David Owolabi | Civil Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. David Owolabi | Civil Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Morgan State University | United States

Mr. David Olusogo Owolabi is a researcher and educator specializing in sustainable infrastructure and resilient engineering. He holds a PhD (in progress) and an MSc in Sustainable Infrastructure and Resilient Engineering from Morgan State University, and a BSc in Architecture from Caleb University. In his role as a Graduate Research & Teaching Assistant at Morgan State, he supports undergraduate lab instruction in CAD and structural analysis (SAP2000) while conducting experimental research in self-healing bacterial concrete, fiber integration, and MICP-based crack remediation. Earlier, as an Architectural Designer at Kreativity Projects (Lagos) and an intern at Ab.dt Partnership (Ibadan), he developed design concepts, 3D visualizations, working drawings, and integrated sustainable design principles. His research interests span microbial self-healing concrete, bio-based infrastructure resilience, green building practices, and material durability. His published works include comparative analyses of autogenous vs microbial calcite precipitation in concrete and studies on crack healing performance via microbial carriers. He has also contributed to interdisciplinary studies on air quality in engineering labs and noise mitigation in buildings. He is a certified professional in Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD, has earned certifications in machine learning and socially just coding, and is committed to applying data-driven, sustainable innovation in civil infrastructure.

Profile : Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Ahmad, I., Shokouhian, M., Owolabi, D., Jenkins, M., & McLemore, G. L. (2025). Assessment of biogenic healing capability, mechanical properties, and freeze–thaw durability of bacterial-based concrete using Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus sphaericus, and Bacillus megaterium. Buildings, 15(6), 943.

Ahmad, I., Shokouhian, M., Jenkins, M., McLemore, G. L., & Owolabi, D. O. (2025). Crack healing performance of microbial self-healing concrete using different carriers. In Structures Congress 2025 (pp. 362–372). American Society of Civil Engineers.

Owolabi, D. O., Shokouhian, M., Ahmad, I., Jenkins, M., & McLemore, G. L. (2025). Comparative analysis of autogenous and microbial-based calcite precipitation in concrete: State-of-the-art review. Buildings, 15(18), 3289.

Dunmoye, A. C., Owolabi, O. A., Banjo, A. V., Abiri, T. I., Dunmoye, I. D., & Owolabi, D. O. (2025). Noise mitigation strategies for vertical sound transmission in buildings with wooden floor. INTER-NOISE and NOISE-CON Congress and Conference Proceedings, 271(1), 1009–1018.

Balogun, G. Y., Owolabi, D. O., Ige, M. O., Abiri, T., Abiodun, P. O., & Owolabi, O. A. (2025). Assessing air quality at HBCU engineering laboratories to enhance student safety and learning. 2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition. American Society for Engineering Education.

Mahamat Abdallah | Sustainability | Young Researcher Award

Mr. Mahamat Abdallah | Sustainability | Young Researcher Award

Civil Engineer, Beijing Jiaotong University, China

Mahamat Nour Issa Abdallah is an emerging civil engineer and researcher specializing in sustainable infrastructure in arid regions. He earned his BSc in Civil Engineering from Shenyang Jianzhu University, China, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree at Beijing Jiaotong University. His professional journey includes roles as a Site Engineer and Engineering Department Supervisor in China and the UAE, where he managed diverse projects focusing on quality control, design coordination, and regulatory compliance. Fluent in English, Arabic, and Mandarin, Mahamat’s multicultural proficiency enhances his collaborative capabilities. His research, particularly on wind erosion and sand deposition in desert railways, reflects a commitment to addressing environmental challenges through geospatial analysis and innovative engineering solutions. Mahamat’s blend of academic rigor and practical experience positions him as a promising contributor to sustainable civil engineering practices.

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education 

  • Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
    Shenyang Jianzhu University, China (2016–2020)
    Focused on structural analysis, construction materials, and project management, laying a strong foundation in civil engineering principles.

  • Master of Science in Civil Engineering
    Beijing Jiaotong University, China (2021–Present)
    Specializing in geospatial analysis and sustainable infrastructure, Mahamat’s research addresses mitigation strategies for wind erosion and sand deposition in desert railway systems. His interdisciplinary approach combines environmental science with civil engineering to develop resilient infrastructure solutions.

🏗️ Experience 

  • Intern, Shenyang ZhongHeng Construction Engineering L.L.C, China (2019–2020)
    Conducted daily site inspections, quality control, and manpower reporting. Assisted in reviewing and modifying fit-out drawings, coordinating with site supervisors and technicians.

  • Site Engineer, DHCN Construction L.L.C, Dubai, UAE (2021–2022)
    Oversaw daily site operations, ensured quality standards, coordinated with foremen, and managed progress reporting. Handled inspection approvals and rectification of non-conformance reports.

  • Engineering Department Supervisor, Origin International Management L.L.C & AL Qimma Engineering Consultancy L.L.C, Abu Dhabi, UAE (2022–Present)
    Managed coordination between consultants and contractors for shop drawing approvals, designed architectural and electrical drawings, and arranged fit-out quotations. Handled site inspections, obtained necessary NOCs, and ensured compliance with fire safety systems. Reported weekly progress and handed over completed projects to clients.

🔬 Research

Mahamat’s research centers on sustainable infrastructure development in arid regions, with a particular emphasis on mitigating wind erosion and sand deposition affecting desert railways. Utilizing geospatial analysis and computational modeling, his work aims to develop effective strategies for maintaining the integrity and safety of railway systems subjected to harsh desert conditions. His interdisciplinary approach integrates environmental science, civil engineering, and data analytics to address the challenges posed by sand accumulation on railway tracks. By focusing on the optimization of sand mitigation measures, Mahamat contributes to the advancement of resilient infrastructure solutions that are crucial for the sustainability of transportation networks in desert environments.MDPI

📚 Publication Top Notes

1. Mitigation Measures for Wind Erosion and Sand Deposition in Desert Railways: A Geospatial Analysis of Sand Accumulation Risk

  • Journal: Sustainability

  • Publication Date: April 29, 2025

  • DOI: 10.3390/su17094016

  • Contributors: Mahamat Nour Issa Abdallah, Tan Qulin, Mohamed Ramadan, Providence Habumuremyi

Summary:
This study presents a geospatial analysis of sand accumulation risks affecting desert railways. By integrating environmental data and computational modeling, the research identifies critical areas prone to wind erosion and sand deposition. The findings offer valuable insights into the development of targeted mitigation strategies to enhance the resilience and safety of railway infrastructure in arid regions.

Conclusion

Mahamat Nour Issa Abdallah is a promising early-career civil engineer with a strong combination of practical experience, multilingual ability, and emerging research in sustainable infrastructure. His work is especially relevant to Middle Eastern and desert environments, making him a good candidate for a Young Researcher Award, particularly if the award emphasizes applied civil engineering, resilience against climate challenges, or geospatial environmental research.