Mrs. Aljona Gineiko | Heritage Protection | Best Researcher Award

PhD Researcher | Estonian Academy of Arts | Estonia

Aljona Gineiko is a dedicated researcher and doctoral student at the Estonian Academy of Arts. Her work spans the fields of natural sciences, construction engineering, and architectural conservation. She focuses on heritage protection, reuse of construction materials, and cost calculation for building renovation. Aljona’s innovative research integrates engineering principles with cultural preservation, contributing to sustainable construction practices and resilient restoration methodologies.

Profile

Orcid

Education

Aljona completed her Master of Science in Environmental Engineering at Tallinn University of Technology in 2010. Her thesis addressed the residual pollution of groundwater in Estonia and its impact on drinking water supplies, supervised by Jaan Karu. Building on her engineering foundation, she pursued doctoral studies at the Estonian Academy of Arts, where her current research investigates cost-effective restoration practices by emphasizing the reuse of construction materials. She also holds a Diploma in Civil Engineering in Buildings and Structures, certified at EstQF level 7.

Experience

Since 2022, Aljona has been actively involved with the Estonian Academy of Arts as a doctoral student and junior researcher, contributing to groundbreaking research in restoration and conservation. In parallel, she serves as other staff at the Faculty of Art and Culture, collaborating on interdisciplinary projects that bridge engineering and art. Her diverse professional background includes both technical and cultural aspects of building construction, ensuring a holistic approach to architectural preservation.

Research Interests

Aljona’s primary research interests lie in heritage protection, sustainable renovation practices, and the reuse of building materials. She explores the challenges and opportunities of integrating modern engineering techniques into traditional architecture. Her work also delves into cost-efficient restoration strategies, aiming to balance aesthetic value with economic feasibility. Through her research, Aljona seeks to contribute to global sustainability goals by promoting smart and resilient renovation practices.

Awards

While specific awards are not mentioned in her current profile, Aljona’s achievements include active participation in prestigious projects such as “LIFE IP Buildest,” supported by the Estonian Ministry of Climate. This project underscores her commitment to advancing Estonia’s climate ambitions through innovative renovation solutions.

Selected Publications

“Strength- and Moisture-Related Studies of Historical Building Materials: A Case Study from Southern Estonia” (2024). Buildings, 14(11), pp. 1–17. DOI: 10.3390/buildings14113565. Cited by emerging studies on sustainable construction.
Additional publications, if available, would be listed here with journal and citation details.

Conclusion

Aljona Gineiko exemplifies the fusion of engineering, art, and cultural preservation in her academic and professional endeavors. Her expertise in environmental engineering and restoration contributes to both academic scholarship and practical applications in construction. By integrating sustainability into architectural conservation, she addresses modern challenges while preserving historical value, making her a vital contributor to her field.

Weihua Zhang - Environmental Science - Best Researcher Award

Radiation Protection Bureau of Health - Canada

Professional Profiles

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Weihua Zhang's academic journey commenced with a strong foundation in Nuclear Physics, culminating in a B.Sc. degree from Nanjing University Nuclear Physics Department in 1982. Driven by a passion for scientific exploration, he pursued higher education, obtaining a Ph.D. degree in Radiochemistry from Dalhousie University Chemistry Department in 1997. During this early academic phase, Weihua Zhang demonstrated a keen interest in trace element analysis, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to the field.

Professional Endeavors

Research Scientist at RPB of Health Canada (2002-present)

Weihua Zhang's professional trajectory led him to the Radiation Protection Bureau (RPB) of Health Canada in 2002, where he assumed the role of a Research Scientist. Over the years, he has been dedicated to advancing the field of spectrometry, focusing on gamma, beta, and alpha-spectrometry techniques. His contributions have significantly enhanced the monitoring of environmental radioactivity and expanded our understanding of radiation exposure to humans from various sources.

Adjunct Professor at Carleton University (2016-present)

In addition to his research role, Weihua Zhang has been contributing to academia as an Adjunct Professor in the Physics Department of Carleton University since 2016. This dual engagement reflects his commitment not only to pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge through research but also to nurturing the next generation of scientists and researchers.

Research Associate at National Research Council Canada (1997-2000)

Before joining Health Canada, Weihua Zhang served as a Research Associate at the National Research Council Canada from 1997 to 2000. During this tenure, he played a crucial role in providing a radionuclide calibration service to Canadian clients. His efforts significantly improved the accuracy of radioactive measurements, particularly in the field of nuclear medicine, where precise measurements are essential for patient safety.

Software Engineer at JDS Uniphase (2000-2002)

Weihua Zhang's diverse skill set extends to software engineering, as evidenced by his role as a Software Engineer at JDS Uniphase from 2000 to 2002. During this period, he applied his programming expertise with LabVIEW 6.0 and Visual Basic 6.0 to automate testing for optical instruments, showcasing his versatility in both scientific and technical domains.

Contributions and Research Focus

Weihua Zhang's primary research contributions revolve around the refinement and development of spectrometry techniques. His work in gamma, beta, and alpha-spectrometry has led to substantial improvements in environmental radioactivity monitoring. Additionally, his research investigates radiation exposure to humans, both from natural and anthropogenic sources, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the potential health impacts.

Accolades and Recognition

Weihua Zhang's dedication and outstanding contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 1992, he received the Dalhousie graduate scholarship, a recognition of his academic excellence and potential in the field of radiochemistry.

Impact and Influence

Weihua Zhang's impact is discernible in the advancements he has brought to spectrometry techniques, influencing the precision of measurements in environmental radioactivity monitoring. His work has practical applications, notably in nuclear medicine, where accurate measurements are critical for patient safety and effective medical diagnostics and therapy.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Weihua Zhang continues to serve as a Research Scientist and Adjunct Professor, his legacy is shaped by a commitment to excellence in both research and education. His future contributions are anticipated to further propel spectrometry techniques, advancing our capabilities in monitoring environmental radioactivity and ensuring the safe use of radioactive materials in various applications.

Notable Publications

The development of a digital gamma-gamma coincidence/anticoincidence spectrometer and its applications to monitor low-level atmospheric ²²Na/⁷Be activity ratios in Resolute Bay, Canada 2018

Gamma peak search and peak fitting algorithm for a low-resolution detector with applications in gamma spectroscopy 2019

Observation of Ground-level Enhancement Across Canada's Fixed Point Surveillance Network during the 20 January 2005 Solar Event 2017

Aljona Gineiko | Heritage Protection | Best Researcher Award