Priscilla Nelson | Engineering | Best Paper Award

Published on by Best Paper Awards

Best Paper Award

The Body Underground: A Biological Framework for Infrastructure Health, Regulation and Resilience
Priscilla Nelson
Affiliation Colorado School of Mines
Country United States
Article Title The Body Underground: A Biological Framework for Infrastructure Health, Regulation and Resilience
Scopus ID 7402246675
Article Type Research Article
Article Views 673
Reference Count 24
Award Category Best Paper Award
Event International Research Excellence and Best Paper Awards
Google Scholar 3hezpIkAAAAJ&hl

The Best Paper Award recognizes scholarly contributions that advance disciplinary knowledge through originality, methodological rigor, and measurable academic impact. This recognition highlights the work of Priscilla Nelson of the Colorado School of Mines for her article, The Body Underground: A Biological Framework for Infrastructure Health, Regulation and Resilience. Published in MDPI in 2026, the study explores infrastructure systems through a biologically inspired framework that integrates resilience, regulation, and long-term performance evaluation, contributing to contemporary engineering research and interdisciplinary infrastructure science.[1]

Abstract

This award-recognized article presents an interdisciplinary framework that interprets infrastructure systems through biological principles of health, adaptation, regulation, and resilience. The study examines how engineering networks can be assessed similarly to living systems, emphasizing continuous monitoring, response mechanisms, and long-term sustainability. By integrating concepts from biology, systems engineering, and resilience science, the research offers a novel perspective on infrastructure management. The framework supports improved understanding of infrastructure behavior under stress and changing environmental conditions while encouraging proactive maintenance and adaptive governance strategies. The work contributes to emerging discussions surrounding resilient infrastructure planning and engineering innovation.[2]

Keywords

Infrastructure Health; Urban Systems; Community Resilience; Underground Systems.

Introduction

Modern infrastructure systems face increasing demands arising from urbanization, environmental variability, aging assets, and technological complexity. Traditional engineering approaches often evaluate infrastructure through isolated performance metrics, whereas contemporary resilience research emphasizes interconnected and adaptive system behavior. The article investigates how biological concepts can provide a useful analogy for understanding infrastructure health and long-term functionality, creating a foundation for more integrated approaches to engineering management and policy development.[2]

Research Profile

Priscilla Nelson is an engineering scholar associated with the Colorado School of Mines whose research interests encompass infrastructure systems, resilience engineering, sustainability, and interdisciplinary approaches to complex societal challenges. With a Scopus Author ID of 7402246675, 63 indexed documents, 793 citations, and an h-index of 12, her scholarly record reflects substantial engagement with infrastructure-related research and engineering innovation across multiple domains.[3]

Scientific Background

Biological systems maintain functionality through regulation, adaptation, feedback mechanisms, and recovery processes. Infrastructure networks similarly require monitoring, maintenance, and adaptive responses to disturbances. Previous resilience research has explored system dynamics and risk management, but fewer studies have directly employed biological frameworks to conceptualize infrastructure health. This article builds upon interdisciplinary scholarship by connecting biological theory with engineering practice, thereby expanding the conceptual tools available for infrastructure assessment and governance.[4]

Methodology

The study employs a conceptual and analytical methodology that synthesizes biological principles with engineering resilience literature. Through comparative examination of living organisms and infrastructure systems, the research identifies common characteristics related to health assessment, regulation, adaptation, and recovery. The framework is developed through interdisciplinary integration of theoretical sources and engineering perspectives, enabling the formulation of a structured model for interpreting infrastructure performance under changing conditions and external stresses.[2]

Key Findings

The article demonstrates that infrastructure systems can be understood more effectively when viewed as dynamic entities possessing characteristics comparable to biological organisms. The framework highlights the importance of continuous monitoring, adaptive management, and systemic feedback mechanisms. It further suggests that infrastructure resilience depends not only on physical robustness but also on regulatory capacity and organizational adaptability. These findings encourage broader adoption of interdisciplinary approaches within infrastructure planning and engineering decision-making processes.[2]

