Dr. Tao Song | Soft Materials | Excellence in Research Award

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Dr. Tao Song | Soft Materials | Excellence in Research Award

Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development | China

Dr. Tao Song is a highly accomplished researcher whose work in soft materials focuses on the design, synthesis, and application of advanced polymer gel systems for energy, environmental, and subsurface engineering applications, making him a strong recipient of the Excellence in Research Award. He is affiliated with the Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development at PetroChina, where he conducts cutting-edge research on functional polymer gels and soft matter systems engineered to control fluid flow, enhance reservoir performance, and support sustainable energy technologies such as carbon capture, utilization and storage, and geothermal systems. Dr. Song’s research expertise lies in high-temperature-resistant polymer gels, self-healable and re-crosslinkable soft materials, and environmentally friendly gel systems designed for complex porous environments. His work demonstrates a rare combination of molecular-level material design, rheological and mechanical characterization, and large-scale application relevance. He has contributed extensively to high-impact scientific journals and international conferences, reflecting both depth and consistency in soft materials research. In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Song holds multiple authorized patents related to advanced polymer gel technologies, underscoring his commitment to innovation and technology transfer. He has collaborated closely with leading international research groups and industrial partners, enabling the translation of laboratory discoveries into field-ready solutions. His interdisciplinary approach integrates polymer chemistry, materials science, and engineering practice, advancing the role of soft materials in energy sustainability and environmental protection. Through sustained research excellence, innovation, and industrial impact, Dr. Tao Song has established himself as a leading contributor to soft materials research and is a deserving recipient of the Excellence in Research Award.

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Mr. Norman Burua Adriko | Soft Materials | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Norman Burua Adriko | Soft Materials | Best Researcher Award

Southwest Jiaotong University | Uganda

Mr. Norman Burua Adriko is a seasoned civil and structural engineer from Uganda with more than a decade of professional experience in construction supervision, design, and project management. He holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Tianjin University, China, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Roads and Railway Engineering at Southwest Jiaotong University, where his research focuses on geotechnical analysis, numerical simulation, and sustainable infrastructure design. Over his career, he has served in various engineering and leadership roles, including Director and Resident Engineer at Usindi Consults Ltd, Highway Design Engineer at China Railway 18th Group, and Project Engineer at Getachew Bekele Consultant. His experience spans road and bridge design, construction quality assurance, materials testing, and contract management. Mr. Adriko has authored several academic works, including “An Investigation into the Pull-Out Resistance of Fill Material Reinforced with Steel Bars” and “Study on Combined Application of Theoretical, Numerical, and Experimental Methods of Analysis in the Design of High-Rise Structures.” His technical expertise includes proficiency in software such as AutoCAD, SAP2000, PLAXIS, FLAC3D, and ABAQUS for structural and geotechnical modeling. He is an active member of professional organizations such as ISSMGE GeoWorld and ITA-AITES, demonstrating his commitment to global engineering collaboration. Known for his focus on cost optimization, safety management, and sustainable construction, Mr. Adriko has contributed to major road rehabilitation and infrastructure projects in Uganda, South Sudan, and China. His multilingual proficiency in English, Swahili, and Chinese enhances his ability to collaborate in diverse international environments. Dedicated, analytical, and results-driven, Mr. Adriko represents a new generation of engineers integrating academic research with real-world civil infrastructure development, advancing innovative and efficient engineering solutions across global contexts.

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Featured Publications

Adriko, N. B., & Solomon, O. (2025, April 14). An investigation into the pull-out resistance of fill material reinforced with steel bars

Adriko, N. B. (2025, April 14). Study on combine application of theoretical, numerical and experimental methods of analysis in design of high rise structures

Results and analysis (Midas Tunnel Pile set up.rar) [Dataset]. figshare.

Dr. Enze Chen | Soft Materials | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Enze Chen | Soft Materials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Enze Chen is a postdoctoral researcher in the Franck Lab at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he explores high-strain-rate injury mechanisms in biological tissues. He earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Johns Hopkins University, where he specialized in architected and soft materials, combining digital design, additive manufacturing, and mechanical testing. His interdisciplinary research spans civil engineering, material science, and biomedical applications. His scholarly work has been published in high-impact journals such as Science Advances, IJSS, and Mechanics of Materials, establishing him as an emerging expert at the interface of materials mechanics and biology.

Dr. Enze Chen | University of Wisconsin-Madison | United States

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Education

Dr. Chen completed his Ph.D. and M.S. in Civil Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, following a B.S. from Nanjing Forestry University in China. His academic path has been marked by deep engagement in experimental mechanics, digital fabrication, and biomaterials research. During his doctoral studies, he worked under Prof. Stavros Gaitanaros and developed several new insights into the mechanics of brittle lattices, DNA nanostructures, and soft architected materials. He now applies this strong theoretical and experimental background to bioengineering challenges in his postdoctoral work.

