Katia Sofia D S Gomes | Renewable Energy and Energy Transition | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Petroleum Engineering

Ms. Katia Sofia D S Gomes | Renewable Energy and Energy Transition | Best Researcher Award

PhD Candidate and Research Assistant at RWTH Aachen University | Germany

Katia D. S. Gomes is an emerging scholar with a strong foundation in civil engineering and energy systems. Currently pursuing her PhD, she brings over two years of academic research experience, particularly in energy project development, modelling, and international collaboration. Katia is well-versed in utilizing advanced modelling tools such as EnergyPLAN, OSeMOSYS, and HOMER. Her academic journey is marked by cross-cultural exposure and a passion for sustainable energy transitions. Through her roles in academia and industry, she has demonstrated strong skills in proposal writing, project coordination, and analytical thinking. Katia continues to contribute to energy sustainability through her innovative research.

Profile

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Education

Katia holds a Master of Science in Energy and Green Hydrogen, which she completed at the University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Senegal. Her graduate studies focused on the economics, policies, and technologies of green hydrogen, reflecting a deep interdisciplinary understanding of energy transitions. Prior to that, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University Jean Piaget of Cape Verde. Her academic trajectory shows a commitment to continuous learning and the application of engineering principles to solve real-world energy problems, particularly in developing regions and cross-border collaborative settings.

Experience

Katia has accumulated a wealth of experience through progressive roles in both academic and industry settings. Currently, she works as a research assistant at RWTH Aachen University in Germany, contributing to energy modelling and proposal development for hydrogen-related projects across Africa and Europe. She also supported the university as a student assistant in 2023. Before her academic tenure, she worked as a civil engineer at Varela & Engineering in Cape Verde from 2019 to 2021, overseeing infrastructure projects. Her diverse background blends practical engineering skills with academic rigor, enabling her to lead and support international energy initiatives effectively.

Research Interest

Katia’s research interests revolve around energy transition technologies, green hydrogen integration, and sustainable energy modelling. She is particularly focused on using computational tools like EnergyPLAN, HOMER, and OSeMOSYS to simulate energy systems in African and European contexts. Her research aims to evaluate the feasibility and optimization of hydrogen infrastructure and its socio-economic implications. Katia is also interested in the intersection of policy, infrastructure, and regional cooperation in renewable energy projects. Her interdisciplinary approach brings together technical knowledge, policy analysis, and sustainable development goals to address the global energy crisis through innovative modelling and collaborative research.

Award

Katia has demonstrated exceptional potential in research, project execution, and scientific communication. Her successful coordination of proposals and research collaborations in Africa and Europe has positioned her as a rising talent in the field of green hydrogen and sustainable energy systems. She was selected as a research assistant at a leading German institution, RWTH Aachen University, a recognition of her growing academic and professional influence. Her innovative mindset, cross-cultural communication ability, and proficiency in modern modelling tools make her a strong candidate for research-based awards that highlight early-career excellence and interdisciplinary impact in sustainable energy.

Publication Top Notes

  • Title: The role of transport sector integration in achieving high shares of renewable energy in African islands
    Journal: The case of Santiago, Cabo Verde
    Year: 2025

Conclusion

Katia D. S. Gomes embodies the qualities of a promising researcher with a clear vision for sustainable development through energy innovation. Her academic and professional pursuits are deeply aligned with addressing critical challenges in renewable energy integration, especially in developing regions. She brings a unique blend of engineering expertise, policy insight, and cross-cultural collaboration. With her ongoing PhD and project engagements, she is poised to make meaningful contributions to the global energy landscape. Recognizing her through this award would not only honor her work but also empower her continued impact in the energy transition field.

Gabriel Dragos Vasilescu | Sustainable Development and Clean Energy | Best Academic Researcher Award

Published on by Petroleum Engineering

Prof. Gabriel Dragos Vasilescu | Sustainable Development and Clean Energy | Best Academic Researcher Award

Researcher at National Institute for Research and Development in Mine Safety and Protection to Explosion, Romania

Gabriel Dragoș Vasilescu is a highly distinguished Romanian researcher, engineer, and academic whose career has been defined by outstanding contributions to occupational safety, environmental protection, industrial risk assessment, and the management of explosive materials. With over 25 years of professional experience, he has become one of Romania’s foremost authorities in industrial engineering, particularly in the fields of mine safety, explosion prevention, and hazard mitigation. He currently holds the position of Scientific Researcher Grade I and serves as the Head of the Laboratory for Material Explosives and Pyrotechnic Articles at the National Institute for Research and Development in Mine Safety and Protection to Explosion (INCD INSEMEX Petroșani). He is also a dedicated academic, serving as a doctoral supervisor and associate professor at the University of Petroșani, where he is actively involved in the training of future engineers and researchers.

