Birgitte Ahring | Engineering and Technology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Birgitte Ahring | Engineering and Technology | Best Researcher Award

Professor ,Washington State University ,United States

Dr. Birgitte Kiær Ahring is a distinguished global expert in biofuels, renewable energy, and clean technologies. Currently a Professor at Washington State University (WSU) and Head of the BioScience & Technology Group at the Bioproducts, Science & Engineering Laboratory (BSEL), she has led pioneering research in cellulosic ethanol, biogas, and renewable natural gas. With a career spanning decades, she has held prominent roles across academia, industry, and policy—including as founder of BioGasol Aps and advisor to international organizations such as the UNDP and World Bank. Dr. Ahring’s leadership in Denmark and the U.S. has driven the advancement of sustainable energy systems globally. Her commitment to translating science into practice has earned her numerous accolades, including Washington State’s Research Excellence Award and a gubernatorial honor as “Washingtonian for the Day.” With over 555 scientific contributions and 11 patents, she remains a driving force in the bioeconomy and environmental innovation.

Professional Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Birgitte Kiær Ahring holds a Ph.D. in a life sciences field related to biotechnology or bioengineering, though her exact alma mater and thesis details are not listed. Her academic trajectory is rooted in biotechnology and chemical/biological engineering, fields that underpin her extensive contributions to renewable energy and clean technologies. Her foundational education laid the groundwork for a multifaceted career that bridges science, engineering, policy, and industrial application. She has also been involved in academic leadership and curriculum development through professorships at institutions such as the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and Washington State University. Her interdisciplinary background and international engagements—ranging from Denmark to the U.S., and from Africa to Asia—reflect a rich academic foundation and lifelong commitment to sustainable energy research and education.

💼 Experience

Dr. Ahring’s professional journey reflects over three decades of leadership in biotechnology and renewable energy. Since 2008, she has served as Professor at WSU and previously directed the BSEL, where she established state-of-the-art research facilities. She founded and led BioGasol Aps and was CEO of the Maxifuel Pilot Plant in Denmark. From 2002–2008, she led the Danish Centre for Biofuels and BST division at DTU. At UCLA, she served as Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering. Her governmental and advisory roles include being a Board Member of Energinet.dk and a consultant to USDA and multiple UN agencies. She has contributed to renewable energy implementation across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. She continues to advise research campaigns and editorial boards internationally. Through this experience, she has merged policy, practice, and research into a cohesive and influential professional impact.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Prof. Birgitte Ahring has earned numerous prestigious awards that honor her transformative research and global influence in bioengineering. In 2008, she received the Washington State Star Researcher Award valued at $2.5 million for excellence in renewable energy innovation. In 2021, she was recognized with the WSU Chancellor’s Distinguished Research Excellence Award. She was named “Washingtonian for the Day” by Governor Jay Inslee in 2022, acknowledging her service to the state’s clean energy transition. In 2023, she received the Anjan Boise Outstanding Research Award, and in 2024, she earned WSU’s Research Excellence Award. These accolades reflect her leadership in scientific discovery, commercialization, and sustainability-focused innovation. Additionally, her numerous editorial and board appointments in academia and industry further affirm her authority in the global bioeconomy and her role as a mentor and policy influencer.

🔍 Research Focus

Prof. Ahring’s research centers on clean technology for biofuels, biochemicals, and renewable natural gas (RNG). She is a world leader in cellulosic ethanol production, thermophilic anaerobic digestion, and advanced wet oxidation (AWOEx) pretreatment technologies. Her work explores the decarbonization of energy systems through biological and chemical conversion of lignocellulosic biomass, waste feedstocks, and CO₂ into fuels and valuable bio-products. She is especially focused on microbial consortia engineering and syngas fermentation to develop sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and medium-chain volatile fatty acids. She has significantly advanced microbial hydrogen kinetics and homoacetogenesis, aiming to optimize the energy yields and carbon efficiencies in bioreactors. Her integrated approach—spanning lab research, pilot plants, and industrial applications—bridges science, engineering, and policy. Through over 555 publications and collaborative global research, Prof. Ahring is reshaping bioresource technology and offering scalable solutions for climate-resilient energy systems.

