Dr. Mariam Darestani | Environmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mariam Darestani | Environmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mariam Darestani | Environmental Engineering – Western Sydney University, Kingswood, Australia

Dr. Mariam Darestani is a highly accomplished academic and researcher with a diverse and impactful career in the field of engineering. With a PhD in Engineering from the University of Sydney, Dr. Darestani has made significant contributions to the development of innovative materials and sustainable technologies, particularly in the areas of water purification, sustainable agriculture, and polymer engineering. She is currently serving as a Senior Lecturer at Western Sydney University (WSU), where she is also an Academic Program Advisor for various undergraduate engineering programs. As a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), she has a strong commitment to enhancing the academic experience for students through innovative curriculum development and research.

Her academic journey is marked by numerous awards, including the prestigious Amelia Earhart Fellowship from Zonta International and several Excellence in Research Awards from the University of Sydney. With a background in Polymer Engineering, Dr. Darestani has worked across various sectors, applying her research to practical solutions in industry. In addition to her teaching and research roles, she has held leadership positions in various academic and industry-related initiatives, further cementing her reputation as a trailblazer in her field.

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Education:

Dr. Darestani’s academic foundation is robust, beginning with a Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Engineering (Honours) from Tehran Polytechnic University. She pursued her Master’s in Engineering (Polymer) from the Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute before embarking on doctoral studies at the University of Sydney, where she earned her PhD in Engineering. To further enhance her expertise in academic practice, she completed the Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), which underpins her dedication to improving teaching methodologies. Her academic qualifications are complemented by ongoing professional development, including various courses aimed at enhancing her supervisory and leadership skills in academia.

Experience:

Dr. Darestani’s career has spanned multiple research and academic positions, which have contributed to her expertise in sustainable engineering solutions. She has been a Senior Lecturer at Western Sydney University since 2019, where she has also been involved in several leadership roles, such as Academic Program Advisor for the Undergraduate Advanced Manufacturing, Materials, Mechanical, and Robotic & Mechatronic Engineering programs. Her previous roles include serving as an Advance Queensland Research Fellow at Queensland University of Technology, where she focused on the development of novel materials and technologies for sustainable living. Her postdoctoral work at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and the University of Sydney has further enriched her ability to collaborate across academic and industrial sectors, providing valuable insights into the intersection of research, teaching, and practical engineering applications.

Research Interests:

Dr. Darestani’s research interests are primarily focused on developing innovative products and materials aimed at sustainable living. Her work is centered on the application of nanotechnology, sustainable water treatment, and the creation of advanced materials for agricultural and environmental purposes. She has a particular interest in water resource management, exploring the potential of zeolite-based products and other novel materials for addressing environmental challenges. Her research is interdisciplinary, drawing from fields such as polymer engineering, environmental sustainability, and nanotechnology to create practical solutions that benefit both industries and communities.

Awards:

Dr. Darestani has received numerous accolades and awards for her outstanding contributions to research and innovation. Some of her notable achievements include winning the EDBE Research Impact Award in 2024 and 2023 at Western Sydney University, as well as being named the Researcher of the Year through Industry Partnership in 2023. Her dedication to sustainability has earned her recognition in prestigious awards such as the Queensland Women in STEM Prize and the AMP Tomorrow Maker Award. Additionally, she was shortlisted for the Green Globe Award by the NSW government in 2019 and has received several industry fellowship awards, highlighting her ability to bridge the gap between academia and industry.

Publications:

Dr. Darestani has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers that have had a significant impact on the field. Some of her recent publications include:

  1. Javan, K., & Darestani, M. (2024). Evaluating the environmental sustainability of a key crop in a crucial area: Analyzing the effects of climate change on agriculture, Heliyon. 🌱 (Cited by: 10+)
  2. Javan, K., & Darestani, M. (2024). Assessing environmental sustainability of a vital crop in a critical region using the SWAT model, Heliyon 10(3). 🌍 (Cited by: 8)
  3. Amari, S., Darestani, M., & Millar, G. (2024). Engineering and Life Cycle Assessment of Sustainable Zeolite-Based Geopolymer Incorporating Blast Furnace Slag, Sustainability 16(1), 440. ♻️ (Cited by: 12)
  4. Javan, K., Altaee, A., BaniHashemi, S., & Darestani, M. (2023). A review of interconnected challenges in the water-energy-food nexus: Urban pollution perspective towards sustainable development, Science of The Total Environment. 🌿 (Cited by: 20)
  5. Javan, K., Mirabi, M., & Darestani, M. (2023). Enhancing environmental sustainability in a critical region: Climate change impacts on agriculture and tourism, Civil Engineering Journal. 🌎 (Cited by: 15)

Conclusion:

Dr. Mariam Darestani is an exemplary figure in the field of engineering, blending academic rigor with practical, sustainable solutions. Her commitment to innovation in water resource management, sustainable materials, and engineering education has earned her a prominent place in both academic and industrial circles. With a proven track record of securing substantial research funding and delivering impactful projects, Dr. Darestani continues to make significant strides in advancing sustainable engineering practices. Through her work, she not only contributes to the academic community but also to the development of technologies that have a lasting, positive impact on the environment and society. Her contributions, both in research and teaching, make her a deserving candidate for recognition in any award nomination.

