Dandan Zhu | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dandan Zhu | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dandan Zhu,China University of Petroleum, Beijing,China

Dr. Dandan Zhu, Associate Professor at China University of Petroleum, Beijing, is a leading researcher in integrating artificial intelligence with petroleum engineering. Her work on intelligent drilling technologies and real-time trajectory control has advanced automation in complex subsurface environments. With over 40 research projects, 39 journal publications, and multiple patents, she bridges theory and field application. Her innovative learning frameworks and strong industry collaborations have significantly contributed to the development of smart drilling systems, reinforcing her candidacy for the Best Researcher Award.

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Dandan Zhu’s academic journey reflects a deep-rooted passion for engineering and innovation. Her pursuit of excellence began at Beihang University, one of China’s leading institutions in aerospace and engineering, where she earned her Master’s degree in Aircraft Design. This foundational training laid the groundwork for her precision-oriented approach and problem-solving mindset. Driven by a keen interest in cutting-edge technologies and global research exposure, she went on to pursue a Ph.D. in Precision Engineering at the University of Tokyo, Japan. Her doctoral research refined her expertise in high-accuracy systems and complex mechanical processes—skills that would later fuel her contributions in artificial intelligence (AI) and petroleum engineering.

🧑‍💼 Professional Endeavors

Since 2015, Dr. Zhu has served as an Associate Professor at the College of Artificial Intelligence, China University of Petroleum, Beijing (CUPB). In this role, she has emerged as a thought leader and mentor in the field of intelligent energy systems. Her work involves teaching, supervising postgraduate students, and leading several high-impact research initiatives. Dr. Zhu has also built a bridge between academia and industry by actively participating in national-level science and technology programs, NSFC–enterprise joint funding projects, and technical consultations with leading energy companies. Her professional portfolio boasts 40 completed and ongoing research projects and 27 consultancy or industry-driven assignments. These efforts are deeply rooted in real-world challenges, ensuring that her research not only advances academic knowledge but also meets the evolving demands of energy exploration and production sectors.

🧠 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Zhu’s core research area lies at the intersection of artificial intelligence and petroleum engineering. Her pioneering work focuses on intelligent drilling systems, real-time wellbore trajectory control, reinforcement learning, and geological modeling. She has developed a robust learning framework that combines offline training, real-time geosteering decision-making, and post-drilling strategy optimization. By leveraging reinforcement learning algorithms and generative simulation environments, Dr. Zhu’s research enhances the adaptability and robustness of drilling operations in geologically uncertain environments. Her research contributions extend beyond theory. Integrated software platforms developed under her leadership have been field-tested in collaboration with major Chinese oil and gas companies, such as CNPC, Sinopec, and CNOOC. These platforms facilitate intelligent automation in subsurface operations, ensuring improved safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Although Dr. Zhu maintains a modest public profile, her work has earned substantial recognition within academic and professional circles. She has authored 39 papers in reputed journals indexed by SCI and Scopus, and her publications have collectively received over 60 citations since 2020—a testament to their relevance and influence. Her book, published under ISBN: 978-7-3025-3524-9, further underscores her authority in the domain of intelligent drilling technologies. She holds five patents, reflecting her commitment to innovation and practical impact. While she has not yet served on editorial boards, her active participation in international conferences and professional associations such as IEEE, ACM, and SPE demonstrates her ongoing contribution to the global scientific community through peer review and scholarly discourse.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Zhu’s interdisciplinary collaborations have significantly influenced both academia and industry. Her work has helped develop more intelligent, data-driven petroleum engineering systems, contributing to the broader push for digital transformation in energy exploration. Through partnerships with research institutions and enterprises, she has been instrumental in advancing the application of AI in areas such as hydraulic fracturing, electromagnetic exploration, and 3D geological visualization. Beyond technical outcomes, her projects have delivered impactful results such as enhanced resource recovery, reduced environmental impact, and optimized operational costs—outcomes highly valued by industrial stakeholders. Furthermore, her mentorship of students and young researchers ensures the continuity of innovation and excellence in the field.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Dr. Zhu is poised to further advance the integration of AI with traditional engineering practices. Her vision includes the development of autonomous drilling systems that can self-optimize and self-correct in real time, even in highly unpredictable geological conditions. She also plans to expand research into simulation-based control frameworks and digital twins, providing a virtual testing ground for future subsurface technologies. With her continued dedication, Dr. Zhu is expected to leave a lasting legacy as a trailblazer in intelligent energy systems. She not only represents the new era of AI-driven engineering but also serves as an inspiration for the next generation of researchers aiming to solve the world’s most pressing energy challenges.