Experience

Dr. Chen has extensive experience in the experimental and computational study of advanced materials. As a graduate researcher, he pioneered mechanical studies on brittle lattices and cellular foams using additive manufacturing and tomography. His work also included collaborative research on collagen scaffolds at Cornell University. At the University of Wisconsin–Madison, he now investigates trauma-induced injury mechanics in brain tissue, including responses to blast waves and directed energy. He is a key contributor to the interdisciplinary PANTHER program and actively collaborates across institutions, positioning himself at the forefront of materials-for-health research.

Contributions

Dr. Enze Chen’s research significantly advances the understanding of both architected and biological materials. He developed models to predict buckling behaviors in elastic tubular structures and correlated collagen scaffold microstructures with their mechanical deformation, aiding in biomedical scaffold design. He quantified the fracture toughness of brittle lattices and introduced a crystallography-inspired framework for designing 3D metamaterials with tunable mechanical, thermal, and permeability traits. In the biomedical domain, he identified mechanisms of secondary brain injury (like tauopathy and neuroinflammation) and created microsecond-micrometer platforms to measure tissue responses to blast and directed energy.

Award

Dr. Enze Chen received the prestigious Hickman Fellowship from Johns Hopkins University in recognition of his exceptional academic performance and research excellence during his graduate studies. This competitive fellowship is awarded to outstanding students who demonstrate strong potential for impactful contributions in their field. Dr. Chen’s selection reflects his pioneering work in the mechanics of architected and biological materials, including fracture analysis of brittle lattices and soft tissue deformation under high strain rates. The fellowship supported his continued exploration of interdisciplinary challenges in materials science, further affirming his capabilities as a high-achieving and dedicated researcher.

Research Focus 

Dr. Chen’s research bridges structural mechanics and biomedical engineering. His work focuses on architected materials, particularly brittle lattices, DNA nanostructures, and soft biological scaffolds. He has contributed new knowledge in fracture mechanics, energy absorption, and material instabilities. His postdoctoral research applies these concepts to brain injury modeling under high-strain-rate conditions, including blast exposure and directed energy effects. This work has important implications for defense, neuroscience, and medical innovation.

Publications

A Data-Driven Framework for Structure-Property Correlation in Ordered and Disordered Cellular Metamaterials
Authors: S. Luan, E. Chen, J. John, S. Gaitanaros
Journal: Science Advances, 2023, Vol. 9(41), eadi1453

On the Compressive Strength of Brittle Lattice Metamaterials
Authors: E. Chen, S. Luan, S. Gaitanaros
Journal: International Journal of Solids and Structures, 2022, Vol. 257, 111871

On the Strength of Brittle Foams with Uniform and Gradient Densities
Authors: E. Chen, S. Luan, S. Gaitanaros
Journal: Extreme Mechanics Letters, 2022, Vol. 51, 101598

Stretching DNA Origami: Effect of Nicks and Holliday Junctions on the Axial Stiffness
Authors: W.H. Jung, E. Chen, R. Veneziano, S. Gaitanaros, Y. Chen
Journal: Nucleic Acids Research, 2020, Vol. 48(21), 12407–12414

Stability of an Elastic Honeycomb Under Out-of-Plane Compression
Authors: Y. Tang, E. Chen, S. Gaitanaros
Journal: International Journal of Solids and Structures, 2025

Conclusion

Dr. Enze Chen is a highly qualified and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His interdisciplinary research, scientific rigor, and active collaborations reflect a mature and innovative approach to solving complex problems in material and biomedical sciences. With further expansion into innovation ecosystems and research leadership, Dr. Chen is on a clear path to becoming a leading figure in his field.

Assoc. Prof. Dr Zhongnan Wang | Soft Materials | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr Zhongnan Wang | Soft Materials | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhongnan Wang is a leading researcher in biotribology and nanomaterials, currently based at Beijing Jiaotong University 🇨🇳. He holds dual Ph.D. degrees from the University of Warwick and Harbin Institute of Technology 🎓. His interdisciplinary research focuses on hydrogel nanocomposites, MEMS, superlubricity, and biomedical coatings 🧫🩻. With 3 patents, 50+ SCI publications 📚, and editorial roles in top journals, Dr. Wang is driving innovation in medical devices, sensor tech, and wear-resistant systems 🤖💡. His work bridges advanced mechanics and biomedical applications, making him a pioneer in sustainable and intelligent material design 🌱🔍.

Assoc. Prof. Dr Zhongnan Wang, Beijing Jiaotong University, China

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🎓 Education 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhongnan Wang holds dual Ph.D. degrees in Engineering from the University of Warwick 🇬🇧 (2017) and in Mechatronic Engineering from Harbin Institute of Technology 🇨🇳 (2016), demonstrating a strong international academic foundation. He earned his Master’s degree in Engineering from Harbin Institute of Technology in 2009 and a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Northeast Agricultural University in 2006. His interdisciplinary education bridges mechanical systems, automation, and materials science 🧪⚙️🧠, equipping him with robust theoretical knowledge and practical skills to lead innovation in advanced tribology, sensors, and hydrogel materials.