 

 

 

Shivam Aggarwal | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Shivam Aggarwal | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Research Scholar | J. C. Bose University of Science and Technology, YMCA | India

Shivam Aggarwal is a dedicated Mechanical Engineer with a robust academic background and industry experience. He holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and is in the process of completing his Ph.D. His expertise lies in mechanical design, statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, and materials science. Throughout his career, he has excelled in both practical engineering and academia, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience in designing and testing mechanical systems. Currently, he serves as an Assistant Professor at the Echelon Institute of Technology, where he imparts knowledge to future engineers. Known for his commitment to academic excellence, research, and student mentorship, Shivam seeks to contribute further to the academic community, particularly in areas like finite element analysis and sustainable engineering.

Profile

Scholar

Education
Shivam Aggarwal’s educational journey showcases his deep commitment to the field of mechanical engineering. He pursued his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at J.C. Bose University of Science & Technology, Faridabad, India, and is currently in the final stages of his thesis submission in 2024. Prior to that, he earned his Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from the same institution in 2021, specializing in advanced mechanical concepts. His academic foundation was further solidified by his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Satyug Darshan Institute of Engineering & Technology, Faridabad, in 2019. Additionally, Shivam completed a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Government Polytechnic Manesar, Gurugram, in 2016, which provided him with a strong practical base. His education underscores a continuous pursuit of knowledge and excellence in mechanical engineering.

Experience
Shivam Aggarwal’s professional journey spans both academia and industry. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Echelon Institute of Technology, where he has been shaping the minds of future engineers since June 2024. His role includes designing curricula, delivering lectures on subjects such as thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, conducting research, and mentoring students. Before venturing into academia, Shivam gained valuable industry experience. He worked as a Graduate Engineer Trainee at Frick India Pvt Ltd (January–May 2019), where he honed his skills in mechanical design and system development. He also worked as a Trainee at Dauji Metal Pvt Ltd and Forgewell India Pvt Ltd, further strengthening his practical knowledge in mechanical engineering processes, testing, and evaluation.

Research Interest
Shivam’s research interests lie in several core areas of mechanical engineering. He is particularly passionate about finite element analysis (FEA), sustainable engineering, and the application of advanced materials in automotive and mechanical systems. His work often focuses on optimizing mechanical components for performance and sustainability. He has explored the application of composite materials in electric rickshaw leaf springs, automotive leaf spring design, and energy-efficient systems. Additionally, his interest extends to robotics, automation, and the integration of IoT for smart systems in agriculture. These research pursuits reflect his dedication to advancing mechanical engineering practices through innovation and sustainability.

Award
Shivam Aggarwal’s dedication to excellence has been recognized through several prestigious awards and nominations. Notably, he won the Best Innovation Award in 2022 at YMCA University for his work in mechanical engineering. He has also received accolades for his performance in academic and professional assessments. Shivam passed the GATE exam in Mechanical Engineering, a significant achievement that highlights his theoretical and practical expertise. His contributions to mechanical engineering have earned him eligibility for the University Research Scholarship at YMCA University. Additionally, Shivam has received multiple certifications, including ISRO-IIRS Certification, and has excelled in national-level exams like the National Olympiad in Mechanical Engineering by ASSOCHAM and TCS National Qualifier Test.

Publication
Shivam Aggarwal has contributed to several high-quality publications in mechanical engineering. His research is widely acknowledged within the academic community. Some of his notable publications include:

  1. Sandwich Composite Material Analysis for its Application in Electric Rickshaw Leaf Spring, Taylor & Francis Journal of Mechanics Based Design and Structures, SCIE (2024).
  2. Analysis of Glass Fiber-reinforced Composite Leaf Springs in a Light Commercial Vehicle, Journal of Scientific Report, Nature Publishing Group, UK, SCIE (2024).
  3. Design and Analysis of Load Stiffness Tester for Dual Applications in Measurement of Spring Stiffness and Walnut Shell Stiffness, Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering (Springer Nature), Scopus (2024).
  4. Investigation regarding the Replacement of Composite Material Leaf Springs with Spring Steel Leaf Springs in Automotive Vehicles: A Review, IOP Conference Series Material Science & Engineering, indexed in WoS (2024).
  5. Optimization of Various Percentages of Fibers in Fiber Reinforced Composite Material Leaf Springs in Vehicles, IOP Conference Series Material Science & Engineering, indexed in WoS (2024).
  6. IoT-Based Treadle Pump and Smart Flow Measurement Device for Irrigation, Proceedings of the 10th International Symposium on Fusion of Science and Technology (2024).

These works highlight Shivam’s expertise in materials science, mechanical design, and sustainable engineering, with several being widely cited in related research fields.

Conclusion
Shivam Aggarwal is a highly accomplished Mechanical Engineer and academic, whose work spans both practical engineering and cutting-edge research. His experience as an educator, coupled with his academic achievements and industry exposure, has equipped him with a unique perspective on engineering solutions. Through his research, publications, and patents, Shivam continues to contribute meaningfully to the field of mechanical engineering. His strong foundation in design, materials science, and sustainable engineering, combined with his passion for teaching and innovation, makes him a valuable asset to the academic and engineering communities. As he advances his career, Shivam remains committed to inspiring and mentoring the next generation of engineers, fostering their academic and professional growth.