Il-Cho Park | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Best Paper Awards

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.

Julio Pino | Engineering | Lifetime Achievement Award

Published on by Best Paper Awards

Prof. Dr. Julio Pino | Engineering | Lifetime Achievement Award 

Professor | Universidad Estatal del Sur de Manabí | Ecuador

Dr. Julio Cesar Pino Tarragó is a distinguished mechanical engineer and Senior Professor I with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Madrid, Spain (2008), and a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Universidad de Holguín “Oscar Lucero Moya” (1993). With extensive experience in both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, he has delivered courses in strength of materials, theoretical mechanics, mechanical design, physics, statistics, operation and maintenance of agricultural machinery, design of experiments, ergonomics, and reliability of mechanical systems, among others. He has supervised numerous master’s and doctoral theses focused on tribology, agricultural machinery performance, biodigesters, and advanced manufacturing techniques, while also leading significant research projects internationally, including in Cuba, Spain, and Ecuador. His research interests encompass mechanical design, tribology, agricultural machinery, renewable energy, process optimization, and educational technologies using artificial intelligence. Dr. Pino Tarragó has an extensive publication record, including Scopus-indexed Q1-Q3 journals, peer-reviewed books on structural steel design, experimental methods, and engineering education, and articles in Latindex and SciELO journals, reflecting his scholarly impact with 207 citations, H-index 6, and i10-index 5. He has contributed to community-oriented projects, such as sustainable energy solutions for rural areas and constructivist teaching methodologies supported by AI, and has actively engaged in mentorship, leadership, and educational innovation. His awards and honors recognize his commitment to teaching excellence, research leadership, and societal impact in engineering and education. Overall, Dr. Pino Tarragó represents a highly accomplished professional whose expertise, research achievements, and leadership have significantly advanced mechanical engineering and educational practices, positioning him as an influential figure capable of shaping future innovations and mentoring the next generation of engineers globally.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ORCID | LinkedIn | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

  1. Pino Tarragó, J. C.,. (2025). Artificial intelligence and soft skills in civil engineering education: A Latin American curriculum gap with global implications. Research in Globalization, 100307.
    Citations: 20 | H-index: 6

  2. Pino Tarragó, J. C. (2025). Technology and innovative pedagogical strategies in foreign language teaching: Experience at UNESUM. Revista Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología, Q3.
    Citations: 15 | H-index: 6

  3. Pino Tarragó, J. C. (2025). Technology and Gamification in English Teaching for Civil Engineering: A Quasi-Experimental Study. Revista Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología, Q3.
    Citations: 12 | H-index: 6

  4. Pino Tarragó, J. C. (2024). Integrated Wastewater Treatment Technology: Efficiency of Lime and Eichhornia crassipes for Agricultural Irrigation. Revista Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología, Q3.
    Citations: 10 | H-index: 6

  5. Pino Tarragó, J. C. (2024). NEUROTIC in the process of teaching-learning in higher education. Revista Electrónica Formación y Calidad Educativa (REFCalE), 12(3).
    Citations: 8 | H-index: 6