🏫 Experience

Dr. Zhongnan Wang has been serving as an Associate Professor at the School of Mechanical, Electronic and Control Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University since March 2020 🏫⚙️. Prior to this, he was a Postdoctoral Researcher at the prestigious State Key Laboratory of Tribology in Advanced Equipment, Tsinghua University from August 2017 to November 2019 🔬🇨🇳. During his postdoctoral tenure, he focused on cutting-edge tribology, nanomaterials, and bio-inspired lubricating systems 🧪💧. His academic career bridges theory and real-world applications in biomechanics, MEMS, and hydrogel development, making him a strong leader in engineering research 🌟📈.

🏅 Honors 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhongnan Wang has been recognized for his academic excellence and editorial leadership. He currently serves as Associate Editor of the Open Access Journal of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (2025–present) and Guest Editor for Lubricants (2025–present). He is also an Editorial Board Member for International Journal of Materials Science and Applications (2024–2027) and Materials Science and Technology (2023–2026). Since 2021, he’s served as a Topic Editor for Materials. As an active reviewer for top journals including ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Langmuir, and Scientific Reports, Dr. Wang is widely respected in the global research community.

🧪 Patents

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhongnan Wang is revolutionizing soft material science through the development of smart composite hydrogels with advanced lubrication and mechanical properties. His patented inventions include a multi-functional hydrogel designed for biomedical and wearable applications (ZL202210451596.1) and a dopamine-modified nanocomposite hydrogel offering enhanced adhesion and resilience (ZL202310234681.7) ⚙️🦾. These hydrogels mimic biological tissue behavior and hold promise for artificial joints, flexible electronics, and bioinspired robotics. His work bridges materials engineering with biomedicine, paving the way for next-generation smart interfaces and soft actuators 🚀🧠🧤.

🔬 Research Focus 

Dr. Zhongnan Wang’s research spans the cutting edge of biotribology, focusing on the mechanical and lubricating properties of hydrogels for biomedical applications 🧬💧. His work in MEMS devices involves developing advanced sensors and actuators for precise mechanical control and detection ⚙️📡. He specializes in micro/nanotribology, investigating friction and wear at the molecular scale 🔍🧲, and employs advanced material characterization techniques to analyze surface interactions and smart coatings. His interdisciplinary studies integrate nanotechnology, soft materials, and biomechanics to create next-generation solutions for artificial joints, robotics, and smart materials 🤖🩻🌟.

📚 Publications

Sensor for a solid–liquid tribological system
Authors: Ruize Zhang, Zeyang Yu, Zhikai Fan, Shanshan Wang, Yihui Xiang, Yanfei Liu*, Zhongnan Wang*
Journal: Sensors, 2025, Vol. 25, Article 437

A bilayer composite hydrogel with simultaneous high load bearing and superior lubrication by dopamine modified nano-hydroxyapatite
Authors: Zhongnan Wang*, Hui Guo, Ji Zhang, Yi Qian, Fanjie Meng, Yueshan Mu
Journal: Surfaces and Interfaces, 2024, Vol. 51, 104680

Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials in Hydrogels and Their Potential Bio-Applications
Authors: Zhongnan Wang, Hui Guo, Ji Zhang, Yi Qian, Yanfei Liu*
Journal: Lubricants, 2024, Vol. 12, Article 149

Electric Potential Controlled Ionic Lubrication
Authors: Zhongnan Wang, Hui Guo, Sudesh Singh, Vahid Adibnia, Hongjiang He, Fang Kang, Ye Yang, Chenxu Liu, Tianyi Han*, Chenhui Zhang
Journal: Lubricants, 2024, Vol. 12, Article 214

Preparation and Properties of Nanocomposite Hydrogel with Dopamine Modification
Authors: Zhongnan Wang*, Hui Guo, Yueshan Mu
Journal: Chinese Journal of Materials Research, 2024, Vol. 38(4), pp. 269–278

Low-Friction Hybrid Hydrogel with Excellent Mechanical Properties for Simulating Articular Cartilage Movement
Authors: Zhongnan Wang*, Fanjie Meng, Yue Zhang, Hui Guo
Journal: Langmuir, 2023, Vol. 39(6), pp. 2368–2379

Tribological Investigation of a Mixed Solution with Superlubricity Achieved
Authors: Fanjie Meng, Zhongnan Wang, Qiuying Chang, Zhiyuan Wang, Jianwen Zhang, Xu Geng
Journal: Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 2022, Vol. 58(11), pp. 210–219