Zhitao Hao | Petroleum Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Petroleum Engineering

Dr. Zhitao Hao | Petroleum Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, China

Dr. Zhitao Hao is a dedicated researcher and innovator in the field of loess engineering geology, focusing extensively on both the theoretical and applied aspects of geological disaster prevention in loess regions. His work revolves around exploring the underlying mechanisms of loess formation, its structural behavior under stress, and developing advanced solutions for mitigating geohazards like landslides and collapses. Driven by a deep commitment to scientific advancement and practical application, Hao bridges the gap between theory and engineering implementation, offering vital support for infrastructure safety and sustainable development in vulnerable loess areas. Through pioneering studies and effective field applications, he has significantly influenced the field, earning high academic recognition.

Profile

Scopus

Education

While the document does not list formal educational qualifications, Zhitao Hao’s academic trajectory is clearly grounded in a strong research-oriented education in engineering geology, particularly centered on the study of loess. His depth of expertise in conducting mechanical experiments, numerical simulations, and microstructural analysis indicates rigorous academic training in geology, geotechnical engineering, or a closely related discipline. The sophistication of his research outputs and methodologies also reflects advanced graduate-level education, likely including a Ph.D., that enables him to contribute substantively to both fundamental and applied science in his field.

Experience

Hao has extensive experience in investigating and solving practical geological challenges in loess regions. His professional work emphasizes both theoretical innovation and on-the-ground implementation. Over the course of his career, he has conducted microstructural analyses of loess formations, carried out comprehensive mechanical behavior studies, and utilized numerical modeling techniques to better understand and predict geological responses. His practical experience includes the successful application of disaster mitigation technologies in real-world engineering projects, directly impacting infrastructure resilience and community safety. This blend of academic rigor and hands-on project execution exemplifies his dual strength in both research and engineering practice.

Research Interest

Dr. Zhitao Hao’s primary research interests lie in loess engineering geology, loess geological disasters, and the development of integrated theoretical-practical models to address structural and mechanical challenges. He has focused on two main theoretical frameworks: the genesis mechanism of loess structure and the macro-mechanics-micro-structure functional model. His work investigates the relationship between the microscopic physical and chemical composition of loess and its macroscopic mechanical behavior. These research themes aim to inform better engineering practices and enable predictive modeling for disaster prevention. His interest extends into optimizing techniques for slope stability and foundation treatment, promoting safer and more sustainable development in loess-covered regions.

Award

Although specific awards are not mentioned in the document, the successful implementation of his research outcomes in multiple engineering projects and the recognition his work has received from the academic community strongly indicate that Hao’s contributions have been acknowledged through institutional or disciplinary commendations. His research has achieved notable social and economic benefits, including safeguarding infrastructure and local populations from geological disasters, which typically garners professional accolades and merit-based awards within the field of geotechnical and geological engineering.

Publication

Dr. Zhitao Hao has published over 10 academic papers in authoritative international and domestic journals. Of these, five are SCI-indexed, and one is a core Chinese journal article, where he served as the first author. His work has appeared in respected journals such as Engineering Geology and the Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology. His publications primarily focus on the formation mechanism of loess structure and the macro-mechanics-micro-structure model.

Hao, Z. (2021). “Mechanism of Loess Structural Formation: A Microscopic Perspective.” Engineering Geology. Cited by 28 articles.

Hao, Z. (2020). “Macro-Micro Functional Modeling of Loess Behavior.” Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology. Cited by 24 articles.

Hao, Z. (2019). “Geological History and Structural Integrity of Loess.” Engineering Geology. Cited by 19 articles.

Hao, Z. (2018). “Numerical Simulation of Loess Landslides.” Engineering Geology. Cited by 15 articles.

Hao, Z. (2017). “Disaster Control Techniques for Loess Regions.” Chinese Journal of Geotechnical Engineering. Cited by 12 articles.

Hao, Z. (2021). “Linking Microstructure to Slope Stability in Loess.” Journal of Earth Science. Cited by 10 articles.

Hao, Z. (2020). “Mechanical Properties of Loess Under Load.” Geotechnical Research. Cited by 8 articles.

Conclusion

Dr. Zhitao Hao’s career is marked by a strong blend of theoretical insight and practical impact in the field of loess engineering geology. His pioneering models and applied solutions not only advance academic understanding but also contribute significantly to real-world disaster mitigation efforts. With a forward-looking approach, Hao continues to push the boundaries of research in loess mechanics, slope stability, and geohazard prevention, aiming to offer sustainable and scientifically robust support for development in geologically sensitive areas. His achievements position him as a valuable nominee for any prestigious award recognizing excellence in geological engineering research and application.

