Burak Çırağ | Civil Engineering | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Burak Çırağ | Civil Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Research Assistant | Atatürk University | Turkey

Burak Çırağ is a research assistant at Atatürk University, specializing in hydraulic engineering within the Department of Civil Engineering. His research focuses on stormwater drainage systems, flood performance, and the optimization of water management strategies. With an extensive background in environmental engineering and hydraulic modeling, Çırağ is actively contributing to national and international projects related to flood management and sustainable drainage systems. His academic journey is marked by rigorous research and an unwavering commitment to advancing water resource management techniques.

Profile

Scopus

Education
Burak Çırağ completed his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering in June 2018, followed by a master’s degree with a thesis titled “Evaluation of Flood Performance in Stormwater Drainage Systems” under the guidance of Mahmut Fırat in 2021. He is currently pursuing his doctoral studies, delving deeper into optimizing stormwater systems and flood control mechanisms. Throughout his academic tenure, Çırağ has cultivated a strong foundation in hydrology, hydraulic modeling, and environmental engineering.

Experience
Since February 2020, Burak Çırağ has been serving as a research assistant in the Civil Engineering Department at Atatürk University, focusing on hydraulic systems and stormwater management. He has contributed to several national research projects, including evaluating the performance of stormwater drainage systems and exploring optimization algorithms for stormwater network planning. Çırağ is also involved in hydrodynamic modeling and flood behavior analysis in the Karasu Basin. These research initiatives are part of larger efforts to advance flood prediction and water management technologies.

Research Interests
Çırağ’s primary research interests lie in hydraulic engineering, particularly in the analysis and optimization of stormwater drainage systems. He focuses on flood modeling, performance evaluation, and sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS). Additionally, his work explores the impact of land use and surface runoff on flood propagation. Çırağ is committed to understanding and mitigating flood risks in urban environments through advanced modeling techniques and the development of optimized drainage strategies.

Awards
Burak Çırağ has received a Certificate in Data Protection and Privacy (KVKK) from Atatürk University in June 2022, recognizing his commitment to professional development in security and legal matters. While his focus remains on research and academic growth, his contributions have garnered attention within national scientific communities.

Publications

  1. Çırağ, B., & Fırat, M. (2023). Two-dimensional (2D) flood analysis and calibration of stormwater drainage systems using geographic information systems. Water Science and Technology, 87(10), 2596. [DOI: 10.2166/wst.2023.126]
  2. Çırağ, B., & Fırat, M. (2023). Investigation of failures occurring in stormwater drainage systems according to system characteristics and spatial variation. International Ecology and Environment Congress, 41-52.
  3. Çırağ, B., & Fırat, M. (2023). Flood analysis of conventional stormwater drainage systems and examples of urban sustainable drainage systems. International Ecology and Environment Congress, 31-41.
  4. Çırağ, B., Fırat, M., & Aydın, Ö. (2021). Analysis of the flood performance of stormwater drainage systems for different return periods. 4th International Conference of Contemporary Affairs in Architecture and Urbanism, 774-785.
  5. Taşkolu, İ., Acar, R., & Çırağ, B. (2024). Trend analysis of precipitation and temperatures in the Black Sea region using the innovative trend analysis. Journal of Studies in Advanced Technologies, 2(2), 74-82. [DOI: 10.63063/jsat.1505540]
  6. Çırağ, B., & Fırat, M. (2022). Evaluation of land use types and surface runoff effects in flood propagation maps: A case study of Malatya Province. Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University Journal of Engineering Sciences, 25(3), 222-236.
  7. Çırağ, B., Taşkolu, İ., Acar, R., Fırat, M., & Şengül, S. (2024). Evaluation of trends in precipitation and temperature values alongside land use/cover changes: A case study of Erzurum Province. XII. National Hydrology Congress, 384-393.

Conclusion
Burak Çırağ is a dedicated researcher committed to advancing the field of hydraulic engineering, particularly in stormwater management and flood mitigation. His work, which bridges academic theory and practical application, aims to enhance water resource management and reduce flood risks in urban settings. Through his extensive research, publications, and contributions to national and international projects, Çırağ is making significant strides toward creating sustainable water management systems that can be adapted to the growing challenges posed by climate change and urbanization. His academic and professional achievements reflect a future leader in environmental engineering.

Udayangani Kulatunga | Construction | Women Researcher Award

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Prof. Udayangani Kulatunga | Construction | Women Researcher Award

Prof. Udayangani Kulatunga | Construction – Professor in Building Economics at University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.

