Hu Zheng | Granular Matter Award | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Hu Zheng, Granular Matter Award, Best Researcher Award

PHD at Tongji University, Shanghai, China

Hu Zheng, Ph.D., is a Professor of Geotechnical Engineering at Tongji University, Shanghai. With expertise in disordered materials, his research focuses on granular media mechanics, geo-granular stability, and flow behavior. He obtained his Ph.D. from Tongji University, including an exchange program at Duke University. Dr. Zheng has held positions at Duke University and Hohai University, garnering substantial research funding, including grants from NSFC and NSF. He actively mentors graduate, undergraduate, and high school students and teaches courses in engineering geology and environmental engineering. Dr. Zheng’s work contributes significantly to understanding and preventing geo-hazards like landslides and debris flow.

Professional Profiles:

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Education:

Ph.D. in Geological Engineering: Tongji University, Shanghai, China, 2008 – 2013 Thesis Title: Experimental study on deformation characteristics of soil (granular) materials Adviser: Prof. Yu Huang Exchange Program at Duke University, Sept 2011 – Sept 2012, funded by China Scholarship Council ($20,000 USD)

Professional Positions:

Professor: Department of Geotechnical Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China, 2019 – Present Research Scientist: Department of Physics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA, 2018 – 2019 Postdoctoral Research Associate: Department of Physics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA, 2015 – 2018 Adviser: Prof. Robert P. Behringer Assistant Professor: School of Earth Science and Engineering, Hohai University, 2013 – 2015

Funding Experience:

Principal Investigator (PI): Study on the granular flow of geomaterials in low-pressure environments, NSFC, $81,000 USD, 2023-2027 Macro and Meso trans-scale correlation of geo-granular shear failure, NSFC, $113,000 USD, 2017-2021 Collaborator/Contributor: Self-Assembly in the Macro-World, W.M. Keck Foundation, $1,000,000 USD, 2014-2019 (Second only to the PI within the Duke portion) Structure, Response, and Flow of Dense Granular Materials, NSF, $500,000 USD, 2018-2021 (Second only to the PI)

Teaching Experience:

Supervising & Mentoring: Supervised and mentored graduate, undergraduate, and high school student research since 2013. Supervised graduate and undergraduate students at Duke University and Hohai University.

Research Focus:

Dr. Hu Zheng’s research focuses on the mechanical behavior and stability analysis of granular materials. His work delves into understanding phenomena such as shear jamming, stability analysis of soil slopes, and the effects of intruder friction on granular impact dynamics. Dr. Zheng employs experimental techniques including photoelasticimetry and computational fluid dynamics modeling to investigate the microscopic origins of shear jamming and the behavior of granular materials under various conditions. Through his studies, Dr. Zheng contributes valuable insights into the fundamental properties and behavior of granular matter, advancing our understanding of geotechnical engineering and related fields.

Publications (TOP NOTES)

Sinking in a bed of grains activated by shearing, Cited by 18, Publication date 2018.

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Philip Omollo | Microgravity Award | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Philip Omollo, Microgravity Award, Best Researcher Award

PHD at Kyushu University, Japan

Dr. Philip Omollo, a Kenyan geophysicist, holds a Ph.D. in Engineering from Kyushu University, Japan, specializing in Earth Resources Engineering. With a Master’s in Applied Geophysics from the University of Nairobi, and a Bachelor’s in Physics from Egerton University, he boasts a decade of experience at KenGen. His expertise lies in geophysical data acquisition, monitoring, processing, and interpretation, particularly in geothermal fields. A leader within professional organizations, he’s served as Secretary General and President of the African Society of Kyushu University. Dr. Omollo’s dedication to advancing geophysical exploration and research underscores his commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

Professional Profiles:

Scopus profile

Orcid profile

LinkedIn profile

Education:

Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering, Earth Resources Engineering Kyushu University, Japan, 2023 Master in Applied Geophysics University of Nairobi, Kenya, 2012 Bachelor of Science (Physics Major) Egerton University, Kenya, 2007

Language Skills:

English: Good (Reading, Speaking, Writing) Kiswahili: Good (Reading, Speaking, Writing)

Present Position:

Geophysicist

Professional Experience Record:

2013-2014: CQ Geophysicist, Bureau of Geophysical Prospecting (BGP) Kenya Ltd, Kenya (Project with Tullow Oil) 2017: Geophysicist, Eburru Geothermal Field, KenGen 2019: Geophysicist, Wajir (Project with Earth Water Ltd) 2019: Geophysicist, Barrier Volcanic Complex, Turkana (Project with Olsuswa Energy, BVC Geothermal) 2019: Geophysicist, Akiira Geothermal Field (Project with Akiira Geothermal Ltd)

Research Focus:

Omollo, P. and his collaborators’ research primarily focuses on geothermal exploration and monitoring, with a specific emphasis on the Olkaria geothermal field in Kenya. Through a multidisciplinary approach, their work integrates various geophysical techniques such as gravity monitoring, resistivity imaging, and structural analysis to delineate subsurface structures and reservoir geometry. By employing innovative methods such as time-lapse micro-gravity monitoring and 2D/3D MT data inversion, they aim to enhance understanding of geothermal reservoirs, contributing valuable insights into their characterization, behavior, and potential for sustainable energy extraction. This research is crucial for advancing geothermal energy exploration and utilization, particularly in regions like Olkaria, thereby supporting renewable energy development and environmental sustainability.

Publications (TOP NOTES)

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