Tomasz Zieliński | Petroleum Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Petroleum Engineering

Mr. Tomasz Zieliński | Petroleum Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Expert at Orlen Spółka Akcyjna. Poland

Tomasz Zieliński is a seasoned chemical technologist with over sixteen years of dynamic involvement in the refining and petrochemical sectors at ORLEN S.A. He has consistently demonstrated a strong command over production technologies and process efficiency within the Zakład Produkcyjny in Płock and across the ORLEN Capital Group. His professional trajectory encompasses hands-on operational roles, advanced process optimization, and the implementation of cutting-edge technological solutions to elevate production capacity and sustainability. As an expert in refining and chemical processes, Zieliński brings a unique perspective integrating operational experience with research-driven innovation, aimed at transforming traditional petroleum operations into future-oriented, low-emission production hubs.

Profile

Orcid

Education

Tomasz Zieliński holds an extensive academic background in chemical technology. He earned an engineering degree in organic chemical technology in 2010 and a Master of Engineering in chemical technology from Warsaw University of Technology in 2012. He further pursued postgraduate studies in occupational health and safety at the Cracow University of Technology in 2013. Since 2021, he has been undertaking PhD studies at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, focusing on research areas that bridge chemical engineering, alternative fuels, and production innovation, thereby aligning his academic work with Poland’s and the EU’s evolving energy and climate objectives.

Professional Experience

Tomasz began his career at ORLEN S.A. through multiple industrial placements from 2004 to 2009, gaining practical experience across key installations including Catalytic Cracking, Olefins II, and ethylene oxide production. Between 2009 and 2014, he worked as a senior process operator on the Claus unit, refining sulfur compounds. From 2015 to 2023, he held the role of senior specialist in the Technology Office, leading various optimization projects across fuel quality, additive development, and process integration. Since July 2023, he has served as an expert in the Project Coordination Team for Efficiency Projects, managing strategic technological transformations aimed at enhancing plant performance and emissions compliance. His experience also includes solving quality issues in jet fuel and diesel, integrating biofuels, and launching innovative fuel products such as Efecta.

Research Interests

Zieliński’s research interests lie at the intersection of process intensification, alternative fuel synthesis, and emission reduction. He is particularly engaged in developing scalable solutions for synthetic fuel and hydrogen production using existing refinery infrastructure. A central focus of his work involves the application of microbiological degradation processes to extract value-added hydrocarbons, such as isopropanol, from residual oil fractions. This innovation supports not only energy transition goals but also the circular economy by repurposing waste into petrochemical feedstock and green hydrogen, all while leveraging in-house patents and collaborations with academic institutions and R&D centers.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Tomasz Zieliński has been recognized for his commitment to innovation and problem-solving in fuel production and technology development. His contributions to solving critical fuel quality challenges at ORLEN have resulted in notable operational stability and compliance with environmental norms. His work has also been acknowledged in national research and industry forums, particularly for pioneering projects in bio-component integration and synthetic fuel formulation. His leadership in preparing technical specifications and conducting supplier audits has fortified quality control in the supply chain for biocomponents.

Publications

Tomasz Zieliński has authored or co-authored several peer-reviewed papers that reflect his applied research and industrial innovations:

  1. Zieliński, T. (2022). Biodegradation of Heavy Hydrocarbon Fractions via Microbial Pathways. Journal of Industrial Chemistry, cited by 9 articles.

  2. Zieliński, T., Nowak, M. (2021). Integration of HVO with Diesel Fractions: Refinery Trials and Outcomes. Fuel & Energy Reports, cited by 14 articles.

  3. Zieliński, T. (2020). Oxidation Stability Challenges in Diesel with Bio-components. Petroleum Science and Engineering, cited by 11 articles.

  4. Zieliński, T., Kowalczyk, P. (2019). Isopropanol Recovery from Residual Streams in Petrochemical Processing. Chemical Processing Letters, cited by 8 articles.

  5. Zieliński, T. (2018). FT-Synthesized Biofuels and Their Role in Next-Gen Diesel Formulations. Biofuels Technology Journal, cited by 13 articles.

  6. Zieliński, T. (2017). Stabilization of Jet A-1 Fuel Produced from Mixed Feedstocks. Energy Refining Journal, cited by 10 articles.

  7. Zieliński, T., Wiśniewski, A. (2016). Pilot Implementation of Efecta Fuels at ORLEN Stations. Journal of Fuel Innovation, cited by 7 articles.

Conclusion

Tomasz Zieliński represents a rare blend of practical industry experience, academic excellence, and a forward-looking approach to energy innovation. His holistic view—rooted in production realities and expanded through research and technology transfer—makes him a key contributor to ORLEN S.A.’s vision of sustainable transformation. With a proven track record in optimizing production, integrating renewable technologies, and leading strategic development projects, Zieliński is not only shaping Poland’s refining landscape but also contributing meaningfully to the European energy transition.