Scientific Contributions

A significant contribution of the research lies in its development of a biological framework for infrastructure health that bridges conceptual boundaries between engineering and life sciences. The work advances resilience theory by introducing new interpretative models for infrastructure assessment and management. It also encourages researchers and policymakers to consider infrastructure systems as adaptive networks requiring ongoing regulation, learning, and recovery mechanisms, thereby enriching discussions surrounding sustainable engineering and resilient urban development.[4]

Conclusion

The recognition of this publication through the Best Paper Award reflects its scholarly value and interdisciplinary significance within engineering research. By integrating biological concepts into infrastructure science, the article provides a distinctive framework for understanding resilience, health, and long-term system sustainability. Its conceptual contributions support future research, policy discussions, and practical applications aimed at enhancing infrastructure performance in increasingly complex and uncertain environments.[1]

References

  1. MDPI. (2026). The Body Underground: A Biological Framework for Infrastructure Health, Regulation and Resilience.
    https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10040201
  2. MDPI. (2026). Buildings Journal: Urban Science.
    https://www.mdpi.com/journal/urbansci
  3. Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Priscilla Nelson, Author ID 7402246675. Scopus.
    https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=7402246675
  4. Wiley Online Library. (2025). Beyond Equations: From Models to Materials to Society: Reframing the Future of Underground Engineering.
    https://doi.org/10.1002/jci3.70012
  5. Google Scholar. (n.d.). Scholar profile and citation metrics for Priscilla Nelson.
    https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=3hezpIkAAAAJ&hl=en

Il-Cho Park | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Il-Cho Park | Engineering | Best Researcher Award 

Professor | Mokpo National Maritime University | South Korea

Prof. Il-Cho Park is a highly capable and impactful engineering professional whose academic depth and extensive industry background position him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With over five years of professional experience in the shipping industry and a focused academic trajectory in surface treatment engineering for marine materials, he has cultivated a rare blend of practical expertise and research-driven innovation. His career demonstrates steady progression from first-class engineer at Hanjin Shipping Co., Ltd. to senior academic leadership as Professor at Mokpo National Maritime University, where he has served since 2020 while simultaneously holding the role of Chief Engineer. This dual track reflects his commitment to bridging industrial practice with scientific advancement, particularly in areas such as ship engineering, corrosion protection, surface treatment technologies, and marine pollution management. His academic credentials, including a master’s degree and a doctorate from Mokpo National Maritime University between 2013 and 2018, provide a strong foundation for advanced research in marine materials and engineering processes. Prof. Park’s expertise contributes significantly to improving maritime safety, enhancing material durability, and advancing eco-friendly engineering solutions within the marine sector. His career reflects sustained dedication to developing engineering methods that address real-world operational challenges, aligning with global priorities for sustainable and resilient maritime systems. Through active involvement in academia and maritime operations, he consistently demonstrates the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical technological improvements and industry standards. His contributions support the training of future marine engineers, promote innovation in surface treatment science, and address pressing environmental concerns linked to marine pollution. Overall, his professional record, specialized skill set, and commitment to continuous improvement highlight his suitability for the Best Researcher Award, underscoring his role as an influential figure advancing engineering excellence in the maritime field.

Profiles: ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

Park, I. C., & Kim, S. J. (2022). Cavitation erosion characteristics of hard chromium plated diesel engine cylinder liner. Transactions of the IMF.

Park, I. C., & Han, M. S. (2021). Solid particle erosion behavior of Inconel 625 thermal spray coating layers. Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment and Safety.

Park, I. C., & Han, M. S. (2021). Analysis of electrochemical corrosion resistance of Inconel 625 thermal spray coated fin tube of economizer. Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment and Safety.

Yang, Y. J., Lee, J. H., Park, I. C., & Kim, S. J. (2020). Investigation on electrochemical cathodic protection for cavitation-erosion reduction of anodized aluminum alloy. Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

Park, I. C., & Kim, S. J. (2020). Determination of corrosion protection current density requirement of zinc sacrificial anode for corrosion protection of AA5083-H321 in seawater. Applied Surface Science.

