Dandan Zhu | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Research Awards

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

Google  Scholar

🎓 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

Published on by Research Awards

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.

Profile

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

zeyad A. H. Qasem | Engineering | Best Researcher Award | 13382

Published on by Research Awards

Dr. zeyad A. H. Qasem | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. zeyad A. H. Qasem, Donghai Laboratory, Zhejiang University, China

Dr. Zeyad Abdulaziz Hazaea Qasem is a dedicated postdoctoral researcher at Donghai Laboratory, Zhejiang University, China, with a strong background in communication and information engineering. Born in Taiz, Yemen, he holds a Ph.D. from Xiamen University and has conducted advanced research at top Chinese institutions like Peking University and Tsinghua University. With extensive academic and industrial experience—including work with Huawei and several universities—Dr. Qasem’s research spans nano-devices, telecommunications, and digital systems. He is a recipient of the Best Overseas Research Award from Xiamen University and is widely recognized for his innovative contributions to engineering and communication technologies.

Profile

Google Scholar

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Zeyad Abdulaziz Hazaea Qasem’s academic journey began in Taiz, Yemen, where he completed his high secondary education at Al Hurria High School in 2005. From a young age, Dr. Qasem exhibited a strong passion for science and technology, particularly in the field of telecommunications and networking. This passion led him to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Networking from Djillali Liabés University in Sidi Bel Abbès, Algeria, which he completed in 2010.

Not resting on his laurels, he immediately advanced his education by enrolling in a Master’s program at the same university, specializing in Digital Systems of Telecommunications. He completed his Master’s degree in 2012, further honing his skills in the increasingly vital field of communication engineering.

Driven by a desire for research excellence, Dr. Qasem moved to China in 2017, where he embarked on a Ph.D. in Communication and Information Engineering at Xiamen University. His academic perseverance culminated in a doctoral degree in 2021, during which he laid the foundation for impactful scientific research in communication technologies.

🧑‍💼 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Qasem’s career reflects a rare blend of academic knowledge and practical industry experience. Before his postdoctoral research positions, he held multiple key roles in the telecommunications sector, notably with Huawei Company in Yemen from 2014 to 2017, where he worked as a Core Network Engineer for GSM, CDMA, and LTE technologies. His tenure at Huawei equipped him with invaluable practical insights and earned him the Outstanding Technical Engineer Award in 2016.

Dr. Qasem also contributed to academia as a part-time lecturer at several Yemeni universities, including International Emirate University and LIMKOKWING University of Creative Technology. These roles showcased his commitment to mentoring the next generation of engineers even while pursuing a parallel career in industry.

Since 2022, he has served as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Peking University and a Visiting Scholar at the Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute—two of China’s most prestigious institutions. In 2023, he joined the Donghai Laboratory at Zhejiang University, where he currently works on cutting-edge research in nano-devices and communication systems.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Qasem’s research lies at the intersection of nanotechnology, digital communication systems, and network engineering. His contributions include exploring novel solutions for efficient data transmission, next-generation wireless communication, and nano-device integration.

His doctoral and postdoctoral research focuses on enhancing communication infrastructure and developing futuristic nano-scale technologies for more resilient and efficient systems. His work supports the global demand for faster, more secure, and more intelligent communication systems, making a significant contribution to the digital transformation age.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Over the years, Dr. Qasem has been widely recognized for his contributions in both academia and industry. Among his most notable achievements are:

  • 🥇 Best Overseas Research Award (2021) from Xiamen University

  • 🏅 Outstanding Technical Engineer from Huawei (2016)

  • 🎓 Multiple professional certifications, including:

    • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

    • Computer Maintenance Diploma (EMICOM Institute, Algeria)

    • Huawei “Train the Trainer” Certification

    • Training in FLUKE NETWORKS (USA)

These accolades not only validate his academic and technical excellence but also highlight his global exposure and adaptability.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Qasem’s work has left a noticeable footprint on both national and international research platforms. His Google Scholar profile showcases a growing list of publications and citations, reflecting the relevance and application of his research across global scientific communities.

His teaching roles have influenced students in Yemen and China, bridging cultural and academic gaps and promoting the advancement of science and technology in developing nations. As a researcher, he is building technological solutions that promise to revolutionize communication infrastructure, particularly in areas with growing data demands.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Qasem is well-positioned to become a leading global voice in communication and nano-device research. His interdisciplinary approach, combining engineering principles with real-world applications, makes him a valuable asset to the international scientific community.

He aims to expand collaborative research, enhance telecommunication infrastructure for underdeveloped regions, and contribute to the green transition of digital technologies. His current role at Donghai Laboratory opens the door to transformative innovations that could define the next decade of smart connectivity.

Dr. Qasem’s legacy is still in the making, but his vision, determination, and accomplishments already make him a suitable candidate for prestigious research honors, including the Best Researcher Award.

Underwater image transmission using spatial modulation unequal error protection for internet of underwater things

Author: H Esmaiel, ZAH Qasem, H Sun, J Wang, NU Rehman Junejo
Journal: Sensors
Year: 2019

Multi-stage feature extraction and classification for ship-radiated noise

Author: H Esmaiel, D Xie, ZAH Qasem, H Sun, J Qi, J Wang
Journal: Sensors
Year: 2021