CIGDEM CAGLAYAN | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Ms. CIGDEM CAGLAYAN | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

PhD Candidate at Seoul National University, South Korea

Cigdem Caglayan is an accomplished Aerospace Engineer and a PhD candidate at Seoul National University, specializing in cutting-edge research on dynamic combinational epoxy vitrimers, recyclable carbon fiber vitrimer composites, and self-healing mechano-luminescent (ML) coatings for structural health monitoring (SHM). Her work focuses on developing cost-effective solutions for detecting and visualizing stress distribution in structural components, advancing sustainability through recyclable composite materials. With a strong foundation in polymer science and composite technologies, her research journey spans innovative material design, advanced manufacturing techniques, and extensive collaboration with international institutions. Cigdem is highly skilled in project management, technical reporting, and material characterization, with several publications in high-impact journals. Her global academic contributions and passion for sustainability position her as a leader in the aerospace and materials research domains.

Professional Profile

Education

Cigdem is currently pursuing a PhD in Aerospace Engineering at Seoul National University, expected in February 2025. Her doctoral research focuses on self-healing epoxy vitrimers and ML coatings. She earned her MSc in Aerospace Engineering from Istanbul Technical University, where her thesis emphasized nano-reinforced polyurethane foams and polymer foam core sandwich composites. She graduated with a GPA of 4.00/4.30 in 2019. Her BSc in Aerospace Engineering, also from Istanbul Technical University, focused on the design and testing of advanced composites, graduating in 2016 with a GPA of 3.69/4.00. Her academic achievements have been supported by prestigious scholarships and her commitment to advancing composite technologies.

Professional Experience

Cigdem has extensive experience as a researcher, starting her career at Istanbul Technical University’s Aerospace Research Center (2016–2019), where she led projects on nano-reinforced polyurethane foams and polymer foam core sandwich composites. Currently, she is a researcher at Seoul National University, where she develops self-healing stress sensors and recyclable carbon fiber composites, contributing to advancements in structural health monitoring and sustainability. Cigdem has been instrumental in laboratory setup and operations, utilizing advanced equipment and techniques. Her teaching experience includes mentoring undergraduate students in subjects like composite materials and aerospace engineering, further showcasing her leadership and technical expertise.

Research Interests

Cigdem’s research interests focus on developing sustainable and innovative materials for aerospace and structural applications. Her work in self-healing mechano-luminescent (ML) coatings and recyclable epoxy vitrimer composites aims to revolutionize structural health monitoring (SHM) by enabling non-contact stress detection and visualization. She is passionate about composite manufacturing techniques, including vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) and hot pressing, with a keen focus on enhancing sustainability through recyclable materials. Her interests also extend to understanding material failure under various conditions, making her research pivotal for industries like aerospace and defense.

Research Skills

Cigdem is proficient in advanced composite manufacturing and characterization techniques, including VARTM, hot pressing, and ASTM-standard testing methods like flexural fatigue and impact analysis. Her expertise extends to characterization tools such as FTIR, NMR, and SEM, and she is skilled in data analysis using MATLAB and 3D CAD/CAM software like CATIA. Additionally, she excels in laboratory management, experimental design, and technical reporting, with strong soft skills in teamwork and communication. Cigdem’s ability to innovate and lead makes her a valuable contributor to complex research projects.

Awards and Honors

Cigdem has been recognized globally for her academic and research excellence. She is a recipient of the prestigious Global Korean Scholarship (2019–2023) and has been honored with the Korean Government Invitation Program award for top students. Her outstanding presentation at the International Conference on Active Materials and Soft Mechatronics in 2024 earned her an Excellent Presentation Award. As one of Turkey’s top students, she has also received multiple scholarships and participated in international exchange programs, highlighting her dedication and achievements in aerospace engineering.

Conclusion

Cigdem Caglayan is a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award due to her innovative research, extensive technical expertise, and global academic contributions. Her work in self-healing composites and recyclable materials directly addresses contemporary challenges in sustainability and advanced materials science, aligning with the award’s objectives. By broadening the application of her research and increasing leadership roles in professional communities, she can further enhance her academic and professional impact.

Publications Top Notes

  1. Reprocessable carbon fiber vitrimer composites: Reclamation and reformatting of carbon fibers for second-generation composite materials
    Authors: Sharma, H., Bender, M., Kim, G., Kumar, A., Rana, S.
    Journal: Journal of Applied Polymer Science
    Year: 2024
  2. Epoxy-Based Catalyst-Free Self-Healing Elastomers at Room Temperature Employing Aromatic Disulfide and Hydrogen Bonds
    Authors: Kim, G., Caglayan, C., Yun, G.J.
    Journal: ACS Omega
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 13
  3. CNT-Reinforced Self-Healable Epoxy Dynamic Networks Based on Disulfide Bond Exchange
    Authors: Caglayan, C., Kim, G., Yun, G.J.
    Journal: ACS Omega
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 5
  4. Impact response of shear thickening fluid filled polyurethane foam core sandwich composites
    Authors: Caglayan, C., Osken, I., Ataalp, A., Turkmen, H.S., Cebeci, H.
    Journal: Composite Structures
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 51
  5. The effect of CNT-reinforced polyurethane foam cores to flexural properties of sandwich composites
    Authors: Caglayan, C., Gurkan, I., Gungor, S., Cebeci, H.
    Journal: Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 53
  6. Flexural behaviours of nanophased rigid polyurethane foam core sandwich composites
    Authors: Çağlayan, Ç., Demir, E., Gürkan, İ., Cebeci, H.
    Conference: ICCM International Conferences on Composite Materials
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 1

 

 

 