Prof. Il-Cho Park’s research advances the durability, safety, and sustainability of marine engineering systems through innovative surface treatment and corrosion-protection technologies. His work supports safer maritime operations, strengthens engineering materials for long-term industrial use, and contributes globally to cleaner, more resilient marine environments.

Rongyan Xi | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Rongyan Xi | Engineering | Best Researcher Award 

Doctor | China Mobile Research Institute | China

Rongyan Xi is an accomplished researcher in the field of communication and electronic engineering with a strong academic background and impactful scientific contributions, making her a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. She obtained her B.S. degree in Communication Engineering from Shandong University in 2017 and completed her Ph.D. in Electronic Engineering from Tsinghua University in 2023, one of China’s most prestigious institutions. Currently, she is affiliated with the Future Research Lab at China Mobile Research Institute, where she focuses on cutting-edge areas such as 6G, integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), MIMO, advanced signal processing, target detection, positioning, and system design. Her research work demonstrates both depth and practical relevance to the next generation of wireless technologies. Rongyan Xi has contributed to several high-impact publications in leading journals including the IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications, IEEE Internet of Things Journal, IEEE Sensors Journal, and Sensors. Her works cover critical topics like cooperative sensing for 6G networks, system design, beam management, target recognition using millimeter-wave sensing, and performance evaluation frameworks such as SensCAP. Her active role in collaborative research projects and contributions to addressing key challenges in ISAC and radar technology reflect her innovative mindset and technical leadership. With publications in top-tier journals and involvement in field trials, she has established herself as a rising leader in the wireless communication research community. Her academic excellence, technological innovation, and industry relevance collectively demonstrate her exceptional potential and make her an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Liu, G., Xi, R., Wang, X., Han, L., Gui, X., Jin, J., Dong, J., Wei, N., He, H., Xia, L., et al. (2025). Cooperative sensing for ISAC: Challenges, system design, beam management, and performance validation. IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications.

  2. He, X., Ding, H., Xi, R., Dong, J., Jin, J., Wang, Q., Shao, C., Dong, X., & Zhang, Y. (2025, September 12). Target recognition based on millimeter-wave-sensed point cloud using PointNet++ model. Sensors.

  3. Liu, G., Xi, R., Han, Z., Han, L., Zhang, X., Ma, L., Wang, Y., Lou, M., Jin, J., Wang, Q., et al. (2024). Cooperative sensing for 6G mobile cellular networks: Feasibility, performance and field trial. IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications.

  4. Liu, G., Ma, L., Xue, Y., Han, L., Xi, R., Han, Z., Wang, H., Dong, J., Lou, M., Jin, J., et al. (2024). SensCAP: A systematic sensing capability performance metric for 6G ISAC. IEEE Internet of Things Journal.

  5. Xi, R., Ma, D., Liu, X., Wang, L., & Liu, Y. (2022, October). Intra-pulse frequency coding design for a high-resolution radar against smart noise jamming. Remote Sensing.

Jianbin Chen | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Jianbin Chen | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Chief Technology Officer | Guangdong Titans Intelligent Power Company Ltd | China

