Hem Bahadur Motra | Rock Mechanics | Applied Engineering Award

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Dr. Hem Bahadur Motra | Rock Mechanics | Applied Engineering Award

Lecturer, Christian Albrecht University of Kiel, Germany

Dr. Hem Bahadur Motra is a distinguished geomechanics expert and academic leader with a German nationality and South Asian roots. He currently serves as the Head of the Geomechanics Experimental Laboratory at Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel and holds lecturing positions at both Kiel University and the University of Applied Sciences Kiel. His interdisciplinary expertise spans rock mechanics, structural engineering, and geotechnical testing. Renowned for his international collaborations and practical research applications, Dr. Motra has been affiliated with premier institutions across Europe, Asia, and North America. His scientific work integrates multiscale experimental modeling, anisotropic behavior of rocks, and geotechnical system responses under complex stress conditions. Beyond academia, he consults for engineering firms in Germany, Nepal, and the U.S., translating complex research into applied solutions. Dr. Motra is a forward-thinking researcher committed to developing sustainable subsurface engineering practices through innovation, data integration, and high-fidelity experimental validation.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Hem Bahadur Motra has pursued a progressive academic trajectory in civil engineering, specializing in geomechanics and structural engineering. He earned his Doctorate in Engineering (Dr.-Ing.) from Bauhaus-Universität Weimar with the highest distinction, focusing on quality assessment of structural experimental models. His Master’s degree in Civil Engineering with a focus on Geotechnics and Infrastructure was awarded by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover, with excellent academic performance. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at Tribhuvan University, Nepal, graduating with distinction. Dr. Motra is currently finalizing his Habilitation at Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, focusing on the multiscale and multipurpose integration of rock physics and geomechanics. His education is enriched by fellowships and scholarships from prestigious organizations, including DAAD and national academic institutions. His academic foundation blends strong analytical theory with a practical, problem-solving approach, making him a leader in both scientific inquiry and real-world application.

Experience

Dr. Motra brings extensive professional and academic experience across universities, research institutes, and engineering consultancies. He leads the Geomechanics Experimental Laboratory at Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, where he also teaches courses in marine and terrestrial geotechnics. He lectures at the University of Applied Sciences Kiel in civil engineering, and formerly contributed to the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar as a research assistant. Internationally, he has completed multiple research stays across Europe, North America, and Asia, working with leading experts in rock physics, shale hydrocarbon exploration, and underground construction. Additionally, he co-founded Geocom International Pvt. Ltd. in Nepal, focusing on geotechnical investigation, tunneling, and subsoil surveys. His consulting experience includes collaborations with Babendererde Engineers (Germany), Engineering and Testing Service Inc. (USA), and Kastamandap Associate Pvt Ltd (Nepal). His work integrates research, teaching, consulting, and experimentation—making him an applied engineering professional with global influence and technical depth.

Research Focus

Dr. Hem Bahadur Motra’s research bridges the gap between theoretical rock mechanics and applied geotechnical engineering. His central focus is on the multiscale behavior of anisotropic rocks under true-triaxial and thermal stress environments. He investigates micromechanical properties of kerogen-rich formations, deformation in high-rank coals, and the behavior of shale under varying lithological and stress conditions. His approach emphasizes experimental validation using advanced triaxial apparatus, with applications in deep tunneling, underground energy storage, and hydrocarbon recovery. Dr. Motra also explores quality control techniques for structural experimental models and integrates numerical modeling to simulate real-world geotechnical behavior. His work has strong implications in sustainable infrastructure design, underground construction, and the geotechnical challenges of climate-resilient development. By combining laboratory precision, field knowledge, and modeling expertise, Dr. Motra contributes to safer and more efficient engineering solutions in both marine and terrestrial environments.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Elastic properties of anisotropic rocks using a stepwise loading framework in a true triaxial testing apparatus
Journal: Geoenergy Science and Engineering
Authors: Hem Bahadur Motra et al.
Summary: This study investigates the elastic response of anisotropic rocks under multiaxial loading. A custom true-triaxial apparatus was used to capture stiffness variations and directional dependency in rock specimens. Results help improve geomechanical models for underground construction and energy extraction.

