Tinggui Chen | Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Research Awards

Dr. Tinggui Chen | Engineering | Research Excellence Award 

Hefei University of Technology | China

Dr. Tinggui Chen is a highly accomplished researcher and academic in the field of mechanical engineering, with a specialized focus on acoustic metamaterials, phononic crystals, and advanced signal detection techniques. He completed his doctoral studies in mechanical engineering under the supervision of Prof. Dejie Yu at Hunan University, after earning both his bachelor’s degree from Hainan University and master’s degree from Hunan University. During his doctoral tenure, he developed innovative methodologies for enhancing acoustic sensing and signal detection using engineered metamaterials, establishing a strong foundation for his research career. Dr. Chen’s work is characterized by its combination of theoretical insight and experimental rigor, particularly in the design and application of gradient metamaterials, coiling-up structures, and space-time-modulated systems. His research has led to significant advancements in weak signal detection, directional acoustic sensing, and energy amplification in phononic systems. Notably, his studies on multi-frequency signal enhancement via gradient defect phononic crystals and space-time-modulated airborne acoustic circulators demonstrate his ability to bridge fundamental physics with practical engineering applications. He has actively contributed to the international scientific community through his extensive publication record, which includes articles in high-impact journals such as Measurement, Physical Review Applied, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics, Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, Journal of Sound and Vibration, IEEE Sensors Journal, Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics, and Physical Review B. These publications reflect his sustained focus on acoustic metamaterials, phononic crystal resonators, and novel techniques for signal demodulation and amplification, marking him as a leading expert in his domain. Dr. Chen’s research trajectory has also been enriched by international exposure and collaborative experiences. As a visiting scholar at EPFL under Prof. Romain Fleury, he explored cutting-edge experimental demonstrations in acoustic systems, further strengthening his expertise in wave manipulation and signal processing. Currently, as a postdoctoral researcher at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and an assistant professor at Hefei University of Technology, he continues to advance both fundamental and applied research, integrating computational modeling, experimental acoustics, and material design. His contributions have significant implications for industrial monitoring, structural health assessment, and the development of high-precision acoustic devices. With a strong focus on innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and practical application, Dr. Chen exemplifies the integration of scientific research and engineering solutions, positioning him as a rising leader in the field of mechanical engineering and acoustic metamaterials.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Chen, T., Zhu, M., Li, L., Wei, H., & Xia, B. (2026). Multi-frequency weak signals enhancement detection via gradient defect phononic crystals. Measurement, 261, 119933. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.measurement.2025.119933

Chen, T., Malléjac, M., Bi, C., Xia, B., & Fleury, R. (2025). Experimental demonstration of a space-time-modulated airborne acoustic circulator. Physical Review Applied, 23, 054017. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevApplied.23.054017

Chen, T., Xia, B., Yu, D., & Bi, C. (2024). Robust enhanced acoustic sensing via gradient phononic crystals. Physics Letters A, 440, 129242. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physleta.2023.129242

Chen, T., Wang, C., & Yu, D. (2022). Pressure amplification and directional acoustic sensing based on a gradient metamaterial coupled with space-coiling structure. Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, 181, 109499. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymssp.2022.109499

Chen, T., & Yu, D. (2022). A novel method for enhanced demodulation of bearing fault signals based on acoustic metamaterials. IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics, 18(10), 6857–6864. https://doi.org/10.1109/tii.2022.3143161

Chen, T., Jiao, J., & Yu, D. (2022). Strongly coupled phononic crystals resonator with high energy density for acoustic enhancement and directional sensing. Journal of Sound and Vibration, 529, 116911. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsv.2022.116911

Mujahid Aziz | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Research Awards

Prof. Mujahid Aziz | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Cape Peninsula University of Technology | South Africa

