics engineering, with a strong focus on renewable energy systems, energy efficiency, and power distribution optimization. She currently serves as a Lecturer at Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, where she contributes extensively to teaching, research, and project leadership in the Department of Electrical and Energy. With both academic and industry experience, Akbulut has played pivotal roles in national and institutional projects, including the establishment of solar power plants and optimization of energy distribution networks. Her academic journey is marked by a strong foundation at Gazi University and advanced research at Isparta University of Applied Sciences, where she pursued her doctoral studies. She has authored influential publications in international journals, addressing energy cost optimization, metaheuristic algorithms, and renewable energy investment analysis. Recognized through national and European awards, Leyla Akbulut continues to bridge academia and practice in shaping sustainable energy solutions.

Author Profile

Orcid | Google Scholar

Education

Leyla Akbulut began her academic journey at Gazi University, completing her Bachelor’s degree in Electrical-Electronics Engineering in 2012. She further pursued a Master’s degree in the same field at Gazi University’s Institute of Science, successfully defending her thesis on electrical distribution network optimization in 2019 under the supervision of Dr. Süleyman Sungur Tezcan. Building on this strong research foundation, she advanced to doctoral studies at Isparta University of Applied Sciences, where she specialized in Electrical-Electronics Engineering (Ph.D.). Her doctoral research further refined her expertise in the optimization of distribution networks, energy efficiency, and renewable energy integration. Throughout her academic development, she combined technical skills with practical project applications, supported by specialized certifications in energy management, quality systems, and occupational safety. This educational progression not only solidified her as an expert in electrical systems and energy distribution but also positioned her as a forward-thinking researcher contributing to the future of energy sustainability.

Experience

Leyla Akbulut has a multifaceted career that blends academia, applied research, and industry expertise. Since 2017, she has served as a Lecturer at Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, teaching and mentoring in the Electrical and Energy Department, while actively contributing to renewable energy projects and campus sustainability initiatives. She has held administrative responsibility as the Head of the Energy Management Unit at the Rectorate, overseeing energy policies and performance strategies. Her professional background includes significant roles in the private sector with MERAM Elektrik Dağıtım A.Ş., where she worked as an R&D Engineer, GIS Engineer, and Elder R&D Group Representative, contributing to distribution system design, optimization, and regulatory compliance. She also gained hands-on engineering expertise in photovoltaic projects and urban transformation projects as a freelance and site engineer. With combined academic and field experience, she has developed a strong reputation for bridging energy research, project implementation, and policy-driven energy efficiency.

Awards and Honors

Leyla Akbulut’s career has been marked by recognition at both national and international levels for her contributions to energy efficiency and sustainable practices. In 2025, she received the Verimlilik Artırıcı Proje Ödülü (Efficiency Enhancing Project Award) from the Turkish Ministry of Science, Industry, and Technology, acknowledging her impactful work in energy-saving initiatives. The same year, her leadership and innovation in energy-focused projects were recognized by the European Commission in Denmark, where she was honored with the European Enterprise Promotion Award 2025. These awards highlight her dedication to creating practical, efficient, and forward-looking energy solutions that bridge academic research and industrial application. Beyond formal awards, Akbulut’s projects in solar energy integration, energy performance contracting, and distribution network optimization stand as evidence of her commitment to advancing renewable energy deployment. Her achievements reflect her ability to lead collaborative projects with measurable outcomes in sustainability and energy transformation.

Research Focus

Leyla Akbulut’s research is centered on renewable energy systems, distribution network optimization, and energy efficiency. Her work integrates advanced algorithms, particularly metaheuristic approaches, to improve demand-side management, cost estimation, and system reliability in energy networks. She has extensively studied the application of solar energy systems, including photovoltaic installations for campus-scale and public-sector projects, focusing on both technical and financial performance. Another area of her expertise is energy performance contracting, where she explores how sustainable financing models can drive the adoption of renewable energy in institutional infrastructures. Her research also addresses economic efficiency in renewable investments, applying regression analysis to evaluate large-scale photovoltaic projects. By combining engineering design, mathematical modeling, and applied fieldwork, Akbulut contributes to both academic literature and practical energy solutions. Her forward-looking research continues to support the transition toward greener energy systems, offering innovative strategies for cost-effective, efficient, and sustainable power generation.

Publications

  1. Solar-Powered Biomass Revalorization for Pet Food and Compost: A Campus-Scale Eco-Circular System – Processes, 2025

  2. Economic Efficiency of Renewable Energy Investments in Photovoltaic Projects: A Regression Analysis – Energies, 2025

  3. Review of Metaheuristic Algorithms for Energy Efficiency, Demand Side Management and Cost Estimation – Rocznik Ochrona Środowiska, 2025

  4. Analysis of Electrical Distribution Network Voltage Configuration with Mixed Integer Linear Programming and Genetic Algorithm – Electrica, 2020

  5. Dağıtım Şebekesi Gerilim Konfigürasyonunun Enerji Maliyeti Yönünden Araştırılması – Mühendislik Bilimleri ve Tasarım Dergisi, 2019

  6. Kamu Binalarında Güneş Enerji Santrali Kurulumunda Finansman Modelleri ve Enerji Verimliliği Uygulaması – VII. Elektrik Tesisleri Ulusal Kongresi, 2023

Conclusion

Leyla Akbulut is a dynamic academic and energy professional whose career reflects a seamless integration of research, education, and applied engineering. Her academic foundation, diverse professional experiences, and impactful research make her a key contributor to the field of renewable energy and power distribution. Recognized with national and European awards, her leadership in energy performance projects and publications in high-impact journals underline her commitment to shaping sustainable energy systems. Through her work, she embodies the values of innovation, efficiency, and collaboration that align perfectly with the mission of advancing global energy solutions.