Title: Influence of lithological contrast on elastic anisotropy of shales under true-triaxial stress and thermal conditions
Journal: International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences
Authors: Hem Bahadur Motra et al.
Summary: This paper examines how lithological heterogeneity affects shale behavior under combined stress and temperature conditions. Findings aid in optimizing hydraulic fracturing and subsurface fluid flow simulations.

Title: Elastic anisotropy and deformation characteristics of Pennsylvania anthracite
Journal: International Journal of Coal Geology
Authors: Hem Bahadur Motra et al.
Summary: Focuses on deformation and elastic responses of high-rank coals. The study provides insight into coal seam stability and gas extraction efficiency, with implications for mine safety.

Title: Micromechanical variation of organic matter (kerogen type I) under controlled thermal maturity progression
Journal: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering
Authors: Hem Bahadur Motra et al.
Summary: Analyzes the microstructural and mechanical evolution of kerogen under simulated thermal aging. Results assist in understanding source rock maturation and improving petroleum system models.

Conclusion

Dr. Motra exemplifies the spirit of applied engineering through his blend of academic excellence, international collaboration, and field-relevant innovation. His contributions directly address challenges in geotechnical and subsurface engineering, making his candidacy highly suitable and compelling for the Research for Applied Engineering Award.

Hüseyin Sendir | Earth Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Sendir | Earth Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Asst. Prof. Dr., Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Turkey

Dr. Hüseyin Sendir is an Assistant Professor of Geological Engineering at Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Turkey, with a Ph.D. (2009) in Geological Engineering from the same institution. His early career research focused on rock mechanics, landslide risk, and structural geology, as reflected in high‑impact papers such as his widely cited 2002 study on gypsum strength correlations. Over two decades his scholarship expanded into mineral deposit geology, isotopic geochemistry, and even planetary mining studies. He serves in multiple academic and quality commissions at his university, and currently holds leadership roles including Deputy Head of Department.

Professional Profile

Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID

Education

Dr. Sendir completed his Bachelor of Engineering in Geological Engineering at Sivas Cumhuriyet University (1995–1999), followed by two Master’s degrees: at Cumhuriyet University (1999–2001) and at Eskişehir Osmangazi University (2001–2004), both thesis‑based in Geological Engineering. He earned his Ph.D. from Eskişehir Osmangazi University’s Institute of Science (2004–2009), specializing in geological engineering. His doctoral research investigated rock mechanics, geomechanical behavior, and field‑based measurements, which underpinned his later contributions to landslide analysis and compressive strength modeling. His formal academic training blends engineering fundamentals, field geology, and advanced isotopic and mineralogical methods.

Experience

Since completing his doctorate in 2009, Dr. Sendir has served as faculty in the Department of Geological Engineering at Eskişehir Osmangazi University. He was Head of Department from 2015 to 2016, again 2017–2022, and since 2023 has been Deputy Head. He is regularly a member of academic, quality‑assurance and accreditation commissions affiliated with the university and faculty—including roles in curriculum development and stakeholder engagement. In 2025 he also joined the Department Academic Incentive Evaluation Commission. His administrative service reflects sustained leadership in shaping educational quality and academic policy within the engineering faculty. Simultaneously, he taught postgraduate and doctoral courses in topics such as isotope geology and rare earth elements, supervising master’s theses and contributing to the academic development of the department.

