Ali Derakhshan | Civil Engineering Geotechnics | Best Researcher Award
University of Science and Culture, Iran
Ali Derakhshan is a civil engineer specializing in geotechnical engineering with strong expertise in numerical modeling, foundation design, and energy-based geostructures. Holding an M.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Science and Culture, he has conducted extensive research on soil behavior under dynamic loads and innovative geotechnical solutions like micro energy piles and aluminum foam mitigation techniques. With several international journal publications and conference presentations across Europe and Iran, he actively contributes to the advancement of seismic-resilient infrastructure. He has also served as a teaching and research assistant and worked as a professional engineer and cost estimator since 2013.
Publication Profile
🎓 Education
Ali earned his M.S. in Civil Engineering (Geotechnics) from the University of Science and Culture, Tehran (2016–2020), with a thesis on sandy soil settlement under static and dynamic loads, and a GPA of 16.23/20. He previously completed his B.S. in Civil Engineering at Azad University of Share Qods (2011–2015), achieving a GPA of 17.08/20. During his studies, he successfully passed advanced courses like Numerical Modelling, Project Management, Soil Mechanics, and Engineering Economy. His academic background is complemented by multiple certifications in Python, AI, and machine learning from Coursera and major universities, enhancing his technical and computational abilities in solving complex geotechnical problems.
💼 Experience
Ali has held diverse roles across engineering, teaching, and research. He worked as a Design and Building Engineer at Fara Sazeh Construction Company (2013–2015), and since 2017, he has served as a Construction Engineer and Cost Estimator at View Construction Company. From 2022 to 2024, he was a Research Assistant at the Niroo Research Institute, contributing to laboratory setups and data analysis. Ali also held teaching assistantships at USC and Azad University, supporting courses in soil mechanics, steel/concrete structures, and numerical modeling. His professional strengths include cost estimation, structural design, blueprint drafting, and advanced numerical simulations.
🏆 Awards & Honors
Ali was the Salutatorian of his 2015 civil engineering cohort at Azad University and ranked among the top 10% admitted to graduate programs in Iran. He is a member of several esteemed organizations including the Iranian Society of Civil Engineering and the Young Researchers Club. He has won design contests like the Spaghetti Bridge (2014) and Small Steel Bridge (2013) competitions. His academic and extracurricular excellence, coupled with his technical proficiency, has earned him wide recognition among peers and faculty. He continues to demonstrate strong leadership and innovation in both academic and professional settings.
🔬 Research Focus
Ali’s research is centered on seismic resilience, soil-structure interaction, and sustainable geotechnical innovations. His published works explore aluminum foam for surface fault mitigation, 3D modeling of skin friction on piles, and geothermal energy solutions for foundations. He is deeply engaged in improving infrastructure safety through seismic fragility analysis, geofoam walls, and the application of machine learning in optimization. Ongoing projects include seismic simulation of slope topographies and the mechanical impacts of road salts. His broader interests span energy tunnels, passive solar systems, and the environmental challenges of urban development.
Conclusion
Ali Derakhshan is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award in his field, especially given his publication record, interdisciplinary contributions, technical capabilities, and global research presence. To further elevate his profile, he could work on increasing his independent research footprint, securing grants, and articulating long-term research goals.
Publication Top Notes
Title: Implementing micro energy piles: A novel geothermal energy harvesting technique for enhancing foundation safety and cooling system efficiency in electric power transformers
Cited by: 6
Year: 2024
Authors: AA Garakani, A Derakhshan
Title: Exploring the Efficacy of Aluminum Foam as an Innovative Solution to Mitigate Surface Faulting Effects on Shallow Foundations: A Numerical Investigation
Cited by: 4
Year: 2023
Authors: H Alielahi, A Tavasoli, A Derakhshan
Title: 3D numerical modeling of negative skin friction effects on tapered piles in soft soils
Cited by: 3
Year: 2024
Authors: H Alielahi, MA Rad, A Derakhshan
Title: Efficacy Assessment of Geosynthetic Liners on Seismic Response Mitigation of Slopes
Cited by: 1
Year: 2025
Authors: H Alielahi, A Derakhshan, M Kalhor
Title: Seismic fragility and resilience assessment of instrumented Cogswell concrete-faced rockfill dam using scalar and vector-valued approaches
Cited by: Not listed
Year: 2025
Authors: A Derakhshan, H Alielahi