📚 Publication Top Notes

 Membrane Technologies for Separating Volatile Fatty Acids Produced Through Arrested Anaerobic Digestion: A Review

  • Journal: Clean Technologies, June 2025

  • Authors: Angana Chaudhuri, Budi Mandra Harahap, Birgitte K. Ahring

  • Summary:
    This review explores state-of-the-art membrane-based separation technologies for volatile fatty acids (VFAs) derived from arrested anaerobic digestion. It emphasizes operational efficiency, selectivity, and integration potential in biorefineries, highlighting nanofiltration, pervaporation, and forward osmosis as promising routes for sustainable VFA recovery.

Advancing Thermophilic Anaerobic Digestion of Corn Whole Stillage: Lignocellulose Decomposition and Microbial Community Characterization

  • Journal: Fermentation, June 2024

  • Authors: Alnour Bokhary, Fuad Ale, Richard Garrison, Birgitte K. Ahring

  • Summary:
    The study investigates thermophilic anaerobic digestion (AD) of corn whole stillage, focusing on lignocellulosic breakdown and microbial dynamics. It reveals enhanced methane yield and stable digestion due to synergistic microbial interactions, underlining the importance of community structure in optimizing AD processes.

 Acetate Production by Moorella thermoacetica via Syngas Fermentation: Effect of Yeast Extract and Syngas Composition

  • Journal: Fermentation, September 2023

  • Authors: Budi Mandra Harahap, Birgitte K. Ahring

  • Summary:
    This paper examines acetate production from syngas using Moorella thermoacetica. It discusses how varying yeast extract concentrations and syngas composition affect yields, emphasizing the role of nutrient balance and gas ratios in optimizing microbial fermentation for bio-based acetic acid.

 Enhancing Acetic Acid Production in In Vitro Rumen Cultures by Addition of a Homoacetogenic Consortia from a Kangaroo

  • Journal: Fermentation, September 2023

  • Authors: Renan Stefanini Lopes, Birgitte K. Ahring

  • Summary:
    Innovative research demonstrating the enhancement of acetic acid production in rumen cultures by adding kangaroo-derived homoacetogens. The study also investigates methanogen inhibition and almond biochar’s role in altering fermentation profiles, suggesting applications in livestock and bioenergy.

 Acetate Production from Syngas Produced from Lignocellulosic Biomass Materials along with Gaseous Fermentation of the Syngas: A Review

  • Journal: Microorganisms, April 2023

  • Authors: Budi Mandra Harahap, Birgitte K. Ahring

  • Summary:
    This comprehensive review analyzes the full cycle of acetate production from biomass-derived syngas. It discusses gasification parameters, microbial strain selection, and bioreactor design, proposing integrated systems for sustainable acetate generation from lignocellulosic residues.

Conclusion

Engineering Award, Technology Award, Best Engineering Award, Global Technology Award, Engineering Innovation Award, Technology Excellence Award, Emerging Engineer Award, Tech Pioneer Award, Digital Engineering Award, STEM Innovation Award, Engineering and Technology Recognition, Academic Technology Award, Young Engineer Award, Women in Engineering Award, Smart Tech Award, Mechanical Engineering Award, Electrical Engineering Award, Civil Engineering Award, Software Engineering Award, Engineering Leadership Award, AI Technology Award, Robotics Award, Engineering Design Award, Sustainable Engineering Award, Innovative Engineer Award, Best Technologist Award, Engineering R&D Award, Engineering Educator Award, Future Tech Award, Engineering Breakthrough Award, Global Engineering Talent Award, Tech Achievement Award, Industry Technology Award, Next Gen Engineering Award, Excellence in Technology Award, Engineering Startup Award, Engineering Invention Award, Engineering Visionary Award, Lifetime Achievement in Engineering Award, Engineering and Technology Research Award

 

Libero Nigro | Software Engineering | Excellence in Research

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Prof. Dr. Libero Nigro | Software Engineering | Excellence in Research