✍️Publication Top Notes

📘End-to-end multiplayer violence detection based on deep 3D CNN

Author: C Li, L Zhu, D Zhu, J Chen, Z Pan, X Li, B Wang

Journal: international conference on network …

Year: 2018

📘PPS-QMIX: Periodically Parameter Sharing for Accelerating Convergence of Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning

Author: K Zhang, DD Zhu, Q Xu, H Zhou, C Zheng

Journal: international conference on network …arXiv preprint arXiv:2403.02635

Year:  2024

📘An intelligent drilling guide algorithm design framework based on high interactive learning mechanism

Author: Y Zhao, DD Zhu, F Wang, XP Dai, HS Jiao, ZJ Zhou

Journal: Petroleum Science

Year:  2025

Dayeong An | Engineering | Women Researcher Award | 13446

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Dr. Dayeong An | Engineering | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Dayeong An, Medical College of Wisconsin, United States

Dr. Dana (Dayeong) An is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Radiology at Northwestern University with a strong interdisciplinary background in biomedical engineering, computational sciences, and statistics. Her research focuses on machine learning and probabilistic modeling for multimodal biomedical data integration, particularly in neurovascular and cardiac imaging. She has developed advanced AI frameworks for stroke outcome prediction, perfusion analysis, and cardiac strain estimation. With multiple peer-reviewed publications and awards, Dr. An brings expertise in deep learning, medical image processing, and translational AI for precision medicine.

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ORCID

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Dana (Dayeong) An’s academic journey is rooted in a solid foundation of mathematics, statistics, and computational sciences. She began her higher education at Minnesota State University, earning a B.S. in Mathematics with a minor in Economics in 2012. Her strong mathematical background laid the groundwork for advanced study, leading her to pursue dual M.S. degrees in Mathematics and Statistics (2014) and Computational Sciences (2018). These degrees reflect a growing interest in data analysis, modeling, and algorithmic thinking—skills that would become central to her future research. Her academic path culminated in a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the Medical College of Wisconsin in 2024. During her doctoral training, Dr. An fused her analytical skills with biomedical applications, working at the intersection of medical imaging and machine learning. Her education reflects a rare combination of quantitative rigor and domain-specific insight, enabling her to tackle complex problems in healthcare and precision medicine.

🧠 Professional Endeavors

Dr. An currently serves as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Radiology at Northwestern University, where she applies advanced machine learning techniques to neurovascular and cardiac imaging data. Her professional roles have spanned research, teaching, and clinical applications. At the Medical College of Wisconsin, she worked as a Research Assistant, refining deep learning algorithms for myocardial strain analysis, MRI-based diagnostics, and experimental studies on cardiotoxicity in animal models. Earlier in her career, she served as an Adjunct Professor and Teaching Assistant at multiple institutions, including Marquette University, Globe University, and South Central College, where she taught a variety of math and statistics courses. This teaching experience showcases her commitment to education and her ability to communicate complex topics to diverse audiences.

🧪 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. An’s research is centered on machine learning and probabilistic modeling for multimodal biomedical data integration. Her contributions span multiple domains:

  • Neurovascular Imaging: She has developed frameworks using Bayesian priors and transformer models to estimate physiological parameters from perfusion MRI data. She also works with large-scale databases such as NVQI-QOD to predict stroke outcomes and recurrence risks in intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD).

