Sujata Basyal | Control System | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Sujata Basyal | Control System | Best Researcher Award

Research Assistant at Auburn University, United States

Sujata Basyal is a passionate mechanical engineer and researcher from Nepal, currently pursuing her Ph.D. at Auburn University. With a strong foundation in nonlinear control and robotics, she works at the CARE Lab developing robust, adaptive, and intelligent control strategies. Sujata’s journey spans from mechanical design roles in Nepal to cutting-edge research in the U.S. She has co-authored numerous journal and conference papers on exoskeletons, deep neural networks, and control systems. Beyond academia, she’s a community leader, active volunteer, and a dedicated advocate for women in engineering and STEM education. 🌍🤖📚

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Academic Background

Sujata holds a Ph.D. (in progress) and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University, where she’s a Graduate Research Assistant in the CARE Lab. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Automobile Engineering from Tribhuvan University, Nepal. Her academic path is marked by merit scholarships, fellowships, and an impressive research portfolio. Through her studies, she has gained deep expertise in nonlinear systems, control theory, and rehabilitation robotics. Her educational journey reflects a blend of academic rigor and hands-on innovation, both in Nepal and the United States. 🎓🇳🇵

Professional Background

Sujata’s experience ranges from research-intensive roles in the U.S. to industry-level engineering in Nepal. At Auburn, she designs robust control systems for rehabilitation robotics. Before that, she worked as a Warranty Executive at Agni Group and as a Mechanical Design Engineer and Project Supervisor at multiple firms in Kathmandu. Her roles included product design, team leadership, and service engineering. She has also interned at Go Ford, gaining hands-on experience with vehicle diagnostics and maintenance. Her career blends practical skills, technical depth, and global exposure. 🔧🌐📈

Awards and Honors

Sujata has been recognized with prestigious honors like the Presidential Graduate Research Fellowship and EPSCoR Graduate Scholars Program at Auburn University. She received the 100+ Women Strong Travel Fellowship and multiple merit scholarships throughout her undergrad. In Nepal, she secured a national RDI grant and won robotics competitions, including at IIT Bombay and Robotics Association of Nepal. These awards reflect her excellence in academics, leadership, innovation, and her commitment to advancing women and technology in engineering. 🥇🎖️👩‍🏫

Research Focus

Sujata’s research focuses on developing robust and adaptive control strategies using Lyapunov theory, deep neural networks, and concurrent learning. Her work addresses challenges in uncertain, nonlinear, and switched dynamic systems with applications in rehabilitation robotics, such as exoskeleton control, and networked control systems. She integrates artificial intelligence and control theory to build systems that are intelligent, responsive, and resilient. Her innovative research aims to enhance human-robot interaction, particularly for medical and assistive technologies. 🤖📊🧠

Publication Top Notes

📘 Robust Control of a Nonsmooth or Switched Control Affine Uncertain Nonlinear System Using a Novel RISE-Inspired Approach
 Year: 2023 | Cited by: 4

🦿 Deep Neural Network Based Saturated Adaptive Control of Muscles in a Lower-Limb Hybrid Exoskeleton
 Year: 2023 | Cited by: 2

🧠 Neuromuscular Model-free Epistemic Risk Guided Exploration (NeuroMERGE) for Safe Autonomy in Human-Robot Interaction
 Year: 2024 | Cited by: 1

⚙️ RISE-Like Saturated Control for Non-Smooth and Switched Non-Linear Systems
 Year: 2023 | Cited by: 1

Conclusion

Sujata Basyal is an outstanding emerging researcher whose academic journey, innovative contributions, and community engagement collectively mark her as a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With a strong academic foundation through her ongoing Ph.D. and prior M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University, her work focuses on nonlinear control, rehabilitation robotics, and neural networks—fields at the forefront of engineering innovation. She has authored 3 journal papers and 18+ conference publications in top-tier venues like ACC, CDC, ICORR, and IMECE, showcasing both depth and breadth of research. Her work on adaptive and Lyapunov-based control strategies not only advances theory but also translates into impactful real-world applications such as hybrid exoskeleton systems. Recognized through prestigious fellowships like the Presidential Graduate Research Fellowship and the EPSCoR GRSP, Sujata has also demonstrated excellence through national and international robotics awards. Her leadership roles, mentoring, and active membership in organizations like ASME and SWE underscore a commitment to academic, professional, and community development. In every dimension—scholarship, innovation, leadership, and impact—Sujata Basyal exemplifies the caliber of a Best Researcher Award recipient.