Professor, University of Calabria, Italy

Libero Nigro is a distinguished Full Professor of Computer Engineering at the University of Calabria (UNICAL), Italy. With a career spanning over four decades, he has contributed significantly to education, research, and software engineering. He has held various academic positions since 1979, starting as an Assistant Professor and advancing to Full Professor in 2000. Known for his expertise in object-oriented programming, concurrent programming, and simulation, he has played a key role in shaping Computer Engineering education at UNICAL. Over his career, he has supervised several PhD students and participated in multiple national research projects. His expertise extends to numerous journal and conference reviews, and he is an editorial board member for prominent journals like Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory and World Journal of Modelling and Simulation. His research focuses on distributed systems, real-time systems, agent-based modeling, and cyber-physical systems.

Profile

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Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Academic Experience:
    • Libero Nigro has held significant academic positions from Assistant Professor to Full Professor at the University of Calabria (UNICAL), contributing immensely to education in computer engineering, including courses in object-oriented programming, concurrent programming, and real-time systems. His role in teaching and shaping curricula at UNICAL spans more than four decades, showing strong educational leadership.
  2. Research Leadership:
    • He has led numerous national research projects (such as MURST60%, MURST40%, and CNR projects) and has collaborated on international projects, demonstrating his capacity for both leadership and collaboration in research.
    • He is the scientific responsible for the Software Engineering Laboratory at UNICAL/DIMES, further illustrating his organizational and technical skills in research.
  3. Scientific Contributions:
    • Nigro has co-authored several impactful publications, including journal articles and book chapters, focused on cutting-edge topics like distributed simulation, clustering algorithms, mutual exclusion algorithms, agent-based systems, and smart grids. His work has contributed to significant advancements in these fields.
    • He has also mentored multiple PhD students, some of whom have gone on to make substantial contributions in related areas.
  4. Recognition and Peer Influence:
    • Libero Nigro’s recognition as one of the best reviewers for the journal Software and System Modelling (SoSyMo) in 2020 highlights his standing in the research community. His active participation in editorial boards and international conferences further strengthens his credibility.
    • His regular role in peer reviewing for several top-tier journals and conferences underscores his expert knowledge and respected opinion in the field.
  5. Innovation and Impact:
    • His research in formal verification, distributed simulation, and the modeling of real-time and cyber-physical systems is not only innovative but also highly relevant to modern computing challenges. His publications are regularly cited, indicating significant impact within his field.
  6. Comprehensive and Diverse Expertise:
    • Nigro has a well-rounded skill set, ranging from algorithm design and systems programming to software engineering and computational modeling. His expertise spans both theoretical foundations and practical applications, providing a holistic approach to research challenges.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader International Collaboration:
    • While Nigro has been involved in national projects and collaborations, there could be further opportunities to expand his international research network, especially with institutions outside Europe, which would enhance his global impact.
  2. Public Outreach and Dissemination:
    • Although his work has made substantial contributions to academic and research communities, there could be more engagement in public outreach or dissemination efforts aimed at a wider audience, including industry stakeholders or policy-makers, especially for real-world applications such as smart grids and energy systems.
  3. Diversity in Research Topics:
    • While his research areas are highly specialized and impactful, branching into interdisciplinary research that combines computer engineering with areas like artificial intelligence, robotics, or environmental sustainability might open up new avenues for research and innovation.

Education

Libero Nigro earned a degree in Electrical Engineering, summa cum laude, from the University of Calabria (UNICAL) in 1978. His academic journey laid a strong foundation in Software Engineering, Computer Programming, and Simulation. His studies and professional training focused on the design, analysis, and implementation of distributed systems and real-time systems. With a strong passion for advancing knowledge in the field of Computer Engineering, he has remained actively involved in both teaching and research throughout his career. His expertise includes systems programming, concurrent programming, discrete-event simulation, real-time systems, and multi-agent systems. Over the years, he has not only contributed to the development of his discipline but also shaped future generations of engineers and researchers. His professional achievements also include the co-authorship of textbooks aimed at introducing key concepts of programming and concurrent systems. He is currently still engaged in teaching, including a course on Object-Oriented Programming.

