Prof. Henry Hu | Mechanical Properties of Materials | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Henry Hu | University of Windsor | Canada

Prof. Henry (Hongfa) Hu is a tenured full Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Automotive, and Materials Engineering at the University of Windsor, Canada, where he has made pioneering contributions to light alloy processing, composite materials, and solidification modeling. With an academic foundation built on a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto, an M.A.Sc. from the University of Windsor, and a B.A.Sc. from Shanghai University of Technology, Prof. Hu’s career spans both academia and industry, including senior engineering roles at Ryobi Die Casting (USA), Chief Metallurgist at Meridian Technologies, and Research Scientist at the Institute of Magnesium Technology. His scholarly excellence is demonstrated by 201 peer-reviewed documents, 2,395 citations from 1,985 articles, and an h-index of 26, reflecting the global recognition of his impactful work. Prof. Hu’s research focuses on materials processing, transport phenomena, phase transformation, and dissolution kinetics in light alloys and composites, with applications extending to the automotive and aerospace sectors. He has developed advanced numerical modeling techniques for metal casting and innovative alloy designs to improve performance and cost-efficiency. His applied research has influenced industrial practices in magnesium-based automotive components and sustainable manufacturing. A respected leader in his field, Prof. Hu has served as a Key Reader for Metallurgical and Materials Transactions, a grant reviewer for the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the National Science Foundation (USA), and as a committee member for CIM-METSOC, AFS, and USCAR. Through his extensive academic service, mentorship, and internationally recognized publications, Prof. Hu continues to bridge the gap between fundamental metallurgy and industrial innovation, positioning him as a leading figure in advanced materials engineering and applied metallurgical research.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Comparative analyses of microstructure and assessment of wrought Mg AZ31 in casting forms. Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance.

Influence of Galfan coating on tensile properties, microstructure, and dislocation densities of CRS 1018 steel.

Arc erosion mechanism and surface characteristics of TiN particles reinforced Ag-based electrical contact materials. Wear.

Microstructure, tensile and fracture behaviors of squeeze cast wrought Mg alloy AZ80. [Conference Paper].

Preparation and arc erosion behavior of novel Ag-TiN electrical contact materials. Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B: Process Metallurgy and Materials Processing Science.

Dr. Abhishek Sharma | Mechanical Properties of Materials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Abhishek Sharma | Chandigarh University | India

Dr. Abhishek Sharma, Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering from NIT Hamirpur, is currently serving as an Associate Professor at Chandigarh University, Punjab. With over 14 years of teaching and research experience across multiple engineering institutions, he has made significant contributions to foundation engineering, soil stabilization using waste materials, and analytical modeling of geotechnical problems. Dr. Sharma has authored 55 documents, which have garnered 442 citations, reflecting his h-index of 10. His research portfolio includes guiding 4 Ph.D. scholars, 2 M.E. scholars, and successfully mentoring 28 M.E. students, with a focus on sustainable construction practices and innovative foundation techniques. He has published more than 60 papers in reputed journals and conferences and has been recognized with multiple Best Paper Awards at international conferences in India. Apart from research, he has held administrative roles such as Academic Coordinator for several Civil Engineering batches and has acted as Head of Department on multiple occasions. He is skilled in advanced geotechnical and computational tools including PLAXIS 3D, GEO5, ABAQUS, MATLAB (ANN), ARC GIS, and IITPAVE THND, applying these to practical and research-driven projects such as uplift capacity of granular pile anchors, soil reinforcement using industrial and agricultural wastes, and landslide hazard assessment. His contributions extend to book publications and editorial works on machine learning applications, spatial optimization, and circular economy innovations in construction. Known for his leadership, organizational capabilities, and strong communication skills, Dr. Sharma combines academic rigor with a practical approach to engineering challenges, making him a distinguished professional in geotechnical research and sustainable infrastructure development.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Sharma, A., Singh, K., Alsabhan, A. H., & Qadri, J. (2025, September). Designing flexible pavement for low volume roads incorporating waste materials and polypropylene fiber: An approach towards waste reduction and reuse.

Tiwary, A., Singh, S., Raj, J. R. B., & Balmiki, V. (2025, October). Optimizing lateral performance of a 60-story diagrid steel structure: Influence of diagonal configuration and bracing strategies.

Ankit, A., Tiwary, A., Sharma, A., & Senagah, A. (2025, September). Compressive strength evaluation and predictive modeling of mortar incorporating zirconia and rice husk ash using ensemble machine learning.

Sharma, A., Kumari, A., Alsabhan, A. H., & Mehta, A. (2025, July). Optimization of steel anchor pile configurations for enhanced pullout resistance in expansive soil foundations.

Jallayu, P. T., Singh, K., Onyelowe, K. C., & Tiwary, A. (2025, July). Rainfall-induced landslides in Himachal Pradesh: A review of current knowledge and research trends.