Lei Ren | Electronic Devices | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Lei Ren | Electronic Devices | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at Nantong university, China

Lei Ren  was born in Jiangsu Province, China, in 1991. He earned his B.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA) in 2013 and 2019. Currently, he serves as a Lecturer at the School of Electrical and Automation, Nantong University . His research focuses on static inverters  and condition monitoring of power electronic converters . With multiple publications in top IEEE journals , his work contributes to advancements in power electronics and energy efficiency. His expertise in converter design and health monitoring continues to impact the field of electrical engineering. 🚀

Publication Profile

Orcid

Academic Background

Lei Ren embarked on his academic journey in Electrical Engineering  at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA) 🏫, Nanjing, China. He earned his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in 2013 , laying a strong foundation in the field. Driven by a passion for innovation and research, he pursued a Ph.D. at the same university, successfully completing it in 2019 . His academic achievements reflect his dedication to advancing power electronics  and electrical engineering. Through rigorous studies and research, he continues to contribute to technological advancements in the field. 🚀

Professional Background

Lei Ren is a dedicated Lecturer at the School of Electrical and Automation, Nantong University , where he imparts knowledge and inspires future engineers. His research focuses on static inverters  and the condition monitoring of power electronic converters , aiming to enhance efficiency and reliability in power systems. Passionate about innovation, he explores advanced techniques to improve energy conversion and system diagnostics . Through his academic and research contributions , he plays a vital role in shaping the future of electrical engineering, fostering technological advancements, and mentoring the next generation of engineers. 🚀

Research Focus

Lei Ren is actively engaged in research on static inverters  and condition monitoring of power electronic converters . His work focuses on improving energy efficiency and system reliability. He has published several high-impact papers in prestigious journals, including the IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics and IET Power Electronics 📖. His studies cover topics such as transformerless high-gain converters, capacitor voltage regulation, and health monitoring of power transistors. Through his innovative research, Lei Ren contributes to advancements in power electronics, enhancing the performance and sustainability of modern electrical systems. 🚀

Publication Top Notes

 

1️⃣ Capacitor Voltage Regulation Strategy for 7-Level Single DC Source Hybrid Cascaded Inverter ⚡📖
Year: 2022 | IEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Power Electronics

2️⃣ Self-Adaption Dead-Time Setting for the SiC MOSFET Boost Circuit in the Synchronous Working Mode 🔧🔋
Year: 2022 | IEEE Access

3️⃣ Transformer-Less High Gain Three-Port Converter With Low Voltage Stress and Reduced Switches for Standalone PV Systems ☀️⚙️
Year: 2022 |  IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics

4️⃣ A Series Incremental Inductance Detection Based Sensorless Startup Method for DSEM ⚙️🔍
Year: 2021 |  IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics

5️⃣ Parameter Identification Based on Linear Model for Buck Converters ⚡📊
Year: 2021 |  Electrical Engineering

Conclusion

Lei Ren is a highly qualified researcher in power electronics with strong technical expertise and impactful publications. His work on inverters and power monitoring systems is significant for modern energy applications. To further strengthen his eligibility for the Best Researcher Award, he could expand collaborations, increase research citations, and take on leadership roles in funded projects. Given his current contributions, he is a strong candidate for the award.

 

 

 

Santos Kumar Das | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Santos Kumar Das | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at National Institute of Technology Rourkela, India

Dr. Santos Kumar Das, an Associate Professor at the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela, is an accomplished researcher with expertise in AI, IoT, Sensor Networking, and Optical Networking, including LiFi, FSO, and SDN. With a Ph.D. in Communication Networks from NIT Rourkela and an M.S. in Electrical Communication Engineering from IISc Bangalore, Dr. Das has an extensive academic and professional background. He has supervised 12 Ph.D., 53 M.Tech., and 54 B.Tech. theses and managed numerous government-funded research projects totaling over ₹671 lakh. A recipient of multiple awards, including the Best Research Paper Award at IoTCloud’21 and INDICON 2023, he has over 50 journal publications. Dr. Das is actively involved in academia as a reviewer, technical committee member, and conference session chair. His innovative contributions in 6G communication and IoT for societal applications make him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Santos Kumar Das has an impressive educational background, marked by a strong foundation in electronics and communication engineering. He completed his Ph.D. in Communication Networks from the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela, in 2014. Prior to that, he earned a Master of Science (M.S.) in Electrical Communication Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, in 2002, graduating with first-class honors. Dr. Das also holds a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) degree in Electronics and Communication from VSSUT (formerly UCE), Burla, Odisha, completed in 1998, where he again achieved first-class honors. His academic journey began with a strong foundation in science during his higher secondary education at D.D. College, Keonjhar, Odisha, where he secured first-class marks. With this comprehensive educational background, Dr. Das has built a distinguished career in research and teaching, focusing on cutting-edge technologies in communications and networking.