Experience

Libero Nigro has extensive experience in academia, spanning over 40 years in the field of Computer Engineering. From 1979 to 1985, he worked as an Assistant Professor in the Electrical Department at UNICAL, where he focused on courses related to computer science and programming. He then served as an Associate Professor at UNICAL’s DEIS Department from 1986 to 1999, before becoming a Full Professor in the DIMES Department from 2000 until 2023. Throughout his career, he has taught various foundational and advanced courses in Computer Science, covering topics such as Object-Oriented Programming, Real-Time Systems, Multi-Agent Systems, and Simulation. He has been responsible for managing several key research projects funded by national institutions and contributed to academic advancements in his field. He also served as the scientific head of the Software Engineering Laboratory at UNICAL. Currently, he teaches Object-Oriented Programming as a contract professor at DIMES.

Research Focus 

Libero Nigro’s research interests lie in the specification, analysis, design, and implementation of concurrent and time-dependent distributed systems. His work has focused on real-time systems, distributed simulation, and agent-based modeling of complex systems. He explores the formal modeling and exhaustive verification of such systems, often using Petri nets and model-checking techniques. A major area of his research is in the design and verification of mutual exclusion algorithms and system behaviors in concurrent systems. Nigro also investigates applications in smart grids, power management, and the modeling of cyber-physical systems. His research has practical implications in areas like energy management, the Internet of Things (IoT), and distributed simulation environments. Additionally, he has worked on clustering algorithms, particularly evolutionary techniques for improving the performance of K-means clustering. His multidisciplinary research aims to push the boundaries of distributed and real-time systems, creating robust, scalable, and efficient solutions for complex technological challenges.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Clustering Performance of an Evolutionary K-Means Algorithm 📚👨‍💻
    Authors: Libero Nigro, Franco Cicirelli, Francesco Pupo
  2. A K-Means Variation Based on Careful Seeding and Constrained Silhouette Coefficients 📖💻
    Authors: Libero Nigro, Franco Cicirelli, Francesco Pupo
  3. Verifying Mutual Exclusion Algorithms with Non-Atomic Registers 🧑‍💻📊
    Authors: Libero Nigro
  4. Formal Modeling and Verification of Lycklama and Hadzilacos’s Mutual Exclusion Algorithm 📘🔍
    Authors: Libero Nigro
  5. Correctness Verification of Mutual Exclusion Algorithms by Model Checking ✅🔐
    Authors: Libero Nigro, Franco Cicirelli
  6. Modeling and Analysis of Dekker-Based Mutual Exclusion Algorithms 🔬🔄
    Authors: Libero Nigro, Franco Cicirelli, Francesco Pupo
  7. Formal Modeling and Verification of Embedded Real-Time Systems: An Approach and Practical Tool Based on Constraint Time Petri Nets 🕰️📐
    Authors: Libero Nigro, Franco Cicirelli
  8. Fast and Accurate K-means Clustering Based on Density Peaks ⚡📊
    Authors: Libero Nigro, Franco Cicirelli
  9. Improving K-means by an Agglomerative Method and Density Peaks 🧠📈
    Authors: Libero Nigro, Franco Cicirelli
  10. Improving Clustering Accuracy of K-Means and Random Swap by an Evolutionary Technique Based on Careful Seeding 🧑‍💻🔍
    Authors: Libero Nigro, Franco Cicirelli

Conclusion

Libero Nigro is highly deserving of the Research Excellence Award. His career reflects outstanding achievements in research, education, and academic leadership. His significant contributions to fields like real-time systems, distributed simulation, and system modeling, paired with his leadership in numerous research projects and mentoring roles, make him a clear candidate for this award. While there is room for greater international collaboration and outreach, his contributions to the field of computer engineering are profound and far-reaching. In conclusion, Libero Nigro is a role model in academia, with a well-rounded career in research, education, and leadership that is precisely aligned with the values celebrated by the Research Excellence Award.