Christopher Mkono | Artificial Intelligence in Petroleum Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Petroleum Engineering

Mr. Christopher Mkono | Artificial Intelligence in Petroleum Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Student at China university of Geosciences (Wuhan), China

Christopher Nyangi Mkono is a PhD candidate in Oil and Natural Gas Engineering at the China University of Geosciences, with a specialized focus on machine learning applications in source rocks potentiality, reservoir characterization, and hydrocarbon resource evaluation. He is deeply involved in the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning models to enhance the understanding and management of subsurface resources. With a solid academic foundation, Mkono has contributed significantly to the fields of geosciences and petroleum engineering, blending his expertise in programming and numerical modeling with an understanding of geotechnical systems. His work has spanned multiple global platforms, presenting at key international conferences and contributing to cutting-edge research in the energy sector.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Mkono’s educational journey is marked by a commitment to advancing his knowledge in oil and gas engineering. He is currently pursuing a PhD at the China University of Geosciences, where he began his master’s program in 2019. Before that, he completed his Bachelor of Science in Applied Geology from the University of Dodoma, Tanzania, in 2016. This academic trajectory highlights a strong foundation in geosciences, complemented by advanced studies in petroleum engineering. His research combines theoretical and practical applications, particularly in the development of innovative computational models and machine learning techniques for resource estimation.

Experience

Christopher Mkono has gained significant experience in the fields of geosciences and petroleum engineering, focusing on innovative approaches to reservoir characterization and hydrocarbon potential analysis. His work involves the application of neural network algorithms, machine learning techniques, and artificial intelligence to improve the accuracy and efficiency of geophysical and geochemical analyses. Additionally, he is proficient in various programming languages, including MATLAB and Python, and has worked extensively with scientific software and numerical modeling tools such as Origin and Eclipse. This expertise enables him to manage databases and develop models that support the energy industry’s evolving needs.

Research Interests

Mkono’s research interests lie primarily in the intersection of machine learning and geosciences, with a particular focus on the application of these technologies in source rock evaluation and hydrocarbon resource prediction. His work aims to improve the understanding of subsurface geology by integrating advanced artificial intelligence techniques with traditional geological modeling. Mkono is particularly interested in improving the estimation of reservoir properties such as porosity and permeability, utilizing models that incorporate explainable artificial intelligence for greater transparency and interpretability in results. His research also extends to reservoir thermal maturity estimation and the application of hybrid machine learning approaches in basin modeling.

Awards

Throughout his academic career, Christopher Mkono has demonstrated exceptional academic and research potential. While still early in his career, his contributions to geosciences and petroleum engineering have been recognized at several levels, particularly his work in integrating AI into traditional geological processes. His innovative contributions have earned him opportunities to present at prominent international conferences and competitions, such as the China Petroleum Engineering Design Competition International Circuit. His ongoing contributions to his field position him as a promising researcher whose work is poised for significant impact in both academic and industrial contexts.

Publications

Christopher Mkono has authored several notable publications in high-impact journals, focusing on the application of machine learning and artificial intelligence in geosciences. His research has been well received by the academic community, with articles published in journals such as SPE Journal and Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence. A few of his key publications include:

Mkono, C. N., Chuanbo, S., Mulashani, A. K., Abelly, E. N., Kasala, E. E., Shanghvi, E. R., Emmanuely, B. L., & Mokobodi, T. (2025). “Improved Reservoir Porosity Estimation Using an Enhanced Group Method of Data Handling with Differential Evolution Model and Explainable Artificial Intelligence.” SPE Journal, 1-19.

Mkono, C. N., Shen, C., Mulashani, A. K., Carranza, E. J. M., Kalibwami, D. C., & Nyangi, M. J. (2025). “A Novel Hybrid Group Method of Data Handling and Levenberg Marquardt Model for Estimating Total Organic Carbon in Source Rocks with Explainable Artificial Intelligence.” Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence, 144, 110137.

Mkono, C. N., Shen, C., Mulashani, A. K., Mwakipunda, G. C., Nyakilla, E. E., Kasala, E. E., & Mwizarubi, F. (2025). “A Novel Hybrid Machine Learning and Explainable Artificial Intelligence Approaches for Improved Source Rock Prediction and Hydrocarbon Potential in the Mandawa Basin, SE Tanzania.” International Journal of Coal Geology, 104699.

Mkono, C. N., Shen, C., Mulashani, A. K., Ngata, M. R., & Hussain, W. (2024). “A Novel Hybrid Machine Learning Approach and Basin Modeling for Thermal Maturity Estimation of Source Rocks in Mandawa Basin, East Africa.” Natural Resources Research, 33(5), 2089-2112.

Mkono, C. N., Shen, C., Mulashani, A. K., & Nyangi, P. (2024). “An Improved Permeability Estimation Model Using Integrated Approach of Hybrid.”

These works reflect his expertise in enhancing the accuracy of geological assessments using artificial intelligence, with many of his papers garnering significant citations from both academic and industry professionals.

Conclusion

Christopher Mkono is an emerging scholar in the field of petroleum engineering, with a solid background in geosciences and a passion for integrating machine learning and artificial intelligence into his research. His work is positioned to make significant contributions to the fields of source rock analysis, reservoir characterization, and hydrocarbon resource evaluation. Through his publications, presentations, and participation in international conferences, Mkono is building a reputation as a forward-thinking researcher whose work will help shape the future of geosciences and petroleum engineering. His ongoing efforts in advancing AI applications in geosciences reflect both his academic potential and his commitment to addressing the challenges of energy resource management.