Professional Experience

Dr. Santos Kumar Das has a diverse and extensive professional experience spanning academia, industry, and research. Currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering at NIT Rourkela since 2009, he has significantly contributed to the institution’s academic and research initiatives. Prior to his academic career, Dr. Das gained substantial industry experience as a Senior Software Engineer at Palvision and ITXpress in Singapore, where he worked on cutting-edge network systems and software development. He also held roles as a Software Engineer at Actatek and Network Engineer at Netmarks, contributing to advanced technological solutions in various sectors. In addition, Dr. Das worked as a Research Associate at CEMNet Lab, NTU Singapore, and as a Research Engineer at A-Star Singapore, where he was involved in high-impact research in communication networks and sensor technologies. His broad range of roles has enriched his expertise and research focus, particularly in IoT, AI, and Optical Networking.

Research Interest

Dr. Santos Kumar Das has a broad and innovative research focus, primarily centered around emerging technologies in communications and networking. His key research interests include Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), Sensor Networking, and Optical Networking, particularly focusing on cutting-edge technologies like LiFi, Free-Space Optics (FSO), and Software-Defined Networking (SDN). Dr. Das explores the integration of AI in IoT applications, aiming to enhance the intelligence and efficiency of network systems. His work in optical networking focuses on leveraging advanced communication techniques for high-speed data transmission and next-generation wireless systems, with a special emphasis on 6G communication technologies. He also investigates IoT-based smart city applications, environmental monitoring systems, and industrial IoT for better security, safety, and resource management. By combining AI with sensor networks and optical technologies, Dr. Das contributes to the development of sustainable, intelligent, and high-performance communication systems for both industrial and societal applications.

Award and Honor

Dr. Santos Kumar Das has received numerous prestigious awards and honors throughout his career, reflecting his excellence in research, teaching, and professional contributions. He was recognized as a Senior Member of IEEE in 2019, showcasing his standing in the global engineering community. Dr. Das has received multiple Best Paper Awards, including at the International Conference on Next Generation Computing Technologies (NGCT) in 2017, Electronic Systems and Intelligent Computing (ESIC) in 2020, and IoTCloud’21, III T Kottayam in 2021. He was also honored with the Best Faculty Advisor Award at NIT Rourkela in 2022 and 2023 for his outstanding guidance to students. Dr. Das’s leadership and contributions to academic committees have earned him recognition as an editorial board member and reviewer for multiple journals. Additionally, his involvement in technical committees and chairing sessions at international conferences, such as TENCON 2023 and SGCNSP 2023, further exemplify his significant impact in the field of engineering and technology.

Conclusion

Dr. Santos Kumar Das stands out as a highly accomplished researcher with a stellar record in academia, research, and mentorship. His contributions to IoT, AI, and advanced networking, coupled with his leadership in projects and professional service, make him an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Addressing minor areas for improvement, such as broadening his research scope and enhancing global collaboration, could further solidify his position as a leader in the field. Overall, he is highly deserving of this recognition.