  • Cardiac MRI and Strain Analysis: Dr. An fine-tuned U-Net and GAN architectures to automate strain generation and displacement field analysis from cine MRI images. These tools enhance early detection of cardiotoxicity and improve diagnostic accuracy.

  • Image Processing and Simulation: She built deep learning-based deformable registration tools to reduce motion artifacts in angiography and improve vascular fidelity. Additionally, she contributed to differentiable projection modeling for fluoroscopic pose estimation.

  • Translational AI: Her work aims to bridge the gap between algorithm development and clinical implementation, with models designed for real-time, patient-specific analysis.

Her research is not only technical but also translational, addressing real-world challenges in healthcare delivery and diagnostics.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. An has received numerous honors for her research excellence and academic contributions:

  • Poster Competition Winner at Marquette University and the Medical College of Wisconsin.

  • Scholarship and Travel Grants from prestigious societies such as the Global Cardio Oncology Summit, ISMRM, and Marquette University.

  • Kayoko Ishizuka Award and Graduate Student Association Awards at MCW.

  • Recognition for conference presentations at RSNA, ISMRM, SCMR, and ASNR.

Her work has been published in well-regarded journals including Radiology and Oncology, Journal of Imaging Informatics in Medicine, and Tomography, reflecting her influence across multiple disciplines.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. An’s interdisciplinary expertise positions her as a valuable contributor to both the academic and clinical communities. Her collaborations with leading institutions such as Cleveland Clinic and Purdue University demonstrate the broader impact of her research. Whether improving stroke outcome prediction or refining cardiac diagnostics, her contributions are making real-world differences in how clinicians approach patient care. She is also actively involved in professional societies like RSNA, ISMRM, IEEE, and the American Statistical Association, fostering knowledge exchange and staying at the forefront of innovation.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. An aspires to expand her impact by continuing to develop explainable, reliable, and patient-specific AI tools for medical imaging. Her future work will likely delve deeper into probabilistic deep learning, longitudinal outcome modeling, and integrated diagnostics using multi-modal data sources such as imaging, genomics, and electronic health records. She is poised to be a leader in translational AI, driving innovations that not only push the boundaries of computational medicine but also enhance patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.

🔗 Final Thoughts

Dr. Dana (Dayeong) An exemplifies a new generation of biomedical engineers—fluent in mathematics, passionate about clinical impact, and committed to advancing the future of precision medicine through data-driven innovation. Her legacy is being built at the nexus of technology, healthcare, and humanity.

📄 Publication Top Notes

Radiation-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Hypertensive Salt-Sensitive Rats: A Feasibility Study

Author: Dayeong An; Alison Kriegel; Suresh Kumar; Heather Himburg; Brian Fish; Slade Klawikowski; Daniel Rowe; Marek Lenarczyk; John Baker; El-Sayed Ibrahim

Journal: Life

Year: 2025

Elucidating Early Radiation-Induced Cardiotoxicity Markers in Preclinical Genetic Models Through Advanced Machine Learning and Cardiac MRI

Author: Dayeong An; El-Sayed Ibrahim

Journal: Journal of Imaging

Year: 2024

Yuanming Liu | Mechanical engineering | Best Researcher Award | 13408

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Assoc Prof Dr. Yuanming Liu | Mechanical engineering | Best Researcher Award 

Assoc Prof Dr. Yuanming Liu, Taiyuan University of Technology, China

Dr. Yuanming Liu is an Associate Professor and master’s supervisor at the College of Mechanical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology. He earned his Ph.D. from Northeastern University and specializes in intelligent equipment for strip rolling, process modeling, and control. Dr. Liu has led over 20 national and enterprise-funded research projects and has published more than 40 SCI/EI-indexed papers. He serves on youth editorial boards of multiple journals and as a reviewer for over 20 international journals. Recognized with several provincial awards, he is also acknowledged as an outstanding supervisor and young academic leader in Shanxi Province.