Mr. Edwin Eyram Klu | Mechanical Properties of Materials | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Edwin Eyram Klu | Virginia Tech  | United States

Mr. Edwin Eyram Klu is an emerging materials scientist whose research focuses on the mechanical behavior, corrosion resistance, and tribological properties of light-metal alloys and spinel-based composites. He currently advances work in deformation processing and thin-film engineering, combining experimental metallurgy with nanostructural characterization techniques such as TEM, SEM, and nanoindentation. His research explores severe plastic deformation, ultrafine-grain design, and the optimization of magnesium–lithium and aluminum alloys for enhanced structural and corrosion performance. Mr. Klu has published 14 peer-reviewed documents, which have received 365 citations from 343 sources, reflecting an h-index of 11 and strong early-career impact in applied materials science. He has contributed to leading international journals, including Journal of Materials Research and Technology, Materials Science and Engineering A, Corrosion and Materials Degradation, Metals, Coatings, Construction and Building Materials, and Journal of Alloys and Compounds. His work has elucidated fundamental mechanisms of tribocorrosion, microstructural evolution, and passivation behavior in alloys subjected to electrochemical and mechanical stresses. Recognized for academic excellence, Mr. Klu has presented his findings at international scientific forums and received honors for outstanding research communication. Beyond laboratory investigations, he actively supports undergraduate and graduate education through teaching and mentorship in materials engineering. His multidisciplinary expertise integrates metallurgical processing, nanomechanics, and electrochemical engineering to develop lightweight, durable, and environmentally resilient materials. With a growing record of influential publications and global collaborations, Mr. Klu represents the next generation of innovative researchers shaping the future of advanced materials design and performance optimization.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Zhang, Z., Dandu, R. S. B., Klu, E. E., & Cai, W. (2023). A review on tribocorrosion behavior of aluminum alloys: From fundamental mechanisms to alloy design strategies. Corrosion and Materials Degradation, 4(4), 31.

Klu, E. E., Jiang, J., Wang, G., Gao, B., Ma, A., & Song, D. (2023). Achieving ultrahigh specific strength of an ultrafine grained Mg–9Li–1Al alloy via the combined processing of ECAP with repeated annealing and rolling. Journal of Materials Research and Technology, 25, 6230–6242.

Liu, W., Wang, Q., Zou, G., Klu, E. E., Ai, Z., Yang, F., Liang, N., Gu, L., Gao, B., Lian, B., et al. (2023). Revealing the enhanced passivation and anti-corrosion performance of surface-nanocrystallization-modified Cr-alloyed rebar via electrochemical testing and XPS depth analysis. Coatings, 13(1), 192.

Klu, E. E., Song, D., Li, C., Wang, G., Gao, B., Ma, A., & Jiang, J. (2022). Achieving ultra-fine grains and high strength of Mg–9Li alloy via room-temperature ECAP and post rolling. Materials Science and Engineering: A, 833, 142371.

Wang, G., Jiang, J., Qiao, Y., Gu, L., Klu, E. E., Gong, X., Ma, A., & Song, D. (2022). Enhanced super-hydrophobicity and corrosion resistance of the one-step hydrothermal synthesized coating on the Mg–9Li alloy: Role of the solid-solution treated substrate. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 929, 166044.

Prof. Lev Rapoport | Mechanical Properties of Materials | Best Researcher Award

Holon Institute of Technology | Israel

Prof. Lev Rapoport is an internationally recognized expert in tribology and materials science, with a distinguished career dedicated to advancing the understanding of friction, wear, lubrication, and surface engineering. As a senior professor and leading researcher, he has significantly contributed to the development of novel materials and lubricants that improve efficiency, durability, and sustainability in mechanical systems. Prof. Rapoport’s research has focused on solid-state lubrication, nano-additives in oils and greases, and advanced coating technologies designed to enhance tribological performance under extreme conditions. He has published extensively in leading international journals, demonstrating both the depth and breadth of his scientific impact. His work has been widely cited, with an h-index of 41 and over 6,000 citations, showcasing his influence in the global tribology and materials science community. Over the years, he has collaborated with prominent research groups, industry partners, and academic institutions to develop tribological solutions for aerospace, automotive, and energy applications. Prof. Rapoport has supervised numerous Ph.D. students, contributing to the growth of future scientists and engineers. His career achievements include organizing international symposia, serving on editorial boards, and contributing as a reviewer for top-tier journals in tribology and surface engineering. In addition to research, he has been involved in knowledge dissemination through invited talks, keynote lectures, and participation in professional societies such as STLE (Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers). His academic contributions are complemented by practical innovation, as many of his research outcomes have been implemented in real-world applications, leading to enhanced reliability and performance of mechanical systems. Prof. Rapoport’s work bridges fundamental science and applied engineering, ensuring that theoretical advances translate into practical solutions. His dedication to excellence, mentorship, and innovation positions him as one of the most influential figures in modern tribology. His profile stands as a testament to a lifetime of contributions that continue to shape the field and inspire future developments in sustainable and high-performance materials and lubrication technology.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Deposition of metal coatings containing fullerene-like MoS2 nanoparticles with reduced friction and wear

Friction, wear and deformed structure of Ag and Ni under early stages of scratching

The effect of the structural parameters on the friction and wear properties of some FCC metals

The Effect of Plastic Deformation on the Flattening of Friction Surfaces

Tungsten disulfide inorganic nanotubes functionalized by ptfe for friction application