Publications Top Noted

  • A comprehensive review on deep learning-based methods for video anomaly detection
    Authors: R Nayak, UC Pati, SK Das
    Journal: Image and Vision Computing
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 268
  • Time series based air pollution forecasting using SARIMA and prophet model
    Authors: KKR Samal, KS Babu, SK Das, A Acharaya
    Conference: Proceedings of the 2019 International Conference on Information Technology
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 158
  • Multi-directional temporal convolutional artificial neural network for PM2.5 forecasting with missing values: A deep learning approach
    Authors: KKR Samal, KS Babu, SK Das
    Journal: Urban Climate
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 74
  • An improved pollution forecasting model with meteorological impact using multiple imputation and fine-tuning approach
    Authors: KKR Samal, AK Panda, KS Babu, SK Das
    Journal: Sustainable Cities and Society
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 47
  • Temporal convolutional denoising autoencoder network for air pollution prediction with missing values
    Authors: KKR Samal, KS Babu, SK Das
    Journal: Urban Climate
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 44
  • Swin transformer based vehicle detection in undisciplined traffic environment
    Authors: P Deshmukh, GSR Satyanarayana, S Majhi, UK Sahoo, SK Das
    Journal: Expert Systems with Applications
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 42
  • Critical review on slope monitoring systems with a vision of unifying WSN and IoT
    Authors: DK Yadav, S Jayanthu, SK Das, S Chinara, P Mishra
    Journal: IET Wireless Sensor Systems
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 36
  • Multi-output TCN autoencoder for long-term pollution forecasting for multiple sites
    Authors: KKR Samal, AK Panda, KS Babu, SK Das
    Journal: Urban Climate
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 35
  • Video-based real-time intrusion detection system using deep-learning for smart city applications
    Authors: R Nayak, MM Behera, UC Pati, SK Das
    Conference: 2019 IEEE International Conference on Advanced Networks and
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 32
  • A vehicle detection technique using binary images for heterogeneous and lane-less traffic
    Authors: GSR Satyanarayana, S Majhi, SK Das
    Journal: IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 31
  • Design of real-time slope monitoring system using time-domain reflectometry with wireless sensor network
    Authors: DK Yadav, G Karthik, S Jayanthu, SK Das
    Journal: IEEE Sensors Letters
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 31
  • Observation of multiphonon transverse wobbling in 133Ba
    Authors: KR Devi, S Kumar, N Kumar, FS Babra, MSR Laskar, S Biswas, S Saha, …
    Journal: Physics Letters B
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 30

Prakash Kharade | Electronics Engineering | Best Faculty Award

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Dr. Prakash Kharade | Electronics Engineering | Best Faculty Award

Dr. Prakash Kharade, Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Engineering Navi Mumbai, India

Dr. Prakash Kharade has over 31 years of academic experience and is the Head of the Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering (ExTC) Department at Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Engineering, Navi Mumbai. He holds a Ph.D. in Power Electronics and has published extensively, including 10 international research papers and multiple conference papers. Dr. Kharade’s research interests include Power Electronics, Analog Electronics, and Control Systems. He is a member of ISTE and has contributed significantly to the growth of his department, overseeing major academic and administrative responsibilities, including NBA accreditation and curriculum development.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Professional Experience 🏫💼

Dr. Prakash Kharade brings over 31 years of professional experience at Bharati Vidyapeeth, where he has contributed significantly to the academic and research advancements in Power Electronics, Analog Electronics, and Control Systems. Throughout his career, Dr. Kharade has demonstrated excellence in teaching, mentoring students, and conducting impactful research. His long tenure at the institution reflects his dedication to fostering innovation and advancing knowledge in the field of electronics and control systems, while continually striving for excellence in both academic and professional settings. 👨‍🏫🔧🌟

 

Educational Qualifications 🎓📚

Dr. Prakash Kharade has a solid academic foundation, earning a Ph.D. in February 2022 from Shivaji University. He completed his M.E. in May 2000, also from Shivaji University, securing a 1st Class with distinction and a remarkable 71%. His B.E. degree, awarded by Pune University in December 1992, was earned with 54% and a 2nd Class distinction. Additionally, he holds a DEE degree with a 1st Class with Distinction from the Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education in May 1988, and completed his SSC in May 1984 with 72.71% from the Maharashtra State Board. 🎓🌟

 

Achievements 🏆🎯

Dr. Prakash Kharade has made remarkable contributions throughout his career. In the academic year 2012-2013, he successfully increased the intake of his department from 60 to 120 students, reflecting his commitment to expanding educational opportunities. He has also played a key role in securing NBA accreditation for the Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering Department on three separate occasions—August 2018, June 2021, and June 2022, ensuring accreditation until June 2025. Furthermore, under his leadership, the department achieved 100% admission in the academic years 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24, showcasing his dedication to academic excellence. 🎓✨

 

Research Focus

Dr. Prakash Kharade specializes in Power Electronics, Analog Electronics, and Control Systems. With a profound understanding of electrical systems, he focuses on the development and optimization of power conversion techniques, circuit designs, and control algorithms. His work explores innovative solutions for enhancing energy efficiency, system reliability, and performance in various applications. Additionally, Dr. Kharade’s research contributes to advancements in analog circuit designs, power management, and automated control systems, making him a key figure in these engineering disciplines. His expertise is instrumental in shaping the future of sustainable and efficient electronic technologies. 🌍🔋

 