Mr. Jianbin Chen is a distinguished engineering professional with more than 11 years of expertise in digital signal design, iterative coding, data storage and communication systems, and the integration of power and wireless communication technologies in the Internet of Things (IoT). He currently serves as the Executive Vice President and R&D Director at Guangdong Titan Intelligent Power Co., Ltd., in addition to holding roles as a Senior Engineer, IEEE member, off-campus master’s mentor at Nanchang Institute of Technology, and Visiting Associate Professor at Guangdong Polytechnic of Science and Technology. Mr. Chen earned his bachelor’s degree from North Central University in 2011 and completed his Ph.D. at the University of Macau in 2021. Throughout his career, he has led and executed numerous high-impact projects, including intelligent air conditioning energy control systems, IoT-based smart street lighting systems, and advanced energy consumption control platforms for major infrastructure. He has overseen several provincial and municipal innovation programs, demonstrating strong leadership in research and technology development. Mr. Chen has secured 30 patents and 28 software copyrights, with many of his innovations being successfully commercialized and widely recognized. His outstanding contributions have earned him multiple prestigious honors such as the Zhuhai Talent Program, the Best Software Technology Innovation Product Awards, and national innovation competition prizes. Academically, he has published influential research papers and a book, with his work featured in SCI-indexed journals, covering topics like power electronics, intelligent control systems, and smart cities. His ability to combine advanced research with industrial applications has significantly contributed to the development of smart energy and IoT technologies in China. Mr. Chen’s visionary leadership, technical excellence, and dedication to innovation position him as a key figure in advancing intelligent infrastructure and sustainable technology solutions for the future.

Profile: ORCID
Featured Publications

  1. Chen, J., Yang, C., Zou, J., & Chen, K. (2025). Multiplier operated controller for CCM boost PFC converter with regulated input impedance and improved power factor. IEEE Access. DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2025.3548096

  2. Chen, J., Yang, C., & Zou, J. (2025). Optimization control strategy of wide ZVS range and automatic Euler angle for bi-directional wireless power transfer system by TPS. International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijepes.2025.111133

  3. Chen, J., Yang, C., & Zou, J. (2022). Robust enhanced voltage range control for industrial robot chargers. IEEE Access. DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2022.3229688

  4. Chen, J., Yang, C., Tang, S., & Zou, J. (2021). A high power interleaved parallel topology full-bridge LLC converter for off-board charger. IEEE Access. DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2021.3130051

  5. Chen, J. (2017). SMT物料种类与标准. 电子工业出版社. ISBN: 978-7-121-31740-8

Xingyu Zhou | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Xingyu Zhou | Engineering | Best Researcher Award 

Assistant Professor | Beijing Institute of Technology | China

Dr. Zhou Xingyu, Assistant Professor at the Beijing Institute of Technology, is an accomplished researcher specializing in renewable energy and electric vehicles. He earned his Ph.D. in Vehicle Engineering from Chongqing University in 2020, following a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Design, Manufacturing, and Automation from the same institution. Dr. Zhou has extensive professional experience, including his current role as Assistant Professor at the School of Mechanical Engineering and Vehicle Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology since March 2023, and a postdoctoral fellowship at the same institute from 2020 to 2023, where he contributed to the National Engineering Research Center for Electric Vehicles. His research interests focus on vehicle powertrain optimization, intelligent energy management, stochastic and data-driven modeling, and electric vehicle motion planning for enhanced energy efficiency. He has demonstrated expertise in multi-objective optimization, machine learning applications for powertrain design, and integration of fuel cell and hybrid electric vehicle systems. Dr. Zhou has led and participated in multiple high-impact research projects, including a National Natural Science Foundation of China Youth Project and key provincial and national projects on electric vehicle energy optimization and system integration. He has published 27 Scopus-indexed documents with 448 citations and an h-index of 11, in reputed journals such as Applied Energy, Journal of Power Sources, Journal of Cleaner Production, and IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, serving frequently as corresponding author. His awards and honors include the Best Student Paper Award at the 2018 Italian Conference on Machines and Mechanisms. In addition, he contributes to the academic community as a reviewer for top journals and Guest Editor of Sustainability. Dr. Zhou Xingyu’s strong technical expertise, leadership in research projects, international collaborations, and commitment to sustainable innovation make him a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, reflecting both outstanding academic achievements and meaningful contributions to advancing green mobility and energy-efficient transportation solutions globally.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Sun, C., Zhang, C., Sun, F., & Zhou, X. (2022). Stochastic co-optimization of speed planning and powertrain control with dynamic probabilistic constraints for safe and ecological driving. Applied Energy, 35, 119874.

