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.

Author Profile

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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

Young Soo Yoon | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Young Soo Yoon | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Technology Transfer at Gachon University, South Korea.

Young Soo Yoon, PhD, is a distinguished researcher and professor at Gachon University’s Department of Environment and Energy Engineering. He earned his PhD from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and has held significant roles including Research Fellow at the University of Minnesota and Principal Research Scientist at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology. His academic journey includes tenure as an associate professor at Konkuk University and Yonsei University. Dr. Yoon’s current research focuses on advanced materials for all-solid lithium-based secondary batteries and nuclear materials, particularly in cladding and MSR reactors. He brings expertise in thin film processes, measurement, and the synthesis of nano-tailored ceramic-metal composite powders for battery applications, including innovative ATF cladding processes using room temperature swaging methods.

Professional Profiles:

Education 🎓

He earned his Ph.D. from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Korea, specializing in his research focus on all solid Li-based secondary battery materials and systems, nuclear materials such as cladding and MSR reactor.

Professional Experience

He has held significant positions in academia and research, starting as a Research Fellow at the Academic Staff at the University of Minnesota and later as a Principal Research Scientist at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology from 1997 to 2003. Transitioning into academia, he served as an Associate Professor at the Department of Advanced Technology Fusion of Konkuk University from 2004 to 2008, followed by a tenure at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering of Yonsei University from 2008 to 2012. Currently, he holds a professorship at the Department of Environment and Energy Engineering at Gachon University, where he continues to lead research in advanced materials for energy storage and nuclear applications.

Research Interest

His current research interests are focused on two primary areas. Firstly, he specializes in the development of advanced materials and systems for all-solid lithium-based secondary batteries, emphasizing innovations in electrode materials and solid electrolytes. Secondly, he explores nuclear materials, particularly in the areas of cladding materials and Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) technologies. With a wealth of experience in thin-film processes, nanostructured ceramics, and composite powder synthesis tailored for battery applications, his recent endeavors include pioneering advancements in the development of new cladding processes for nuclear reactors using room temperature swaging methods.

Research Skills

He possesses matured experience in various domains, including thin film processes and measurements, essential for precise fabrication and characterization in materials science. His expertise extends to the synthesis of nano-tailored ceramic-metal composite powders, particularly for electrodes and solid electrolytes in lithium-based secondary battery systems. His current focus includes pioneering new processes for Advanced Thin Film (ATF) cladding using innovative room temperature swaging methods, aimed at enhancing the safety and efficiency of nuclear materials. These skills underline his proficiency in advancing technologies crucial for energy storage solutions and nuclear reactor safety.

Publications

  1. Corrigendum to “Fabrication and characteristics of Li2TiO3 pebbles manufactured by using powder injection molding (PIM) process”
    • Authors: Park, Y.A., Park, Y.-H., Ahn, M.-Y., Yoon, Y.S.
    • Journal: Journal of Nuclear Materials, 2024, 598, 155165
  2. Fabrication and characteristics of Li2TiO3 pebbles manufactured by using powder injection molding (PIM) process
    • Authors: Park, Y.A., Park, Y.-H., Ahn, M.-Y., Yoon, Y.S.
    • Journal: Journal of Nuclear Materials, 2024, 597, 155140
  3. Selective etching-induced surface modifications of FeCrAl alloy bipolar plates: Mechanisms for enhanced corrosion resistance and hydrophobicity
    • Authors: Kang, H.E., Kim, S.H., Choi, J.-H., Kim, D.-J., Yoon, Y.S.
    • Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal, 2024, 493, 152409
  4. Corrigendum to “Li4SiO4 slurry conditions and sintering temperature for fabricating Li4SiO4 pebbles as tritium breeder for nuclear-fusion reactors”
    • Authors: Park, Y.A., Yoo, J.W., Park, Y.-H., Yoon, Y.S.
    • Journal: Nuclear Engineering and Technology, 2024, 56(5), 1941
  5. Enhanced Durability and Catalytic Performance of Pt–SnO2/Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube with Shifted d-Band Center for Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
    • Authors: Min, H., Choi, J.-H., Kang, H.E., Kim, D.-J., Yoon, Y.S.
    • Journal: Small Structures, 2024, 5(3), 2300407
    • Citations: 3
  6. Recent progress in utilizing carbon nanotubes and graphene to relieve volume expansion and increase electrical conductivity of Si-based composite anodes for lithium-ion batteries
    • Authors: Kang, H.E., Ko, J., Song, S.G., Yoon, Y.S.
    • Journal: Carbon, 2024, 219, 118800
    • Citations: 2
  7. Characterization of CrAl coating on stainless steel bipolar plates for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells
    • Authors: Kang, H.E., Choi, J.-H., Lee, U., Kim, H.-G., Yoon, Y.S.
    • Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2024, 51, 1208–1226
    • Citations: 6
  8. Effect of ball milling energy and carbon content on electrochemical properties of FeF3/acetylene black composites for high-capacity thermal battery
    • Authors: Park, S.-H., Kim, S.H., Cheong, H.-W., Yoon, Y.S.
    • Journal: Ceramics International, 2024 (Article in Press)
  9. Corrigendum: Enhanced electrochemical properties of catalyst by phosphorous addition for direct urea fuel cell
    • Authors: Lee, U., Lee, Y.N., Yoon, Y.S.
    • Journal: Frontiers in Chemistry, 2024, 12, 1400748
  10. Hierarchical PtCuMnP Nanoalloy for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution and Methanol Oxidation
    • Authors: Basumatary, P., Choi, J.-H., Konwar, D., Han, B., Yoon, Y.S.
    • Journal: Small Methods, 2024 (Article in Press)