Wesam Rababa | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Wesam Rababa | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Graduated Student at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia 

Wesam Rababa is a dedicated architectural professional specializing in sustainable design and green building practices. With a strong focus on environmental sustainability, Wesam integrates eco-friendly principles into architectural designs, creating structures that are both efficient and comfortable. His expertise spans project development, energy efficiency, CO₂ emissions, and passive design, all of which are central to advancing green architecture. Wesam’s professional experiences are diverse, covering roles in teaching, interior design, architectural engineering, and project management across Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Recognized for his academic excellence, he has contributed to sustainability-focused research and holds multiple certifications in sustainable assessment, energy auditing, and environmental product declarations. As a committed member of the architectural community, Wesam is also a part of the Jordan Engineers Association and has led the Jordanian community at King Fahd University. With a solid academic foundation and a passion for sustainable design, Wesam Rababa is actively shaping the future of architecture in an environmentally conscious direction.

Education

Wesam Rababa has a strong academic background in architecture with a focus on sustainability. He completed his Master’s degree in Architecture Science from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Saudi Arabia in 2023, supported by a fully funded scholarship. His Master’s studies equipped him with advanced knowledge in sustainable design practices, allowing him to address environmental challenges in architecture. Before this, Wesam earned his Bachelor’s degree in Architecture Engineering from Yarmouk University in Jordan in 2020, where he graduated with First Honor and a GPA of 3.844/4. His undergraduate studies emphasized sustainability and green buildings, laying a solid foundation for his career in sustainable architecture. These achievements reflect his academic dedication and commitment to environmental sustainability, supported by his excellent performance and academic honors. Wesam’s educational journey highlights his dedication to learning and the critical role that sustainable design principles play in modern architecture.

Professional Experience

Wesam Rababa has held diverse roles in architectural and educational settings, demonstrating his commitment to sustainable design and project management. His recent role as a Planning Engineer at PHASE in Khobar, Saudi Arabia, involves overseeing project timelines, coordinating design and construction teams, and managing project risks and budgets. Wesam has also served as an Architect at Minimalist for Design in Jordan, where he developed design concepts and detailed 3D models, focusing on functionality and sustainability. In academia, he contributed as a Teaching Assistant at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, preparing course materials and teaching courses like Architectural Design Studio and Digital Communication. His teaching extended to Yarmouk University and the TAFE Arabia training institute, where he guided students in AutoCAD and engineering drawing. His professional journey showcases a blend of practical architectural work and academic contributions, highlighting his versatile skills in design, project planning, and education.

Research Interests

Wesam Rababa’s research interests center around sustainable architecture and energy efficiency. He is deeply invested in exploring ways to reduce CO₂ emissions and enhance energy efficiency within buildings. His work focuses on passive design principles, which aim to naturally regulate building temperatures through architectural design elements, reducing reliance on mechanical systems. Wesam is also interested in green buildings and facade retrofit strategies, especially in hot climates, where energy efficiency can make a significant environmental impact. His interest in sustainable assessment rating systems and life cycle assessment underscores his commitment to designing environmentally responsible buildings. Wesam’s research aligns with the pressing need for sustainable solutions in the built environment, addressing both ecological and functional aspects of architecture. By focusing on innovative strategies that prioritize sustainability, he is actively contributing to the advancement of environmentally friendly architectural practices.

Research Skills

Wesam Rababa possesses a broad set of research skills essential for advancing sustainable architectural practices. His technical proficiency in sustainability programs such as IES and Envi_Met supports his research in energy-efficient design and environmental analysis. Wesam is skilled in using advanced architectural software, including Revit, AutoCAD, and SketchUp, which are crucial for developing detailed and accurate design models. Additionally, he is proficient in visualization tools like Lumion, Illustrator, and Photoshop, enabling him to create compelling presentations of his sustainable designs. His knowledge of the Mostadam AP sustainability rating system and certifications in life cycle assessment (LCA) and energy auditing further complement his skill set, allowing him to conduct comprehensive sustainability evaluations. Wesam’s expertise in design, energy efficiency, and sustainable assessment tools highlights his capacity to conduct impactful research in green architecture, making him a valuable contributor to the field.

Awards and Honors

Wesam Rababa has received numerous accolades in recognition of his academic and professional achievements. His commitment to excellence in architecture was honored with First Honor recognition in his Bachelor’s degree in Architecture Engineering at Yarmouk University. He was awarded a fully funded MSc scholarship from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Saudi Arabia, reflecting his academic potential and dedication to sustainability. Wesam also received a scholarship from the China Scholarship Council, emphasizing his academic standing. In competitions, he achieved top ranks, including fifth place in the Smart Campus Competition at King Fahd University in 2023. His project on “Lightweight Concrete Block” advanced to the final stage of the Shamal Star Competition, underscoring his innovative approach to sustainable construction. These awards and honors highlight Wesam’s dedication, innovation, and commitment to sustainable design, establishing him as a promising architect and researcher in his field.

Conclusion

Wesam Rababa demonstrates a strong candidacy for a Best Researcher Award, especially in fields centered on sustainability and environmentally conscious architectural design. With a robust foundation in sustainable practices, academic excellence, and contributions to sustainability research, they embody the qualities valued in a researcher committed to ecological impact. If they continue to expand their research outputs and engage in collaborative projects, Wesam’s contributions could further their influence and strengthen their case for recognition in sustainable architectural research awards.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Façade Retrofit Strategies for Energy Efficiency Improvement Considering the Hot Climatic Conditions of Saudi Arabia
    Journal: Applied Sciences
    Publication Date: November 1, 2024
    Author(s): Wesam Rababa