Profile

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Education

Dr. Vasilescu’s educational background laid a solid foundation for his scientific and technical achievements. He graduated in 1995 with a degree in Mining Machinery and Equipment Engineering from the Technical University of Petroșani, one of Romania’s premier institutions for mining and industrial studies. Driven by an unrelenting pursuit of excellence and innovation, he continued his academic journey and earned a Doctorate in Industrial Engineering from the University of Petroșani in 2006. Over the years, he has furthered his professional development through an array of specialized postgraduate studies and technical certifications. These include diplomas and certifications in risk and safety assessment, environmental auditing, noise and vibration measurement, and explosive safety management, obtained from respected institutions such as Brüel & Kjær University in Denmark, the Polytechnic University of Timișoara, and the National Research and Development Institute for Environmental Protection (INCDPM) Bucharest.

Experience

Vasilescu’s professional career spans nearly 30 years at the National Institute for Research and Development for Mine Safety and Explosion Protection (INCD INSEMEX Petroșani), Romania. Starting as a research assistant in 1995, he advanced through various roles, including Scientific Researcher III and Head of multiple laboratories such as the Risk Evaluation Laboratory and the Laboratory for Tests on Noise and Vibrations. Since April 2016, he has served as the Head of the Laboratory for Material Explosives and Pyrotechnic Articles. In these roles, he has managed risk evaluation projects, supervised technical safety research, developed occupational health guidelines, conducted field training, and led dissemination efforts at national and international forums. Vasilescu also contributes to academia as a doctoral supervisor and associate professor at the University of Petroșani.

Research Interests

His core research focuses on occupational safety, industrial risk assessment, environmental noise and vibration analysis, pyrotechnics safety, and technological innovation in hazard control systems. Vasilescu has consistently explored the intersection of engineering principles with health and environmental science, contributing significantly to developing frameworks for integrated management systems in workplace safety. His innovative work spans probabilistic modeling for risk diagnostics, automation of safety systems in mining, and the engineering of complex safety environments. His interdisciplinary approach has provided viable solutions for both civil explosives management and general occupational health systems.

Awards

Gabriel-Dragoș Vasilescu has received several prestigious recognitions for his innovative contributions to environmental protection and geological resource management. Between 2003 and 2005, he was honored with four awards at the International Exhibitions of Inventions – INVENTICA SIMPRO ROPET and INVENTOR – for his work on industrial safety systems. These awards reflect his dedication to advancing applied science for public and industrial welfare, recognizing his capability to translate theoretical models into practical and scalable safety solutions.

Publications

Vasilescu has authored and co-authored over 175 scientific papers, with many published in peer-reviewed journals and international conferences. A sample of his notable publications includes:

  1. “Methods for Analysis and Evaluation of Occupational Accidents and Diseases Risks,” Environmental Engineering and Management Journal, 2007 (Cited by 42 articles).

  2. “Establishing the Acceptable Risk Level in Occupational Accidents,” Environmental Engineering and Management Journal, 2007 (Cited by 38 articles).

  3. “Research in the Engineering of Complex Systems Safety,” Environmental Engineering and Management Journal, 2008 (Cited by 34 articles).

  4. “Advanced System for Risk Assessment of the Security Expressed in the Complex Labor System,” WSEAS Transactions on Advances in Engineering Education, 2010 (Cited by 31 articles).

  5. “Advanced Prediction Procedure for the Underground Stress Manifested in the Undermined Coal Bed Works,” WSEAS Transactions on Advances in Engineering Education, 2010 (Cited by 29 articles).

  6. “Equipment and Technology for Assessing Safety Parameters by Remote Control of the Mine Underground Atmosphere,” WSEAS Transactions, 2010 (Cited by 27 articles).

  7. “Book Review – Unconventional Methods to Analyse and Evaluate Occupational Risk,” Environmental Engineering and Management Journal, 2009 (Cited by 21 articles).

Conclusion

Gabriel-Dragoș Vasilescu stands out as a dynamic figure in the field of occupational and environmental safety research. With a unique blend of scientific rigor, educational leadership, and practical field expertise, he has played a pivotal role in improving the safety conditions in hazardous work environments. His academic contributions, policy-shaping research, and commitment to innovation make him an exceptional candidate for recognition in any prestigious award platform focused on scientific achievement, engineering excellence, or industrial safety.