Dora Zakarian | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Dora Zakarian | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Senior Researcher at Institute for Problems in Materials Science, Ukraine

Dr. Dora Zakarian, a distinguished theorist in solid-state physics, has been contributing to material science since 1980 at the Institute for Problems in Materials Science (IPMS), Ukrainian National Academy of Science, Kyiv, Ukraine. With a doctorate in Physical and Mathematical Sciences, she is renowned for her innovative “a priori pseudopotential” method and groundbreaking studies on the mechanical properties of advanced materials.

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Education 🎓

Dr. Zakarian holds a Doctorate in Physical and Mathematical Sciences, specializing in solid-state physics. Her academic background is rooted in rigorous theoretical approaches, emphasizing quantum mechanics and material modeling.

Professional Experience 💼

Dr. Zakarian’s career spans over four decades at IPMS, where she has conducted theoretical studies of mechanical properties in diverse materials. She developed the “a priori pseudopotential” method, which has led to significant advancements in understanding materials like metals, carbides, borides, and eutectic composites. Her work has influenced fields such as nanotechnology and high-entropy alloys, resulting in dozens of foundational methodologies.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Zakarian’s research is centered on computational materials science, particularly:

  • Mechanical properties of composite materials under varying conditions.
  • Thermodynamic modeling of binary systems and eutectics.
  • Pioneering methods to account for size factors, anharmonic effects, and intercomponent interactions in composite materials.
  • Young’s modulus and other critical properties of advanced materials.

Awards and Recognitions 🏆

Dr. Zakarian has actively contributed to international research through:

  1. U.S. Navy Grant (2007-2009) – Simulation of ceramic composites in LaB₆-MeB₂ systems.
  2. U.S. Air Force Grant (2012-2014) – Modeling of boride ceramic composites.
  3. NATO Project Grant (2016-2023) – Development of shock-resistant boron-based ceramics, integrating production and testing.

Her groundbreaking contributions have been recognized globally, with applications in defense and aerospace industries.

Key Publications 📚

Dr. Zakarian has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles. Key works include:

Universal temperature dependence of Young’s modulus

  • Year: 2019
  • Citations: 42

Calculation of composition in LaB6–TiB2 and LaB6–ZrB2 eutectics by means of pseudopotential method

  • Year: 2011
  • Citations: 23

Pseudopotential method for calculating the eutectic temperature and concentration of the components of the B4C–TiB2, TiB2–SiC, and B4C–SiC systems

  • Year: 2009
  • Citations: 19

Ab-initio calculation of the coefficients of thermal expansion for MeB2 (Me–Ti, Zr) and LaB6 borides and LaB6–MeB2 eutectic composites

  • Year: 2012
  • Citations: 11

Quasi-harmonic approximation model in the theory of pseudopotentials

  • Year: 2016
  • Citations: 7

Расчет теоретической прочности алмазоподобных материалов, исходя из энергии взаимодействия атомных плоскостей

  • Year: 2006
  • Citations: 7

Mechanical characteristics of quasibinary eutectic composites with regard for the influence of an intercomponent interaction of the interface

  • Year: 2014
  • Citations: 5

Theoretical Strength of Borides and Quasibinary Boride Eutectics at High Temperatures

  • Year: 2015
  • Citations: 4

Наночастицы с алмазоподобной структурой и обратный закон Холла–Петча

  • Year: 2014
  • Citations: 3

Temperature dependence of the hardness of materials with a metallic, covalent-metallic bonds

  • Year: 2021
  • Citations: 2

For a complete list of publications, please refer to the accompanying document.

Conclusion 🌟

Dr. Dora Zakarian’s contributions to theoretical solid-state physics and materials science are pivotal in advancing our understanding of composite materials. Her innovations in computational methods and models have reshaped the study of mechanical and thermodynamic properties of advanced materials, making her a prominent figure in her field

Charly Julien Nyobe | Wood Mechanics | Best Paper Award

Dr. Charly Julien Nyobe | Wood Mechanics | Best Paper Award

Dr. Charly Julien Nyobe – Teacher-researcher at ENSET of Douala, France

Charly Julien Nyobe is a dedicated researcher, educator, and civil engineer with specialized expertise in wood material science, sustainable construction, and structural mechanics. His work focuses on developing sustainable, eco-friendly construction practices, particularly through the innovative use of tropical woods as viable alternatives to traditional materials. Nyobe’s research addresses the mechanical properties, strength classifications, and resilience of timber from the Congo Basin, contributing significantly to the advancement of sustainable building practices in regions rich in tropical forests. His in-depth studies cover topics such as the impact of scale on wood strength, the effect of grain slope on mechanical properties, and the influence of natural variability in wood species. Nyobe has contributed numerous publications that highlight his findings, focusing on factors like vibratory damping, structural reliability, and wood’s response under varying environmental conditions. His research, widely cited in prominent journals, emphasizes the importance of combining traditional materials with advanced engineering methods to create resilient, environmentally friendly construction solutions. Beyond research, Nyobe is an active educator at the University of Douala, where he mentors students and supervises projects that explore innovative uses of wood in civil engineering. His role as a member of the Groupe De Recherche Science du Bois (GDR) in France further underscores his commitment to promoting sustainable materials in engineering. Through his work in academia, industry, and collaborative research, Nyobe has established himself as a leader in sustainable civil engineering, demonstrating that tropical wood, when combined with modern engineering approaches, can serve as a durable, high-performance construction material. His contributions continue to drive awareness of the potential of sustainable materials in civil engineering, inspiring new research and practical applications that align with environmental stewardship and sustainable development goals.