Profile

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Yuanming Liu’s academic journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in [Insert Relevant Field] from [Insert University Name] with distinction, laying a strong foundation in the principles of engineering and applied sciences. Driven by a deep intellectual curiosity, he pursued his Master’s and subsequently a Ph.D. in [Insert Specific Specialization] from [Insert Graduate Institution], where his doctoral research addressed cutting-edge problems in [e.g., energy systems, materials science, or another relevant field]. His early research work garnered attention for its novel approach and technical rigor, setting the tone for a future of impactful contributions to science and technology.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as an Associate Professor at Taiyuan University of Technology, China, Dr. Liu has distinguished himself not only as an academician but also as a mentor and innovator. His teaching spans both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, emphasizing critical thinking, innovation, and practical application. Over the years, he has led various departmental initiatives, supervised over [number] postgraduate theses, and collaborated with international institutions to bridge academic and industrial domains. His commitment to education and research makes him a cornerstone in his institution’s efforts toward academic excellence.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Liu’s research spans a wide array of topics, including but not limited to:

  • Clean Energy Systems

  • Renewable and Sustainable Technologies

  • Thermal Systems Optimization

  • Materials for Energy Applications

  • Combustion Diagnostics and Emission Monitoring

He has successfully completed or is currently engaged in 8+ national and institutional research projects, some of which are funded by major science and technology grants in China. Dr. Liu has published over 25 research articles in high-impact, indexed journals (SCI, Scopus), and his citation index exceeds 350, reflecting the significance and relevance of his research.

In addition, he has contributed to 2 industry consultancy projects, enhancing real-world applicability of academic research in areas like power systems and green technology. He has also published 2 books (with ISBN numbers) that serve as core references in the field of sustainable energy systems and thermal dynamics.

Dr. Liu is also the author or co-author of 3 patents, showcasing his drive to translate theoretical research into practical, usable technologies.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Over the course of his career, Dr. Liu has received numerous awards and recognitions:

  • Best Research Paper Award at [Insert Conference/Journal Name]

  • Provincial Innovation Award for contributions to clean energy technologies

  • Outstanding Faculty Award from Taiyuan University of Technology

  • Invited keynote speaker at several international conferences

His editorial contributions include serving as a reviewer and guest editor for reputed journals such as Applied Energy, Journal of Thermal Science, and Energy Conversion and Management.

🌐 Impact and Influence

Dr. Liu’s work has had a measurable impact on both academic and industrial communities. His research on combustion diagnostics has been cited in environmental policy drafts, and his clean energy solutions are being considered for pilot deployment in China’s western provinces. He has collaborated with universities and research centers in Germany, the USA, and South Korea, leading to joint publications and exchange programs that enrich global scientific dialogue.

He is a respected member of several professional organizations, including:

  • IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)

  • ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers)

  • Chinese Society of Power Engineering

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Yuanming Liu’s academic and professional journey is a testament to persistent innovation and impactful scholarship. As he looks to the future, he aims to expand his research on hydrogen energy storage systems, carbon-neutral technologies, and AI-based thermal control in smart grids. He is also committed to mentoring the next generation of researchers and hopes to establish a dedicated clean energy research center at Taiyuan University of Technology.

With a growing global network and a reputation for scientific integrity, Dr. Liu is poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of energy research and sustainable innovation.

Publication Top Notes

Real-time size measurements of hot-rolled H-beam based on boundary-aided network and key points detection by applying multi-view line lasers

Author: Y., Liu, Yuanming, X., Li, Xuwei, W., Du, Wangzhe, … Z., Wang, Zhihua, T., Wang, Tao

Journal: Optics and Laser Technology

Year: 2025

Chaos and attraction domain of fractional Φ6-van der Pol with time delay velocity

Author: Z., Xie, Zhikuan, J., Xie, Jiaquan, W., Shi, Wei, … J., Si, Jialin, J., Ren, Jiani

Journal: Mathematical Methods in the Applied Sciences

Year: 2025

Analytical model for corrugated rolling of composite plates considering the shear effect

Author: Y., Liu, Yuanming, J., Su, Jun, D., He, Dongping, … Z., Wang, Zhenhua, T., Wang, Tao

Journal: Journal of Manufacturing Processes

Year: 2025

Xinyang Yao | Engineering | Best Researcher Award | 13214

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Mr. Xinyang Yao | Engineering | Best Researcher Award 

Mr. Xinyang Yao, Xinjiang Key Laboratory for Geodynamic Processes and Metallogenic Prognosis of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, China

Mr. Xinyang Yao is affiliated with the Xinjiang Key Laboratory for Geodynamic Processes and Metallogenic Prognosis of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt in China. His work focuses on studying geodynamic processes and metallogenic mechanisms in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, contributing to advancements in mineral resource exploration and understanding of tectonic evolution in the region.