Zhou, X., Sun, C., Sun, F., & Zhang, C. (2022). Commuting-pattern-oriented optimal sizing of electric vehicle powertrain based on stochastic optimization. Journal of Power Sources, 545, 23178.

Zhou, X., Sun, F., Zhang, C., & Sun, C. (2022). Stochastically predictive co-optimization of speed planning and powertrain controls for electric vehicles driving in random traffic environment safely and efficiently. Journal of Power Sources, 528, 231200.

Zhou, X., Sun, F., Sun, C., & Zhang, C. (2022). Predictive co-optimization of speed planning and powertrain energy management for electric vehicles driving in traffic scenarios: Combining strengths of simultaneous and hierarchical methods. Journal of Power Sources, 523, 230910.

Zhou, X., Sun, F., & Sun, C. (2021). Machine learning aided methods for reducing the dimensionality of the comprehensive energy economy optimization of fuel cell powertrains. Journal of Cleaner Production, 327, 129250.

Naghi Rostami | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naghi Rostami | Engineering | Best Researcher Award 

Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering | University of Tabriz | Iran

Dr. Naghi Rostami is an accomplished academic and researcher in electrical power engineering, currently serving as Associate Professor and Head of the Electric Power Engineering Department at the University of Tabriz, Iran, where he has held leadership responsibilities from 2018 to 2024. He completed his B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering at K. N. Toosi University of Technology in 2006, his M.Sc. at the University of Tehran in 2008, and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Tabriz in 2013. He also gained international exposure through a research opportunity at Lappeenranta University of Technology, Finland, in 2012 under the supervision of Prof. Juha Pyrhönen. His primary research interests include permanent magnet machine design, particularly axial flux and radial flux configurations, hybrid electric vehicle energy management, modeling and optimization of electrical machines, and the integration of renewable energy systems with electric vehicles and storage technologies. Dr. Rostami’s research skills span analytical and numerical design methods, genetic algorithms, particle swarm optimization, and advanced co-simulation approaches, which he has applied to the design and performance improvement of permanent magnet machines and energy systems. He has an impressive record of publications in reputable journals such as IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, IET Electric Power Applications, Sustainable Cities and Society, and COMPEL, with many works indexed in Scopus and IEEE Xplore. His Google Scholar profile records more than 1,500 citations with an H-index of 19, highlighting the international recognition of his work. While his CV does not list specific awards and honors, his achievements in leadership, international collaborations, and sustained scholarly contributions stand as testaments to his professional excellence. In conclusion, Dr. Rostami is a dedicated scholar whose expertise, impactful publications, and leadership in academia and research make him a strong candidate for recognition through distinguished awards and honors in the field of electrical power engineering.

Profiles: Google Scholar | LinkedIn | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

  1. Jalilzadeh, T., Rostami, N., Babaei, E., & Maalandish, M. (2018). Nonisolated topology for high step-up DC–DC converters. IEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Power Electronics, 11(1), 137–150.(Cited 137 times)

  2. Rostami, N., Feyzi, M. R., Pyrhonen, J., Parviainen, A., & Niemela, M. (2012). Lumped-parameter thermal model for axial flux permanent magnet machines. IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, 49(3), 1178–1184.(Cited 136 times)

  3. Zeynali, S., Rostami, N., Ahmadian, A., & Elkamel, A. (2020). Two-stage stochastic home energy management strategy considering electric vehicle and battery energy storage system: An ANN-based scenario generation methodology. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, 39, 100722.(Cited 104 times)

  4. Marzang, V., Hosseini, S. H., Rostami, N., Alavi, P., & Mohseni, P. (2020). A high step-up nonisolated DC–DC converter with flexible voltage gain. IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, 35(10), 10489–10500.(Cited 96 times)

  5. Zeynali, S., Rostami, N., & Feyzi, M. R. (2020). Multi-objective optimal short-term planning of renewable distributed generations and capacitor banks in power system considering uncertainties. International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems, 119, 105885.(Cited 93 times)