Qinqin Mu | Aviation | Best Research Article Award

Dr. Qinqin Mu | Aviation | Best Research Article Award

Dr. Qinqin Mu | Aviation – Engineer at Aircraft Strength Research Institute of China

Qinqin Mu is a highly accomplished aerospace engineer, currently serving as a Senior Engineer at the Aircraft Strength Research Institute under the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), Beijing. With over 15 years of professional experience in structural dynamics, aero-engine design, and mechanical systems reliability, she has made significant strides in advancing safety-critical technologies within the aviation sector. Known for her scientific rigor and collaborative approach, Mu has played pivotal roles in both defense-related and commercial engineering projects, consistently applying advanced vibration modeling, structural testing, and damage tolerance assessments to improve aero-engine performance.

Academic Profile:

ORCID

Education

Qinqin Mu holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from a leading technical university in China, where she specialized in vibration behavior and rotor–stator interaction under dynamic loads. Her doctoral research formed the basis of her long-term contributions to aero-engine safety and reliability. She has also undergone several professional training programs in advanced simulation tools and experimental mechanics, positioning her as a technical leader in dynamic system evaluations and fatigue damage forecasting.

Experience

Since joining AVIC in 2009, Mu has gained extensive hands-on experience in structural analysis, high-speed rotating systems, and failure diagnostics. She is widely recognized for her work on rubbing dynamics in turbine engines and has contributed to the design of new-generation aero-engines with improved operational reliability. Her contributions span across conceptual design, computational validation, and real-world system integration. Beyond her research contributions, she also mentors young engineers, leads technical committees, and plays an advisory role in cross-functional research groups within AVIC and national consortiums.

Research Interests

Qinqin Mu’s core research interests include aero-engine rotor–stator dynamics, friction-induced vibration, thermal-mechanical fatigue, and flexible structural interactions between coated blades and casings. Her work uniquely blends finite element modeling with experimental verification, offering deep insight into transient dynamic behavior under critical operating conditions. Her research not only contributes to better turbine reliability but also supports fuel efficiency and sustainability by reducing unexpected in-service failures. She is particularly interested in exploring interdisciplinary links between materials science and structural dynamics in future research.

Awards

Qinqin Mu has received internal recognition at AVIC for engineering excellence and collaborative innovation. Her recent research contributions have led to nominations for national aerospace innovation awards and industry-specific recognition for technical leadership. She was shortlisted for a collaborative research award within her institution and is currently nominated for the Best Research Article Award in recognition of her outstanding scientific contributions to rotor–stator interaction modeling.

Publications 📚

  1. 🌀 “Design and Testing of a Device to Investigate Dynamic Performance of Aero-Engine Rotor–Stator Rubbing Dynamics” – Eng, 2025 (DOI: 10.3390/eng6070162), cited by 8 articles, introduces a novel device to test rubbing effects in aero-engines.
  2. ⚙️ “Study on Rubbing-Induced Vibration Characteristics Considering the Flexibility of Coated Casings and Blades” – Machines, 2024 (DOI: 10.3390/machines12070481), cited by 11 articles, explores the nonlinear interaction between flexible blades and coating layers.

Conclusion

Qinqin Mu stands out as a dedicated and innovative researcher whose work directly enhances the performance and reliability of aero-engines. Her integrated approach, combining theoretical modeling, experimental validation, and practical application, represents a valuable contribution to the field of mechanical and aerospace engineering. With her strong publication record, leadership in collaborative projects, and commitment to high-impact research, she is a fitting nominee for the Best Research Article Award. Her future research is expected to focus on smart diagnostics and AI-driven failure prediction systems for rotating machinery, further extending her impact in both academic and industrial settings.

 

 

Kasım Kiracı | Airline | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kasım Kiracı | Airline | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kasım Kiracı | Airline – Associate Professor at Iskenderun Technical University, Turkey

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kasım Kiracı is an accomplished academic in the field of aviation management, specializing in corporate finance, airline operations, and transportation economics. He currently serves as an Associate Professor at the Iskenderun Technical University in Turkey, where he is part of the Aviation and Aerospace Sciences Faculty. His extensive research contributions have garnered attention in both national and international academic circles, with a particular focus on the aviation industry. Dr. Kiracı’s work explores the intersection of financial decision-making, airline performance, and economic development, contributing valuable insights into both theoretical and practical aspects of the field.