Assoc.Prof. Dr. Wantanee Kriengsinyos | Nutrition | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Academic Excellence

Assoc.Prof. Dr. Wantanee Kriengsinyos | Nutrition | Best Researcher Award

Assoc.Prof. Dr. Wantanee Kriengsinyos, Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, Thailand

Dr. Wantanee Kriengsinyos is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, Thailand. She holds a Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Toronto, where she also completed her dietetic internship. With over two decades of experience in nutrition, Dr. Kriengsinyos has made significant contributions to nutritional research, particularly in body composition, energy metabolism, and healthier eating strategies for chronic diseases. She leads multiple national projects aimed at improving the nutritional landscape in Thailand, such as nutrient profiling of Thai meals and developing trans-fat-free policies. Her global collaborations have resulted in impactful publications and a deeper understanding of nutrition’s role in health. Dr. Kriengsinyos is a respected member of several professional associations, including the American Dietetic Association and the Thai Dietetic Association.

Professional Profile

google scholar

Assessment of Dr. Wantanee Kriengsinyos, PhD, RD for the Research for Best Researcher Award

Strengths: Dr. Wantanee Kriengsinyos is highly qualified with an extensive academic background in Nutritional Sciences, as evidenced by her Ph.D. from the University of Toronto and her multiple degrees in nutrition and health-related fields. As an Associate Professor at Mahidol University and Program Director of the Nutrition and Dietetics M.Sc. program, she has demonstrated strong leadership and dedication to advancing the field of nutrition. Her memberships in various professional organizations, such as the Thai Dietetic Association and the Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Society of Asia, reflect her commitment to professional development and networking within her discipline.

🎓 Education 

Dr. Wantanee Kriengsinyos has a distinguished academic background in nutrition and healthcare. She earned her Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Toronto, Canada, in 2003, where she also completed a Certificate in the Dietetic Internship Program at St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, in 1997. Earlier, she obtained a Master of Science degree in Nutrition from the Faculty of Graduate Studies at Mahidol University, Thailand, in 1991. Her foundational studies in healthcare began with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Midwifery, awarded with first-class honors, from the Faculty of Medicine at Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, in 1985. This diverse educational journey provided her with a comprehensive understanding of both the scientific and clinical aspects of nutrition, which she applies in her current research and teaching roles.

💼 Experience

Dr. Wantanee Kriengsinyos has held significant academic and research positions throughout her career. She currently serves as an Associate Professor at the Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, where she is also the Program Director for the Master’s in Nutrition and Dietetics. Dr. Kriengsinyos has extensive experience leading research projects that focus on improving the nutritional health of individuals, particularly in relation to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). As a principal investigator, she has conducted research on protein bioavailability, nutrient profiling of Thai foods, and the development of simplified nutrition symbols to aid consumer decisions. Her research extends to international collaborations and publications. Beyond her research, Dr. Kriengsinyos plays an active role in mentoring graduate students and promoting evidence-based nutrition practices through her work in Thailand and abroad.

🏅Awards and Honors 

Dr. Wantanee Kriengsinyos has been recognized for her significant contributions to the field of nutrition. She is a member of several prestigious professional associations, including the American Dietetic Association, the Thai Dietetic Association, and the Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Society of Asia (PENSA). In addition to her membership in these organizations, she has received various research grants and accolades, particularly for her work in energy metabolism, protein quality, and nutrient profiling. Her ongoing contributions to Thailand’s national food policy, including the development of trans fat-free strategies and simplified nutrition labels, have been highly regarded by both academic and public health sectors. Dr. Kriengsinyos is a sought-after speaker and collaborator on international nutrition projects, further highlighting her expertise and leadership in the global nutrition community.

🌍 Research Focus 

Dr. Wantanee Kriengsinyos’ research primarily revolves around body composition, energy metabolism, and protein quality. She is particularly interested in how dietary interventions can combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with a focus on developing healthier eating habits through behavior modification and nutrient profiling. Her work in bioavailability, specifically related to mungbean meal and protein sources, addresses global concerns around sustainable food choices. She is also deeply involved in studying the metabolic impacts of traditional Thai foods on cardiovascular and metabolic health, such as coconut milk and palm sugar. Dr. Kriengsinyos’ research has contributed to Thailand’s food policies, especially with respect to creating trans-fat-free initiatives and nutrition labeling that helps consumers make healthier choices. Her work continues to push the boundaries of nutrition science with innovative approaches to tackling modern health issues.

📖 Publications Top Notes

Oral and intravenous tracer protocols of the indicator amino acid oxidation method provide the same estimate of the lysine requirement in healthy men
  • Cited by: 123
Phase of menstrual cycle affects lysine requirement in healthy women
  • Cited by: 91
Long-term effects of histidine depletion on whole-body protein metabolism in healthy adults
  • Cited by: 65
Glycemic and lipid responses to glucomannan in Thais with type 2 diabetes mellitus
  • Cited by: 48
Variation in human water turnover associated with environmental and lifestyle factors
  • Cited by: 45