Daniel Akerele | Concrete and Construction Materials| Best Researcher Award

Mr. Daniel Akerele | Concrete and Construction Materials| Best Researcher Award

Research Assistant, University of Washington United States

Daniel D. Akerele is a PhD Candidate in Construction Management at the University of Washington, Seattle. His research focuses on rapid-set materials for concrete pavement repair, integrating AI-driven material science and sustainability. With extensive academic and industry experience, he serves as a Predoctoral Teaching Associate, instructing construction materials and sustainability courses. He has worked as a Research Assistant at the Center for Education and Research in Construction and as a Project Engineer at Turner Construction, optimizing sustainable concrete mix designs. Prior to this, he held roles in Nigeria as a Construction/Design Manager and Project Coordinator, overseeing major infrastructure projects. Daniel has received numerous awards, including the College of Built Environment’s Top Scholar Award and PNWCMAA Student Scholarship. As an active researcher, he has published in peer-reviewed journals and serves as a reviewer for international publications. His expertise spans construction management, AI-driven modeling, material testing, and sustainable infrastructure development.

Profile

Orcid

πŸŽ“ Education 

PhD Candidate, Construction Management | University of Washington, Seattle (2022 – Present) Research: Rapid-set materials for concrete pavement repair Certifications: BIM, Construction Project Management (Columbia University) Competitions: ASC Reno, NWCCC Student Bid, ACI Mentorship. MSc, Civil Engineering (Water Resources & Environmental Engineering Major) | University of Ibadan, Nigeria Thesis: Physicochemical and Bacteriological Assessment of Borehole Water CGPA: 3.69/4.0. BTech, Civil Engineering | Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria Thesis: Effect of Geotextiles on Lime-Stabilized Soils Class Representative (2009-2014) Captain, Association of Civil Engineering Students Competition (2012)

πŸ† Experience 

Research Assistant | Center for Education & Research in Construction, University of Washington (2022 – Present) Conducts experimental research on sustainable rapid-set materials Applies AI techniques for material optimization and durability prediction. Project Engineer | Turner Construction, USA (2023 – 2024) Led sustainability initiatives for concrete optimization Developed AI-driven material tracking and carbon footprint assessments. Construction/Design Manager | Sustainable Procurement Services Ltd., Nigeria (2021 – 2022). Managed infrastructure projects, cost control, and vendor negotiations. Site Engineer | Arbico PLC, Nigeria (2020 – 2021) Supervised road and building construction, high-rise developments. Construction Project Coordinator | Sparklight Engineering Ltd., Nigeria (2015 – 2020) Led 44,000-worker housing facility project in Dangote Refinery Boosted net profitability by 64% through strategic planning

πŸ… Awards and Honors 

College of Built Environment’s Top Scholar Award | University of Washington. Nellis’ Endowment Fellowship. PNWCMAA Student Scholarship 2024 Award. Reviewer | Environment, Development & Sustainability Journal. Reviewer | Indian Geotechnical Journal. Reviewer | International Journal of Environmental Science & Technology. Volunteer Judge | Central Sound Regional Science & Engineering Fair. Volunteer Judge | Washington DECA

πŸ”¬ Research Focus 

Daniel’s research explores AI-driven material optimization, rapid-set concrete development, and sustainability in construction. His work includes performance evaluation, field applications, and life cycle assessments of cementitious materials. He is particularly interested in reducing carbon emissions through alternative binders and computational modeling. His recent projects focus on Portland Limestone Cement performance, Calcium Sulphoaluminate (CSA) concrete, and construction waste reduction. Daniel actively collaborates with industry stakeholders, including the Washington DOT, to align research with practical applications. He has published on topics such as COβ‚‚ impact on CSA concrete, lightweight aggregate concrete, and water quality assessment. His research integrates data analytics, machine learning, and life cycle impact assessment to enhance the durability and sustainability of construction materials. Through his work, he aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry by developing cost-effective, scalable solutions for resilient infrastructure.

πŸ”Conclusion

Daniel D. Akerele is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award based on his innovative research, industry engagement, and academic contributions. Addressing minor gaps in publications and research funding could further solidify his standing as a leading researcher in construction materials and sustainability.