Professional Profile:

ORCID | Google Scholar | Scopus

Education:

Dr. Kasım Kiracı’s educational journey is marked by a strong foundation in economics and aviation management. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in 2010, followed by a Master’s degree, with his first thesis titled “Structural Break Tests on Aviation Data in Turkey: 1980-2012” in 2013. He further advanced his academic pursuit with a Master’s thesis on “Macroeconomic Determinants of Air Transport: A Time Series Analysis for Turkey” in 2017. Dr. Kiracı completed his doctoral thesis in 2017, under the guidance of Nurhan Aydın, focusing on “Determinants of Capital Structure According to Business Model: A Panel Data Analysis on Low-Cost and Traditional Airlines”. This progression in education reflects his evolving interest in the complexities of the aviation industry.

Experience:

Dr. Kiracı’s academic career spans several significant roles. From 2011 to 2013, he worked as a Research Assistant at Iskenderun Technical University and Anadolu University, before being promoted to Assistant Professor in 2018. In 2021, he was appointed Associate Professor at Iskenderun Technical University. Throughout his career, Dr. Kiracı has worked on numerous research projects related to aviation economics, such as the “Airline Capital Structure Decisions” (supported by the Turkish Higher Education Council) and the “Transportation Legislation in Turkey” under the EU harmonization process. Additionally, he has been part of several international research collaborations.

Dr. Kiracı’s leadership extends beyond academia, having served as Vice Dean of the Faculty of Aviation and Space Sciences from 2019. His administrative roles also include serving as the Vice Director of the Vocational School of Civil Aviation at Iskenderun Technical University.

Research Interests:

Dr. Kiracı’s primary research interests lie in the economics of aviation, focusing on capital structure, airline performance, financial risk management, and macroeconomic determinants. His work is notable for its blend of empirical analysis and theoretical modeling, contributing to the understanding of how airlines navigate financial risk and operational challenges. His recent work delves into the financial performance of airline companies during crises, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, and the broader impact of economic cycles on the aviation industry. He has also conducted extensive research on the factors affecting airline profitability, focusing on the economic implications of low-cost and traditional airline models.

Awards:

Dr. Kasım Kiracı has received recognition for his scholarly contributions in the field of aviation and economics. In 2020, he was awarded the TÜBİTAK Publication Incentive Award, which acknowledged his innovative research on financial risk management in the airline industry. In 2022, he was also honored with the Yayın Teşvik Ödülü (Publication Encouragement Award) for his outstanding research outputs. These awards are a testament to his dedication to advancing knowledge in the field of aviation economics and his significant contributions to the academic community.

Publications:

Kiracı, K., & Vasigh, B. (2024). A Novel Approach to Determinants of Corporate Cash Holdings: Evidence from the Airline Industry. Journal of Air Transport Management, 120, 1-17.
Baştuğ, S., Akan, E., Kiracı, K., & Lai, K.-H. (2024). The Humanitarian Logistics Performance Measurement Model: A Case Study of COVID-19. Scientific Journals of the Maritime University of Szczecin.
Kayhan, S., Kiracı, K., & Yaşar, M. (2023). Relationship Between Airline Ticket Price, Demand, and Business Model: A Worldwide Analysis. Aksaray University, 15(3), 211-218.
Baştuğ, S., Haralambides, H., Akan, E., & Kiracı, K. (2023). Risk Mitigation in Service Industries: A Research Agenda on Container Shipping. Transport Policy, 141, 232-244. 
Kiracı, K., Tanrıverdi, G., & Akan, E. (2023). Analysis of Factors Affecting the Sustainable Success of Airlines During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Transportation Research Record, 2677(4), 350-379.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kasım Kiracı has demonstrated significant contributions to the field of aviation management through his research, teaching, and administrative roles. His work on the financial and operational aspects of the aviation industry, particularly focusing on capital structure, financial risk, and macroeconomic factors, positions him as a leading figure in the field. His numerous publications, awards, and involvement in both national and international research projects underscore his excellence and commitment to advancing knowledge in aviation economics. Dr. Kiracı’s work is vital to the continued growth and resilience of the aviation sector, making him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. ✨