Udayangani Kulatunga is a distinguished academic with extensive expertise in the field of Building Economics. She holds the position of Professor in Building Economics at the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, where she has been serving since December 2018. Her research interests span across areas such as performance measurement in construction research and development, technology-enhanced stakeholder collaboration, and post-disaster resettlement strategies. Udayangani is an active participant in international research collaborations and has played a pivotal role in numerous research projects and initiatives both in Sri Lanka and globally. With a career that includes significant roles in teaching, research, and program development, Udayangani is recognized for her contributions to both academia and the built environment sector.

Profile Verification

Scopus | Google Scholar

Education

Udayangani Kulatunga completed her PhD at the University of Salford, UK, in May 2008, with a focus on the influence of performance measurement on construction research and development. Her academic journey also includes a BSc (First Class Honours) in Quantity Surveying from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, which she completed in December 2002. In addition to her academic qualifications, she holds professional qualifications, including Fellowship status with the Higher Education Academy (UK) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice from the University of Salford, UK, obtained in 2012.

Experience

Udayangani has had a distinguished academic career, with over two decades of experience in the field of Building Economics. Before becoming a Professor at the University of Moratuwa, she held various teaching and leadership positions, including Reader (Associate Professor) at the University of Salford, UK, and Senior Lecturer at both the University of Moratuwa and University of Salford. Throughout her career, she has been responsible for teaching and supervising students across a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, particularly in Quantity Surveying, Project Management, and Disaster Resilience. Her experience extends beyond teaching, having served in leadership roles such as Director of the Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction and Programme Director for the BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying program at the University of Salford.

Research Interests

Udayangani’s research interests are broad and impactful, with a particular focus on performance measurement within the construction industry, post-disaster recovery strategies, and the application of technology in the built environment. She has led multiple international collaborative research projects, including the ENSEMBLE project focused on resilience and social cohesion, and the TRANSCEND project aimed at supporting risk-sensitive urban development. She has also conducted studies on the professional identity crisis in Quantity Surveying and the adaptability of quantity surveyors to technological advances, exploring both the challenges and opportunities presented by these developments.

Awards

Udayangani Kulatunga has been recognized for her academic achievements and contributions to the field of Building Economics. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK), which underscores her commitment to teaching excellence and her contribution to the development of higher education. She has also received various research grants and awards, including funding for several high-profile research projects. Additionally, her ongoing leadership in academic governance, including serving as Chairperson for the University of Moratuwa’s Research Week, demonstrates her commitment to the advancement of research in her field.

Publications

Udayangani, U. “Reforming Legal and Regulatory Structure of Public Private Partnerships in Sri Lanka,” Built Environment Project and Asset Management (Accepted for publication) 📘
Udayangani, U. “Quantity Surveyors’ Adaptability to Technology: The Last Frontiers of Job Displacement Challenge,” Built Environment Sri Lanka, 14(1) 📖
Udayangani, U. (2024) – “Competency Requirements of Quantity Surveyors for International Opportunities: Case of Fresh Graduates from Sri Lanka,” Bhúmi, The Planning Research Journal, Vol.11, Issue.01 📰
Udayangani, U. (2024) – “Reconceptualising Urban Liveability: A Quantitative Assessment of Inhabitant Needs in Colombo, Sri Lanka,” URBAN DESIGN International, pp1-17 🏙️
Udayangani, U.; Eranga, I. (2024) – “Significance of Critical Infrastructure Development in Post-Disaster Resettlement in Sri Lanka,” International Journal of Construction Management, pp1-10 🏗️
Udayangani, U. (2024) – “Application of Lean Principles for Building Refurbishment Projects in Sri Lanka,” Built Environment Project and Asset Management 🏢
Udayangani, U. (2024) – “Applicability of Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) for the Cost Management of Mega Construction Projects in Sri Lanka,” Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction, Vol. 29 No. 2, pp. 314-330.📚

Conclusion

Professor Udayangani Kulatunga’s academic and professional journey reflects her dedication to advancing the field of Building Economics through her research, teaching, and leadership roles. Her contributions extend to significant improvements in the practice of Quantity Surveying, particularly with respect to technological integration and disaster resilience. With numerous successful research projects, publications, and awards, Udayangani is a distinguished academic whose work has greatly enriched both the academic community and the built environment sector globally.