Publications 📚📈

  • “P F improvement in single-phase high power rectifiers with interleaved boost topology” – Cited by: 4 – Year: 2017
  • “Current Controlled Single-Phase Interleaved Boost Converter with Power Factor Correction” – Cited by: 3 – Year: 2016
  • “Yolov4-based hybrid feature enhancement network with robust object detection under adverse weather conditions” – Cited by: 2 – Year: 2024
  • “Part One: Stability Analysis of Hydrogen-CNG Powered Vehicle” – Cited by: 1 – Year: 2023
  • “Design and Control of High-Power Density Converters with Power Factor Correction Using Multilevel Rectifiers” – – Year: 2024
  • “Modelling and Comparative Analysis for Residual Heat Removal Thermosyphon Heat Transport Devices in Thorium Fuelled PWR”- Year: 2024
  • “Part Two: Neural Network Controller for Hydrogen-CNG Powered Vehicle”- Year: 2024
  • “Co-Simulation of IBC Type PFC Converter with Fuzzy Logic Controller” – Year: 2021
  • “Performance analysis of high power PF corrector by co-simulation using PSIM and Matlab/Simulink”  – Year: 2020
  • “Performance Analysis Of High Power PF Corrector By Co-Simulation Using PSIM And Matlab/Simulink”  – Year: 2020

Haojie Li | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Haojie Li | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr Haojie Li, Shihezi University, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haojie Li is a renowned expert in chemical engineering, specializing in chemical process intensification, heat and mass transfer, and multiphase flow. He currently serves as an associate professor at Shihezi University in China. Dr. Li has led over 10 national and provincial research projects and has published 16 high-level papers. He holds several patents, including two Chinese national invention patents. Recognized for his academic excellence, he has won prestigious awards, such as the Ministry of Education’s Teaching and Research Achievement Awards. His research focuses on carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) and computational fluid dynamics. 🔬🌱📚

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Li is a dedicated educator who has made significant contributions to the academic and research fields. Through his published educational reform papers and textbook editing, he demonstrates a strong commitment to improving the learning environment and fostering academic growth. His efforts focus on enhancing the quality of education, promoting innovative teaching methods, and advancing scholarly research. Dr. Li’s work reflects his passion for educational development and his dedication to shaping the future of education. 📚✍️🎓📖

Research Leadership

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haojie Li is a distinguished researcher and leader in the fields of energy, chemical engineering, and environmental science 🌱⚡. He has spearheaded numerous impactful scientific projects, particularly in multiphase process intensification technology, aimed at enhancing carbon capture and utilization 🌍💨. His work is vital in advancing industry practices while reducing environmental footprints 🌿. Through his expertise, Dr. Li is contributing to the development of sustainable technologies that play a key role in addressing global environmental challenges 🔬🌍. His leadership and research continue to shape the future of energy and environmental practices in the industry.

Recognition and Awards

He has earned recognition for his outstanding contributions to research and education, receiving multiple prestigious awards. Notably, he was awarded first prizes for the Ministry of Education’s Teaching and Research Achievement Awards, showcasing his excellence in both teaching and research. Additionally, his groundbreaking work in chemical engineering earned him a second prize for the Basic Research Achievement Award from the Chemical Engineering Society of China. These accolades reflect his significant impact in his field, underlining his dedication and expertise. 🏆📚🔬🌟

Expertise in Key Research Areas

Dr. Li’s research focuses on Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS), Chemical Process Intensification, and Thermal Transfer, addressing critical global energy challenges 🌍. His work in computational fluid dynamics and multiphase flow is essential for advancing more efficient processes in these areas 💡. By optimizing energy systems and improving sustainability, Dr. Li is contributing to the development of innovative solutions that reduce environmental impact 🌱. His expertise is shaping the future of energy technologies and fostering a cleaner, more sustainable world ⚡. With a keen focus on practical applications, Dr. Li’s work plays a vital role in global energy transformation 🔋.

Research Focus

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haojie Li’s research focuses on advanced materials and their applications in energy and environmental fields. His work primarily involves the development of novel nanomaterials, such as covalent organic frameworks (COFs), for efficient CO2 capture and separation in mixed matrix membranes. His studies also explore the structural effects of materials on catalytic processes, including oxygen reduction reactions and energy storage. Additionally, he investigates the impact of flow dynamics and geometry on chemical processes, with an emphasis on optimizing energy consumption and enhancing performance in various engineering applications. 🌍⚡🔬💨

Publication Top Notes

Constructing CO2 capture nanotraps via tentacle-like covalent organic frameworks towards efficient CO2 separation in mixed matrix membrane

Customized Heteronuclear Dual Single-Atom and Cluster Assemblies via D-Band Orchestration for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