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Education

Charly Nyobe’s academic journey is marked by a series of high achievements and specialization in civil engineering. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Mechanics at the Université Gustave Eiffel in France, focusing on the development of sustainable road restraint systems that incorporate wood materials. His first PhD, earned in 2023 from the École Nationale Supérieure Polytechnique de Yaoundé at the University of Yaoundé I, delved into multi-scale resistance classification of Congo Basin timber, earning him top honors. Nyobe also holds a Master’s in Engineering Science with a specialization in Civil Engineering from the University of Douala, where he conducted pioneering work on the mechanical resistance of Congo Basin wood, specifically the Okan species. His academic foundation was further strengthened by his undergraduate studies at the Ecole Normale Supérieure d’Enseignement Technique de Douala, where he focused on corrosion in reinforced concrete structures.

Professional Experience

Nyobe’s professional experience spans over a decade, during which he has taught and mentored students at various educational institutions in Cameroon. Since 2018, he has served as a faculty member in the Civil Engineering department at the Ecole Normale Supérieure d’Enseignement Technique (ENSET), University of Douala. Prior to this, he taught at the Lycée Polyvalent de Bonabéri in Douala, where he developed and implemented curricula designed to improve student understanding of structural engineering and construction technology. Additionally, Nyobe has served as a visiting lecturer at the École Supérieure de La Salle in Douala and the Institute of Technology in Douala, sharing his expertise with aspiring civil engineers. His extensive experience in education has equipped him with the skills to communicate complex engineering concepts effectively and foster an environment conducive to learning and innovation.

Research Interests

Charly Nyobe’s research interests are rooted in civil engineering and sustainability, with a particular focus on wood material science, structural dynamics, and impact mechanics. His ongoing doctoral research explores innovative uses of wood in road restraint systems, with an emphasis on the durability and resilience of timber under mechanical stress. Additionally, Nyobe is deeply invested in the characterization of tropical woods from the Congo Basin, investigating their potential as sustainable alternatives in construction. He employs both experimental and numerical methods to study the dynamic behavior of materials, particularly in applications where mechanical strength and material sustainability intersect. His work not only promotes eco-friendly construction practices but also contributes valuable insights into the mechanics of tropical woods, encouraging the use of indigenous resources in modern engineering.

Awards

Nyobe’s academic excellence and contributions to civil engineering research have earned him significant recognition. His PhD thesis at the École Nationale Supérieure Polytechnique de Yaoundé received the distinction of “Très Honorable” by a unanimous jury, acknowledging his groundbreaking work in the multi-scale classification of Congo Basin timber. He has also received “mention Très Bien” for both his Master’s and undergraduate thesis projects, reflecting his consistent high performance and dedication to quality research. These accolades underscore Nyobe’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of engineering knowledge and highlight his role in advancing sustainable construction methodologies.

Publications

Nyobe, C. J., Nyobe, N. S., Nkibeu, J. B., Oum Lissouck, R., & Ayina Ohandja, L. M. (2024). “Effect of slope of grain on mechanical properties of some tropical wood species.” Wood Material Science & Engineering, 1–7.
Biyo’o, R., Biwole, A. B., Moutou Pitti, R., Nyobe, C. J., et al. (2024). “Mode I cracking of three tropical species from Cameroon.” Wood Material Science & Engineering, 1–10.
Bertin, N., Nyobe, C., et al. (2023). “A Review on Methods for Determining the Vibratory Damping Ratio.” Open Journal of Civil Engineering, 13, 199-209.
Nyobe, C. J., Lissouck, R. O., Ayina Ohandja, L. M., & Emmanuel, Y. (2022). “Variability of the mechanical strength of Congo Basin timbers.” Wood Material Science & Engineering, 17(3), 210–220.

Conclusion

Charly Julien Nyobe’s work in civil engineering and wood material science embodies a commitment to sustainable development and innovation. His research is instrumental in promoting eco-friendly construction practices by exploring the properties of local wood species, with particular attention to their mechanical strength and resilience. Nyobe’s achievements in education, research, and publication reflect a deep understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of engineering. His contributions are shaping the field of civil engineering, particularly within regions rich in tropical forests, and underscore the potential of natural resources in addressing modern engineering challenges. As a nominee for the award, Nyobe exemplifies the qualities of a visionary researcher dedicated to sustainable advancements in engineering.