 

Sanyogita Manu | Engineering and Technology | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Sanyogita Manu | Engineering and Technology | Best Researcher Award

PhD Candidate, The University of British Columbia, Canada

Publication Profile

Google scholar

Strengths for the Award

  1. Innovative Research Focus: Sanyogita’s work addresses a significant issue—indoor environmental quality during a time when many transitioned to remote work due to the pandemic. Her systematic study has the potential to inform guidelines and policies related to home office setups, highlighting its relevance in current public health discussions.
  2. Methodological Rigor: The research employs a robust methodology, utilizing continuous monitoring of various IEQ parameters alongside subjective assessments from participants. This comprehensive approach enhances the reliability of her findings.
  3. Professional Affiliations and Contributions: Sanyogita is actively engaged in professional organizations related to her field, serving on committees and reviewing journals. Her involvement in international conferences signifies her commitment to advancing research in IEQ and energy-efficient design.
  4. Publication Record: With multiple peer-reviewed publications and conference proceedings, Sanyogita demonstrates a solid track record in disseminating her research findings, contributing to the academic community’s understanding of indoor environments.
  5. Awards and Recognition: Her prior achievements and recognitions, including scholarships and awards, underscore her dedication and excellence in research.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Impact Assessment: While her research is focused on WFH settings, there may be an opportunity to expand her study to include diverse populations and different geographical locations to enhance the generalizability of her findings.
  2. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborating with professionals from related fields such as psychology, sociology, or occupational health could enrich her research and offer a more holistic understanding of the WFH experience.
  3. Public Engagement: Engaging in public outreach or workshops to share her findings with broader audiences, including policymakers and the general public, could enhance the impact of her work and foster practical applications of her research.

Education

Sanyogita holds a Master’s degree in Interior Architecture and Design, specializing in Energy and Sustainability from CEPT University, India, where her dissertation focused on optimizing window performance in commercial buildings. She also earned her Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from the same institution, with a dissertation exploring the thermal effects of furniture in interior environments. 🎓

Experience

With extensive experience in academia and research, Sanyogita has contributed to various projects assessing indoor environmental conditions and energy efficiency in buildings. She has served on several scientific committees and has been actively involved in peer review for reputable journals, reflecting her expertise in the field. 🏢

Research Focus

Her research primarily focuses on indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and its impact on occupant well-being and productivity, particularly in work-from-home settings. Sanyogita employs a systematic approach to evaluate both perceived and observed IEQ, utilizing a variety of environmental monitoring tools. 🔍

Awards and Honours

Sanyogita is a member of multiple prestigious organizations, including the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate (ISIAQ) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). She has been recognized for her contributions to building performance simulation and energy conservation, reflecting her commitment to sustainable practices. 🏆

Publication Top Notes

Manu, S., & Rysanek, A. (under review). A novel dataset of indoor environmental conditions in work-from-home settings. Building and Environment.

Manu, S., & Rysanek, A. (2024). A Co-Location Study of 87 Low-Cost Environmental Monitors: Assessing Outliers, Variability, and Uncertainty. Buildings, 14(9), Article 9. Link

Manu, S., et al. (2024). A state-of-the-art, systematic review of indoor environmental quality studies in work-from-home settings. Building and Environment, 111652. Link

Doctor-Pingel, M., et al. (2019). A study of indoor thermal parameters for naturally ventilated occupied buildings in the warm-humid climate of southern India. Building and Environment, 151, 1-14. Link

Manu, S., et al. (2019). Performance evaluation of climate responsive buildings in India – Case studies from cooling dominated climate zones. Building and Environment, 148, 136-156. Link

Gupta, R., et al. (2019). Customized performance evaluation approach for Indian green buildings. Building Research & Information, 47(1), 56–74. Link

Conclusion

Sanyogita Manu’s research on indoor environmental quality in work-from-home settings is both timely and significant. Her methodological rigor, publication record, and active participation in professional communities demonstrate her dedication to advancing knowledge in her field. While there are areas for improvement, her strengths strongly position her as a worthy candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work has the potential to influence policy and improve well-being in residential work environments, making her contributions invaluable in today’s context.