Professor Mujahid Aziz is a distinguished academic and research leader serving as the Assistant Dean: Learning & Teaching in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in South Africa. In this leadership role, he oversees and enhances academic excellence across eight departments within the faculty, which collectively serve nearly 10,000 students, including a growing cohort of postgraduate scholars. As a champion of academic transformation, Prof. Aziz is deeply committed to promoting innovative teaching practices, curriculum modernization, and student-centered learning within engineering education. His leadership is instrumental in aligning the faculty’s academic strategies with industry relevance, sustainability goals, and the national development agenda. With over 23 years of experience as an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering, Prof. Aziz has established himself as a transformative educator, researcher, and mentor. His academic journey reflects a sustained dedication to advancing both the theoretical and practical dimensions of environmental and chemical engineering. Throughout his career, he has supervised numerous postgraduate students and contributed to the development of engineering curricula that integrate sustainability, innovation, and applied research. His pedagogical philosophy emphasizes experiential learning and the development of problem-solving skills essential for addressing real-world engineering challenges, particularly in water and environmental systems. As the Principal Investigator of the Environmental Engineering Research Group (EERG), Prof. Aziz leads multidisciplinary research focused on sustainable water and wastewater treatment technologies. His work is internationally recognized, with publications in high-impact journals such as Desalination, MDPI Membranes, MDPI Water, and Environmental Processes. Recent research endeavors have explored cutting-edge methods for biofouling mitigation in polyamide thin-film composite reverse osmosis membranes, particularly through polymer grafting and nanoparticle coating. These innovations are pivotal for improving the treatment of municipal bioreactor secondary effluent and enhancing the efficiency and longevity of membrane systems used in desalination and wastewater reuse. Prof. Aziz’s research portfolio is characterized by a strong interdisciplinary approach that bridges materials science, chemical process design, and environmental sustainability. His areas of specialization encompass membrane technology, wastewater reuse, electrochemical and adsorption processes, brine management, and zero liquid discharge (ZLD) systems. His work addresses critical environmental challenges associated with water scarcity and industrial pollution, offering viable pathways for circular water economies and resource recovery. His pursuit of innovation in micropollutant removal, membrane fouling control, and electro-oxidation for water reuse reflects his vision of achieving sustainable and intelligent environmental engineering solutions. Through his academic leadership, pioneering research, and commitment to mentorship, Prof. Mujahid Aziz continues to make a profound impact on the future of engineering education and sustainable water technology development in South Africa and beyond.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Aziz, M., & Ojumu, T. (2020). Exclusion of estrogenic and androgenic steroid hormones from municipal membrane bioreactor wastewater using UF/NF/RO membranes for water reuse application. Membranes, 10(3), 37. https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes10030037

Aziz, M., & Kasongo, G. (2021). The removal of selected inorganics from municipal membrane bioreactor wastewater using UF/NF/RO membranes for water reuse application: A pilot-scale study. Membranes, 11(2), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes11020104

Myburgh, D. P., Aziz, M., Roman, F., Jardim, J., & Chakawa, S. (2019). Removal of COD from industrial biodiesel wastewater using an integrated process: Electrochemical oxidation with IrO₂–Ta₂O₅/Ti anodes and chitosan powder. Environmental Processes, 6(4), 819–840. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40710-019-00393-5

Kasongo, G., Steenberg, C., Morris, B., Kapenda, G., Jacobs, N., & Aziz, M. (2019). Surface grafting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cross-linked with glutaraldehyde (GA) to improve resistance to fouling of aromatic polyamide thin film composite reverse osmosis membranes. Water Practice & Technology, 14(3), 614–624. https://doi.org/10.2166/wpt.2019.042

Chakawa, S., & Aziz, M. (2021). Investigating the result of current density, temperature, and electrolyte concentration on COD subtraction of petroleum refinery wastewater using response surface methodology. Water, 13(6), 835. https://doi.org/10.3390/w13060835

Aziz, M., & Kasongo, G. (2019). Scaling prevention of thin film composite polyamide reverse osmosis membranes by Zn ions. Desalination, 464, 76–83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2019.04.006