The structure-effect relationship between inline high shear mixers and micromixing: Experiment and CFD simulation

Surface reconstruction enables outstanding performance of Fe2O3/Ni(OH)2 nanosheet arrays for ultrahigh current density oxygen evolution reaction

Effects of stator and rotor geometry on inline high shear mixers: Residence time distribution, flow, and energy consumption

 

 

 

Desen Özkan | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Desen Özkan | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr Desen Özkan, University of Connecticut, United States

Dr. Desen Özkan is an Assistant Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Connecticut, with an affiliate position in the Neag School of Education. He is also the Graduate Program Director for the Engineering Education Ph.D. program. Dr. Özkan’s research focuses on sociotechnical identity development, equity in engineering education, and offshore wind energy. He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Education from Virginia Tech and has held postdoctoral roles at Tufts University. Dr. Özkan’s work bridges engineering, education, and social justice, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and inclusive curricula. 🌍⚙️📚💡🌱

Publication Profile

google scholar

Education

Dr. Desen Özkan holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (2020), where she focused on transdisciplinary approaches in interdisciplinary faculty teaching. She has an extensive academic background with courses from prestigious institutions. Dr. Özkan completed projects on offshore wind energy economics at the University of Massachusetts and structural engineering at Tufts University. She also studied environmental chemistry, microbiology, and mathematical modeling at the University of Tennessee. Her B.S. in Chemical and Biological Engineering was earned at Tufts University in 2013. Dr. Özkan’s work merges engineering, education, and sustainability. 🌍⚙️🎓📚

Experience

Dr. Desen Özkan has diverse research experience in both engineering and social sciences. As a Postdoctoral Researcher at Tufts University, she analyzed job development in Maine’s offshore wind industry, producing the report Floating to the Top (2021), and contributed to a study on equity in offshore wind job development, invited by Connecticut State Legislators (2022). At Virginia Tech, she worked on the NSF-funded Revolutionizing Engineering and Computer Engineering Departments project (2018-2019) and contributed to the Science, Technology, and Society department’s undergraduate degree proposal (2019). Additionally, Dr. Özkan conducted water quality research at the University of Tennessee, focusing on wastewater reclamation. 🌊💡🔬

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Desen Özkan has received multiple nominations for Tufts University’s Significant Impact Awards, recognizing her outstanding contributions to STEM education. Her dedication to mentoring and promoting diversity within the field has been a hallmark of her career. Additionally, Dr. Özkan was selected to participate in the prestigious New Energy Summer Summit at Dartmouth, further highlighting her commitment to advancing innovation and sustainability. These accolades underscore her impactful work in fostering inclusive environments and pushing boundaries in science and technology. Her achievements inspire future generations of diverse STEM leaders. 🏆👩‍🔬🌍💡

Conference Activity

Dr. Desen Özkan has presented at numerous conferences, focusing on sociotechnical engineering education and diversity in the field. Notable presentations include “Positionality, Empathy, and Subjectivity in Research” at the 2024 Compassion and Global Citizenship Conference, and “What is a Job? Deconstructing Offshore Wind Jobs” at the 2024 Petrocultures Conference. Additionally, Dr. Özkan co-presented papers on worker safety in offshore wind at the ASEE Annual Conference and explored environmental racism in engineering courses. Her work also includes teaching design through sociotechnical perspectives, with a focus on student experiences in first-year engineering courses. 🎤🌍📚

Research Focus

Dr. Desen Özkan’s research primarily focuses on the intersection of engineering education, diversity, and sociotechnical systems. Her work explores how contextualization and cultural considerations can enhance learning experiences in engineering education. She investigates methods like persona-based curricular design and emphasizes the importance of addressing reality gaps in senior design projects. Additionally, Dr. Özkan examines the positionality of researchers in engineering education and the teacher-learner dynamic. Her research aims to make engineering education more inclusive, effective, and adaptable, particularly for minoritized groups. 🛠️📚💡🎓

Publication Top Notes

Positionality statements in engineering education research: A look at the hand that guides the methodological tools

Contextualization as virtue in engineering education

Using personas as curricular design tools: Engaging the boundaries of engineering culture

Contextualization in engineering education: A scoping literature review

Teacher learner, learner teacher: parallels and dissonance in an interdisciplinary design education minor

Reality gaps in industrial engineering senior design or capstone projects

Perspectives of Seven Minoritized Students in a First-Year Course Redesign toward Sociotechnical Engineering Education