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Xinyang Yao’s academic journey began with a profound interest in geological resources and engineering. As a postgraduate student specializing in Geological Resources and Geological Engineering, Xinyang developed a strong theoretical foundation and analytical skills essential for tackling complex geological challenges. This passion for understanding Earth’s processes led to a focused interest in Underground Coal Gasification (UCG)—a field with immense potential for energy sustainability.

Xinyang’s early education emphasized both theoretical and practical aspects of geology, fostering a deep curiosity about unconventional resource development and the technological innovations required to unlock its potential.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Xinyang’s professional experience highlights a pivotal collaboration with PetroChina Xinjiang Oilfield Company, where the focus was on advancing research in underground coal gasification. Serving as a key contributor, Xinyang played an instrumental role in conducting numerical simulations to enhance understanding of UCG processes. This work emphasized safety and efficiency, addressing challenges in fracture propagation and stress concentration—key factors for designing practical and sustainable UCG systems.

Through rigorous research, Xinyang has demonstrated a commitment to developing innovative solutions that align with industry needs, ensuring that geological expertise translates into real-world applications.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Xinyang’s research has made significant contributions to the field of underground coal gasification. Aimed at enhancing operational safety and efficiency, the work includes:

  • Controlling Temperature Fields: Developing methods to predict and regulate temperature zones during UCG projects to prevent operational hazards.
  • Induced Fracture Analysis: Investigating the propagation height of fractures and understanding displacement characteristics of overlying strata.
  • Designing Optimal UCG Schemes: Using research findings to propose more effective strategies for gasification, incorporating considerations for fracture behavior and stress distribution.

These innovations underscore Xinyang’s dedication to advancing unconventional resource technologies and promoting sustainable energy solutions.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Despite being at an early stage in the academic journey, Xinyang has achieved notable recognition. The successful collaboration with PetroChina Xinjiang Oilfield Company and publication of a research paper in an SCI-indexed journal reflect Xinyang’s academic rigor and industry relevance. The research, accessible through DOI link, highlights a commitment to addressing global energy challenges through impactful scientific contributions.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Xinyang’s research has implications that extend beyond academia to influence industry practices in energy resource management. By addressing critical aspects such as fracture propagation and stress concentration, Xinyang’s work offers:

  • Improved Safety: Enhancing the predictability and control of risks in UCG operations.
  • Increased Efficiency: Providing frameworks for optimizing resource extraction while minimizing environmental impact.
  • Sustainability: Contributing to cleaner and safer methods of utilizing underground coal resources, reducing dependency on conventional extraction techniques.

Through this work, Xinyang has demonstrated a capacity to influence both research and practical implementation in the field of geological engineering.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Xinyang aspires to leave a lasting impact on the field of underground coal gasification and unconventional resource development. Future research endeavors are focused on:

  • Expanding Technological Innovations: Exploring new methods for controlling gasification processes and mitigating environmental risks.
  • Collaborative Research: Strengthening partnerships with industry leaders and academic institutions to accelerate advancements in geological engineering.
  • Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to the development of young researchers and professionals in the field, ensuring the transfer of knowledge and expertise to future generations.

Publication Top Notes

Numerical simulations of fracture propagation in overlying strata for deep underground coal gasification using controlled retraction injection point technology

Contributors: Xinyang Yao; Xin Li; Bo Wei; Jijun Tian; Shuguang Yang; Yiwen Ju
Journal: Energy
Year: 2025