 

 

Paul Michael Nii Anang Okoe | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Paul Michael Nii Anang Okoe | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Geophysicist at Fugro GB North Marine Limited, United Kingdom.

Paul Michael Nii Anang Okoe is a skilled geophysicist at Fugro GB North Marine Limited in Aberdeen, UK, specializing in sedimentology, stratigraphy, and depositional facies systems. With less than five years of experience in the North Sea and offshore West Africa, he excels in quality control and interpreting seismic data. Paul holds a BSc in Geology and an MSc in Geosciences from Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, as well as an MSc in Integrated Petroleum Geoscience from the University of Aberdeen, UK. As a Guest Research Fellow at the Density Currents Research Centre (NECOD) in Brazil, his research focuses on hydrodynamic and sedimentological processes. His work contributes to enhancing interpretations crucial for marine and coastal management and resource exploration, reflecting his collaborative approach and strong analytical skills in advancing geophysical research.

Professional Profiles:

Education 🎓

🎓 Geophysicist at Fugro GB North Marine Limited, Aberdeen, UK, with less than 5 years’ experience in North Sea and offshore West Africa. Specializes in quality control and seismic data interpretation. Holds a BSc in Geology and an MSc in Geosciences from Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Also holds an MSc in Integrated Petroleum Geoscience from the University of Aberdeen, UK. Currently serving as a Guest Research Fellow at the Density Currents Research Centre (NECOD), Brazil, focusing on hydrodynamic and sedimentological processes.

Professional Experience

🌍 Geophysicist at Fugro GB North Marine Limited, Aberdeen, UK, with less than 5 years’ experience in North Sea and offshore West Africa. Specializes in quality control and interpretation of 2D multi-channel seismic data, sub-bottom profiler, and side-scan sonar datasets. Responsible for onshore geoscience reporting of geophysical survey projects. Engaged in industry projects and collaborations, including work with the Libra Group consortium and Petrobras in Brazil.

Research Interest

Paul Michael Nii Anang Okoe, a geophysicist at Fugro GB North Marine Limited in Aberdeen, UK, brings extensive expertise in sedimentology, stratigraphy, shallow hazards, and depositional facies systems. With less than five years of experience in the North Sea and offshore West Africa, he specializes in quality control and interpretation of 2D multi-channel seismic data, sub-bottom profiler, and side-scan sonar datasets. Paul holds a BSc in Geology and MSc in Geosciences from Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, along with an MSc in Integrated Petroleum Geoscience from the University of Aberdeen. Currently, he serves as a Guest Research Fellow at the Density Currents Research Centre (NECOD), Brazil, focusing on hydrodynamic and sedimentological processes. His research is pivotal for understanding sedimentary environments, stratigraphic evolution, and assessing geological hazards in marine and coastal settings.

Research Skills

Paul Michael Nii Anang Okoe is an accomplished geophysicist with Fugro GB North Marine Limited in Aberdeen, UK, bringing expertise in sedimentology, stratigraphy, and depositional facies systems. With a background spanning less than five years in the North Sea and offshore West Africa, he excels in quality control and the interpretation of seismic data, sub-bottom profiler, and side-scan sonar datasets. Paul holds a BSc in Geology and MSc in Geosciences from Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, along with an MSc in Integrated Petroleum Geoscience from the University of Aberdeen, UK. As a Guest Research Fellow at the Density Currents Research Centre (NECOD) in Brazil, his current focus involves studying hydrodynamic and sedimentological processes. His research contributes significantly to understanding geological complexities and enhancing interpretations crucial for marine and coastal management and resource exploration. Paul’s collaborative approach and strong analytical skills underscore his contributions to advancing geophysical research and exploration efforts.