Publication

  • Portland Limestone Cement in Concrete Pavement and Bridge Decks: Performance Evaluation and Future Directions

    • Journal: Buildings
    • Date: 2025-02-20
    • DOI: 10.3390/buildings15050660
    • Contributors: Daniel D. Akerele, Federico Aguayo, Lingzi Wu

 

  • Evaluating the Impact of COβ‚‚ on Calcium SulphoAluminate (CSA) Concrete

 

  • Effect of Geotextile on Lime Stabilized Lateritic Soils under Unsoaked Condition

 

  • Assessment of Physicochemical and Bacteriological Parameters of Borehole Water: A Case Study from Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria

 

  • Solving Lime Stabilization Issues Using Woven Geotextile in Soaked Conditions

 

 

Mohammad Rafi RAFI| Construction Materials | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Mohammad Rafi RAFI| Construction Materials | Young Scientist Award

Assistant Professor, Kabul Polytechnic University United States

Mohammad Rafi is a dedicated professional specializing in education, health and safety training, and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Born in Afghanistan, he holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering/Construction Materials from Cergy Paris University. With a strong background in academia, research, and professional training, he has contributed significantly to curriculum development, university-level instruction, and technical education reform. His expertise spans engineering materials research, structural disaster management, and occupational safety. He has worked as a researcher at Cergy Paris University, an assistant professor at Kabul Polytechnic University, and a TVET expert for UNESCO. His research focuses on sustainable construction materials, concrete durability, and material characterization techniques. Additionally, he has published extensively in international journals and holds multiple certifications in safety, engineering, and UAV applications. Fluent in multiple languages, he excels in leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, making him a valuable contributor to both academic and professional fields.

Profile

Scopus

πŸŽ“ Education 

Ph.D. in Civil Engineering (Construction Materials) – Cergy Paris University, France (2018–2022). M.Sc. in Civil Engineering (Structural Disaster Management) – Kabul Polytechnic University, Afghanistan (2013–2015). B.Sc. in Civil and Industrial Engineering – Kabul Polytechnic University, Afghanistan (2007–2011). High School Diploma – Abdul Hadi Dawi High School, Afghanistan (2004–2006)

πŸ† Experience 

Education Expert – LAPIS Education, Afghanistan (Jan 2024 – Apr 2024) Developed and updated educational curriculum frameworks. Conducted research on teaching strategies and assessment methods. Researcher – Cergy Paris University, France (Dec 2018 – Dec 2023) Studied marble waste as cement replacement in construction materials. Performed advanced material characterization tests (SEM, XRD, FTIR). Director of University Professional Development Center / Assistant Professor – Kabul Polytechnic University (Feb 2016 – Dec 2018) Delivered lectures on engineering drawing, materials science, and construction labs. Mentored students in research projects and faculty training. TVET Expert – National Skills Development Program (MoLSAMD/UNESCO) (Jan 2012 – Dec 2015) Developed technical vocational training materials and curricula.

πŸ… Awards and Honors 

Recognized TVET Expert – UNESCO, for contributions to vocational training development. Ph.D. Scholarship – Cergy Paris University, France. M.Sc. Scholarship – Kabul Polytechnic University. Published Author – Multiple international research papers in construction materials.  Certified Safety & Engineering Professional – Recognized for expertise in occupational safety (OSHA 30).

πŸ”¬ Research Focus 

Sustainable Construction Materials – Utilization of marble waste in concrete. Material Characterization – Advanced techniques like XRD, SEM, FTIR for analyzing cementitious materials. Concrete Durability – Study of mechanical properties, permeability, and shrinkage of modified concrete. Digital Image Correlation (DIC) – Application of technology in structural analysis.  Structural Disaster Management – Risk assessment and mitigation strategies for civil structures.

πŸ”Conclusion

Dr. Mohammad Rafi is a highly qualified and accomplished researcher with a strong academic foundation, innovative research contributions, and leadership in education and training. His work in sustainable construction materials aligns with global research priorities, making him a deserving candidate for the Young Scientist Award. Strengthening his research impact and expanding international collaborations will further solidify his standing as an influential researcher in the field.

Publication

Reducibility of varieties of commuting m-tuples of elements of simple Lie algebras

  • Year: 2025
  • Authors: Nikola KovačeviΔ‡
  • Journal: Communications in Algebra
  • DOI: 10.1080/00927872.2025.2458231
  • ISSN: 0092-7872, 1532-4125
  • Publication Date: February 13, 2025