Research Focus

Dr. Sendir’s research spans applied geological engineering, mineral deposit geology, isotope geochemistry, and emerging frontiers like planetary mining. His early landmark work established empirical correlations between Schmidt hammer rebound indices and rock mechanical properties (UCS, Young’s modulus) in gypsum—widely cited and used as a benchmark in rock mechanics. He has contributed to the geomorphological and geomechanical analysis of landslides in the North Anatolian Fault Zone. More recent work explores chromium and manganese deposits in Türkiye, Eocene granitoid magmatism and tectono‑magmatic evolution in NW Anatolia, and geochemical and isotopic controls on gold, copper‑molybdenum‑tungsten‑gold systems in porphyry‑skarn complexes. His research is deeply interdisciplinary, blending fieldwork, petrography, isotopic dating, and geochemistry, with growing interest in extraplanetary resource environments like lunar and Martian mining. He positions geological engineering at the intersection of energy, resources, and environmental resilience.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Yılmaz I, Sendir H. Correlation of Schmidt hardness with unconfined compressive strength and Young’s modulus in gypsum from Sivas (Turkey). Engineering Geology 66 (3–4): 211–219 (2002).

    • This empirical study developed regression relationships between Schmidt rebound values and mechanical properties of gypsum, providing fast, field‑based strength estimation tools for engineering geology; the work has been cited hundreds of times ResearchGate.

  2. Sendir H, Yılmaz I. Structural, geomorphological and geomechanical aspects of the Koyulhisar landslides in the North Anatolian Fault Zone (Sivas, Turkey). Environmental Geology 42(1): 52–60 (2002).

    • Investigated the 1998–2000 landslides through joint structural mapping, slope stability criteria (SMR/RMR), rainfall data and geomorphology; demonstrated the influence of faulting, steep topography and heavy precipitation on landslide activation ResearchGate.

  3. Sendir H. Arifler (Domaniç, Kütahya) yöresi manganöz cevherleşmesinin jeolojik özellikleri. Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi Mühendislik ve Mimarlık Fakültesi Dergisi (2020).

    • Documented geological setting, stratigraphy, and mineralization of manganese deposits hosted in Cretaceous mélange units near Domaniç, offering regional insights into ultramafic‑hosted ore systems avesis.ogu.edu.tr+2ResearchGate+2DergiPark+2.

  4. Sendir H, Yasin D, Karabacak V. Jeoloji Mühendisliği Güncel Çalışma Alanları. Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi Mühendislik ve Mimarlık Fakültesi Dergisi, 31(4): 1087–1093 (Dec 2023).

    • A comprehensive review of historical and contemporary research directions in geological engineering in Türkiye, covering educational developments, research themes and future horizons avesis.ogu.edu.tr+2DergiPark+2ResearchGate+2.

  5. Kocatürk H, Kumral M, Creaser RA, Dufrane SA, Ünlüer AT, Sendir H, et al. Magmatic Redox Evolution and Porphyry–Skarn Transition in Multiphase Cu‑Mo‑W‑Au Systems of the Eocene Tavşanlı Belt, NW Türkiye. Minerals 15(8):792 (2025).

    • Employing field mapping, whole‑rock geochemistry, Re–Os molybdenite dating and mineral chemistry, this open‑access article explains magmatic controls on porphyry to skarn mineralization across four mineralized zones in the Nilüfer complex mdpi.com+1ResearchGate+1.

  6. Umucu Y, Ünal N, Deniz V, Gürsoy YH, Sendir H. Investigation of ball mill optimization based on kinetic model and separator particle‑size separation. Physicochemical Problems of Mineral Processing (2025).

    • Presented a kinetic breakage model linking mill capacity, shaft power, and particle size distribution; suggests operational relationships to improve energy efficiency in dry ball‑mill grinding circuits

Conclusion

Overall, Asst. Prof. Hüseyin Sendir’s longstanding commitment to academic service, teaching excellence, and research — particularly his early, highly cited geotechnical studies and recent ventures into cutting-edge areas like extraterrestrial mining — illustrate a dynamic and evolving academic trajectory. Given his contributions to both scientific knowledge and institutional development, he is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, and recognition at this stage would both honor his past work and encourage further high-impact contributions in the years ahead.